Obituaries

Marvin Adell Foster of Rector peacefully took his last breath on earth and his first in heaven on Saturday evening June 5, 2021. He told his family he couldn’t wait to get to heaven, he had a couple of questions he wanted to ask Jesus face to face. He was born March 19, 1925 in Blue Cane, Arkansas to the late Marvin and Ruth Foster. ...

Lois Jean Mason, 73 of Stanley, North Carolina and formerly of Lepanto, Ark., passed away on June 5, 2021 at Lincolnton, North Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Odie Edgar and Ella Juanita (Rose) Vowell. Lois loved gardening, having flowers all over her yard, reading her Bible and always had her dog “Little Bear” by her side...

Carol Anne Stone, 75, of Rector, passed from this world on June 5, 2021 at the St. Bernard’s Hospital. Carol was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Rector. She spent her life raising her 4 children and then enjoying all of her grandchildren, serving as a pastor’s wife and always being willing to help out as needed...

Benny “Ben” Michael Hollis, the second son of Benjamin “Ben” F. Hollis and Mary R. Lewis Hollis, was born December 11, 1945 at Piggott, AR. After living a dedicated life of service for others, he departed this life Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Little Rock, AR at the age of 75 years...

On Thursday, June 3, 2021, Ruth Lawrence went to be with her Lord at the age of 82. She was born to the late Arthur and Marie Jeffries in Bonifay, Fla., on May 21, 1939. She graduated from Crestview High School in Florida in 1956. On Easter Sunday, April 17, 1960, she married her true love, Laymon Lawrence, in a ceremony in Crestview. They made their home in Arkansas for the remainder of her life...

Gabriel Franklin Templeman, 17, of Piggott, Ark., passed away May 20, 2021. He was born on December 6, 2003, in Poplar Bluff, MO., and was the son of Gerrad Templeman and Bambi Boslaugh Templeman. He was preceded in death by his sister, Laura Renee Jane Templeman and grandfather, Kirk Douglas Templeman...

Mary Fay Book was born on January 20, 1933, to Henry William and Ida Francis (Parks) Mulherin in Carryville, Ark. On June 1, 2021, at the age of 88 years, 4 months, and 12 days she entered into her eternal rest. On March 11, 1950, she married the love of her life, Henry Doilous Book. They moved to Flint, Mich., where God blessed her with five children...

Peggy Ann Bunton, 71, of Piggott, Ark., passed away May 31, 2021, at Piggott General Baptist Nursing Home in Piggott. She was born on June 12, 1949, in Beaufort, South Carolina, and was the daughter of Hal and Elise (Harter) Bunton. Peggy was united in marriage to Al Mumford in 1986, and he preceded her in death in 2006...

Gerald Adrian Brady, age 95, of Heber Springs, Ark., passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Baptist Health in Heber Springs. He was born February 21, 1926 in Pollard, Arkansas, the son of the late John Austin and Nancy Belle Latta Brady. December 6, 1947 he was united in marriage to Louise Runyon. To this union four children were born. He was a World War ll Army Veteran and a member of Sugar Loaf Baptist Church in Heber Springs and attended faithfully until his health failed...

Elberta Hill Forrest, 98 of McGehee, AR, peacefully passed away and went to be with her Lord on May 28, 2021. She was born on December 19, 1922 in the hill country near Rector, AR to the late Roy and Hattie Hill. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Howard Forrest. ...

On May 25th, 2021, a light was extinguished here on earth with the passing of Rector’s “Miss Bonnie” Manning at the age of 78. A gentle spirit and amazingly talented lady who spent her life in the teaching profession. Dedicating 51 years of teaching to Rector Elementary School, she made a huge impression on every student who stepped into her classroom. Miss Bonnie was also held in high regard by her colleagues...

Kathy Kay Coffel, 68 of Rector, passed away on May 26, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Willey and Myra (Meddress)Nicely. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter, Vickie Coffel and her brothers, Danny Nicely and Wally Wilbert Nicely...

David Neil Simpson, 56, of Spring Branch, Texas went to be with the Lord May 16, 2021.  He was born July 28, 1964 in Kennett, MO. to Velius & Shirley (Livesay) Simpson.  David worked at Johnson Controls Inc. in many locations & positions for over 30 years. ...

Joey Causey, 58, of McDougal, Ark., passed away May 21, 2021, at his home in McDougal. He was born on September 20, 1962, in Piggott, Ark., and was the son of Ira Causey and Shirley (Dunlap) Berry. Joey served in the United States Army for six years, and was stationed in Germany during his service.  He worked in construction for most of his life.  He loved fishing and hunting.  Joey also enjoyed music, during his earlier years he played the drums but later loved playing the guitar...

Dana Payne, 86, of Mayfield, Kentucky, passed away May 20, 2021, surrounded by her family in Mayfield. She was born on February 20, 1935, in Piggott, Ark., and was the daughter of Luther T. and Jesse Mandy (Pratt) Cox. Dana was united in marriage to Charles Laud Payne on June 5, 1954...

Martha Deniston Crowe Pruett, 85 of Lonoke, Ark., passed away on Tuesday May 18, 2021, in Little Rock, Ark., surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 22, 1936 in Detroit, Mich., to the late Verney Warren and Frieda Louise Deniston. Martha had a love of music and dance, and was a celebrated artist. ...

Patricia Presson, 88 of Rector, passed from the cares of this life to forever be with Jesus on Monday May 17, 2021 at her residence. She was born on July 25, 1932 in Jonesboro to the late Otis Edwin and Fanny Jo (Speck) Reed. She was a homemaker and attended Rector First General Baptist Church until her health declined. In her spare time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan and loved to go fiddler fishing with Wayne...

