Stories from Friday, May 20, 2011

Versie Mae Carter, 96, passed away Sunday, May 8, 2011, at Greene Acres Nursing Home. She was born Aug. 29, 1914, in Bay to the late James and Della Mae Morgan. She was a seamstress at a drapery factory in Indiana and member of the Church of Christ. Mrs. Carter loved to quilt, embroidery, garden and raise flowers, especially red roses. Survivors include two sons and their wives, Leon and Freda Carter of Paragould and Floyd and Mary Sue Carter of Elkhart, Ind.; a daughter and her husband, Charlsie "Kitty" and Charles Beaver of Memphis, Tenn.; two daughters-in-law, Carolyn Carter of Earle and Sadie Carter of Trumann; 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Ruben L. Carter; two sons, James Carter and Richard Carter; a daughter, Edna Mae Carter; a grandson, Richard Carter; a great-granddaughter, Jennifer Sue Eller, and 10 brothers and sisters. A celebration of her life was held on Thursday, May 12, 2011, at the Gregg Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro with Rev. W.C. Holt officiating. Burial was at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers were grandsons, Bobby Beaver, Jimmy Beaver, Tony Carter, Doug Carter, Terry Carter, David Carter, Phillip Carter, Dennis Carter, Kenny Carter and Jimmy Carter. Honorary pallbearer was Tyler Howe. Lasting memorials may be sent to the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Jonesboro. Personal condolences may be sent to the Carter family at www.greggfunerals.com.

Barbara E. Shannon, 75, of Joiner, Ark., went home to be with her Lord May 12, 2011. She was a member of Joiner United Methodist church, member of the United Methodist Women's Prayer Group and an Eastern Star member. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth "Red" Shannon of Joiner; her son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Michelle Shannon of Jonesboro; her daughters and sons-in-law, Pattie and Mark Misner of Manila, Ark., and Donna and Ronnie Pilgrim of Lepanto; two sisters, Bonnie Norman of Little Rock and Becky McMillion of Columbia, S.C.; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson. The service was Saturday, May 14, 2011, in the Roller-Citizens Funeral Home at West Memphis with interment following in Louise Chapel Cemetery in Joiner, Ark. Memorials may be sent to Louise Chapel Cemetery Association, 3670 W. Hwy 118, Joiner, AR 72350. Online guestbook: 222.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

Andrew Stewart "Jiggs" Roberts, age 92 years, died May 10, 2011 at his home in Marked Tree, Ark. Mr. Roberts was a lineman for Arkansas Power and Light for 36 years, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a Mason and a founding member of Central Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lula Bernice Roberts, of Marked Tree; sons, Steward Sidney "Butch" Roberts of Pearl, Miss., and Michael Lynn Roberts of Jonesboro; one daughter, Patricia Scarbrough of West Memphis, Ark.; 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Services were Friday, May 13, 2011 at Central Baptist Church in Marked Tree. Interment was in the Marked Tree Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church, P.O. Box 151, Marked Tree, AR 72365.

The Tyronza City Council discussed old records that need to be destroyed during their last meeting. The council passed a resolution authorizing the destruction of certain city documents -- which include minutes, ledgers, and journals -- that are over seven years old. This will also include supporting documents that are at least three years old. Alderman Paul Hindman will be present to supervise the document shredding. The council also heard from representatives of First Baptist Church concerning draining issues on the sidewalk beside the church, which can still have water on it for two to three days after a rain, they said. The fire department had tested the drain and thought that it might be stopped up. The church wanted to make sure it was fine with the council if they got someone to blow it out to fix the drainage problem. The council was okay with the idea. The council also decided to take bids on the trailer behind the funeral home. In old business, the council reported the tornado siren is working and that it will not cost the city anything to repair. After it was opened up and a section was sealed with tape, it worked again, so the parts ordered from Memphis will not be needed, and the order will be canceled. When the siren was examined, there was moisture inside but no signs of corrosion.

