John "Fuzz" Shelton

John "Fuzz" Shelton , 74, of Poplar Bluff , Mo. , died Thursday, March 4, 2004 , at UAMS in Little Rock . He was born Oct. 6, 1929 , in St. Louis , Mo. , to R.D. Shelton Sr. and Louis Hager Shelton. He was a retired farmer.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Ralph Shelton , Jr.

He is survived by one daughter, Genna Shelton Gallegly of North Little Rock; his mother, Louise Shelton of Searcy; the mother of his surviving daughter, Sue Johnston Shelton; one grandson, Jason C. Gallegly of North Little Rock; one brother, James J. "Pouge" Shelton of Pocahontas; a nephew, Randy L. Shelton; a niece, Raye Lynn Doom; several other nieces and nephews; his friend, Mildred Estes of Poplar Bluff; and his dog, Hannah.

Graveside funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Gardens in Poplar Bluff . Visitation will be from noon until the procession leaves for graveside services. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Research Center in Little Rock .

Laverne Hartsell Warren

Laverne Hartsell Warren , 57, of Newport , died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 , at her residence. She was born March 26, 1946 , in Tuckerman. She was an office worker and of the Freewill Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd Warren , Sr. ; one sister, Lola Morgan ; and one brother, Larry Ray Hartsell .

She is survived by her parents, Virgil and Olene Hartsell of Paragould ; one son, Loyd Warren , Jr. of Paragould ; one daughter, Melinda Warren of Paragould ; three sisters, Lavon Pierce of Corning , Loretta Hardin of Corning , and LaWanda Hooten of Paragould ; and one granddaughter, Brittany Crawford of Paragould .

Graveside funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Gracelawn Cemetery in Tuckerman with the Rev. Max Davis officiating.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today at the Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers will be Larry Hooten , Bryan Hotten , Jim Pierce , Max Warren , Bobby Hardin , and Jimmy Newman . Honorary pallbearers are Michael Horton and Ted Briney .

James Wheat

James Wheat , 64, of Corning , died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 , at Three Rivers Healthcare North in Poplar Bluff , Mo. He was born Dec. 6, 1939 , in Rector. He was a maintenance supervisor at a shoe factory and was a U.S. Marine.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Wheat of Corning; one son, Jimmy Wheat of Springfield, Ill.; one daughter, Sharon Wheat of Springfield, Ill.; one grandson, Matthew Wheat of Springfield, Ill.; four stepdaughters, Jamie Lepard and Nancy Morley, both of Corning, and Virginia Mansfield and Doris Pigg, both of Doniphan, Mo.; two step-sons, Gene Buchanan and Junior Buchanan, both of Doniphan, Mo.; and 12 step-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with the Rev. Billy Snow officiating.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. today at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning .

Bobby Kenneth Lewis

Bobby Kenneth Lewis , 71, of Colliersville , Tenn. , former owner of Bluff City Scale, died Thursday, March 4, 2004 , at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Collierville , Tenn. He was a Korean War veteran and a member of Covenant Baptist Church and the Exchange Club.

Survivors include his wife, Marrilee B. Lewis ; two daughters, Rose Marie McKelvie of Leesburg , Ga. , and Ruth Ann Kerr of Collierville , Tenn. ; one brother, Wayne Lewis of Blytheville ; and four grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Woods.

The family requests that any memorials be sent to Covenant Baptist Church .

Jimmy Milligan

Jimmy Milligan , 71, of Senath , Mo. , died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 , at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Hospital in Little Rock . He was born March 15, 1932 , in Senath , Mo. He was a member of the American Legion Post 303 in Senath.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Roscoe and Sue Ella (Screws) Milligan; and two brothers, Carl and Fred Milligan .

Survivors include his wife, Mary Milligan of Senath; one son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Julie Milligan of Paragould ; one daughter and son-in-law, Jennie and Kenny Noble of Manila ; two grandchildren, Matt and Natalie Noble ; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. today at the Church of Christ in Senath with Greg Pollock officiating. Burial will be in the Senath Cemetery .

Pallbearers will be George Jordan , Charles Parker , Charles Crawford , Charles Horner , Becky Bruce , Byron Small , and Sonny Ridings.

Honorary pallbearers will be James Braden , Bill Clevenger , Ed Hodges , and members of the Senath Church of Christ.

Esther Stormes

Esther Stormes , 91, of Beebe , died Friday, March 5, 2004 , at her residence. She was born Feb. 5, 1913 , in Peach Orchard. She was retired from Johansen Shoe Co. in Corning . She attended the Church of Christ in Knobel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Bishop and Pearl (Pickens) Rowe ; her husband, W.W. "Bill" Stormes ; two daughters, Levetta Rose and Alma Sue Stormes ; one brother, Jewell Rowe ; one sister, June Sollis ; and one son-in-law, Joe Mills .

Survivors include one daughter, Loeda Mills of Beebe ; one son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Mary Stormes of Heber Springs; three brothers, Donald Rowe of Sacramento , Calif , Des Rowe of Ft. Myers , Fla. , and Bill Rowe of Paragould ; two sisters, Malene Falls of Paragould and Erma Jane Eash of Mauston , Wis. ; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Bond Cemetery in Knobel.

Louise Williams

Louise Williams, 83, of Rector, died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould . She was born November 21, 1920 , in Lafe. She was a former employee of Ely Walker Shirt Factory. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Marmaduke.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Catherine Textor ; five brothers, Marvin , Ersul, George , Burl, and Morris Textor ; one sister, Gladys Burrow ; and eight sister-in-laws, Betty Textor , Alvie Textor , Jonell Textor , Flora Merchant , Ellen Edwards , Viola Stephens, Martha Ward , and Delorice Stewart .

She is survived by her husband, Donald L. Williams of Rector; two sisters, Violet Rust of Kennett, Mo. , and Roberta Textor of Paragould ; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Bro. Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in Greene County Memorial Gardens Cemetery . Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Mitchell Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck White and the staff of Rector Health Care.

Jerry Allen "Red Man" Fuller

Jerry Allen "Red Man" Fuller, 45, of Marmaduke, died Saturday, March 7, 2004 , at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould . He was born Nov. 5, 1958 , in Marmaduke. He was a construction worker and had lived in Marmaduke all of his life. He was a veteran of the National Guard, serving for 17 years, and was a member of Marmaduke General Baptist Church .

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sammie Lee and Sylvia Irene Nelson Fuller ; three brothers, Danny Fuller , Louis Junior Fuller , and Charles "Diego" Fuller; and two sisters, Innette Fuller and Betty Thrasher .

He is survived by his wife, Mary Fuller of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Kristy and Jason Halley of Marmaduke; one granddaughter, April Dawn Halley; two brothers, Lee Fuller of Marmaduke and Donald Fuller of Paragould; three sisters, Jo Ann Hester of Marmaduke, Evaleen Bivens of Lakeview and Coran Ann Pflaumer of Paragould.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Marmaduke with Bro. Marston Carpenter and Bro. Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will follow at Harvey's Chapel Cemetery, west of Marmaduke. Visitation will be at 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Active pallbearers will be Keith Smith , Mike Graham , Mark Graham , Gary Dobbins, James Hargrove and Kenard Johnson . Honorary pallbearers will be Clifton Carter and Jack Pollack .

Hershal Patrick

Hershal Patrick , 78, of Knobel, died Sunday, March 7, 2004 , at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro . He was born Dec. 2, 1925 , in Gainesville . He was a retired farmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Newman Tillage and Lillie Bell ( Shepard ) Patrick ; and one brother.

Survivors include his wife, Ozell Patrick of the home; six sons, Albert Patrick of Gatewood, Mo., J.T. Patrick, Allen Patrick, and Glen Patrick, all of Corning, Bobby Patrick of Black Rock, and Anthony Patrick of Knobel; one daughter, Martha Dowdy of Corning; two sisters, Dorothy Curtis of Corning, and Hazel Harmon of Caruthersville, Mo.; 15 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with the Rev. Billy Snow officiating. Burial will be in Bond Cemetery in Knobel.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. today at Ermert Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Bond Cemetery Association.

