Dewanda Jean Anderson

PARAGOULD — Dewanda Jean Anderson, 63, of Paragould died Tuesday, July 22.

She was the former owner of Anderson Furniture and Gift Gallery.

Survivors include her mother, Almeria Jackson; six children, Lance Dunlap, Steven Anderson, Eddie Anderson and Thomas Anderson, Lisa Hardman and Timmi Sims; one brother, Richard Jackson; one sister, Valarie Mills; and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be this evening from 6-8 in Mitchell Funeral Home at Paragould.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Rick Ethridge officiating. Burial will follow in Shiloh Cemetery.

Online guest book:
www.mitchellfuneralhomes.com

Jimmie Ray Ayers

PARAGOULD — Jimmie Ray Ayers, 74, of Paragould passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 15, 1933, at Paragould to Chris Ray and Mary Juanita Nooner Ayers. He served in the U.S. Army. Dining out with his family was something he enjoyed.

He is survived by two sons, Steven Ayers of Abilene, Texas, and Mark Ayers and wife Robyn of Paragould; three daughters, Debra Susan Deese of West Memphis, Debbie Ann Payne of Cunningham, Tenn., and Julie Ayers of Michigan; two brothers, Larry Ayers of Somerville, Texas, and Elvin Smothers of Paragould; three sisters, Betty Wynell Lovelady of St. Louis, Pat Smothers of Paragould and Wilma Sue Uttley of Kaufman, Texas; several grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Richard Allen “Red” Ayers; and a sister, Barbara Ann Ayers.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Friday in Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Ayers officiating. The body will be cremated.

The family requests memorials be made to Children’s Home Inc. of Paragould.

Online guest book:
www.phillipsfuneral.net

Alan Wayne Cody

PARAGOULD — Services for Alan Wayne “Buddy” Cody, 49, of Paragould, who died Tuesday, will be graveside at 10 a.m. today in Shiloh Cemetery under the direction of Mitchell Funeral Home.

Jeffrey Don Cope

BLYTHEVILLE — Jeffrey Don Cope, 45, died Monday, July 21, 2008, at St. Bernards Medical Center following a short fight with cancer.

He graduated in 1988 from Arkansas State University and served in the Air Force during Desert Storm. He worked for Trinity Industries. He loved fishing, camping and playing ball with his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Carmichael Cope; his parents, J.D. and Duella Cope of Jonesboro; two sisters, Pam Dumas of Jonesboro and Patt Cope of Judsonia; five stepchildren and their spouses, Lauri and Mike Keene, Alecia and Jeff Goff, Scott and Cindy Carmichael, Rebecca and Keith Harris, and Adam and Krissi Carmichael; 13 grandchildren, Jeremy, Jordan and Jayden Goff, Taylor and Coty Keene, Taylor and Jordan Carmichael, Landon and Jasper Harris, and A.J., Justice, Jayce and Anna Carmichael; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Claude and Gladys Coggin, and W.D. and Mary Cope; and a nephew, Ronald Carmichael Jr.

A graveside service will be held today at 11:30 a.m. in Nettleton Cemetery with Jimmy Young officiating.

There will be no visitation.

Personal condolences may be sent to the Cope family at www.greggfunerals.com.

Mervin Theo Elliott

MELBOURNE — Mervin Theo Elliott, son of the late Foncie Dewitt Elliott and Pearlie Maud Vest Elliott, was born Jan. 6, 1926, at Lone Star. He departed this life Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at Melbourne at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 16 days.

Mervin served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was united in marriage to Carrie Lee Muncy on Aug. 22, 1947, and to this union three children were born. They enjoyed playing music with their friends and trout fishing on the White River.

During his working years, Mervin was a logger, carpenter and radio and television repairman. He was a member of Melbourne Church of Christ and an avid Bible reader.

Mervin leaves to mourn his passing two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Gearl Taylor of Oxford, and Sheila and Carl Phipps of Hickory Ridge; two brothers, Burl Elliott and Floyd Elliott, both of Washington; two sisters, Verna Gillihan of Washington and Betty Jeffery of Melbourne; three grandsons, Kelly and Christy Phipps, Richard “Sonny” Elliott Jr., Christopher and Jennifer Elliott; two granddaughters, Carrie and Ricky Frazier, and Dianna Taylor and Eric Reynolds; seven great-grandchildren, Dylan Smith, Kelsey Taylor, Taylor Reynolds, Evyn Graham, and Fallon, Skylar and Crystal Elliott; numerous nieces and nephews; and many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; one son, Richard Elliott; one granddaughter, Carla Phipps Graham; one brother, J.T. Elliott; and four sisters, Joyce Clark, Neva Elliott, Vannie Stokes and Ann Vines.

Funeral service will be Friday at 2 p.m. in Melbourne Church of Christ with Lawrence Sanders and Kelly Phipps officiating. Burial will be in Combs Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home of Melbourne.

Visitation will be this evening from 6-8.

Memorials may be made to Children’s Homes Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, 72450.

