Cherry Sue Holstead

Cherry Sue Holstead, 84, of Blytheville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 22, 2018.

Cherry Sue was born in Blytheville to James Barney and Cora Brigance Barnes. She was raised in Half Moon and graduated Salutatorian from Dell High School. She started working at the Blytheville Court House where she met her husband, Edwin L. Holstead. They were married January 11, 1953. She started her banking career at Farmers Bank and Trust Company, but most of her working years were spent at First National Bank at different branches including Blytheville Air Force Base. She later became the church financial secretary at First Baptist Church.

Cherry Sue was a prominent member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years. She taught 8th grade girls Sunday school. She later became involved in the cradle roll in the nursery ministry. At one time, she was a part of a team that prepared Wednesday night dinners for the church. Cherry Sue was active in the Women’s Missionary Union and she loved her Wednesday Bible study that was among a community of believers. She volunteered for the Red Cross and she was an active member of the Blytheville Women’s Club. She was a homemaker as well, who enjoyed sewing, quilting and baking. She also had a love of travel. She visited many places all over the world. Cherry Sue loved her family and friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Cherry Sue was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Edward Barnes.

Surviving are her husband, Edwin; three children, Danny (Margaret Ann) Holstead of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Kim E. (Calvert) Benedict of Dunlap, Illinois, and Tammy L. (Dave) Aleshire of Benton, Arkansas; two brothers, Odell Barnes of Dallas, Georgia and Don Barnes of Jonesboro; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were Monday, June 25th at 11:00 a.m. in the First Baptist Church Chapel with Dr. Ron Wilcoxson officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Cemetery. The family received friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the First Baptist Church Chapel. The family requests that memorials be made to Baptist Missions at the First Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.