Obituaries

Assie Ree Washington, 79, of Osceola, Ark., died Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Jonesboro, Ark. Born July 28, 1945, in Grider, Ark. She lived a life marked by her dedication to her family and her faith. She was a devoted member of the Living Word Cathedral in Osceola, she was deeply involved in her church community...

Shirley Mae Williams, 72, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Born March 25, 1952, in Frenchman’s Bayou, Ark., she was a lifelong resident of Mississippi County, Ark. She was known for her kind and gentle spirit. She loved her church, especially her pastor and wife, as well as special church members, Michelle Sims, Sister Magnolia Rudolph, and Mother Jane Bell. Additionally, she was a faithful tither in her church...

Eddie Charles Thornton, 69, of Blytheville, Ark., died Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Born Aug. 19, 1955, in Portageville, Mo., he dedicated his career to the Missouri Road Department until his retirement. He was a devoted member of the Tabernacle Church of God in Christ Church in Blytheville, where he found a spiritual home...

Martha Ellen Brewer, 80, of Leachville, Ark., died Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. She was born Nov. 1, 1944, in Guntown, Miss. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hershell and Myrtle Farrar; one sister, Barbara Langston; one son, James Cook; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren...

Donald Ray Clower, Sr., 59, of Blytheville, Ark., died Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. born Dec. 27, 1964, in luxora, Ark., he dedicated his career to Great River Medical Center, working in supplies, and proudly served as a retired veteran of the US Army. He was a man of the Baptist faith...

Judith Ann Kennemore Buck, 78, died Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Born July 2, 1946, in Mississippi County, Ark., she was raised in Osceola, Ark., he graduated from high school in 1964. She attended Arkansas State University where she obtained her bachelor’s in education. ...

Sandra Atchley, 82, of Wilson ,went to her Heavenly Home Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. She was born Sept. 14, 1942 in Corpus Christi, TX to the late P. L. and Mary Elmore. Sandra was a retired Teacher for Osceola School District after 30 years. After retirement, she volunteered at Rivercrest Schools for 20 years. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where she served as needed. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and was a cat lover...

Gladys Marie Robertson Clark, of Grand Ledge, Michigan, died on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024. She was born on Aug. 3, 1946 in Belmont, Mississippi to Harvey and Gladys Robertson. Gladys retired from General Motors Corp. in Lansing, MI.  Gladys found solace in camping, fishing, going on cruises, and visiting casinos. She was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished every moment spent with her family and friends. Gladys was also an avid Arkansas Razorback and Detroit Lions fan. ...

James Robert Dean, 87, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Born June 9, 1937, in Osceola, Ark., he grew up in Joiner, Ark. and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, a previous member of Calvary Baptist Church in Osceola and worked as a barber his entire life. ...

James Robert Dean, 87, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Born June 9, 1937, in Osceola, Ark., he grew up in Joiner, Ark. and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, a previous member of Calvary Baptist Church in Osceola and worked as a barber his entire life. ...

Mary Ann Cook, 74, of Osceola, Ark., died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. Born April 11, 1950, in Osceola, she was a devoted member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where she participated actively in church activities and formed many cherished relationships throughout her life...

Butch Martin, 80, a life long resident of Keiser, Ark., died Friday, oct. 25, 2024. Born June 13, 1944, he loved his hometown and was a member of First Methodist Church in Keiser. He graduated with a Bachelors and Masters degree in Education from Arkansas State University. He was a principal in the Keiser and Wilson Schools for over 30 years. He was a member of the Lions Club and enjoyed fishing, visiting with friends and spending quality time with his grandchildren...

Jimmy D. Gryner Sr., 83, of Keiser, Ark., died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Born Jan. 10, 1941, in Caraway, Ark., he was a member of Church of God in Osceola, Ark. He enjoyed fishing, watching westerns, working and piddling in his shop. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Myra Gryner; his brothers and sisters...

Brenda Kaye Cissell, 64, of Joiner, Ark., died Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. Born May 23, 1960, in West Memphis, Ark. She was an extraordinary homemaker who loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed tending to her flowers. She also found joy in collecting Indian artifacts and marbles...