Aldona Slater

Aldona Slater , 64, of Brookland, died Monday, March 8, 2004 , at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro . She was born Dec. 31, 1939 , in Franklin , Tenn. She was a factory worker and disabled.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Loid and Mable J. (Bonner) Morgan ; and four brothers, Roy Delbert Morgan , Loid Raymond Morgan , Earl Morgan and Robert Eugene Morgan .

Survivors include four sons, Kenneth Eugene Slater and Michael Raymond Slater , both of Jonesboro , and Peter Earl Slater of Memphis , Tenn. , and Daniel D. Slater of Brookland; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning . Date and time of service will be announced at a later time.

William Jessie Floyd

William Jessie Floyd , 71, of Jonesboro , died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 , at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro .

He was born March 11, 1932 , in Corning , and lived most of his life in Jonesboro . He was retired from the Crain Company and also worked for U-Haul in Little Rock . He was a member of South Ridge General Baptist Church .

Survivors include his wife, Lura Yearta Floyd of the home; five sons, Lester Groves, Leonard Barnes, William S. Floyd, Jessie Tony D. Floyd and J. Neal Floyd, all of Jonesboro; one daughter, Judy Darby of Jonesboro; two sisters, Oma Jean Wilson of Paragould and Lela Belle Wilson of Jonesboro; 32 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday and Roller-Farmers Union Chapel in Jonesboro with Bobby Heath officiating. Burial will be in Nettleton Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Pallbearers are William Floyd , William Alfred Floyd , Raymond Floyd , Shawn Floyd , Harry Darby and Danny Joe Thomas .

Honorary pallbearer is Malcom Hoffman .

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Dwight Clements

Dwight Clements , 55, of Paragould , died Wednesday, March 10, 2004 , at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould .

He was born Jan. 20, 1949 , in Jonesboro . He was a farmer and had served for 12 years as a Boy Scout leader. He also donated time to the Civitan Club, foster children, day care centers and churches. He was a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred P. and Minnie DuBar Clements ; one brother, Ed Clements ; and two sisters, Georgia Glover and Jeannie Clements .

Survivors include his wife, Glenda Clements of Paragould; two sons, Derrick Clements of Paragould and Scott Clements of Spanish Fort, Ala.; two daughters, Kimberly Dawn Dowdy of Paragould and Vanita Lynn Matheny of Paragould; and eight grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Heath Colonial Chapel in Paragould with the Rev. Jerry Clements officiating. Burial will be in Friendship Cemetery in Ravendon under the direction of Heath Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America.

Betty Down Thomas Moss

Betty Down Thomas Moss, 73, of Monette, formerly of Rector, died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 , at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro .

She was born July 6, 1930 , in St. Louis , Mo. She was retired from Anchor Packaging and was a Baptist.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Eulee Thomas ; her second husband, Mr. Moss ; her parents, Everett and Sylvia Dowd ; and one son, Troy Thomas.

Survivors include three sons, Ricky Thomas , Tracy Thomas , and Dennis Thomas ; two uncles, J.B. Ward of Rector and Vernon Ward of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and her good friend, Stella Morris of Rector.

The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday in the Blue Cane Community at the Mayo Ditch with Bro. James Henry Dortch officiating.

The procession will meet at Mitchell Funeral Home in Rector at 2 p.m. Saturday and leave for Blue Cane at 2:15 p.m.

Esther Geraldine Stone

Esther Geraldine Stone , 71, of Hoxie , died Tuesday, March 9, 2004 , at her home.

She was born Dec. 9, 1932 , in Cache.

She was an licensed practical nurse for 30 years and a member of Walnut Corner Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her husband, Freeman Stone ; her parents, Lester W. and Sadie L. Rone Lands; and a half-brother, J.T. Lands.

Survivors include four sons, Jerry Nicholas and Earl Nicholas , both of Hoxie , Leonard Nicholas of Walnut Corner, and Robbie Nicholas of Odessa , Texas ; one daughter, Brenda Riley of Paragould ; one uncle, James Allen Rone of Delaplaine; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Walnut Corner Baptist Church with the Rev. Bobby Wade officiating.

Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Walcott under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are Sandy Needleman , Paul Haneline , Tommy Chamberlain , Stan Garner , Brent Stone , and Brand Hendon.

Honorary pallbearers are Earl Cothren , Kevin Hancock , and James Ellis .

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

The family will be having a benefit from 5 to 10 p.m. April 10 in the Hoxie High School Cafeteria.

Rubye Stroder

Rubye Stroder , 88, of Paragould , died Sunday, March 7, 2004 , at Greene Acres Nursing Home in Paragould .

She was born March 11, 1915 , in Lauderdale , Tenn. She was a retired hotel manager and attended Westview Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Fannie Cantrell ; her twin sister, Ruth Harris ; and two brothers, Gene and Charles Cantrell .

Survivors include one niece, Billye Ray of Germantown , Tenn. ; and one nephew, Jimmy Harris of Odessa , Texas .

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Ronnie Winn officiating.

Graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Mary 's Chapel Cemetery in Ripley , Tenn.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Saturday until time of service at the funeral home.

Earl Freeman

Earl Freeman , 85, of Jonesboro , died Thursday, March 11, 2004 , at St. Elizabeth 's Place in Jonesboro .

He was born Oct. 28, 1918 , in Lynn . He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran and a member of the Nettleton Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alpha Freeman; and one son.

Survivors include two sons, Ron Freeman and Robert Freeman , both of Jonesboro ; four daughters, Reta Daugherty and Lena Johnson, both of Jonesboro , Renae Kitchens of Paragould, and Shelly Dent of Conway ; one brother, Edward Osburn of Walnut Ridge; 13 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Roller-Farmers Union Chapel in Jonesboro with Steve Norris officiating.

Burial will be in Old Lebanon Cemetery in Eaton under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Pallbearers are his grandsons and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Paragould Children's Home, Inc., 5515 Old Walcott Road , Paragould , AR 72450 .

Laura Rhea Norton

Laura Rhea Norton, 92, of Paragould, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at Paragould Nursing Center in Paragould .

She was born Dec. 20, 1911 , in Greene County . She was a retired factory worker for Frolic Footwear and a member of Eastside Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her husband, Perry Norton ; her parents, Charles and Clordelia Levins Rhea ; three sons, Charles Norton , Wayne Norton and Floyd Norton ; three brothers; and three sisters.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Johnnie Marvin Norton and Kathryn Norton of Augusta ; one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and J.W. Dial of Paragould ; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Dennis Scudder officiating. Burial will be in Wood's Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are Jamie Dial , James Robinson , Mike Norton , Charles Norton , Charles Malin , Phillip Norton , Mark Powers and Ken Powers .

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Wood's Chapel Cemetery Fund, Old Bethel Cemetery Fund or Eastside Baptist Church .

James Lewis Robinson

James Lewis Robinson, 68, of Scott, died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at V.A. Medical Center in Little Rock .

He was born Oct. 29, 1935 , in Paragould . He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Korean War and a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Altin L. and Eva McConnell Robinson .

Survivors include one brother, Kenneth Robinson of Cordova; and two sisters, Carnelia Constance Darrow of Sherwood and Carolyn Sue Barber of Paragould .

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. today at Linwood Cemetery in Paragould with the Rev. Jeff Rainwater officiating and under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. today at the funeral home.

Irene Jeanette Seffers Anderson

Irene Jeanette Seffers Anderson, 72, of Marmaduke, died Friday, March 12, 2004, at her home.

She was born June 3, 1931 , in Siskeston , Mo. She was a homemaker who had resided in the Marmaduke community since 1972. She was a member of the Church of Christ .

