Obituaries

Clenon Wright Sr. was born March 22, 1935, to the late Percy Wright Sr. and Lillie Wright. He departed this life on Nov. 18, 2024, age of 89. He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Jessie Wright of Blytheville; four sons, Parish Wright of Jonesboro, Joseph Wright and Percy Wright, both of Blytheville, and Joshua Wright of Brookland; five daughters, Wakonda Cox, Shondra Wright and Ashley Bryant, all of Brookland, Victoria Shabazz of Houston, Texas, and Connieshia Wilson of West Memphis; 32 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.. ...

Assie Ree Washington, 79, of Osceola, passed away Nov. 15, 2024, in Jonesboro. She was born July 28, 1945, to Jessie McGraw and Addie Robinson, in Grider. Assie lived a life marked by her dedication to her family and her faith. Assie leaves behind a loving family who cherished her deeply. ...

Duxie Pearlie Statler, 91, of Leachville, passed from this life Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at her home. Born in Poe, Mo., she was the daughter of the late John C. and Rosa Mae Jackson Davis and had been a Leachville area resident since 1946. She was retired from American Greetings where she was employed for many years as a shipping clerk. ...

Sherry Kay Vandiver, 65, of Manila, died Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Amarillo, Texas, to the late William and Gladys Crowder Woodall she had lived many years in Jonesboro before making her home in Manila. ...

Nona Joyce Rogers, 94, of Leachville, widow of Chester Rogers, passed from this life Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born in Walnut Ridge to the late Lynn and Neta Belle Elliott Snow and the family moved to the Pawheen community near Leachville in 1937. ...

Eddie Charles Thornton, 69, of Blytheville, passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born Aug. 19, 1955, in Portageville, Mo., he was the son of the late Jonas Thornton and Idell Lewis. Eddie dedicated his career to the Missouri Road Department until his retirement. He was a devoted member of the Tabernacle COGIC Church in Blytheville, where he found a spiritual home...

Annie Lois Sweet, 76, of Hayti, Mo., passed away Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Annie was born in Alabama to Buford and Blanche Taylor. She attended First Luthern Church and had a career in accounting. Annie was a good spirited, loving, beautiful soul. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Annie was very creative and enjoyed collecting dolls...

Donald Ray Clower Sr., 59, of Blytheville, passed away Nov. 1, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born Dec. 27, 1964, in Luxora, he was the son of the late L.B. Wilson and Alice Mae Clower of Blytheville. Donald dedicated his career to Great River Medical Center, working in supplies, and proudly served as a retired veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a man of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his father, L.B. Wilson...

Wayne Bennie Stone, 78, of Conway, former longtime Manila resident, passed from this life Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. Son of the late Floyd Bennie and Loretta Starkey Stone, he was born and raised in Manila and was a graduate of Manila High School. ...

Martha Ellen Brewer, 80, of Leachville, passed away peacefully Nov. 6, 2024, at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born in Guntown, Miss., to Hershell and Myrtle Farrar on Nov. 1, 1944. She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Barbara Langston; one son, James Cook; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren...

Willis Earl Beckett III, 33, of Freeport, Texas, passed away Oct. 29, 2024, at the Jeannie Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Texas. Born Oct. 2, 1991, in Covington, Tenn., he was the beloved son of Willis Earl Beckett Jr and Michele Emerson. Willis is survived by his parents, Willis Earl Beckett Jr of Covington, Tenn., and Michele Emerson of Freeport, Texas. ...

Clara Watkins was born Jan. 8, 1961, in Blytheville to Willie B. Reed Sr. and Dorothy Hodges Reed. She departed this life Oct. 23, 2024, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro at the age of 63. She was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, JW Watkins of Jonesboro; two daughters, Catrina Rainer of Jonesboro and Renee Watkins of Blytheville; stepson, Brian Caruthers of Blytheville; stepdaughter, Juanita Watkins of Leesburg, Fla.; four sisters, Delores Lofton of Knoxville, Tenn., Callie Reed of Jonesboro, Lawanda Williams of Lancaster, Pa., and JoAnn Sherman of Jonesboro; one brother, Willie B. ...

Jean Overton, 89, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at her home. Born in Arkadelphia, Ala., to Luther and Jessie Mae Pugh Hyde, she was retired from Milwaukee Tool. Jean was an active member of Lone Oak Baptist Church where she worked in the nursery and taught Vacation Bible School. ...