During the May 17 meeting of the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce, Mark Weston reviewed the progress of the Festival on the Ridge. The Chamber met at noon at Betty's Kountry Kafe. The Festival on the Ridge is a Harrisburg annual event and one of the largest attractions to the city. It will take place on June 4 and will included vendors from around the area. "We are only two weeks away," said Weston. "We've just had four new vendors sign up and this year we have a lot of good vendors. They are mostly food this year, but we do have some merchandise vendors as well." Also attending the Festival on the Ridge will be BMX, from Oklahoma, the Trumann fire department's smokehouse, and Arkansas' own Sonny Burgess. Activities start at 7 a.m. and last until 7 p.m. "We're looking forward to a great lineup," said Weston. In other news the Chamber: * Read a thank you letter from Kim Pasley who spoke to the Harrisburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting May 3 to discuss the Family and Consumer Science curriculum. Three students under her direction in FCCLA (Family Career and Community Leaders of America) will be going to nationals with their project in the Entrepreneurship division. Taylor Bornhoft, Brook McGuire and Kayla Gresham drew up a business plan and then started their own business. The Chamber of Commerce decided to make a donation of $450, with $150 to go to the students, to help them reach their goal of $5,000 to attend nationals. Nationals will take place in Anaheim, Calif. The students plan on raising money in the community by selling products and they are planning a cow patty bingo to take place at the Festival on the Ridge. * Discussed the new CodeRED Weather Warning system available for residents of Harrisburg, Fisher, Weiner, Waldenburg and Grubbs. CodeRED Weather Warning is an opt-in only weather warning product that taps into the National Weather Service's Storm Based Warnings. CodeRED Weather Warning automatically alerts affected citizens by phone in the path of severe weather just moments after a warning has been issued. Those that are signed up for this service will get a call when a Thunderstorm Warning, Tornado Warning or Flash Flood Warning is issued for our area. 3,000 residents in the area must sign up by the end of the year in order to keep the warning system, because of the price. Zip codes that are eligible to receive this service are: 72432, 72479, 72475, 72429 and 72431. It is a free service, but residents must subscribe to it to receive the warnings. Mayor Randy Mills said, "Since Harrisburg does not have sirens we have been searching for a solution. This is a product that will benefit even those outside the city limits who would never hear a siren. We are excited to offer this service at no charge to the citizens. We think this is a valuable and necessary service for our community." * Discussed how to thank the students from Consolidated Youth Services who helped the Chamber set up before the annual banquet. It was decided that Mark Weston would take charge and either bring pizza or BBQ to the students. *Tabled discussion over how the Chamber can help neighboring flood victims. After more is learned about what needs need to be met and where to donate, the Chamber will discuss the issue again. * Tabled discussion for a fall fundraiser. Ideas suggested included tournaments such as fishing or softball and possibly selling Boston butts throughout the community or at Parker Homestead. * Approved of new members presented by Mauria Morgan. Seventeen new members were added, bringing the total number of members up to 115. * Approved the financial report, read by Tina Price.

Pauline Noel's Desktop Publishing II classes made booklets for Reba Vuncannon's first grade class at the Trumann schools. The class project was to enhance the reading and writing abilities of the students as part of the state's framework. The booklet includes pages about having good manners and respecting others. It also covers topics like developing good hygiene habits, such as maintaining dental health and practicing hand washing. The book is 20 pages in length and is filled with graphics and areas for first graders to fill in their favorite season, holiday and foods. It includes simple messages about respecting others, like this statement, "Always think to be fair when there is only one of something that needs to be shared by two or more people." Students who contributed to the book include: Emily Adams, Regina Chapel, Troy Cook, Luis Gutierrez, Sarah Halfacre, Cory Riethbaum, Whitney Robertson, Zachary West, Jonah White and Lareka Williamson.

Mary Williams spoke to the Marked Tree Rotary Club about her work as Career Facilitator as ASU Technical Center. Williams, who has been with ASU Tech for a year, works with Marked Tree and EPC High School students as a career coach. She helps students who want to go to college but have no idea where to turn for information or what to do. "Counselors are bogged down with testing and don't have time for every student," Williams said. She works to get all seniors signed up for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship and encourages students to enroll in the three-week ACT preparatory course. "We focus on seniors and juniors and try to help them get their scores up so they don't have to do remediation. Schools like ASU are doing away with remedial courses," Williams said. The ACT prep course is currently offered in the Spring and Summer, though Williams would like to see it worked into the school year so that it's offered in the Fall and Spring. "We're making sure they're ready," she said. "We want every senior to have the opportunity to have an education." She also talked about hosting Go College Night, posting information about college around the schools, students putting on a skit to show the college/scholarship application process, and posting a banner up for students to write their name, class, and the college they're attending as a motivator. Williams said that Marked Tree has shown an 85 percent increase in students applying to four-year, two-year, and technical schools. She said that for EPC, seven students are competing for the Governor's Scholarship, which is given out to one student per county, 11 were eligible for the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, 23 had applied for Go Grants, and 31 had applied for a Universal Scholarship. "I think that's really good considering what we've had in the past," Williams said. She also brought a student, Alison, who will be the first in her family to attend college. "She's been a great career coach," Alison said. "She has always been there for us. My parents didn't go to college. I wanted to be able to say I was first, but I had no idea what to do." With Williams' help, Alison received both an Arkansas Academic Scholarship and a Go Grant. Williams also told the story of a student in Marked Tree who she thought was a class clown when she first met him. She said she asked him daily what he wanted to do with his life, and he finally told her he wanted to be a massage therapist. He found a school in Little Rock with a 12-month program, but when Williams contacted the school she found out they offered no federal aid and that the type of loans they were suggesting would take the rest of the student's life to pay off. Williams helped the student find a better school in West Memphis. "This is just one of many success stories," Williams said. "I could ramble forever."