She was preceded in death by her parents, George William and Pearl McNeese Anderson; and two brothers, Stanley Anderson and William Anderson .

Survivors include five sons, Randy Kidd of Kansas, David Kidd of Texas, Lyle Seffers and James Seffers, both of Marmaduke, and George Seffers of West Virginia; six daughters, Diana Sue Bartlett and Janet Cozard, both of Texas, Enda Rogers of Paragould, Lylia Bynum of Illinois, Elizabeth Taylor of Virginia and Lynn Hall of Marmaduke; two sisters, Betty Luster of Illinois and Lorene McAnulty of St. Louis, Mo.; several grandchildren; and several relatives and friends.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Marmaduke with Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will be in Harvey's Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke under the direction of Irby Funeral Service.

Shi rley Wandalee Morrow

Shirley Wandalee Morrow, 76, of Overland, Mo. died Friday, March 5, 2004, at St. Joseph Health Center in St. Charles, Mo.

She was born Sept. 14, 1927 , in Paragould . She was a retired factory worker from Vi-Jon Lab in St. Louis and a member of West End Church of Christ in St. Louis .

She was preceded in death by her husband, David C. Morrow ; her parents, Cecil and Ella Smith ; one son, Eddie Morrow ; and six brothers and one sister-in-law, Dillon and Larry Smith , Bill Pillow , Vernon and Lou Jean Smith , Cloyce Speers , and Buell Page.

Survivors include four sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Beulah Morrow, Terry Morrow, Steve and Cheryl Morrow, Fred and Dorothy Morrow, and Chonga Morrow; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Ted and Aline Smith, Chuck and Laurie Smith and Jerry and Linda Smith; one sister and brother-in-law, Sara Lou and Paul Carter; 11 grandchildren, Teresa Cambron, Angela Gadesi, Katina Landrum, Jason Morrow, Larry Morrow, Chad Morrow, Jaynie Heavel, Tania Morrow, Todd Morrow, David Morros, and Amanda Morrow; eight great-grandchildren, Brooks Gadesi, Logan Gadesi, Alexandra Gadesi, Breeanne Cambron, Ashlynne Cambron, Vanessa Morrow, Owen Landrum and Cameron Morrow; one step-grandchild, Sloan Cambron; two brothers-in-law O.D. Morrow, and Gentry Morrow; five sisters-in-law, Ethel Page, Genieve Speers, Alberta Pillow, Maxine Smith and Betty Smith; and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. today at Morrow Cemetery in Stanford under the direction of Heath Funeral Home.

Visitation was from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

John Phillips

John Phillips , 87, of Walnut Ridge, died Friday, March 12, 2004 , at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Walnut Ridge.

He was born March 27, 1916 , in Harrison . He was a retired painter and retired factory worker from Guthery Electric.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Martha Jones ; and one sister, Artie Allen .

Survivors include three sons, Franklin Phillips of Pocahontas, Douglas Phillips of Paragould, and Charles Phillips of St. Louis, Mo.; two daughters, Barbara Pitcher of Delaplaine, and Alice McCain of Pocahontas; one brother, Charlie Phillips of Silva, Mo.; one sister, Iowa Pruyu of Farmington, Mo.;17 grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 4 p.m. Sunday at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with the Rev. Billy Snow officiating. Burial will be in Corning Cemetery in Corning under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning.

Pallbearers are Rusty Phillips , Steven Phillips , Michael Pitcher , Jason Pitcher , Rodney Gray , and Alvin Junkersfeld .

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Janette McDowell Whitehead

Janette McDowell Whitehead , 77, of Manila , died Thursday, March 11, 2004 , at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Blytheville .

She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Manila .

She was preceded in death by her parents, Brad and Eula Adams McDowell ; and her step-mother, Emily Lillian McDowell .

Survivors include her husband, Leonard Whitehead of Manila; one daughter, Mona Linda Hessler of Manila; one brother, R.L. McDowell of Manila; two half-brothers, Bobby McDowell of Black Rock and Kenneth McDowell of O'Kean; five half-sisters, Joann Guiterrez and Betty Sue McDowell, both of Houston, Texas, Bonnie Warrnick and Ada Meeks, both of Black Rock, and Brenda Haney of Paragould.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Manila with the Rev. Ferrel Duffel and the Rev. Ray Dill officiating. Burial will follow in the Manila Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday at the First Baptist Church in Manila .

James Kyle Wilcox

James Kyle Wilcox, infant son of Amanda Ballard , of Paragould , and Cody Wilcox , of Rogers ,

died Wednesday, March 10, 2004, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield , Mo.

Survivors include his parents; one sister, Ashley Wilcox , of Paragould ; and his grandparents, Mark and Cindi Ballard of Bartlett , Tenn. , Melinda and Rick Dawson of Rogers , Kelly and Terry Hall of Bentonville and Cary and Rebecca Wilcox of Paragould .

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould with Bro. Marion Gramlin of Stanford Baptist Church officiating.

Louie Williams

Louie Williams , 81, of Corning , died Thursday, March 11, 2004 , at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff , Mo.

He was born April 25, 1922 , in Moark. He was retired from Carter Carburetor and the State of Arkansas . He served in the U.S. Army and attended Moark Baptist Church .

He was preceded in death by one son, Billy Duff ; three brothers, Doyle Williams , Ed Williams and Don Williams ; and one sister Mildred Moore .

Survivors include his wife, Velma Williams of the home; four daughters, Brenda Whitman and Adena Eason , both of Paragould , Sharon Moore of Naylor , Mo. , and Joyce Marie Williams of Illinois ; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning , with the Rev. Jerry Arnold and the Rev. Bill Tyler officiating. Burial will be at Williams Cemetery in Corning under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Rachel G atlin Haynes

Rachel Gatlin Haynes, 85, of Paragould, died Friday, March 12, 2004, at Greene Acres Nursing Home in Paragould .

She was born Aug. 16, 1918 , in Walnut Ridge. She was a homemaker and a member of Pruett's Chapel Methodist Church .

She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Haynes ; her parents, C.V. and Snowdie Gatlin ; one brother and sister-in-law, Herbert and Frances Gatlin ; and one great-grandson, Charles Haynes .

Survivors include one son, Joel Haynes of Waterford , Mich. ; two daughters, Judy Smith of Horseshoe Bend and Jeanne Haynes of Paragould ; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Leon Johnson and the Rev. Jim Gatlin officiating. Burial will be in Linwood Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are Randy Haynes , Chris England , David Watkins , Cleo Watkins , Burrell Rogers and Terry Smith .

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today.

Robert W. ( Bob ) Riggs

Robert W. ( Bob ) Riggs, 63, of Dallas , Texas , formerly of Paragould , died Saturday, March 13, 2004 , at his home.

He was born Oct. 6, 1940 , in Lake City .

He was a graduate of Dixie High School and a retired systems consultant for Integrated Access Systems.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary McCartney Riggs ; and one sister, Betty Sue Riggs .

Survivors include three sons and one daughter-in-law, Laye Riggs, Todd Riggs and Scott and Susan Riggs, all of Kansas City, Mo.; his father, Herman M. Riggs of Paragould; one brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Sherry Riggs of Dallas; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy Jean and Gary Edwards and Barbara and Larry Cox, all of Paragould, and Patti and George Hale of Blytheville; and four grandchildren, Kristin Riggs, Sarah Riggs, Abby Riggs and Taylor Riggs, all of Kansas City.

Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland with the Rev. G.W. Endicott officiating and under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Velva Clevela nd

Velva Cleveland , 79, of Manila , died Sunday, March 14, 2004 , at the Manila Nursing Center . She was born Sept. 10, 1924 , in Kennett , Mo. She was a restaurant cook and a waitress. She was of the Protestant faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Minnie Nelson Jones .

She is survived by one brother, Stirl Thomas of Caraway; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. today at Caraway Cemetery .

