Obituaries

Stephen Lester Beaver, 66, of Piggott, Ark., passed away Sept. 23, 2021, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born on Aug. 30, 1955, in the hills outside of Rector, Ark., and was the son of the late Lester and Mildred (Bell) Beaver...

Thomas Edward Ciminelli Sr., 68, and his loving wife Darlene Gilbee Ciminelli, 65, both of Marmaduke, passed from the cares of this life together on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 at their residence. Thomas was born on June 3, 1953 to the late Carl Giminelli and Alberta Hazelshwert Laski in Brighton, Mich. Darlene was born on July 10, 1956 in Chelsea, Mich., to the late Melbourn and Beatrice Bradshaw Gilbee...

Bobbie Joe Russell, 85, of Piggott, Ark., formerly of Saint Francis, Ark., passed away Sept. 19, 2021, with her daughter by her side at her daughter's house in Crockett, Ark. She was born on June 18, 1936, in Tupelo, Miss., and was the daughter of the late William McKinley and Mary Etta (Ramsey) Blagg...

Rosa Lee “Rose” Parrish, 61, of Marmaduke, passed away on Sept. 18, 2021 at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born on March 3, 1960 to Charles Ovid and Betty Compton. Rose was united in marriage to Ronald Parrish on July 1, 1977. They spent 44 years in love...

Paul Brantley Tanner, 79, of Piggott, Ark., passed away Sept. 16, 2021, at his home in Piggott. He was born on January 16, 1942, in Austin, Arkansas, and was the son of the late George and Eva (Hampton) Tanner. Paul was united in marriage to Linda Darlene Winchester on Feb. 14, 1999...

Martha Jane (Glasgow) Holifield died on September 15, 2021 at the Green House Cottages of Belle Meade, in Paragould, Ark. Jane was born October 31, 1923, to Jesse and Esther (Dallas) Glasgow in Rector. A lifelong resident of Rector and always active in community affairs. ...

Brenda Sue Mills Lankford, 79, of Paragould, passed from the cares of this life to forever be with Jesus on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, at the Green House Cottages of Belle Meade in Paragould. She was born on Sept. 21, 1941, in Rector to the late Chalmer and Aleen Rhynes Mills. Brenda was a nurse for many years and was of the Baptist faith...

Elizabeth Irene Dooley, 83 of Rector, passed away on Sept. 10, 2021, at the Rector Nursing and Rehab.  Irene spent many happy times caring for her grandchildren and her grandkids by heart that she had the pleasure of keeping also.  Irene was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Edith (Lamb) Thompson, her husband: Louis Dooley, whom she married on Sept. 13, 1952 and her brother: Delbert Thompson...

Jerry Dewayne Brown, 79, of Campbell, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO. Jerry, son of Jim (JJ) and Freda Leota Pleasant Brown, was born on Thursday, Jan. 1, 1942, in Campbell. He retired from Emerson Electric and was a farmer.  He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force.                ...

Lavada Partlow, 94, of Paragould, Ark., passed from this walk of life on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. Lavada was born May 28, 1927, to the late Carl and Rosa Ellen (Neal) Davis in Piggott, Ark. Lavada worked as a waitress until her retirement and attended Brown’s Chapel Baptist Church. She loved getting her hair and nails done and was always good at shopping...

Christene Belle Mayberry Pollard, 87, of Piggott, Ark., passed away on Sept. 7, 2021 at Piggott Community Hospital. She was born on March 16, 1934 in Piggott, AR. The daughter of the late Willie Mayberry and the late Effie Mae Gribble Mayberry. She was united in marriage to Lee Hulen Pollard on June 30, 1951. To this union two daughters were born...

Aubrey E. “John” Mansker, Jr., 81, of Corning, Ark., passed away September 5, 2021 at home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Mansker was born February 22, 1940 in Pocahontas. He was an ag pilot and farmer. He enjoyed working, hunting, fishing, woodworking, entertaining friends and spending time with his family. He was of the Christian faith...

Russell Edward White came into this world on January 28, 1957 in Rector, Ark., with a twinkle in his eye to Glen and Frances (Tracy ) White. He passed away on September 2, 2021 at the age of 64 in the White River Medical Center. Russell had a great love of the outdoors and would spend hours exploring in the woods as a young boy. ...

Henry Ty Nelson, 49, of Piggott, Ark., passed away August 22, 2021, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born on June 21, 1972, in Jonesboro, and was the son of Henry and Joyce (Sager) Nelson. Henry was united in marriage to Kim Cates on November 30, 2009...

Linda Jo Moore, 66, of Rector, passed from this world on Sept. 1, 2021. Linda was born to the late Elvis and Dorothy (Morris) Cornelison in Paragould, Ark., on September 2, 1954. She worked as secretary and bookkeeper with her dad and brother at Elvis’ Phillips 66 Station for many years. ...

Anthony Rowton, 75, of Rector, passed away on Aug. 24, 2021. He was born to the late John and Louise Layer Rowton on February 7, 1946. He was raised southeast of Rector in the Leonard community. Anthony graduated from Rector High in 1963 and Arkansas State University in 1967. ...

