Obituaries

Richard M. Connell, 74, of Blytheville passed away early in the morning on Dec. 15, 2024, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. He was born in Blytheville on Feb. 2, 1950, to Homer L. and Thelma “Jean” (Kelley) Connell. He was a 1968 Blytheville High School graduate who also attended Draughan Business School. ...

Samuel Alexander Allen Jr., born Dec. 26, 1986, in Blytheville, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 10, 2024. He was the beloved son of Barbara Ann Hatcher and the late Samuel A. Allen Sr. Growing up in Blytheville, Samuel embraced his roots and carried them with him throughout his life...

Janet Davis Green, 83, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. Born in Blytheville to Everett and Mary Frances Hall Davis, Janet was a retired ophthalmologist assistant and a former employee of Westbrooks Shoe Store. Janet was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed needlepoint and gardening, especially working in her flower beds...

Norman Howard Cockrell was born Dec. 28, 1946, in Lepanto to Claudie and Opal Jones Cockrell. He was the owner of Cockrell Cars in Lepanto for over 40 years. Mr. Cockrell passed away Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, at his home in Lepanto at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents, Claudie and Opal Cockrell; his wife, Linda Neal Cockrell; and his brother, Steve Lee Cockrell...

Ernest “Dud” Brucks Sr., of Blytheville, passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 at Great River Medical Center. Ernest was born in Princeton, Ind., to Ernest C. And Bessie Marie Moore Brucks. He joined the United States Air Force in 1965 and was stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base, not knowing this would become his home.  On his discharge day, Ernest walked to a nearby gas station to buy a soda and was offered a management position on the spot.  He used his military savings to purchase the gas station. ...

Jo Anne Simers, 90 of Mammoth Spring, died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at The Gables of Canton. Born Nov. 24, 1934, in Mammoth Spring, she was a daughter of the late Ned and Ruth (Mullens) Wood. She had worked for the USDA in Arkansas and the Sears catalog office. ...

Zetha Mae (Fisher) Brewer, 85, passed from this life on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.  Zetha was a lifelong resident of Blytheville, having been born here to Homer and Addie Fisher. In addition to her parents, Zetha was preceded in death by her late husband of 54 years, Robert “Bobby” Welch Brewer; and several siblings: Melba Jean (Fisher) Jowers, Arthur Lee Connor, Lenny Fisher, Elvis Fisher, Hayes T. Fisher, Alice (Fisher) Lancaster, Oma Jean (Fisher) Livingston and Margie Fisher...

Denise Ann Martin, 53, of Blytheville passed away Dec. 4, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born Feb. 4, 1971, to the late Kent Andrews and Lerscine Terry in Osceola. Denise worked as a cashier at Walmart and was a devoted member of New St. Paul M.B. Church on Sawyer Street in Blytheville...

Derek Miles Pankey of Blytheville was born Feb. 10, 1984, to Darnell Sturghill and Donna Pankey in Blytheville. He departed this life on Dec. 3, 2024, in Blytheville at the age of 40. He was preceded in death by his father. He leaves to cherish his memories his mother; Donna Pankey of Suffolk, Vir.; one child, Zion Johnson of Kennett, Mo.; one brother, Nikko Garcia of Hampton, Vir.; three sisters, Tiffany Mitchell of Atlanta, Ga., Ciera Hankerson of Indianapolis, Ind., and Shanda Sturghill of Lansing, Mich.; grandmother, Geraldine Anderson of Suffolk, Vir.; stepfather, Hiram Garcia of Puerto Rico; and a host other family members and friends.. ...

Damarquon Robinson of Blytheville was born Oct. 18, 2002, to Alexis Featherson and Demontral Tate Sr. He departed this life on Nov. 26, 2024, in Blytheville at the age of 22. He leaves to cherish his memories his mother; Alexis Featherson of Blytheville; father; Demontral Tate Sr. ...

James E. Wells of Blytheville was born Dec. 31, 1946, to the late Willie James and Lula Mae Wells in Armorel. He departed this life on Dec. 5, 2024, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents...

Shirley Meek Morgan, 77, of Southaven, Miss., passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, at DeSoto Healthcare in Southaven, Miss. Shirley was born Sept. 27, 1947, in the Shamrock Community of Pemiscot County, Mo., to the late Robert “Bunk” and Pauline Meek. ...