Mae Grooms

Mae Grooms, 87, of Morrilton, died Friday, March 12, 2004 . She was born May 21, 1916 , in Senath , Mo. , a daughter of Freeman Hutchins and Beulah White Hutchins Scott. She was a retired inspector for V.M. Corporation, a member of Christ Methodist Church in Paragould , and the widow of Jay Grooms.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth Grooms; and one brother, Gene Hutchins .

She is survived by her son, Larry Grooms of Grand Haven, Mich. ; a daughter, Virginia Boyd of Morrilton; a sister, Gertrude Holland of Peoria , Ariz. ; 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. today at the Harris Chapel with Dr. Bill Brown officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m today at Cardwell Cemetery in Cardwell , Mo. , under the direction of Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.

Lucille Holifield

Lucille Holifield , 90, of Rector, died Monday, March 15, 2004 , at Piggott Community Hospital in Piggott. She was born Sept. 8, 1913 , in Rector. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ .

She was preceded in death by her parents, H.T. and Nellie Montgomery; her husband, Monroe Holifield; and two brothers, Wayne Montgomery and Cloyse Montgomery .

She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Rogers of Paragould ; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mitchell Chapel in Rector. Burial will follow in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Ken Roden officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Mitchell Funeral Home in Rector.

Pallbearers will be Orville Pratt , Mac Manchester, Bill Copeland , Bill Martin , Reuben Seay and Danny Ford .

John Steven Reynolds

John Steven Reynolds , 47, of West Palm Beach , Fla. , died Saturday, March 13, 2004 . He moved to West Palm Beach in 1982 from Paragould . He was a graduate of Florida State University Law School and was a member of the Florida Bar Association. He was a member of the Florida Gardens Baptist Church and served as past Sunday School director. He served as past chapter director of Goldwing Road Riders Association FL-2A; and was a past master of Bykota-Unity Lodge 333, 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, member of the York Rite, and past District Deputy Grand Master, District 32.

He is the grandson of the late Marvin and Opal Reynolds and the late Tennie Bryson , of Paragould .

He is survived by his wife of seven years, Debra Reynolds; a stepson, David Smith; his parents, Ron and Aletha Reynolds; a sister, Joy Little; and a nephew Willie Little; all of Jonesboro; and one uncle, Carlton Bryson, and one aunt, Patricia Johnston, of Paragould.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. today in West Palm Beach .

Robert W. ( Bob ) Riggs

Robert W. ( Bob ) Riggs, 63, of Dallas , Texas , formerly of Paragould , died Saturday, March 13, 2004 , at his home.

He was born Oct. 6, 1940 , in Lake City .

He was a graduate of Dixie High School and a retired systems consultant for Integrated Access Systems.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary McCartney Riggs ; and one sister, Betty Sue Riggs .

Survivors include three sons and one daughter-in-law, Laye Riggs, Todd Riggs and Scott and Susan Riggs, all of Kansas City, Mo.; his father, Herman M. Riggs and his wife, Glenda Riggs, of Paragould; one brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Sherry Riggs of Dallas; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy Jean and Gary Edwards and Barbara and Larry Cox, all of Paragould, and Patti and George Hale of Blytheville; and four grandchildren, Kristin Riggs, Sarah Riggs, Abby Riggs and Taylor Riggs, all of Kansas City.

Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. today at Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland with the Rev. G.W. Endicott officiating and under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorial services will be held in Dallas by Deana , Kiki, Kaci, Ben and other family members and friends.

Rhonda Lynn Robinson

Rhonda Lynn Robinson, 38, of Paragould, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at her residence.

She was born Dec. 2, 1965 , in Pecos , Texas . She was a homemaker and affiliated with the Church of Christ .

She is survived by her husband Bob Robinson of Paragould ; her parents, Cecil Richards and Mavanee Young of Odessa , Texas ; two daughters, Ashley Brooke Robinson and Amber Dawn Robinson of Paragould ; one brother, Jerry Young of Odessa ; and one sister, Mavie Woods of Odessa .

Graveside funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland. Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould is charge of arrangements.

  Stanley Glen Brummet

Stanley Glen Brummet, 52, of Rector, died Monday, March 15, 2004 , at St. Vincent 's Medical Center in Little Rock .

He was born Feb. 4, 1952 , in Marmaduke. He was a storekeeper at Monroe Auto Equipment Co. in Paragould , a member of the General Baptist church and a lifelong member of the community.

Survivors include his parents, Leonard and Gerline Brummett of Rector; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Billy and Linda Brummett of Germantown, Tenn., and Sammy and Millie Brummett of Eads, Tenn.; one sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Randy Harmon of White House, Tenn.; and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with Bro. Ronnie Stevens officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector under the direction of Irby Funeral Service.

Visitation will begin at 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Joan P. Craig

Joan P. Craig , 80, of Memphis , Tenn. , died Friday, March 12, 2004 , at Methodist North Hospital in Memphis , Tenn.

She was a retired bookkeeper for Fitzgerald Furniture. She attended Schoolfield United Methodist Church ; Marmaduke High School in Marmaduke; and Draughns Business College in Memphis , Tenn.

Survivors include her husband, Gene Craig .

The funeral was at 10 a.m. Monday at Munford Funeral Home Millington Chapel in Millington , Tenn.

Burial was in Northridge Woodhaven Cemetery in Millington .

Memorials may be made to the Schoolfield United Methodist Church or the Parkinsons Foundation.

Betty Jean Moody

Betty Jean Moody, 66, of Paragould, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould .

She was born June 23, 1937 , in Brewster , Fla. She was a retired laborer and a member of the Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Sudie Albritton Smith .

Survivors include one son, Roger Dale Moody of Paragould ; one daughter, Shirley Holman of Rockford , Ala. ; two stepsons, Denny Moody of Ft. Meade, Fla., and Buddy Moody of St. Petersburg, Fla.; one sister, Pearl Pivey, of Ft. Meade ; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Heath Colonial Chapel in Paragould with the Rev. William Bobbitt officiating. Burial will be in New Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Visitation will be from 5 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Rhonda Lynn Robinson

Rhonda Lynn Robinson, 38, of Paragould, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at her home.

She was born Dec. 2, 1965 in Pecos, Texas. She was a homemaker and attended the Church of Christ .

Survivors include her husband, Bob Robinson of Paragould; her parents, Cecil Richard Young and Mavanee Young, both of Odessa, Texas; two daughters, Ashley Brooke Robinson and Amber Dawn Robinson, both of Paragould; one brother, Jerry Young of Odessa, Texas; and one sister, Mavie Woods of Odessa, Texas.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Pine Log Cemetery in Brookland with Richard Williams officiating and under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

No visitation is scheduled.

Margaret M. Lowe Wilbourn

Margaret M. Lowe Wilbourn, 99, of Paragould, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at her home.

She was born Nov. 10, 1904 , in Paragould . She was a graduate of Randolph-Macon Women's College in Lynchburg , Va. She was a retired school teacher from the Paragould school system and a member of First United Methodist Church in Paragould .

She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin E. Wilbourn ; and her parents, John Manning and Elizabeth Trice Lowe.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, James and Mildred Wilbourn of Searcy; one daughter and son-in-law, Sara Manning and William McCandlish of Lockport, N.Y.; six grandchildren, Alan Wilbourn, Dan Wilbourn, Merrick Wilbourn, Margaret McCandlish, Vernon McCandlish, and Anne Emenhiser; 13 great-grandchildren, Ryan, Taylor, Allie, Maggie, Caroline, Steven, Courtney, Alex, Jesse Lowe, Will, Clay, Sara and Brooke.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Linwood Cemetery with the Rev. David Moseley officiating.

Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial service to be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Paragould or to a charity of the giver's choice.

Lula Mae Bellomy

Lula Mae Bellomy, 91, of Flint, Mich., died Thursday, March 11, 2004, in Flint .