Linda A. Schmidt, 75, of Piggott, Ark., passed away August 27, 2021, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould, Ark. She was born on December 26, 1945, in McDougal, Ark., and was the daughter of the late Silas and Claudean (Herring) Bolen. Linda was united in marriage to Johnie Wade Schmidt on September 25, 1964...

Robert Montgomery, 74, of Brookland, Ark., passed away August 24, 2021, at Jonesboro, Ark. He was born on May 22, 1947, in Walnut Ridge, Ark., and was the son of the late Dorles "D.J." Jefferson Montgomery and Margaret Louise (Wilson) Montgomery. He was proceeded in death by his parents Dorles "D.J." Jefferson and Margaret Louise Montgomery; his son, Robert Earl "Bobby" Montgomery, Jr. in 2009...

Crystal Nix, 35, of Paragould, Ark., passed away August 27, 2021, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro, Ark. She was born on May 15, 1986, in Poplar Bluff, MO., and was the daughter of Gene Johnson and Tonya (Eads) Stewart. Crystal was united in marriage to Joshua Nix on October 24, 2020...

Dr. Jimmy D. Akers passed away on August 23, 2021 at his home. He was born in Nimmons, Ark., on November 20, 1936, to the late Donald and Louise Akers. He attended the University of Arkansas, and Mississippi State University where he received his masters and doctorate in electrical engineering. ...

Sula J. McCord, 64, of Piggott, Ark., passed away August 22, 2021, at her home in Piggott surrounded by her family. She was born on August 16, 1957, in Saint Louis, MO., and was the daughter of the late John and Lola (Kimble) McCord. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Lola McCord; brother, Lanny McCord; two sisters, Donna McCord and Dianna Rowton ...

Barbara Ruth Martin, 83, of Rector, passed from this world to be with her Lord and Savior on August 20, 2021, at the NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. Barb was always a caring, loving wife and mother who loved to cook and spend time with her family and friends. She was a dedicated charter member of the Rector First General Baptist Church and served faithfully until her health began to decline. She always enjoyed working in her flower beds and raising a garden to share with family and friends...

Randy Stephen Besserman, 61, of Piggott, Ark., passed away August 21, 2021, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born on January 15, 1960, in Saint Louis, MO., and was the son of the late Steve and Mildred "Mickey" (Dees) Besserman...

Philip Dale Brewer, 72, of Cumming, GA., died Sunday, August 22, at Northside Forsyth Hospital in Cumming. He was preceded in death by his parents Leon and Orpha and brother Eddie Brewer. Survivors are his wife, best friend, and constant companion Connie of Cumming; his son, Philip Keith Brewer (Ronda) and two grandsons, A.J. and Jason Brewer of Pendergrass, GA...

Donald R. Pruett, 86, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away suddenly on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 surrounded by his three nieces. He was born July, 21, 1935 in Rector, Ark., to the late Martin Pruett and Ruby Mack. Don had a love of family and all sports. He attended the Methodist Church most of his life...

John Barry Kilbreth, 79, of Piggott, Ark., passed away August 16, 2021, at his home with his boots on. He was born on December 15, 1941, in Piggott, and was the son of Carroll and Lottie (Vaughn) Kilbreth. John was united in marriage to Patricia (Mann) Kilbreth on December 22, 1968, and to this union two daughters were born...

Myrtle Janelle (Sigsby) Viertel, 93, of Boonville, MO., passed away August 9, 2021, at Katy Manor in Pilot Grove, MO. Myrtle Janelle Viertel was born November 13, 1927 in Rector, Arkansas, to Louis B. Sigsby and Vesta (Tidwell) Sigsby. Janelle came from a musical family and discovered her love for teaching while in high school, giving lessons in piano and voice. ...

Henry Fridenberg, age 81, of Skiatook went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at his residence. Henry was born July 10, 1940 in Poplar Bluff, MO., to Upshaw Lee and Ida Lee (Stevenson) Fridenberg. He grew up and received his education in Piggott, Ark. On September 5, 1964, Henry married Judith Ann Crossno in Piggott...

Doris Evelyn Day, 89, of Knobel, passed away August 4, 2021 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro. Mrs. Day was born September 11, 1931 in Elm Store, MO. She retired from Corning School District. She enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening, especially flowers and roses. She loved attending church, spending time with her grandchildren and shopping with her daughters. She was a member of Knobel Church of Christ...

Ona Sue Cole, daughter of the late Delmar and Myrtle Edwards, was born March 30, 1940, and departed this life on August 3, 2021. She had attained the age of 81. Ona Sue was born and raised in Piggott, Ark., and was united in marriage to Jack R. Cole on July 5, 1959...

Raymond Lee “Junior” Cavaness, 85 of Rector, passed from this life to forever be in the presence of Jesus on Friday July 30, 2021 at his residence. He was born on July 21, 1936 in Missouri to the late Raymond and Pearl Davidson Cavaness. He retired from Emerson Electric of Kennett after 25 years of dedicated service and was a faithful member of the Rector First General Baptist Church...