Active pallbearers will be Jim Muncy, Duran Stapleton, Gary Stapleton, Marty Stapleton, Kenny Stapleton, Bobby Stapleton, Eddie Jeffery and David Graham.

Honorary pallbearers will include Boyce Gillihan, Shelby Gillihan, Junior Gillihan, George Gillihan, Clifton Gillihan and Cleveland Blankenship.

Larry Wayne Holladay Sr.

JONESBORO — Larry Wayne Holladay, 57, died Saturday, July 19, 2008.

He was born Aug. 13, 1950, at Little Rock to the late Loyd Wayne and Helen Marquerite Holladay.

Survivors include four daughters, Michell Gill of Grand Marais, Minn., Lori Lamb of Plumerville, Kristi Holladay of Marysville, Calif., and Lisa Holladay of Jonesboro; four sons, David Holladay of Sacramento, Calif., Rick Holladay and Steven Holladay, both of Nashville, Tenn., and Larry Wayne Holladay Jr. of Jonesboro; two brothers, Gary Holladay and Rex Holladay, both of Jonesboro; and 13 grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Michael Holladay.

A celebration of his life will be held Friday at 1 p.m. in Gregg Funeral Home at Jonesboro with the Rev. Joe Holladay officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Terrell Watkins, Rick Tribble, Robby Henry, Ashtyn Anderson, Jeromy Holladay and Daven Holladay.

Visitation will be this evening from 5-7 in Gregg Funeral Home at Jonesboro.

Personal condolences may be sent to the Holladay family at www.greggfunerals
.com.

L.C. Jefferson Jr.

WYNNE — L.C. Jefferson Jr., 84, of Wynne died July 18, 2008, at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro.

A Baptist, Jefferson was a lifelong resident of Wynne.

Survivors include sons, Jemmy Jefferson of Beebe, T.C. Jefferson of Grady, Amos Jefferson of Lakewell, Fla., and Timothy Jefferson of Beebe; daughters, Betty Jean Jefferson of Philadelphia and Ruth Jean Jefferson, Christine Weeden and Martha Haskin, all of Wynne; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, in New Vision Missionary Baptist Church at Wynne with the Rev. Wesley Cole officiating.

Burial will follow in Wynne Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday night from 5-7 in Woodard Funeral Chapel at Wynne.

Lottie Johnson

KENNETT, Mo. — Lottie Johnson, 80, of Kennett died Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at Heritage Nursing Center.

She had lived in Kennett for the past five years, moving there from Lake City. She was a member of Black Oak Church of Christ and was preceded in death by her husband, Volney Johnson; daughter, Glenda Lilly; mother, Vera Summers; and stepdad, L.D. Summers.

She is survived by two sons, Jerry Dorris and wife Charlene of Steele, Mo., and Les Dorris and wife Joan of Jonesboro; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Friday in Oaklawn Cemetery with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon at Emersons.

To sign an online registry, go to www.emersonfuneral
home.com.

Betty Jean Kelly

BONO — Betty Jean Kelly, 63, of Bono died Wednesday at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Survivors include her husband, Darryl Kelly of the home.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Online registry:
www.emersonfuneralhome.com

Charles R. Ledbetter

WALNUT RIDGE — Charles R. “Chuck” Ledbetter, 88, of Walnut Ridge, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2008.

Born April 8, 1920, at Duluth, Ga., the son of Sylvester Bogal and Mary Elizabeth Chadick Ledbetter, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving during World War II as a fighter pilot, and was a retired automobile dealer.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Sloan Ledbetter.

Survivors include four daughters, Lolly Shaver and husband Wes of Wynne, Beth Jackson and husband John, Lynn Winningham and husband Barry, and Lea Ledbetter, all of North Little Rock; a grandson, Grac Shaver; two great-grandchildren, J. Gracchus Shaver and Carolina Grace Shaver; a dedicated caregiver, Chrystle Allen; and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be today at 2 p.m. with Glenn Smith officiating. Interment will be in Lawrence Memorial Park under the direction of Bryan Funeral Home of Hoxie.

Visitation will be today from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Walnut Ridge Army Flying School Museum, 2 Skywatch Drive, Walnut Ridge 72476.

Charlene Paul

MONETTE — Charlene Poe Paul, 72, died Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and are entrusted to Gregg Funeral Home of Monette.

Edgar Poag

OSCEOLA — Edgar Poag, 76, of Osceola passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at Great River Medical Center at Blytheville.

He was born Sunday, Nov. 1, 1931, to the late Roy and Era Poag in Osceola. He was a retired farmer, Navy veteran and faithful member of Keiser United Methodist Church.

He leaves his wife of 51 years, Ella Mae; two sons, Dewayne Poag and Bob Poag; daughter-in-law, Lisa; grandson, Alex; and one sister, Barbara Johnson Poag, all of Osceola.

He is preceded in death by one brother, Carl Poag.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 this evening in Roller Swift Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in Roller Swift Chapel with Pastor Gary Yarbrough officiating. Interment will follow in Mississippi County Memorial Gardens.