She was born April 9, 1912 , in Paragould . She was a homemaker and a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church . She loved meeting at the church and quilting with fellow church members when she was younger.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Johnnie Franklin Bellomy ; her parents, Charlie L. and Ollie Lee Bailey Wright ; two daughters, Bonnie Sue Bellomy and Wilma Sutherland ; five brothers; and four sisters.

Survivors include one daughter, Thelma Smith of Flint ; one stepdaughter, Geneva Carmack of St. Charles, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. today at New Liberty Cemetery with the Rev. Ronnie Winn officiating and under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church .

Stanley Glen Brummet

Stanley Glen Brummet, 52, of Rector, died Monday, March 15, 2004 , at St. Vincent 's Hospital in Little Rock .

He was born Feb. 4, 1952 , in Marmaduke. He was a storekeeper for Monroe Auto Equipment Company in Paragould and a Baptist.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Bobby Lyn Brummet .

Survivors include his parents, Leonard and Gerline Brummet of Rector; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Billy and Linda Brummett of Germantown, Tenn., and Sammy and Millie Brummet of Eads; one sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Randy Harmon of White House, Tenn.; and many other relatives and friends.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with Bro. Ronnie Stevens officiating. Burial will be at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Pallbearers are Wallace Massey , Aaron Speer , Kevin Brummett , Ronnie Brown , Don Parrish , and Cliff Manley .

Visitation was at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector.

Leonard Dayle Channell

Leonard Dayle Channell, 49, of Lafe, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at his Paragould business.

He had lived most of his life in Jonesboro before moving to Lafe four years ago. He owned and operated Leonard 's Trading Post in Paragould and was a member of the Stonewall Church on the Rock.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Geneva Showers Channell; and one brother, Danny Channell .

Survivors include his wife, Ann Wells Channell of the home; three daughters, April Dale West of Atkins, Iowa, and Crystal Renae Channell and Sheila Ann Channell, both of the home; two sons, Leonard Dayle Channell, Jr., of Radcliffe, Iowa, and Timothy Allen Channell of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; five sisters, Marie Hamilton of Eldon, Mo., Kathy Coleman of Marmaduke, Deborah Lewis of Rolling Fork, Miss., Sheila Smart of Jonesboro and Marsha Madison of Lafe; four brothers, Vern Showers of Benton, Ill., James Channell of Holland, Mo., Kenneth Channell of Atkins, Iowa, and Gregory Channell of Egypt, Ark.; and two grandchildren.

Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Jonesboro Memorial Park with the Rev. Daniel Simonin officiating and under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Pallbearers are Chris Wright , Jeff WRight , Billy Madison , Dale Humphrey , Wayne Humphrey and Hoyt Smart.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home, 1629 E. Nettleton , Jonesboro .

Ruda G. Crowley

Ruda G. Crowley, 91, of Paragould, died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, at her home.

She was born Dec. 15, 1912 , in Greene County . She was manager of Rosalyn 's Dress Shop for 30 years and a member of First United Methodist Church .

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Thad Crowley ; her parents, Solomon " Oba " and Bessie Stevenson Thomason; four sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Ben T. and Elaine Crowley of Dallas , Texas ; one niece, Margie Randles of Paragould ; and several other nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Shiloh Cemetery in Paragould with the Rev. Marion Gramling officiating and under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are her nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the giver's choice.

Joseph Murven Yates

Joseph Murven Yates, 52, of Marmaduke, died Tuesday, March 16, 2004, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould .

He was born Feb. 17, 1952 , in Cherry Valley . He was a disabled, Vietnam-era veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of Marmaduke First Baptist Church .

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph O. Yates .

Survivors include one son, Mark Joseph Yates; his mother, Mary Lois Gillis Yates of Marmaduke; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary E. and Don Fletcher of Paragould and Karen A. and Tim Hensley of Cartersville, Ga.; two nephews and one niece, Brian Jason Fletcher, Khristie Kelly and Christopher Kelly; and a great-niece, Madison.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Marmaduke with Bro. Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will be at Macedonia Cemetery near Jonesboro under the direction of Irby Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Glen Gillis , Jim Gillis , Dennis Gillis , Michael Gillis , Stephen Gillis , Larry Gillis , Tim Hensley and Bobby Smith .

Visitation will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. today at Irby Funeral Home in Marmaduke.

 
Lawrence Allen Lawson

Lawrence Allen Lawson, 47, died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2004 , while vacationing in Florida .

A native of Michigan , he considered Ravenden his home. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence D. and Emma M. Lawson .

Survivors include his former wife, Melba ; one daughter, Shannon ; one grandson, Tristan; three brothers, Gary Melvin Franklin , Richard Leon Lawson and Morris Ray Lawson ; and one sister, Doris Faye Lawson Woelhor .

He was buried in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach , Fla. was in charge of the arrangements.

Goldie Byes

Goldie Byes, 92, of Corning , died Monday, March 15, 2004 , at Biloxi Regional Hospital in Biloxi , Miss.

She was born July 14, 1911 , in Success. She was a homemaker and worked on the family farm. She attended Moark Highway Tabernacle Church .

She was preceded in death by her husband, O.B. Byes; her parents, Ava Berry and Osborn "O.B." Byes; two sons, Leroy Byes, and Richard Byes; two grandchildren, Tawona Smith and Richard Byes, Jr.; three brothers, Monte Reeves, Jeff Reeves and Johnny Knowlton; and two sisters, Fleda Lester and Lura Dean Lester.

Survivors include one daughter, Doris Walls of Biloxi, Miss; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with the Rev. Billy J. Snow officiating. Burial will be in Hitt Cemetery under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning.

Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

 
Brenda Gail Smith McCollum

Brenda Gail Smith McCollum, 51, of Corning , died Thursday, March 18, 2004 , at her home.

She was born Feb. 7, 1953 , in Piggott, was a homemaker and attended the First General Baptist Church in Corning . She was a fan of Nascar and loved to fish.

She was preceded in death by her father, Berlong Smith .

Survivors include her husband, William McCollum; her parents, Marlin and Louise Rice of Corning; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Billy McCollum of Crystal Lake, Ill. and Michael and Shelly McCollum of Paddock Lake, Wis.; one daughter, Jennifer McCollum of Crystal Lake, Ill.; two sisters, Pat Passmore of Cuthbert, Ga., and Kelly Davis of Corning; one stepbrother, Pete Rice of Rockford, Ill., one grandson; one granddaughter; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with the Rev. Wayne Baldwin officiating. Burial will be in Corning Cemetery under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning.

Pallbearers are Tommy Hancock , Donnie Sharpe , Jim Chandler , Tom Chandler , Sam Chandler , and Larry Melton .

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

 
Jamie L. Pierce

Jamie L. Pierce , 46, of Arbyrd , Mo. , died Friday, March 19, 2004 .

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kennett , Mo. , with the Rev. Scott Neathery officiating and under the direction of McDaniel Funeral Home of Arbyrd.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at McDaniel Chapel in Arbyrd

 
Steven Andrew Chesser

Steven Andrew Chesser , 8, of Monroe , La. , died Saturday, March 20, 2004 , in Monroe , La. He was born Oct. 9, 1995 , in Monroe , La. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Sular Chesser.

Survivors include his parents, Bill and Connie Chesser of Monroe , La. ; his grandparents, Rosie Chesser of Paragould and Ken and Marilyn Walker of St. Louis , Mo. ; and several uncles, aunts and cousins.

Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Chesser Cemetery in Pocahontas .

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Mitchell Funeral Home in Paragould .

Memorials to The American Heart Association or the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home would be appreciated.

 
Raymond Lonzo Irvin

Raymond Lonzo Irvin , 85, died Sunday, March 21, 2004 , at Cedargate Nursing Home in Poplar Bluff , Mo. He was formerly of Paragould . He was born Oct. 19, 1918 , in Craighead County . He was a handyman, a World War II veteran and of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Callie Hill Irvin; two brothers, Oadist and Ottis Guy Irvin ; and one sister, Ruby Irvin.