Donald Harry Eldridge, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at St. Bernards Medical Center at the age of 70. Donald was born to Cleveland and Olive Ilene Curtis Eldridge in Charleston, Mo. He was the head intake officer at the Mississippi County Juvenile Office. ...

Gregory Keith Galbraith Sr., 71, of Jonesboro, peacefully passed away Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, surrounded by his loved ones. Born Aug. 18, 1953, in San Diego, Calif., to the late Edgar and Gloria Galbraith, Gregory moved to Blytheville in 1975 and later settled in Jonesboro eight years ago. He was a proud member of the Pentecostals of Jonesboro...

Mary Wanda Lee Lacey, 83, of Jonesboro, former longtime Monette resident, passed from this life, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, at the Craighead County Nursing Home in Jonesboro. Daughter of the late Dave and Maud Clark Evans, she was born in Wynne and raised in Monette. ...

Albert Joseph “A.J.” Bandy, 88, of Leachville, passed from this life Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at the Lakeside Nursing Center in Lake City. Born in Bay to the late Albert and Audrey Bibbs Bandy, he was a 1955 graduate of Leachville High School and later served in the U.S. ...

John “Donald” Wagner, 88, of Ridgeland, Miss., formerly of Trumann, passed away Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, in Ridgeland. He was born Dec. 22, 1935, to James and Lucille (McFarland) Wagner. Donald was in the Airborne Division of the United States Army, and after leaving the Army he spent his career farming soybeans, rice and cotton. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where he was very active. He was a Mason and a Shriner, and enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding horses...

Rebecca Christine Veach, 51, of Natchitoches, La., former Manila resident, passed from this life Thursday, Oct. 24, at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. Born in Northridge, Calif., she was the daughter of T.J. Shamon and the late Alice Sue Alexander Jorn. ...

Lynn Joanne McHaney Huffman, 76, of Springdale, formerly of Blytheville, passed away on Oct. 27, 2024, after a life richly lived in service and kindness. Joanne was born in Blytheville, on June 14, 1948, to Joe and Lynn Jackson McHaney. She always thought people put flags out for her birthday, Flag Day!...

Charles Richard House was born Aug. 13, 1956 in Blytheville to John “Marvin” House and Beulah Tillman House. He passed away Oct. 5, 2024 in Batesville at the age of 68. Charles loved fishing, hunting and grilling. He was the king of dad jokes and loved watching westerns, especially “The Duke”, John Wayne. ...

Mary Ann Cook, 74, of Osceola, passed away Sept. 24, 2024. Born on April 11, 1950, in Osceola, she was the daughter of Horace James Jackson and Rachel Thompson. Mary was a devoted member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she participated actively in church activities and formed many cherished relationships throughout her life...

Emma Lou Baltimore, 90, of Manila, passed from this life Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born in Van Buren, Mo., she was the daughter of the late George and Katie Garrison Cobble and had attended public schools in the Van Buren and Mountain View areas as a child. ...

Johnny Ray Griffen, 65, of Blytheville passed away Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at his home. He was born Feb. 13, 1959, in Elkhart, Ind., to Johnny Griffen and Bobbie Davis Griffen. He was a 1977 graduate of Osceola High School and a member of New Liberty Baptist Church...

Kenneth Douglas (Doug) Craine, 58, of Blytheville passed away at his home on Oct. 23, 2024. He was born Sept. 26, 1966, in Blytheville to Jerry Ray Craine and Donna J. Wardlaw Craine. He was a graduate of Blytheville High School. His friends and family called him “Doug.” He was a master machinist and co-owner of Unitech Tool. ...

Gay Helen Duclos, 89, of Blytheville, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born in Gilt Edge, Tenn., to Roy I. and Evelyn Perry McMillin. Gay was a member of Gosnell Baptist Church. She enjoyed square dancing with her late husband, John. ...

Vernon Ray McCain, 85, of Leachville, passed from this life Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at his home. Son of the late Arville and Geneva Redding McCain, he was born in Leachville and raised in Benton Harbor, Mich. He had been back in Leachville for over 40 years. ...