Christy Renee McWilliams, 51, of Blytheville, Ark., died Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville. Born Oct. 8, 1973, in Osceola, Ark., she was a devoted homemaker and a member of the Pentecostal faith. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Kenneth Little; her stepfather, Jimmy Carr; one brother, Jonathan Kenneth Little; and one grandchild, Silver Denise Lashay...

Franklin Lawrence Gray, 68, of Blytheville, Ark., died Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. Born Oct. 7, 1956, in Monette, Ark., he was a retired factory worker and a member of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Henry Gray, Sr. and Lois Walker; one son, Dustin Charles Gray; and one brother, Carl David Gray...

Raheem Ravon Rudd, 20, of Blytheville, Ark., died Sunday, oct. 13, 2024. Born May 1, 2004, he spent his life in Blytheville, he was employed in factory and construction work and was a devoted member of the St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Blytheville...

Henry Tyler, 65, of Osceola, Ark., died Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Ark. Born Jan. 6, 1959, in Osceola, he was a former employee of Lambert’s, where he was a delivery driver and was of the Baptist faith. He was a graduate of Osceola High School...

Randy Allen Franklin, 25, of Osceola, Ark., died Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Born March 18, 1999, in Jonesboro, Ark., he had a career at American Greetings Corp, in Osceola, where he worked as a machine specialist. He was preceded in death by his sister, Heather Franklin; and his grandfather, Charles Watkins, Sr...

Barbara Jean Bell, 80, of Tumbling Shoals, Ark., died Friday, Oct. 4, 2024. Born March 20, 1944, in Earle, Ark., She was an incredibly strong person and selfless in her generosity towards others. She was always willing to help those who needed her and did so with boundless love and kindness. She loved to work with her hands, garden, landscape, renovate, and paint stain glass...

Johnnie Wofford, 75, died Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Jonesboro, Ark. Born April 26, 1949, in Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Thelma Wofford; his wife, Martha Wofford; and one son, Charles Wofford. he is survived by three sons, Michael Wofford and Terry Wofford, both of Marked Tree, Ark., and Tusonaona Bobo, of St. ...

Cleophus Franklin, 66, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. Born Oct. 22, 1957, he accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Church of God in Marked Tree, Ark. He enjoyed riding his bike, sitting on the porch listening to music, going to church, and making people laugh...

Brenda Lou Robertson, 76, of Osceola, Ark., died 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. She is survived by Clayton Robertson of Osceola; three daughters, Marla Booker (Stan), of Athelstan, Ark., Danette Barker (Ben), of Manila, Ark., 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, Ark., died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. Born Jan. 16, 1940, in Tyronza, Ark., her 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...

Denise Woodson McBride, 58, of Osceola, Ark., died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. She was born Jan. 10, 1966, in Osceola. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Woodson and Mattie Ward Woodson. She is survived by two sons, Broderick Woodson and Keiland Woodson, of Osceola; two sisters, Ann Hill and Joyce Woodson, both of Osceola; one brother, John Woodson, Jr., of Memphis, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends...

Mary Jefferson, 59, of Blytheville, Ark., died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Mo. She was born Aug. 1, 1965. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Wright and Arlean Garner. She is survived by 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, Ark., Bobby Jefferson and Sylvester Jefferson, both of Blytheville; one sister, Willie Mae Lewis, of Luxora, Ark.; 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.. ...

Reginald R. Hannah, 29, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. He was born Feb. 10, 1995 to Reginald A. Hannah and Felisa Allen. He is survived by his father, Reginald A. Hannah, of Jonesboro; one daughter, Aubrey Hannah; three sons, Reginald Hannah, Jr., Aiden Hannah and Kaisan Hannah, all of Jonesboro; two sisters, Reona Hannah, of Jonesboro, and Arriyunna Johnson, of West Memphis, Ark. ...

Stanley Faulkner, 60, died Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, at St. Bernard Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born Sept. 17, 1964, to Ira Faulkner and Flora Mangum in Crawfordsville, Ark. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Faulkner, of Blytheville, Ark.; one daughter, Stanesha Faulkner, of Blytheville;...

