Glenna Lambert

Glenna Lambert, a longtime resident of Arkansas and recent resident of Tennessee, passed away at the age of 79 on Oct. 2, 2023.

Glenna was born Sept. 15, 1944, to Thelma and Pruitt Fowler in Manila. She was the oldest of seven: Terry, Susan, Charles “Sonny”, Paul, Don and Scott. During her childhood, she collected a plethora of eclectic stories like her father bringing home a monkey for the day! Many years later, these stories would make her grandkids and great-grandkids smile.

On Sept. 15, 1962, Glenna married the love of her life, Ira Gene Lambert. Not only was Ira incredibly kind and loving, but he just so happened to bear a striking resemblance to Elvis, Glenna’s all-time favorite musician. They were a perfect match. They gave birth to three children, Gina, Lisa and Brock in Blytheville. Glenna was active in the community, leading Sunday school, youth group, the Junior Auxiliary, and working as a teacher.

Decades later, Glenna became a grandmother, and we began calling her Memay. She was the best grandma—showering her grandkids with Baskin Robbins ice cream (her favorite being nutty coconut). Some of our favorite memories are grabbing Baskin Robbins, playing a game of Elvis Monopoly, crafting, and drawing together.

The greatest gift of all was knowing Memay. Whenever you heard a long winded “Weeeellll” come from her, you knew to buckle up, because whatever would come next would be a hoot. Memay was the best mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother a person could ask for. But the even greater gift is knowing that little pieces of her, like her love of animals, her infectious way of storytelling, and her impeccable wit, live inside her surviving family. How lucky are we!

Glenna is survived by her children, Gina Lambert Wilson (Carl) of Jonesboro, Lisa Lambert Oppenheim (Tim) of Manassas, Vir., Brock Lambert (Amy) of Mt. Juliet, Tenn.; grandchildren, Lauren Turner (Tyler) of Jonesboro, Andrew Wilson (Olivia) of Jonesboro, Sarah Oppenheim of Brooklyn, N.Y., Anna Oppenheim of Manassas, Vir.; great grandchildren, Wilson Turner, Walker Wilson and Wilder Turner.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Ira Gene Lambert, and her parents, Thelma and Pruitt Fowler.

A memorial service honoring Glenna will be Friday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro following visitation from 9-10 am. The service will be led by Reverend John Miles, with Sonny Fowler, Paul Fowler, Don Fowler, Andrew Wilson, Tyler Turner, Keith Allen Carter, Henley Taylor, and Brian Banks serving as pallbearers and Terry Fowler and Scott Fowler serving as honorary pallbearers.

Now head to Sonic, grab a Route 44 drink in her honor, reminisce, and send a donation to the Blytheville Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

To share your condolences or leave a tribute in Glenna’s memory, please visit the online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.