Mary Lucille Bearden

Mary Lucille Bearden, 72, of Rector died Wednesday, July 9, 2003, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

She was born Jan. 4, 1931, in Clay County, the daughter of the late Rev. Burl Howell and Fannie Denning Howell.

She was retired from Rector Sportswear, was a lifelong member of the community, and attended Rector First General Baptist Church.

She married Enos Bearden on Nov. 29, 1947. He preceded her in death on Feb. 27, 1998.

She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Delbert Doyne Howell and William Howell.

She is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Beverly Bearden of Clay County, Rickey and Theresa Bearden, Terry and Patricia Bearden, and Robbie and Debbie Bearden, all of Rector; three daughters and sons-in-law, Glenda and Larry Pruett of Rector, Margaret and Nick Costner of Paragould and Marsha and Randy Duty of Greenway; one brother, Lloyd Howell of Paragould; one sister, Imogene Wells of Rector; 26 grandchildren; and 18 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, July 11, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with Bro. Elvis Brandon and Bro. Kenny Burns officiating.

Burial was in Salem Cemetery in Boydsville with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were grandsons, Timmy Bearden, Michael Bearden, Steve Bearden, Randy Bearden, Brad Bearden, and Kyle Pruett.

Honorary pallbearers were Jason Keas, Jarrod Keas, Brian Price, Todd Adams, Steve A. Bearden, Eric Brown and Sam Costner.

The family requests that memorials be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or charities for the blind.