Evelyn Jo Hudson Garner

Mrs. Evelyn Jo Hudson Garner was born Saturday, April 30, 1932 in Trumann, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Murray and Ermina (Wilson) Hudson.

Mrs. Garner went peacefully to be with her Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at her home in Trumann, Arkansas at the age of 86. Mrs. Garner was born in Trumann, Arkansas and at an early age moved to Blytheville, Arkansas.

Miss Evelyn Hudson married Mr. Jimmie Garner on October 15, 1950.

She followed her husband to Massachusetts and New York while he served the army during the Korean War.

She served as secretary for Trinity Baptist Association for 20 years; served on the Board of the Arkansas Baptist News magazine and Camp Board at Cedar Glade Baptist Camp, also President of the Young at Heart Group of First Baptist Church, Trumann; she taught Sunday School in several churches. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Trumann. She and her husband were active with the Arkansas Campers on missions. Mrs. Garner was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Jimmie Lee Garner, who passed away December 2, 1997 and her daughter Rebekah Lee (Garner) Self who passed away February 24, 2007, her seven sisters: Dortha Lucille, Reville Ruth, OmaDell, Lila Marie, Lynna Lawanda, Viva Dean, and Sherry Kay; and her parents Murray and Ermina (Wilson) Hudson.

She is survived by her son James Matthew “Matt” Garner (wife Kathy), of Bentonville, Arkansas; a son-in-law, Bert Self of South Haven, MI; six grandchildren, Jonathan Self (wife Jessica), Daniel Garner, Kristopher Isham (wife Kara), Janet Reed (husband Mark), Kimberly Isham, and Brian Isham; seven great grandchildren, Tallulah Self, Ashlee Greenlee, MaKenzie Greenlee, Andrew Venske, Cadence Soto, Noah Isham, and Owen Isham.

She graduated from Blytheville High School and attended Williams Baptist University (Formerly Southern Baptist College) and Arkansas State University.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at First Baptist Church in Trumann.

A celebration of her life will follow at 12:00 noon with Rev. John Maley and Rev. Jerry Kausler officiating. Burial will be private at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers will be Larry White, Jerry Greenwell, Wesley Sloan, and Betheny Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church in Trumann.

Memorials may be made to Cedar Glade Baptist Camp & Lottie Moon Offering of First Baptist Church in Trumann, AR..

An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

The following was part of her Great-Great Grandfather, Rev. James Brown’s (1827-1894) obituary:

Why should our tears in sorrow flow

When God recalls His own;

And bids them leave a world of woe

For an immortal crown?