Raheem Ravon Rudd, 20, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in his hometown. Born May 1, 2004, to Randy Rudd and Latoria Payne-Rudd, Raheem spent his life in Blytheville. He was employed in factory and construction work and was a devoted member of the St. Luke MB Church in Blytheville...

Franklin Lawrence Gray, 68, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Born Oct. 7, 1956, in Monette, he was the son of the late Gerald Henry Gray Sr. and the late Lois Walker. Franklin was a retired factory worker and a member of the Baptist faith...

Christy Renee McWilliams, 51, of Blytheville, passed away suddenly at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024.  Born Oct. 8, 1973, in Osceola, she was the daughter of the late Charles Kenneth Little and Mary Ann Sims. Christy was a devoted homemaker and a member of the Pentecostal faith...

T.J. Wilson was born June 23, 1945, to the late Willie Bill Wilson and Aileen Roger Wilson. He departed this life Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the age of 79 in Blytheville. He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memories seven sons, Glenn Wilson of Jacksonville, Fla., Trent Wilson and Victor Wilson, both of Urbana, Ill., Landale Wilson, Patrick Wilson, Greg Wilson and Jermaine Wilson, all of Champaign, Ill.; two daughters, Kerri Wilson of Indianapolis, Ind., and Amanda Wilson of Urbana, Ill.; three sisters, Elnora Bell of Blytheville, Rose Mary Robinson of Antioch, Tenn., and Ruthie Mae Chapman of Dallas, Texas; 28 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.. ...

Eugene Edward Sanders of Blytheville was born March 11, 1953, in Barfield to LC Sanders, Sr. and Ella Lewis Sanders. Eugene was a graduate of Armorel High School and retired from Borg-Warner following many years of service. As a child, he confessed his hope in Christ and was a member of St. Paul Baptist Church Barfield...

Henry Tyler of Osceola was born Jan. 6, 1959, in Osceola, the son of Chester Tyler and Elizabeth Davis Tyler. Henry was of a former employee of Lambert’s, where he was a delivery driver and was of the Baptist faith. Henry was a graduate of Osceola High School...

Larry Wade Palmer, 80, of Manila, passed from this life Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at Pocahontas Health and Rehab. Son of the late Ledger and Annie Thomas Palmer, he was born in the Floodway Community near Manila. Larry was raised in Manila and later lived several years in Powhatan before returning to Manila in 2023. ...

Travis James Butler, born April 27, 1968, grew up in Superior, Neb., and passed away Oct. 14, 2024, in Conway. He was a cherished father, grandfather, brother and friend, known for his vibrant personality and infectious laugh. Travis, jokingly known as TJ by a select few, had a passion for singing that resonated deeply with his love for music; particularly the captivating melodies of Stevie Nicks. ...

Johnnie Wofford passed away Sept. 30, 2024, in Jonesboro, at the age of 75. Johnnie was born April 26, 1949, in Mississippi, to the late Jesse and Thelma Wofford. Johnnie is survived by his three sons, Michael Wofford and Terry Wofford, both of Marked Tree, and Tusonaona Bobo of St. ...

Brenda Lou Robertson, 76, Of Osceola, gained her wings on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at Regional One Medical Center in Memphis, Tenn. She was born June 17, 1948, in Placerville, Calif., to the late Edward Taylor and Lucelle Fox. Brenda is survived by her husband, Clayton Robertson of the home; three daughters, Marla (Stan) Booker of Athelstan, Danette (Ben) Barker of Manila and Crystal Phillips of Ovrant, Okla.; one brother, Eddie Taylor of Golden, Okla.; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren...

Betty Jo Craig, 84, of West Memphis, passed away Oct. 13, 2024. She was born Jan. 16, 1940, in Tyronza, to the late Ralph and Marine Phillips. Betty’s life was marked by her profound love for her family and her passion for golf, which she often described as her source of peace and joy. She was a spirited card player and cherished the time spent with her seven grandchildren, who were the light of her life...

Barbara Jean Bell, 80, passed away Oct. 4, 2024, at her home in Tumbling Shoals surrounded by family. She was born March 20, 1944, in Earle to the late Ralph and Marine Phillips. In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Stephen Bell; one son, Brian Stephen Bell, of Tumbling Shoals; and one sister, Marolyn Russom, of Tumbling Shoals...

