Obituaries

Sep 18, 2025

Billy Joe Dowdy a loving husband and father passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025.  He was born July 13, 1940, in Alexander, Arkansas, to the late Leonard and Lola Bateman Dowdy.

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles Dowdy of Paragould, Grayson Dowdy and Buford Dowdy...

Sep 16, 2025

Marsha Michelle Downs passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, in her hometown of Paragould, Arkansas, at the age of 60. Born on July 28, 1965, to the late Jay and Betty Downs, Michelle grew up in a close-knit family and remained a lifelong resident of Paragould.

Michelle is survived by her devoted sister and...

Sep 16, 2025

Doris June Rogers, a beacon of warmth and joy, passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 89 in Wichita, Kansas. Born on May 3, 1936, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Robert and Dee Henson, Doris's life was one of love, adventure, and steadfast faith.

Growing up in the heart of Arkansas,...

Sep 13, 2025

Lila Carol Moats Shockley, devoted wife, mother and Nana, went to her Heavenly home Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the age of 75. Born May 18, 1950, in Monongahela, PA to Raymond Moats and Opal Gary Moats, Lila was one of six children. Her family moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1967. While in Detroit, Lila met Gary...

Sep 13, 2025

Donnie Alvin Crafton, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 13, 2025, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at the age of 79. Born on August 21, 1946, in Paragould, Arkansas, to Alvin and Edith Alene Crafton, Donnie's life was one of dedication, love, and spirited enthusiasm for the joys of living.

Donnie was...

Sep 12, 2025

Laura Ann Walker, 88, of Paragould, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025. She was born March 19, 1937, to James and Elizabeth Slatton. Laura enjoyed embroidering and working in her garden. She loved gardening and canning in her spare time. She served her church, Pruett Chapel Freewill Baptist, as secretary for many years.

Sep 12, 2025

Leona Smith, a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, passed away on September 12, 2025, at the age of 77, in her hometown of Paragould, Arkansas. Born on October 3, 1947, Leona's life was one of unwavering devotion to her family and the countless lives she touched through her work and personal endeavors.

Leona's...

Sep 10, 2025

Moyl Delano "Mo" Williams, 92, of Paragould, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, September 10, 2025, resting peacefully at his home. He honorably served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, a veteran of the Korean War. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Viola (Pud) Bowman Williams, on Christmas Day 1955 and began...

Sep 8, 2025

Ruth Annette Chunn passed away at the age of 74, on September 8, 2025. Born on August 5, 1951, Annette lived a life marked by compassion, commitment, and creativity.

After raising her children, Annette received her RN degree.  She dedicated her professional life to the service of others, working in both...

Sep 7, 2025

Mary Louise "Louise" Woods passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, at the age of 98.

Born June 7, 1927, in Paragould, Arkansas, to Claude Elisha Faulk and Elsie Irene Nutt, Louise was the youngest of five children.

She grew up in the Brighton Community and attended Bard School (grades 1–4), Alexander (grades...

Sep 7, 2025

Jimmie Dickerson, a dedicated family man, passionate tinkerer, and lifelong supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, passed away on September 7, 2025. He was born into a loving family on January 8, 1935.

Jimmie's early years were marked by a budding interest in the intricacies of machinery and a talent for...

Sep 7, 2025

Terry Lawrence Barentsen, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, in Paragould, Arkansas, at the age of 84. Born on April 7, 1941, in the heartland of Nebraska.

A proud Navy veteran, Terry served his country with honor before embarking on a rewarding career...

Sep 7, 2025

Michael Wayne Fowler, a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, finished his fight on earth on September 7, 2025, in Jonesboro, AR. Born on December 23, 1953, in Evansville, IN, to George and Thelma Fowler, Michael's journey through life was marked by steadfast love, unwavering faith, and a generous spirit.  He was the strongest man that...

Sep 6, 2025

Maxine "Carr" Smith, a beacon of selflessness, warmth, and love, a Christian with a strong faith in God, passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025, at the age of 40 in Jonesboro, AR. Born on September 16, 1984, in Dallas, TX, Maxine's radiant smile and driven sense of helping others shaped her career to create...

Sep 5, 2025

Daronda Jaquetta "JEEK" Thompson, 82, of Paragould, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025. She was born November 20, 1942, to Virgil and Sunshine Shearer. Daronda was instrumental in forming the first ever girls softball league in Paragould. In her spare time, she loved doing all kinds of crafts.

Daronda was...

Sep 3, 2025

Debora Louise Bone, 69, of Paragould, passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. She was born March 19, 1956, to Ronald and Elwanda Bryan. Debora was a very social person and she loved to go out to shoot darts and play pool. She had a very big heart, loved spending time with her grandchildren, and...

Aug 31, 2025

Barry Dale Letson, aged 74, a lifelong resident of Paragould, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025. Born on February 1, 1951, to a loving family in the same town, Barry's life was one marked by dedication, faith, and a gentle spirit that touched all who knew him.

After completing his education, he embarked...

Aug 31, 2025

Mike Varvil, 75, of Goobertown, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025.

Born on November 17, 1949, Mike dedicated over 30 years of his life as a land surveyor for the state of California. His work took him across the diverse landscapes of the Golden State—from sun-drenched deserts and rugged...

Aug 28, 2025

Gary Sandusky, 74, of Paragould, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. He was born December 16, 1950, to Vernon Sandusky and Doris Lee. Gary enjoyed spending his time fishing, wood working, painting, and doing scratch off tickets.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Tonda Sandusky; brother, Phil...

Aug 27, 2025

Billy Kenneth Whiteside went to his Heavenly home on August 27, 2025.  There, he was joyfully reunited with his two daughters, Kristi Whiteside Thornton, Michelle Whiteside Burnett, and his son-in-law, Neal Ladymon.

Kenneth was born on a beautiful spring morning, April 1, 1942, in Holcomb, Missouri, to Ella Meriwether Whiteside and Bryon Whiteside.  On July...