Raymond “Doc” Welch, 70, of Blytheville, Ark., died Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024. Born April 13, 1954, he was a member of the Osceola Church of God. He enjoyed doing yardwork, playing pool, doing carpenter work, and spending time with his family. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Inez (Faulkner) Welch; three sisters, Joan Welch, Lucy Welch, and Barbara Sue Welch; and three brothers, David Welch, Lynard Welch, and Roy Harold Welch...

Carl Bufford Floyd, 71, of Trumann, Ark., died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center. He was born Aug. 24, 1953, in Trumann. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Cora Mae Floyd; four brothers, Herman Floyd, Larry Don Floyd, James Floyd, and Red Wayne Floyd; and two sisters, Janie Floyd and Dorothy Floyd...

Donald Hugh Patterson, 78, died Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, in Little Rock, Ark. Born Jan. 27, 1946, in Bassett, Ark., he was a graduate of Arkansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business, and served his country with honor in the United States Air Force. ...

Peggy Turner, 64, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Born June 9, 1960, in Jonesboro, she was a member at Anderson Chapel in Marked Tree, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Daisy Wilson. She is survived by her three daughters, Felicia Meridith, of Jonesboro, Latonia Turner and Latoria Turner, both of Truman, Ark.; two brothers, Benny C. Wilson, of Lepanto, Ark., and Michael Wilson, of Marked Tree; and nine grandchildren...

Albert L. Morris, 66, died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at the South Mississippi County Regional Medical Center in Osceola, Ark. He was born July 13, 1958, in Osceola. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Morris and Eddie Bell Morris. He is survived by one son, Albert Morris, Jr., of West Memphis, Ark.; one daughter, Latoya Morris, of West Memphis; five sisters, Martha Musgrave, of Blytheville, Ark., JoAnn Sauls, of Kansas City, Kan., Ann Goodlow, Eddie Bedford and Nola J. ...

Ammie B. Wilson, 85, died Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. She was born June 19, 1939. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Bell and Mable Williams Bell. She is survived by one sister, Jean Dunagan, of Osceola, Ark.; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends...

James Eric Sanders, 56, of Manila, Ark., died Wednesday, Sept. 18 2024. Born June 26, 1968, in Osceola, Ark., he dedicated many years of service as a Maintenance Supervisor at Kagome Foods in Osceola before his retirement. He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne Thomas; nephew, Carlos Walker; and his beloved dog and very best friend, Camo Sanders A.K.A Boudreaux...

Paul Angel Ramirez, 65, of Luxora, Ark., died Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. Born April 7, 1959, in Tomato, Ark, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather. He was a man of Catholic faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Patricio and Lenora Ramirez; one brother, Daniel Ramirez; one sister, Julie Culbreath; and one grandson, Bryan Smith...

Patricia Lynn Wingate, 60, of Blytheville, Ark., died Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. Born Oct. 24, 1963, in Blytheville, she was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert McMinn, Sr. and Peggy Tucker; two brothers, Willie Tucker and Robert McMinn, Jr.; and two sisters, Candy Tucker and Sandra Combs...

Mayme Cotton, 101, of Dyess, Ark., died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. Born June 25, 1923, in Rosa, Ark., she was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of children who she helped raise from Reverie, canning vegetables from her garden. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all of her family...

Susan Ann Kimery, 66, died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Jonesboro, Ark. She was born June 13, 1958, in Osceola, Ark. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Eugene Kimery; her father, Earnest Leo Elrod; and her brother, Jerry Elrod. She is survived by her mother, Rose Annie Elrod, of Rose Bud, Ark.; three daughters, Tammy Hamm and Jennifer Hall, both of Luxora, Ark., and Jenny Kimery, of Osceola; one brother, Charles Elrod, of Osceola; three sisters, Betty Hice, of Luxora, Norma Truelove, of Lepanto, Ark., and Judy Jennings, of Tennessee; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.. ...