Survivors include one sister, Lorene McDaniel of Paragould ; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. today at Bowman Cemetery in Craighead county with the Rev. Mike Chadwick officiating.

No visitation has been scheduled.

 
Ruth J. Checketts

Ruth J. Checketts , 84, of Vacaville , Va. died Monday, March 22, 2004 .

She was born May 7, 1919 . She was a longtime resident of Richmond and El Sobrante , Va. , and a native of Paragould .

Survivors include five daughters, Renee Noojoomi of Fairfield , Anita Newkirk of Grass Valley , Patsy Anderson of Martinez , Jeanette Clemons of Vacaville and Ramona Thaetford of Alabama ; one sister, Helen Gatlin of Louisiana ; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. today at Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond , Va.

 
Luther Evans

Luther Evans , 89, of Corning , died Tuesday, March 23, 2004 , at Clay Healthcare in Corning .

He was born March 27, 2004 , in Maynard. He was a retired building contractor and attended the Church of Christ .

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Eli and Almeda (Shepherd) Evans ; four brothers, Plennie Evans , Larry Evans , Loftes Evans , and Lloyd Evans ; and two sisters, Christine Jackson and Jessie Evans .

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Evans of Corning; one son, Dennis Evans of Corning; one brother, Omer Evans of Pocahontas; two sisters, Nellie Fowler of Laport, Ind., and Geneva Bagwell of Germantown, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Kevin Evans of Henderson, Ky., and Kimberly Evans and Shane Evans, both of Corning; two step-grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with G.W. Allison officiating. Burial will be in Corning Cemetery in Corning under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. today at the funeral home.

 
Ruby May Followell

Ruby May Followell, 78, of Paragould , formerly of Cardwell , Mo. , died Tuesday, March 23, 2004 , at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould .

She was born Sept. 25, 1925 , in Cardwell. She was disabled and a member of Cardwell Assembly of God Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Millie May Vanmeter Followell and one sister, Nadine Pickle .

Survivors include three brothers, Virgil Followell of Arbyrd and Delbert Russell and Norman Russell , both of Paragould ; and one sister, Sue Lemons of Hallsville, Texas .

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Heath Colonial Chapel in Paragould with the Rev. Leland Dement officiating. Burial will be in Cardwell Cemetery in Cardwell under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

 
Ja mie Lloyd Pierce

Jamie Lloyd Pierce , 46, of Arbyrd , Mo. , died Friday, March 19, 2004 , at his home. He was born Nov. 23, 1957 , in Cardwell , Mo.

Survivors include his parents, James P. and Jonedia Pierce of Arbyrd, Mo.; two sons, Zachary Pierce and Jacob Pierce, both of Paragould; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Wyman Pierce of Olive Branch, Miss., and Gerald and Cindy Pierce of Arbyrd, Mo.; one sister, Marie Beth Cox of Arbyrd, Mo.; a friend, Laura Scheffler of Piggott; and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside service was at 10 a.m. Monday in Memorial Gardens in Kennett , Mo. with the Rev. Scott Neathery officiating and under the direction of McDaniel Funeral Home of Arbyrd.

Pallbearers were Don Sparks , Paul Richardson , Bobby Wells , Steve Lynn , Adrien Kent , Carl Henderson , and Ben Denton .

 
Ce cil L . Crews

Cecil L. Crews, 88, of Auburn Hills, Mich., died Saturday, March 20, 2004.

He was born June 23, 1915 , in Rector. He was retired from General Motors Truck and Coach, was a member of the U.A.W. Local #594 and was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret Whelan Crews; two sons, John C. ( Freddie ) Crews of Metamora, Mich. , and Cecil E. Crews of Auburn Hills , Mich. ; one daughter, Jean ( Bart ) Ryan of Waterford, Mich.; one brother, Earl Crews ; four grandchildren, Lori , Debbie , Suzanne and Jennifer ; and eight great-grandchildren, Chelsea , Nicole , John , Jordan , Justin , Jacob , Abby and Brianna .

No funeral will be held.

Burial will be at Harvey's Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke under the direction of Riverside Chapel, Simpson-Modetz Funeral Home, Waterford , Mich.

 
Alberta May Lemmons

Alberta May Lemmons, 83, of Ironton, Mo., died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at the Baptist Home in Ironton.

She was born in Greene County and was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Parma, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Lemmons ; three sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include one son, the Rev. John M. Lemmons of Lake City ; one daughter, Patsy Kindelberger of Vincennes , Ind. ; two brothers, Leonard Dodson and Vernon Dodson; and one sister, Evelyn Garner .

The funeral was at 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Baptist Home Chapel in Ironton with the Rev. Gerald Collier officiating and under the direction of White Funeral Home of Ironton.

A graveside committal service followed at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

 
Beatrice Richey

Beatrice Richey , 85, of Lompoc , Calif. , died Monday, March 22, 2004 , at her home.

She was born Feb. 22, 1919 . She was a private housekeeper for homes in the San Pedro , Calif. area.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Richey ; one brother, Clarence Smith ; two step-brothers, Virgil and Eskio Huffine ; and one stepsister, Veneta Huffine .

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Jerry Ann and Thomas Gilbert of Lompoc, Calif.; two sisters, Gladys Perry of Bentonville and Texie Atkinson of Clio, Mich.; one half-brother, A.D. Huffine of Paragould; and two grandsons, David Gilbert of Lompoc, Calif., and Brian Gilbert, stationed with the U.S. Army in Korea.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Greene Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes , Calif.

Local arrangements are in the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to World Vision, P.O. Box 9716, Federal Way , WA 98063-9716 . Designate account # 8345-7416 in memory of Beatrice Richey for Food Aid. Telephone 1-800-777-5777 .

 
Everett M. Smith

Everett M. Smith, 82, of Paragould, died Thursday, March 25, 2004, at his home.

He was born June 30, 1921 , in Neelyville , Mo. He was a gravel truck driver and a member of the Baptist Church .

He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Louise Smith; his parents, John M. and Margaret Smith ; one daughter, Margaret Ellen Smith ; four brothers, Jack Smith , Raymond Smith , Evan Smith and Jim Smith ; and one sister, Joy Wynn .

Survivors include three sons, Richard Dickinson of Farmington, Mo., Ronald G. Smith of Paragould and Billy J. Smith of Jonesboro; three daughters, Betty Starrick of Marion, Ky., and Sharon Mayfield and Gloria Beasley, both of Paragould; two brothers, Alvin Smith and Johnny C. Smith, both of Paragould; 21 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Wayne Faulkner and Lennie Beasley officiating. Burial will be in Finch Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are Brian Smith , Billy Smith , Bruce Smith , Lennie Beasley , Larry Beck and Aaron Smith .

Honorary pallbearers are Danny Starrick , Scott Jones , Steven Brussell and Michael Brussell .

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. toady at the funeral home.

 
Berkley Maddox Yearry

Berkley Maddox Yearry, 85, of Brookland, died Wednesday, March 24, 2004, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro .

He was born Feb. 17, 1919 , in Red Onion. He was retired from Emerson Electric and a member of River of Life Pentecostal Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Yearry and Laura Kendall ; one brother, Loranzo Yearry; one half-brother, Carl Robinett ; one half-sister, Grace Burgess ; and one great-grandson, Alan Davis .

