Barbara Joyce Whittle Bray

Barbara Joyce Whittle Bray was born in Yarbro to George Cleveland Whittle and Mary Phebe Yarbro Whittle. At the time of her birth, Bobbie, as she was affectionately known, had 10 older brothers and sisters - Grover, JC, Gene, Cecil, Jack, Eula Mae, Lela, Mary Lou, Celia and Betty. Three more sisters followed - Joann, Linda and Wanda. Bobbie, as the sole surviving member of her family, passed away of natural causes at the age of 93, at home in Blytheville, on the Fourth of July.

She grew from a toddler clutching a milk bottle as her baby doll into quite an athlete. She went from Yarbro School to Holland High School where she graduated in 1948. Bobbie had a passion for basketball and excelled at the sport. She won numerous trophies and pins. She had a brief stint playing for the Arkansas Redheads but family constraints kept her closer to home.

Bobbie married S.D. Bray on July 30, 1949 in Blytheville. They met on a blind date. Together they danced and enjoyed life for 68 years. S.D. passed away in 2018. She is survived by their three children - Vickie, Randy and Leslie, and her grand-dog, Ziggee.

Being a farmer’s daughter, she picked cotton and corn. After graduation, she worked at Kress, Rice Stix, West End Five and Dime and The Courier News. She operated the concession stand at the Walker Park grandstand for 13 years. She started her own flea market business in the ‘60s out of a pickup truck. Brays’ Nu Tu Yu Flea Market is still open on First Street in Blytheville in a sprawling building. She was a friend to all her customers and helped many who were down and out. At the onset of covid, she decided at the age of 89 to stay at home. Her customers lovingly recall her kind spirit.

She was very patriotic. She joined the American Legion Auxiliary in 1951 and became a lifetime member. Bobbie was an officer both locally and for the State of Arkansas. She belonged to the Parkside Extension Club. She won several ribbons at the local fair for her crocheted afghans. Bobbie enjoyed her Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church where she was a member. She was a good neighbor on East Walnut Street where she lived for 69 years. She loved bingo, casinos, t.v. game shows and yard sales.

Bobbie was strong, independent, faithful and friendly. She had a long life full of love and joy!

She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Elite Hospice for their help and concern during her last months. The family requests any memorials be made to a charity or cause of your choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.