J.L. Westbrook Jr.

Mr. J.L. Westbrook Jr., 87, of Blytheville, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 16, 2014, in Memphis.

Born to J.L. and Mae Smith Westbrook Sr. in Jonesboro, he was the past owner/operator of Westbrook's Shoes and Clothing and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. J.L.s' early years were in Jonesboro, where he graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1943 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy soon afterward. He proudly served his country from 1943-1948 honorably as a seaman 1st class in the Philippine Islands. His service in the South Pacific was aboard the USS Massachusetts, which was the flagship of the 3rd Fleet under Adm. Howard Kingsman. After his service in the Navy, he graduated from Arkansas State University and then moved to Blytheville to begin a life dedicated to family, church and community.

As a community leader, J.L. was a member of the Blytheville J.C.s, a Shriner and a 32nd degree Mason. The J.C.s recognized him as the young man of the year for two years. He also served as chairman of the Blytheville Christmas Parade for 32 years (1950-1982) and served as chairman of the National Cotton Picking contest for two years. J.L. served on the Mississippi County Fair Board and as chairman of the first United Way of Blytheville. As a businessman and gentleman, he was always courteous and attentive to all who came into the store and tried to meet their needs. He was honest, reliable and self-disciplined in all that he attempted in life. He had a great desire to help make Blytheville be the best place to live. He worked hard as a volunteer to see that it was accomplished.

Present at all times was his faith in God. As a member of the First Presbyterian Church, he diligently served on the Board of Deacons and as superintendent of Sunday Schools for 55 years.

Yet, with all he was involved in, his love for family and friends was the greatest attribute he possessed. As a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he gave all his love and devotion to his family. He faced life's challenges and responsibility with determination and faith. J.L. knew that the best portion of his life were the small and nameless moments which were brought together by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert Westbrook and Tommie Westbrook Sr.

He is survived by his wife, Patsy Besharse Westbrook of the home;

His children, Cynthia and Wayne Smith of Blytheville, Jesse and Becky Westbrook of Blytheville, Sarah and Carl Gessler of Huntsville, Ala., and Leigh and Jeff Weisenauer of Nashville, Tenn.;

His grandchildren, Lauren Gessler Rowe, Kristen Gessler Twitty, Carl John Gessler, Brian Smith, Sarah Leigh Smith Moody, Tyler Weisenauer, Litt Westbrook, Whitney Westbrook and Jordan Weisenauer;

His great-grandchildren, Braiden Smith, Kensie Smith, Cruz Westbrook Smith, Smith Moody, Collin Moody, Carter Elizabeth Moody, Sarah Grace Rowe and Alice Rowe;

His sister-in-law, Norma Westbrook of Jonesboro; and

Nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, in the First Presbyterian Church, with burial in Elmwood Cemetery. The family was to receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 18, also at the church.

Condolences to the family may be expressed online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.