Survivors include his wife, Minnie Yearry of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Leo and Betty Yearry of Paragould and Allan and Judy Yearry of Benton; two daughters, Shirley Padilla of Brookland and Ruby Pillow of Heth; one half-brother, James Kendall of Hope; nine grandchildren, Ronald Davis, Dempsey Yearry, Jeanina Smith, Judith Tripp, Kim Parks, Karla Adams, Kelley Taylor, Brent Yearry and John Yearry; and 15 great-grandchildren, Allison Yearry, Collin Yearry, Camille Yearry, Emily Smith, Katie Smith, Claire Smith, Jenna Tripp, Daniel Tripp, Brady Adams, Kris Adams, Nikolas Parks, Lacye Parks, Weston Parks Colten Parks and Lex Taylor.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Floyd Ryles officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are Rick McCord , Eric McCord , Bryan Ryles , Olen Ervin , Cris Irvin and Gerald Brewer .

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

 
Ara Sara Sparks

Ara Sara Sparks, 92, of Rector, died Thursday, March 25, 2004 , at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould .

She was born Feb. 15, 1912 , in Hugo , Okla. She was a housewife, mother and a member of the First General Baptist Church in Rector.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Elmer Sparks ; her parents, John William and Willie Ann Robinson ; two brothers, Elmer Robinson and Esker Robinson; and one sister, Bessie Butler.

Survivors include two sons, William " Al " Sparks of Rector and Raymond Eugene Sparks of Riverbank, Calif. ; one daughter, Leveta Jewell Wells of Huntington , W. Va. ; 21 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Mitchell Funeral Home of Rector with Ken Burns officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Bakersfield , Calif. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

 
Dephane Joyce Bullington

Dephane Joyce Bullington , 75, of Corning , died Friday, March 26, 2004 , at her home.

She was born Feb. 25, 1929 , in Delaplaine. She was a homemaker, a gardener and a member of Corning Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry Augusta and Mazie Mae Davis Fairchild; and one brother, Harry Fairchild , Jr.

Survivors include her husband, Ernest Bullington of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Mike Duncan and Lois and Stanley Wright, all of Corning, and Lucy and Renny Hancock of Knobel; three brothers, Ulys Fairchild of Knobel, Thomas Leon Fairchild of Paragould and Albert Walter "A.W." Fairchild of Batesville; six sisters, Wanda Lee Pate of Cache, Nona Fae Penny and Rosetta Howard Cannon, both of Paragould, Josie Mae Vines of Little Rock, Patricia Ann Arnold of Bowling Green, Ky., and Shirley Kay Sparling of Neoga, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Carrie Glover, Amy Duncan, Holly Duncan, Matthew Wright, Jesse Wright, Stacey Hewlett and Zachary Hewlett; and five great-grandchildren, Heather Rouse, Mackenzie Garver, Whitney Garver, Hannah Wilson and Clayton Kemp.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Corning Church of Christ with Joe Arnold and Barry Joiner officiating. Burial will be in Corning Cemetery under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Paragould Childrens Home or Bond Cemetery Association.

 
Gail Breckenridge Messer

Gail Breckenridge Messer, 65, of Oak Grove Heights, died Friday March 26, 2004, at her residence.

She was born Dec. 14, 1938 , in Beech Grove. She was a matron for the Greene County Sheriff's Office and a member of Oak Grove Heights Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lonis and Alice Breckenridge ; her stepmother, Wanda Breckenridge ; one brother, Lael Breckenridge ; one sister, Carol Dowell ; one grandson, Michael Messer ; and two stepbrothers, Eddie Rice and Max Rice .

Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Kay Messer, Timothy and Donna Messer and John and Dena Messer, all of Oak Grove Heights; one daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jerry Thacker of Oak Grove Heights; one brother, Dennis Breckenridge of Beech Grove; one stepbrother, Tom Rice of North Little Rock; two sisters, Vonda Bennet of Paragould and Melba Moore of Harrison; two stepsisters, Shirley Davenport of Paragould and Glenda Lewis of Michigan; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with the Rev. Ed Humphrey officiating.

Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are members of the Greene County Sheriff's Office.

Honorary pallbearers are city employees of Oak Grove Heights .

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

 
Annetta Sisk

Annetta Sisk, 58, of Paragould, died Friday, March 26, 2004, at her home.

She was born April 24, 1945 , in Greene County . She was a homemaker and a member of Browns Chapel Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her parents, Deloy and Willie Hill ; and one brother, Bud Hill .

Survivors include her husband, Don Sisk of the home; one daughter, Amber Huckabee of Paragould; two brothers, Bill Hill and David Hill, both of Paragould; two sisters, Madie Arant, of Oak Ridge, La., and Patricia Nailling of Sikeston, Mo.; and one son, Trace Huckabee.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Royce Boling officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Paragould under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are Max Hale , Rey Johnson , Ivie Hill, Jeff Tanner , Tony Hill and David Hill .

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

 
Jesse Lee Younger

Jesse Lee Younger, 38, of Paragould, died Friday, March 26, 2004, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould .

He was born Feb. 11, 1966 , in Batesville. He was a retired prison guard, a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of River of Life Pentecostal Church.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Younger .

Survivors include his wife, Carol Younger of Paragould; three sons, Robert Jarrell, Ryan Lee Younger and Josh Owens, all of Paragould; three daughters, Misty Owens, Amanda Owens and Carrie Owens, all of Paragould; two brothers, James Robert Younger of Paragould and Jerry Lee Younger of Mountain View; two sisters, Debra Claygon of Oak Grove Heights and Jane Conley of Pocahontas; and six grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Heath Colonial Chapel in Paragould with the Rev. Truman Wycoff officiating.

Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould under the direction of Heath Funeral Home of Paragould.

Pallbearers are Kenny Wycoff , Nathan West , Harry Conrey , Rodney Evans , J.R. Conrey, Kelsey Vallance , Roy Miller and Tim Rowland .

Honorary pallbearers are his sons.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetic Association, 212, Natural Resources Drive , Little Rock , AR , 72205 or the American Cancer Society, 1204 Robinwood Drive , Paragould , AR , 72450 .

Mary Maglene Banks

Mary Maglene Banks , 76, of Rector, died March 28, 2004 , at Rector Health Care in Rector. She was born Dec. 20, 1927 , in Friendship, Mo. She was a homemaker and affiliated with the Pentecostal church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Alfred and Rosie Lemmons ; her husband J.E. Dude Banks; two sons, James and Larry Banks ; one grandson, Jeremy Banks ; one granddaughter, Megan Russom ; two great-granddaughters, Taylor and Aubrey Burdin ; one step-grandson, Leslie Wyatt ; and one daughter-in-law, Kathy Banks .

She is survived by six sons, James "Cowboy" Banks of Rector; Dennis "Sonny" Banks of Rector, Michael "Doc" Banks of Nimmons, Jimmy "Bones" Banks of Leachville, Manuel "Hoss" Banks of Paragould and Carroll "Guiea" Banks of Paragould; six daughters, Diane Burdin or Rector, Pat "Trix" Clayton of Rector, Reba Beck of Nimmons, Martha Stevens of Paragould, Euelyn Clark of Paragould and Georgia Rios of Rector; two brothers, Charles Lemmons and Tommy Lemmons of Illinois; three sisters, Christine Weaver and Dora Presley, both of Illinois, and Bonnie Lemmons of Louisiana; 29 grandchildren, 19 step-grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 50 step-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with the Rev. Bobby Carter officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

 
James Beecher

James Beecher , 69, of Paragould , died March 29, 2004 , at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center . He was born Jan. 26, 1935 , in Fisher. He was a retired farmer. He was of the Pentecostal faith.

He is survived by two daughters, Regina Anderson and Angela Stacy, both of Paragould; two brothers, Jake Beecher of McDougal and Boyd Beecher of Corning; one half-brother, Charles Maulding of Delaplaine; two half-sisters, Martha Warbritton of Corning and Mary Jane Carpenter of Florida; three grandchildren, Benjamin Bradberry and his wife Kelly, Jamie Bradberry and Amber Stacy, and two great-grandchildren, Ashley Bradberry and Zane Householder.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with Bro. Chris Dixon officiating. Burial will follow in Post Oak Cemetery in McDougal.

Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

 
Thelma Gertrude Layer

Thelma Gertrude Layer , 89, of Corning , died March 28, 2004 , at Corning Health Care. She was born Sept. 11, 1914 , in Leonard . She was a homemaker and had lived in Corning all of her life. She was affiliated with Salem Missionary Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Layer; her parents, Richard and Lela Glass Owens; and one grandchild.

She is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Rex and Linda Layer of Oaktown, Ind., and Roy and Sondra Layer of Jackson, Mo.; two brothers, Junior Owens and Sterling Owens; two sisters, Duma Owens and Anna Mae Owens; five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Irby Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jimmy Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Irby Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Alvin Foster , Albert Foster , Delmar Foster , Andrew Davis , John Layer and Stan Layer .

 
Luda Layne

Luda Layne, 90, of Doniphan , Mo. , died March 27, 2004 , at Current River Nursing Home in Doniphan. She was born May 24, 1913 , in Van Buren County. She was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Emery and Della Bradley ; her husband, Clyde Leo Layne; and a son-in-law, William Edward Wooldridge .

She is survived by one daughter, Alma Alene Wooldridge of Doniphan; and two sisters-in-law, Ruby Bradley of Rector and Flora Bradley of Blue Cane.

Graveside funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with the Rev. Futrell Butler officiating. Mitchell Funeral Home of Rector is in charge of arrangements.

 
Allie Eugene Parrish

Allie Eugene Parrish, 64, of Rector, died March 27, 2004, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center . He was born May 11, 1939 , in Greene County . He was a farmer and had lived in Rector all of his life. He was a charter member of White Oak General Baptist Church .

He was preceded in death by her parents, Ovel and Annie Clayton Parrish .

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Sue Caveness "Dot" Parrish of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Allie Dale and Vanessa Parrish of Rector; one daughter and son-in-law, Teresa and Keith De Fries of Marmaduke; four brothers, Buddy Parrish of Rector, Don Parrish of Rector, Earl Parrish of Marmaduke and Jimmy Parrish of Lafe; one sister, Louise Vivrette of Paducah, Ky.; six grandchildren, Misty, Allie Michelle, Addie Dayle, Ashley, Derek and Shana; one great granddaughter, Emma Alivia; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today at White Oak General Baptist Church with Bro. James Henry Dortch and Bro. Sam Book officiating. Burial will follow in Harvey's Chapel at Marmaduke.

Active pallbearers are Neil Stallings , Bob Ransom , Chad Agee, Steve Simmons , Ronnie Jones and Eddie Williams . Honorary pallbearers are Weldin Wimberley, Lynn Wimberley , Anthony Dowdy , Aaron Harmon , Hoss Scott and Burrell Rogers .

 
Walter Jake "W.J." Short

Walter Jake "W.J." Short, 78, of Little Rock, died Saturday, March 27, 2004, in Little Rock .

He was born March 23, 1926 , in Walcott. He worked for 28 years in the radio communications department for the Arkansas State Police. He was a member of the U.S. Navy, Seaman First Class, Gunner's Mate, serving in World War II. He was a lifelong member of Geyer Springs Baptist Church in Little Rock . For a short time, he made his home in El Dorado from 1998 until 2002, during which time he was a member of Westside Baptist Church .

He was preceded in death by his wife, Billye June Short; his parents, Jake Gibson Short and Sadie Dena Knight Short ; one grandson, Paul Winfred Diggs ; five brothers and two sisters.

He is survived by one son, Walter Michael Short , M.D. , and wife Sharon of Walcott; one daughter, Connie Diggs of Little Rock ; one sister, Mary Ada Adams of Walcott; two grandsons, Doug Diggs and wife Jennifer and Jacob Short ; one granddaughter, Elizabeth Short ; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Dr. Glen Putnam officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery in Walcott. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at Mitchell Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Music Ministry in Little Rock .

To sign an online guest book, visit www.griffinleggett.com.

 
Eula "Sue" M. Starr

Eula "Sue" M. Starr, 72, of Little Rock , died Sunday, March 28, 2004 . She was born Jan. 1, 1932 , in Gatlinburg , Tenn.

She was a homemaker, worked at Timex Corporation and was a Protestant.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Louise Headrick .

She is survived by her husband, Harold Starr; three sons, Donald English, Harold Kent Start and Dwight Neal; four daughters, Brenda English, Frances English, Della Ann Price, all of Little Rock, and Betty English of Russellville; a brother, Kenneth Headrick of Arizona; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth Chapel in Little Rock . Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park . Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

To sign an online guest book, visit www.griffinleggett.com

 
  Bettie Jane Dudley

Bettie Jane Dudley , 71, of Piggott, died Monday, March 29, 2004 , at her residence. She was born June 21, 1932 , in Leonard . She was a bookkeeper at Piggott Mortuary and Irby Funeral Home. She was a member of Piggott First Baptist Church , the church choir and KCKC Choir.

She was preceded in death by her father, Onnie Cooper of Rector; and one grandchild, Sarah Washburn .

Survivors include one son, Michael Dudley of Rector; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Rebecca Dudley of Piggott, Letitia and David Washburn on Conway and Robin and Jim O'Dell of Pollard; her mother, Mary (Hill) Cooper of Rector; one brother, Jerry Cooper of Jonesboro; one sister, Euvila Floyd of Sumner, Wash.; seven grandchildren, Dana and Wes Harmon, Micha Dudley, Karissa Dudley, Colton Dudley, Heather O'Dell, Holly O'Dell and Sheri Washburn.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Piggott First Baptist Church with Bro. Loy Culver and Bro. Kevin Murray officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Active pallbearers are Keith Hill , Barry Hill , Rick Cooper , Jeff Brewer , Bert Lewis and Harry Niewald , Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are Harry Niewald , Sr. , Bo Brandon and Wes Harmon .

Visitation is at 5:30 p.m. today in the Irby Funeral Home of Piggott.

   
Thomas Spear

Thomas Spear , 71, of Knobel, died Tuesday, March 30, 2004 , at the V.A. Medical Center in Poplar Bluff , Mo.

He was born Jan. 25, 1933 , in Pitt County , N.C. and was retired from the U.S. Army. He was a lifetime member and senior vice commander of VFW Post 2242, a life member of Law Enforcement in America and a life member of the National Rifle Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Mary Parker Spear.

Survivors include his wife, Gracie Spear of Knobel; four stepsons and three stepdaughters-in-law, Don and Debbie Lowe of Dyersburg, Tenn., and Bill and Debra Lowe, Jim Lowe and Terry and Phyllis Lowe, all of Kennett, Mo.; two stepdaughters and stepsons-in-law, Alice and Fred Adams of Sparks, Nev., and Donna and J.T. Williams of Bakersfield, Calif.; two brothers, James Spear and Johnny Spear, both of Aiken, S.C.; 18 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with Bro. Gene Carpenter officiating.

Burial will be in Hosea Cemetery in Knobel under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning.

Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Knobel.

 
Ollie M. Wheeless

Ollie M. Wheeless , 85, of Pocahontas , died Tuesday, March 30, 2004 , at her home.

She was born Oct. 15, 1918 , in Pangburn. She was a homemaker and a member of the Elnora Freewill Baptist Church .

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dalton Wheeless; her parents, Thomas and Eva Penn Landis; one son, Jimmy Wheeless ; one daughter, Louise Wheeless ; five sisters; and one brother.

Survivors include four sons and two daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Tonda Wheeless and Wendell Wheeless, all of Pocahontas, Rickey Wheeless, and Autie Jarboe of Walnut Ridge; and Gene and Charlotte Wheeless of Powhatan; one daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Tom Towell of Pocahontas; 18 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Chapel of Cox-Waymon Funeral Home in Pocahontas with Herbert Knight officiating. Burial will be in Randolph Memorial Gardens in Pocahontas .

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at Cox-Waymon Funeral Home in Pocahontas .