Randy Don Benson, 72, of Holcomb, MO., passed away May 9, 2021, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff. He was born on May 27, 1948, in Jonesboro, Ark., and was the son of the late Enos and Minnie Lea (Jennings) Benson. Randy had a brother who had Cerebral Palsy that passed at a young age. Randy loved his brother very much. He was very protective of him...

Richard Pounds, 71, of Piggott, Ark., passed away May 13, 2021, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born on April 19, 1950, in Piggott, and was the son of R.C. and Fayeon (Hill) Pounds. He was preceded in death by his son, Ryan Pounds; father, R.C. Pounds; and sister, Shelia Kay Pounds...

Karen Marie Durant "Boo", 72, of Union City, Tenn., passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital. Karen was born January 4, 1949, in Hyde Park, New York and was the daughter of the late Robert and Lauramarie (Styers) Elmendorf. She was a member of Hitts Chapel Church in Piggott, Ark.. Karen was a loving mother, Nan, fur mom and friend to many...

Dovie M. Smith, 83 of Rector, went to be with the Lord on May 10, 2021. Dovie was born to the late Louis and Ollie (Pratt) Edgin. Dovie married the love of her life, Bobby W. Smith on May 20, 1956. They went on to have five children. Dovie was a housewife who helped Bob on the farm while raising her kids. ...

Revelle “Tweet” Thrasher was born on April 28, 1930 in Rector to the late Earl and Irene Letha Howell Holifield. She went to sleep and awoke to forever be in the presence of Jesus on Sunday May 9, 2021 at the Piggott Community Hospital. She was a faithful member of the Cappadocia General Baptist Church until its closing and worked on the assembly line at Tenneco Monroe in Paragould for 17 years. ...

Maxine Hill Book, 91, of Piggott, Ark., departed this life on May 9, 2021, surrounded by her family at her home. She was born Sunday morning, February 2, 1930, in Piggott, and was the daughter of Lawrence and Beatrice (Smith) Hutchison. On May 31, 1947, Maxine was united in marriage to Herbert Hill, and to this union four children were born.  Herbert preceded her in death in 1975...

Ora Dean Sale, 94, of Piggott, Ark., passed away May 5, 2021, at Magnolia Manor in Piggott. She was born on February 27, 1927, in Pollard, Ark., and was the daughter of Edgar and Anna (Pleasant) Williams. Ora Dean was united in marriage to Gerald "Jerry" Sale on March 15, 1947, and to this union two children were born...

Carolyn Ann (Staples) Burrows, daughter of the late John and Marthann (Rice) Staples was born August 9, 1937 in Piggott, Ark. and departed this life on May 8, 2021 at River Mist Assisted Living in Poplar Buff, MO. She had attained the age of eighty-three years, eight months and thirty days...

Vonna Jean Woods Swim, 98, of Corning, Ark., passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021, surrounded by her family at home. She was born on March 16, 1923, in Rector, Ark., and was the daughter of the late Simon Peter and Pearl (Parks) Woods. Vonna was united in marriage to Keith Dwight Swim on October 22, 1944, and to this union two children were born...

Robert Lipps, 89 of Rector passed from the cares of this life on Thursday April 29, 2021 at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. He was born on October 2, 1931 in Manchester, Kentucky to the late Tom and Luella Gray Lipps. He was a construction worker by trade and served our country faithfully in the United States Army. In his spare time, he loved spending time with his family, attending church, and riding his scooter around town...

Harold "Jimmy" Graddy , 97, of Piggott, Ark., passed away April 28, 2021, at Piggott Community Hospital in Piggott. He was born on February 8, 1924, in Clay County, Ark., and was the son of the late Earl and Pearl Parrish Graddy. Jimmy was united in marriage to Janice Crowson and to this union two children were born.  She preceded him in death after 64 years of marriage on April 17, 2011...

Barbara Ann Hixson, 74, passed away April 25, 2021 at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.  Barbara was born February 16, 1947 to the late Cassuis and Lorene Reagan Osgood. In December of 1999, she was united in marriage to Ralph Scott Hixson. Barbara was a faithful member of Sovereign Grace Reformed Church. ...

Michael Joseph Greaney, son of the late Martin Gene and Joan Agnes (Libby) Greaney was born Oct. 24, 1952 in Portland, Maine, and passed away April 25, 2021 in Memphis, Tenn. at the age of 68 years. He served his country in the United States Army. He married Linda Tucker on December 18, 1988 in Piggott, Ark...

Ona Grace Morris, 84, a lifetime resident of Malden, passed away on Sunday, April 25, 2021 at the Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Mo. Ona Grace was born on December 4, 1936 in Hamilton, Ala., daughter of the late John Dalton Miller & Zelma Williams Miller...

Charles Edward Smith, Sr., 75, of Corning passed away April 20, 2021 at Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau, MO. Mr. Smith was born March 31, 1946 in Pollard. He was a retired minister who loved to pray and spread God’s word. He proudly served in the United States National Guard. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who loved spending time with his family. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Corning...

Geneva Ann (Williams) Hickson, of Piggott, Ark., passed away Sunday, April 18, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She fought a very courageous battle against cancer.   She was born on July 23, 1949, in Batesville, Ark., and was the daughter of the late Bro. Leonard and Estelle (Wammack) Williams. She grew up in Senath, MO. and has lived in Piggott since her marriage to Paul Hickson on June 10, 1975...

Loretta Hardin, 66, of Neelyville, MO., passed away Friday, April 16, 2021 at CHI Saint Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock. Mrs. Hardin was born in Newport, AR., on October 15, 1954. She was a lifetime Missouri licensed beautician. She loved doing hair, spending time with her family, especially anything to do with her boys, and her church family; yard sales, cooking, canning, plants, flowers and yardwork. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Corning...