JP Smith Jr. of Blytheville was born May 19, 1961, in Blytheville to JP Smith Sr. and Mary Magdalene Rogers Smith. As a child, JP confessed his hope and belief in Christ and united with Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church serving faithfully as vice president of the Deacon’s Board. He was a retired employee of NIBCO, Inc. in Blytheville, working there for 41 years...

Randy Allen Franklin, 25, of Osceola, passed away at his home on Oct. 1, 2024. Randy was born March 18, 1999, in Jonesboro, to Allen and Faye Franklin. He was a cherished son, husband, father and brother. Randy was a wonderful husband to his wife, Hayley, and a very loving, extremely attentive father to his only son, Nolan. ...

Robert E. Moore III, 70, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Born to Robert E. Jr. and Doris Jean Parish Moore, Robert was retired from Tenaris and was a retired supervisor at Randall Textron. He was of the Methodist faith and affiliated with the First United Methodist Church. He was an avid Razorback fan, enjoyed reading, working in the yard and watching sports...

Phyllis Rebecca Smith, 83, of Manila, passed from this life Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Born in Manila, she was the daughter of the late Dewey and Anna Mae Rice Jackson. She lived her early years on Rice Point at Big Lake. ...

Lela Frances Gragg Tinsley Warren, 72, of Marmaduke, former longtime Leachville resident, passed from this life Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at the Jackson Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tenn. Daughter of the late Wilbur and Jewell Hoke Gragg, she was born in Black Oak and raised in Buffalo Island. ...

Martha Rae Galloway, 70, of Leachville, widow of the late Mr. Carroll Galloway, passed from this life Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at her home. Daughter of the late James Chester and Bertha Lorene Barnes Hitchcock, she was born in Marks, Miss., and was raised in Northeast Arkansas. ...

Jean James Moore, 87, of Bloomington, Minn., passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, Sept. 29, 2024. Jean was born in Burdette on July 8, 1937, and graduated valedictorian from Armorel High School in 1955. After graduation, she went to work at the FBI in Washington, D.C., as a fingerprint technician...

Charles Hoyt Young, 88, of Blytheville, passed away Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Manila Healthcare. Charles was born in Cleveland, Ga. A retired member of the United States Air Force, he continued his service to his country through a dedicated career in civil service. Charles was an honest, hard-working man. After retiring from civil service, Charles was an avid member of the American Legion, the Air Force Association, and an enthusiast of the Blytheville Antique Car Club...

Stanley Faulkner was born Sept. 17, 1964, to Ira Faulkner and Flora Mangum in Crawfordsville. He departed this life on Oct. 9, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro at the age of 60. Stanley leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Carolyn Faulkner of Blytheville; one daughter, Stanesha Faulkner of Blytheville; one son, Desmond Jones; five sisters, Nellie Young of Marion, Mable Faulkner of Little Rock, Caroline Faulkner of North Little Rock, JoAnn Faulkner and Vanessa Faulkner, both of West Memphis; five brothers, Cleo Young, Houston Jones and Robert Young, all of West Memphis, Malcolm Faulkner of Memphis, Tenn., and Terry Faulkner of Swainsboro, Ga.; and a host of other family members and friends.. ...

Denise Woodson McBride of Osceola was born Jan. 10, 1966 in Osceola to John Woodson and Mattie Ward Woodson. She departed this life on Oct. 7, 2024, at the age of 58 at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro. She was preceded in death by her parents. Denise leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Broderick Woodson and Keiland Woodson; two sisters, Ann Hill and Joyce Woodson, all of Osceola; one brother, John Woodson Jr. of Memphis, Tenn.; eight grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends...

Mary Jefferson of Blytheville was born Aug. 1, 1965, to John Wright and Arlean Garner. She departed this life on Oct. 5, 2024, at the age of 59 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was preceded in death by her parents. Mary leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Veronica Beal and Cassandra Fletcher, both of Blytheville; five sons, Martez Jefferson of Evansville, Ind., Timothy Beal of Steele, Mo., Demetrius Jefferson of Gosnell, Bobby Jefferson and Sylvester Jefferson, both of Blytheville; one sister, Willie Mae Lewis of Luxora; two brothers, Tyrone Jefferson of Luxora and Eddie Garner of Blytheville; 30 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.. ...