Francis Lorene Binkley

Francis Lorene Binkley, the daughter of the late Robert Albert and Lula Duty Johnson, was born April 10, 1922, and left to be with her Heavenly Father in her daughters home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, after a long term illness at the age of 86, November 8, 2008, at 10:50 p.m.

An active member of the St. Francis Baptist Church, she was well known for her handmade quilts, which over the years 100's were scattered across 22 states. She enjoyed reading, growing beautiful flowers, gardening, and canning. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

At the age of 46 graduated LPN school. She worked a number of years at Lucy Lee Hospital, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and retired from Piggott Hospital.

She was united in marriage to Joseph Osborn (J.O.) Binkley December 22, 1939. Three children were born of this union.

Her husband preceded her in death November 15, 1983, and one daughter Janetta Carline Binkley Cossey May 7, 2005, in Georgetown, South Carolina.

Survivors include one son, Darrell Binkley of Piggott, Arkansas; one daughter Direnda Binkley Hines of Chattanooga, Tennessee; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three brothers, Raymond Johnson of Blytheville, Arkansas, Henry Johnson and wife Bernice of Piggott, Arkansas, and Doyne Johnson and wife Addie of Branson, Missouri; one sister, Marie Johnson Carter of Cleveland, Texas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She wants everyone to know you are never too old to admit you went through life without really knowing the Lord as your personal Savior. She made that profession of faith August 29, 2008, at 4:50 a.m. at the age of 86. She followed the Lord in Baptism September 20, in her daughter's spa with family and friends to cheer. She rose from the water saying "I am complete now and whole" and started singing Amazing Grace. Her time as a Child of the King was short here on earth, yet so fulfilling and precious. What a blessed witness's testimony at her age! She was so grateful and content and told everyone who came to visit her. Her reward is an everlasting vacation with Jesus Christ our Lord. In times like these, you need a Savior. Mom, you will be missed.

Services were conducted Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Hoggard & Son Chapel with Rev. O.H. Brooks officiating with Rev. Don Houston reading the obituary. Burial was in the Piggott Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jim Duty, Woody Franklin, Mitchell Layne, Greg Marlar, Darrell McGuillis, and Larry Boyer with Porter Stevens and David Moody serving as Honorary Pallbearers. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, was in charge of arrangements.