Ginger K. Croom Christie, 62, of Manila, passed from this life Dec. 4, 2024, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. She was born Aug. 14, 1962 in Manila. Daughter of Janice Croom, she was born and raised in Manila and was a 1980 graduate of Manila High School. ...

Daniel Lee Bromley, 61, passed away peacefully on Dec. 3, 2024, in Blytheville. Born on June 18, 1963, in Frankfurt, Germany, Daniel was a man of great character, known for his loving nature, wisdom, and courage throughout his life. Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Franklin and Margaret Pearl Payne Bromley, his father-in-law Clayton Watkins, and his sister-in-law Angie Renee Logston. ...

Patricia Ann Crowell, 79, of Blytheville, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 at her home. Patricia was born in Blytheville to Charles and Mary Esther Hoskins Springer. She was a lifelong resident of Blytheville, and owned and operated a daycare for 32 years. ...

George Curtis Puckett Jr., 76, of Blytheville, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. He was born in Brownsville, Tenn., the youngest of five children of George and Frances Puckett. George is survived by his three children, Adrian Puckett, Tonya Puckett Watts and Laura Parker-Puckett; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marie Puckett Ross and Peggy Puckett Estes; his brother, Curtis Lee Puckett; and his sister, Jeanette Puckett Davis, preceded him in death.. ...

Bobby Louis Yarbrough was born July 7, 1958, to the union of Lillie V. Echols and Willie Marshall Yarbrough, Sr. in Widener. In 1960 his family moved to Blytheville. Early in life, he confessed to Christ and was baptized under the leadership of the late Rev. ...

Elmer Charles Green, 80, of Blytheville, passed away Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at his home. Born in Blytheville to Hubert and Clarice Kenchen Green, Elmer was retired from Heekin-Ball Canning Company. He was a member of Ruddle Road Church of God. Elmer loved to sing Southern Gospel music and sang with the Good News singers. ...

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Rob” Fox, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a true pillar of his community. Rob passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and service that touched countless lives...

Dana “Dan” Eugene Davis, 70, of Paragould, passed away Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born to Iulas and Emma Jean Helms Davis, Dana was retired from the United States Army. Dana was preceded in death by his parents...

Cynthia Jane Huggins, 61, of Osceola, passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Heritage Square Nursing Center. Cynthia was born in Clovis, New Mexico to Ralph Wesley and Dora Mae Dean Hill. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles and adult coloring books...

Brian Jay Goodmon passed away Nov. 23, 2024, at his residence in Blytheville, at the age of 54. He was born Jan. 25, 1970, to the late J.C. Goodmon and the late Francis Dunkin Webber in St. Louis, Mo. Brian worked as a concrete worker. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. Goodmon and Francis Dunkin Webber...

Lyman Kelton Henson, 72, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at his home. Kelton was born in Blytheville to Lyman and Virginia Pepper Henson. He was a physician at multiple clinics over a 30-year period. Growing up, Kelton farmed with his father and became a nurse before going to medical school. He enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, listening to music, and making people laugh and smile. Kelton was a loving husband to his wife and daughters...

Nathaniel Adams Jr., 74, of Joiner, passed from this life Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at his home. Nathaniel was born Feb. 15, 1950, in Joiner to Nathaniel Adams Sr. and Gracie Mae Glover-Smith. He was a member of First Baptist Church at Frenchman’s Bayou...

Brandon Kay Shields, 59, of Blytheville, passed away Oct. 24, 2024, in Jackson, Tenn. Brandon spent most of his life in Blytheville enjoying his music and serving others in his community. When Brandon was 16 years old, he joined the Explorer’s Post and Emergency Squad, volunteering with local law enforcement. ...

On Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, Dr. Leonus Lafitte Shedd died peacefully in the presence of his wife of 64 years, Marcia, and three of his children, Jane, Cary, and Omer. He was 85 years old. He is preceded in death by his father, Ira D. Shedd and mother Martha “Lorette” (Alston) Shedd of Manila; his sister, Martha Lorette (Shedd) Donner, his brother Ira “Wayne” Shedd, both of Manila, and his sister, Frieda Janette (Shedd) Felts, of Paragould. ...

Larry Kevion Devante Clark departed this life Nov. 15, 2024, in Little Rock, at the age of 24. He was born Jan. 6, 2000, in Blytheville to Teresa Clark and father figure Dustin Lacotts. Larry started his football career at the age of nine, playing with the MissCo. ...

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. ...