Stories from Monday, August 23, 2021

Dana Walker Bertrand of Drasco, formerly Marked Tree, passed away surrounded by her beloved husband and children on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at the age of 70. Dana was born Sept. 19, 1950, in Memphis, Tenn., and was raised in Marked Tree by her parents, C.D. ...

Chad Allen Jones, 43, of Dyess, passed from this life Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at his home. Born in Osceola, he was the son of the late Leo and Lisa Jones Barber and had been a lifelong resident of Dyess. Chad was a 1995 graduate of Rivercrest High School and a former employee of American Greetings Corporation in Osceola. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, listening to music, riding four-wheelers and fast motorcycles...

Joyce Damon Townsend of Jonesboro departed this earth for her eternal home on Aug. 16, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 92. Joyce was born Jan. 8, 1929, in Blytheville, the eldest of three sisters, to Eula Childress and Emil Mallinckrodt Damon. ...

Roger Dale VanDyke, 68, of Blytheville, passed from this life on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Roger was born in Cooter, Mo., to Roger Lilbourne “R.L” and Fronia Hatley VanDyke. Roger was a dedicated, retired heavy equipment operator at Blytheville Sheet Metal for 40 years and a member of New Liberty Baptist Church. ...

Jennifer Sue Bandy Shirley, 44, of Walnut Ridge, formerly of the Buffalo Island area, passed from this life Saturday, Aug 21, 2021, at her home. Born in Paragould and raised in the Monette area, Jennifer was a 1995 graduate of Buffalo Island Central High School in Monette. She later earned an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville. Jennifer married at 18 years of age and from that marriage came three of the most wonderful, caring and loving children. She was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. As we mourn for Jennifer, let's remember the song, "Midnight Cry.". ...

Sammy Dean Lee, 60, of Manila, passed away at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House on Aug. 22, 2021. He was born on Nov. 23, 1960, in Leachville to Thirlow and Juanita Patton Lee. He enjoyed hunting, making rings out of coins, gardening, riding four-wheelers, playing with his grandsons, and traveling with his wife and sister-in-law...