Floyd Love, 62, died Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at NEA Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born June 3, 1962, in Osceola, Ark. He is preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt Love, Sr. and Geneva Brittman Love. He is survived by four daughters, Bianca Willis, of Blytheville, Ark., Latoya Love, of Dallas, Texas, Jameshia Love, of Luxora, Ark., and Tyuanna Love, of Peoria, Ill.; one son, Javaris Love, of Peoria; six sisters, Pearlie Mae Branch, of Luxora, Catherine Brown, Carla Jones, and Amber Love, all Osceola, Debra Love, of Blytheville, and Dianne Collins, of Milwaukee, Wis.; four brothers, Roosevelt Love, Jr., of Little Rock, Ark., Albert Love and James Love, both of Osceola, and Paul Love, of Lansing, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.. ...

Mario Vernell Williams, Sr., 46 of Chattanooga, Tenn., died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. Born Feb. 16, 1978, at the age of 12, he moved to Osceola, Ark., to live with his other mother, two sisters and brother. He attended the Osceola and Blytheville School systems. ...

Aaron J. Thomas, 48, of Osceola, Ark., died Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. He was born June 21, 1976, in Osceola. He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Travis King; grandmother, Lucille Thomas; and grandfathers, James Travis and J.C. Thomas. He is survived by his father, Jimmy Thomas, of Luxora, Ark.; grandmother, Betty Travis, of Osceola; children, Tyrell Grimes, Marciel Thomas, Jackson Joyner, Braylon Thomas, Xander Barker, Lakynn Beatty, Mackenzie Barnett and a special child that was very close to him like a son Cameron Jones; five sisters, Tameka Golden, of Blytheville, Ark., Shaniya Carruthers, of Conway, Ark., Keynara Walker, Jenifer Harris and Nicole Whiteside, all of Jonesboro, Ark.; six brothers, Shakur King, of Grand Prairie, Texas, Tico Wright, of Burlington, Iowa, Jimmy Fryer, of Milwaukee, Wis., Thomas Walker, Carlos Turner and Kylan Thomas, all of Jonesboro; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.. ...

Martha Brewer Rhodes, 94, of Jonesboro, Ark., died Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. Born April 2, 1930, in Memphis, Tenn., she was a member of First Methodist of Jonesboro, and a member of P.E.O. She enjoyed traveling, sewing and cooking. Martha lovingly known as Bapoo loved to spend time with her family...

Rhonda Lee McCain, 64, of Osceola, Ark., died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. Born July 14, 1960, in Dyess, Ark., she was a member of the New Life Ministries in Bassett, Ark. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, going to yard sales, playing piano and guitar and spending time with her family...

Patricia Hannah, 71, of Kennett, Mo., died Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Born July 27, 1953, in Osceola, Ark., she was owner of Pat’s School of Dance, Body Image Aerobics and Exercise Studio in Osceola. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and family...

Corine Bobo, 83, died Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Born June 24, 1941, in Crawfordsville, Ark., she was a person of intense faith, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of the Northside Church of Christ. A woman of various talents and abilities, her career outside the home as homemaker included stints at Helig-Meyers, Borg Warner, Randall/Textron, Blytheville Public Schools, Mississippi County Nursing Homes as a CNA, First National Bank, as well as other positions at some other companies. ...

Georgia Ann Wilson, 73, of Osceola, Ark., died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024. Born Feb. 21, 1951, in Holly Grove, Ark., she was a member of the Osceola Church of Christ and retired from American Greetings. She enjoyed sewing, but most of all, she loved to spend time with her family...

Helen Renalle Suggs, 54, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in Jonesboro, Ark. Born on Aug. 26, 1970, in Manila, Ark., she was a graduate of Manila High School and remained a lifelong resident of the area.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Virgie Lee Suggs; two sisters, Johnnie Lee Williams and Shellie Jean Rayford; and one niece, Natalie Nicole Rayford. ...

David Kent "Shorty" Fraser Sr., 79, of Wynne, Ark., died Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Born Oct. 14, 1944, in Augusta, Ark., he dedicated 12 years of his life serving as a corporal in the United States Marine Corp.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon Fraser and Jewell Howell; his wife, Linda Fraser; and one brother, Michael Fraser. ...

William Dwaine Lucas, 73, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. He was born in Tyronza, Ark., His love for Christ was inspiring to all around him. He truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all of his nieces and nephews. He married Judy A. Hailey on March 25, 1972...