Alla Jean Priest, 91, of Marmaduke, Ark., passed away at home with her family on January 21, 2023. Alla Jean was born October 2, 1931, in Cave City to the late Bonnie and Roena Lewallen. She married the love of her life, Donald on April 11, 1948. They were married 66 ½ years. She became a member of Lafe Baptist Church in 1974. She worked for Emerson Electric for over 28 years. Alla Jean was a devoted wife, dedicated mother and a proud grandmother and greatgrandmother.

She loved to cook, sharing generously with neighbors, friends and anyone in need. If you ever did something for her, you would promptly be repaid with a pot of dumplings or homemade pie. When she wasn’t in the kitchen, you could find her tending her flowers, working in her garden or sewing beautiful quilts. However, spending time with her family is what she treasured most.

Alla Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Donald and a brother, Charles Lewallen.

She is survived by her son, Gary (Ida) Priest, two grandchildren, Jeff (Meagan) Priest and Shelly (Josh) Risinger. Six great-grandchildren: Scout Priest, Makenzie Hampton, Bryson Hampton, Drake, Will, and Rossy Risinger. One brother: Bobby Lewallen, and four sisters: Carolyn Vanhorn, Olean Martin, Brenda Vincent, and Peggy Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. (today) on Wednesday January 25, 2023 at 12:00 at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Paragould with Bro. David Poe and Ron Pickney officiating. Interment will follow at Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Bobby D. Lewallen, David Vanhorn, Mike Graves, Keith Graves, Shannon Dicus, Marty Dicus. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Gibson and Mike Morgan.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery Fund or to Lafe Baptist Church.