Remembrances may sent to Keiser United Methodist Church.

Online guest book:
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Loyd Franklin Reese

TRUMANN — Loyd Franklin Reese, 74, of Trumann died Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at St. Bernards Medical Center at Jonesboro.

Born at Bay, he had lived in Trumann for four years. Mr. Reese was the former director for the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden, a veteran of the U.S. Army, retired deputy sheriff and former policeman for the Trumann Police Department, a 32nd degree Mason, and past Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was the senior elder and member of First Christian Church in Trumann.

Mr. Reese was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Ruby Blunt Reese; one brother, Billy Reese; and one sister, Dortha Holmes.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Glenda Reese of the home; one son, David Reese of Ocala, Fla.; one daughter, Faith Reynolds of Trumann; four grandchildren, Jody Costa, Brandon Williams, Ashley Williams and Tiffiany Adlon, and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday morning at 10 in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home at Trumann with the Rev. Leonard Harp officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Williams, Darrell Reynolds, Gary Baldwin, Gerry Darr, Dale Bibbs and LaRoy McCann.

Visitation will be this evening from 5-7 in Thompson Funeral Home at Trumann.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Trumann.

An online register book can be signed at www.thompson
funeralhome.net.

James Robert Scarborough

BONO — James Robert Scarborough, 16, of rural Bono died Tuesday afternoon, July 22, at his home.

Born at Newport, James lived most of his life in the Jonesboro area. He was entering the 11th grade this fall at Jonesboro High School and attended Highland Drive Christian Church.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Marge Scarborough; and his maternal grandfather, Monroe House.

Survivors include his mother, Charlotte House Scarborough of the home; father, James Martin Scarborough of San Antonio; maternal grandmother, Pauline House of the home; paternal grandfather, Bill Scarborough of Clarksville; two uncles, Paul Monroe House of Jonesboro and Dennis Keith House of Houston, Texas; as well as other relatives and friends.

Private funeral services and burial will be held in Jonesboro with the Rev. Brad Clark officiating under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home.

There will be no visitation.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the Jonesboro Public School Foundation, 2506 Southwest Circle, Jonesboro 72401.

Online registry at
www.emersonfuneralhome.com.

Earlene Vida Sims

TULSA, Okla. — Earlene Vida Lowtharp Sims, 76, formerly of Hot Springs, died Tuesday night, July 22, at Tulsa.

She was born Feb. 19, 1932, at Bono to Gordon and Louanna Bowman Lowtharp. She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and a Protestant.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Imogean Owen and Geneva Pennington.

Survivors include three daughters, Beverly Moore of Sapulpa, Okla., Phyllis Wellington of Hot Springs and Brenda Brooks of Avon Lake, Ohio; seven brothers and sisters, Glenn Lowtharp, Roy Lowtharp, Bessie Forster and Peggy Johnson, all of Rockford, Ill., Lyle Lowtharp of Pocahontas, and Fred and Don Lowtharp, both of Camdenton, Mo.; and four grandchildren, Lauren Brooks in the Peace Corps in El Salvador, Gregory Wellington and Whitney Brooks, both of Charlotte, N.C., and Andrea Moore of Sapulpa.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday in the Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Oaklawn Cemetery at Jonesboro with Richard Akins officiating.

Pallbearers will be Gregory Wellington, Jerry T. Sims, Lyle Lowtharp, Rick Meek, Roy Lowtharp and Jim Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy and Patti Swinford and Lawanda Wallace.

Liberty Rose Vallance

HARDY — Infant Liberty Rose Vallance of Hardy died Sunday, July 20.

Liberty Rose was preceded in death by her brother, Benjamin Ray Vallance; and maternal great-grandmother, Lottie Vallance.

She is survived by her mother, Heather Marie Vallance of Hardy; father, Stephen Stewart of Swifton; paternal grandparents, Larry Stewart of Swifton and Janice Kindrick of Cherokee Village; maternal grandparents, Terry and Anita Vallance of Searcy; maternal great-grandfather, Timothy L. Vallance of Hardy; and aunt, Renee Vallance of Hardy.

Graveside services were at 10 a.m. Monday in Hosey Cemetery at Knobel with arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.

www.jacksonsfh.com

Charles Alan Webster

BLACK ROCK — Charles “Chuck” Webster, 46, died Tuesday, July 22, at his residence.

He is survived by his parents, Melvin and Carolyn Green Webster; children, Kimberly Mamcel, Angela Goddard, Chloe Brown and Eric Goddard; a special pet, Heidi; sisters, Cathy Couch, Laurie Moore, Mary Beasley, Denise Priddy, Penny Riley and C.J. Webster; brother, Marion Webster; three grandchildren; and many other friends and family.

Funeral services will be Friday at 10 a.m. in New Life Full Gospel Church at Black Rock with Jimmy Huskey and Monroe Baldwin officiating. Burial will be private.

Visitation will be this evening from 6-8 in House-Gregg Funeral Home at Walnut Ridge.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and House-Gregg Funeral Home of Walnut Ridge.