Over $800 was raised in the benefit to honor former Trumann police officer Jonathan Schmidt. "We had over 200 chairs set up in the Trumann Sports Complex," said Andrew Long, otherwise known as Lethal the Leprechaun, who organized the wrestling event, "and they were completely full. We even had people standing up in the back." The PXW wrestling benefit show for Trumann police officer Jonathan Schmidt's family took place on Saturday, May 14. Schmidt was tragically killed in the line of duty and leaves behind a wife and children. All of the proceeds for the night went to the Schmidt family. "I knew Jonathan," said Long. "So did my mother and my brother. I know a lot of the officers in the area and when I heard what happened it just blew me away." At the event there was a 10-bell salute to honor Jonathan and his family, as well as a poster. Many of the Trumann officers and Jonathan's family attended the event. "We just want to help out and do what we can for the family," said Long. Wrestling stars that attended include: Trumann's own Lethal and Lucky the Leprechauns, Big Al, Mike Tucker and Lance Boudreaux. Other legends include: Phil Hanson, Cadillac Bros, Big Daddy Fleet Wood, Sweet Joe, El Dorado, Chief Light Foot and Trumann's own Freezer Thompson. Attendees certainly got their money's worth, as the event was packed with matches, including a surprise hardcore match with Leprechaun brothers, Lethal and Lucky. The crowd went wild over the chair busting and blood gushing brawl. Trumann Police Chief Tony Rusher even got involved, jumping in the ring to call the game in the Leprechaun's favor when a referee was knocked out. "It ended up being a great night," said Long.

The cafeteria erupted in coughing. Every kindergartner at Cedar Park Elementary coughing. It's okay, though. They weren't sick. They were demonstrating the proper way to cover your mouth when you cough -- cough into your elbow, not your hands -- during the Healthy Habits presentation put on by the Arkansas Children's Hospital. Jennifer Hurst, Arkansas Children's Hospital's Community Outreach Coordinator, was at Cedar Park Elementary last Wednesday to speak to over 650 students, kindergarten through fourth grade, about health issues such as eating healthy, exercising and being more active. In her presentations, Hurst teaches students the importance of eating right, brushing their teeth, washing their hands, exercising and taking care of their bodies. Each student also receives a goody bag containing a 101 Good Health Habits coloring book, crayons, a book about the food pyramid, a toothbrush, toothpaste and a jump rope. Last year, Hurst talked to over 15,000 students in 25 counties. The Healthy Habits presentations are part of the Community Outreach program at Arkansas Children's Hospital and is funded by Circle of Friends, a statewide network of volunteers with 14 chapters.

Laura Taylor spoke Thursday, May 12, to the Trumann Rotary Club on five different programs offered through NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. Taylor has been working for NEA Baptist since 2005 and said the first program established by NEA Baptist in Jonesboro was in 2002. This program has been set up to help assist people with the cost of their medication. "We are basically the middle man between the pharmaceutical companies and people who have trouble affording their medication," said Taylor. The pharmaceutical companies have an allocated amount of prescription drugs that the give away for free or at a lower cost. The problem is most people with a low income either do not know about these offers or get bogged down in the consuming paperwork that is involved with the offer. "We've created one office where residents can come in," said Taylor, "and if they qualify, we handle all the paperwork for them. Their medication is delivered to their homes. It's a really great program. We've helped to give away over $42 million worth of medications for those who need it." Another program offered through NEA Baptist is Hope Circle, which helps those going through cancer treatment. Once someone is a member of Hope Circle they have access to a lending library full of medical books over illnesses. Members of Hope Circle also receive a free hat and a free wig at the wig shop every six months. Hope Circle also offers support groups for family members and children of parents who have been diagnosed with cancer. They also hand out snacks and blankets to those who are receiving chemotherapy treatments at NEA. Taylor also spoke about a program that helps fight obesity in Arkansas and promote healthy habits in kids called the Center for Healthy Children. "With this program we try to educate the entire family about how to live a healthy lifestyle," said Taylor. "Children have access to our gym, where there is a pool, track and even a rock climbing wall." This program gives children a safe environment to play and exercise. The Center for Healthy Children also checks cholesterol and glucose levels in children, free of charge. Wellness Works is a program another program, for adults who have been diagnosed with diabetes, cancer, heart disease or any other major disease. With a doctor's referral, those in Wellness Works have access to the gym, to nutrition and disease education classes and support groups. "Patients who join Wellness Works have a lot of face time with our nurses," said Taylor. "They can find out which types of foods affect them and what changes they need to make in their lifestyle. We welcome all ages, of all physical fitness levels. We even encourage them to bring a spouse or friend to the education classes." The last program Taylor spoke about was Share Hope, which helps families cope with the loss of an infant, a miscarriage or stillbirth. The staff involved is highly trained and provide support and information to the parents who have lost a child. They even offer coloring books for siblings, as a way for them to ask questions and help cope with the loss. "Every year we have a walk in October called the Walk of Remembrance," said Taylor. "We release blue, pink and white balloons at the end." All of the programs offered through NEA Baptist are free or at a low-cost for those who qualify. Most insurance companies cover the programs offered too. NEA Baptist keeps the programs running through some grant money, but most of their funds are raised on their own through fundraisers. During the first week of December NEA hosts a duck hunting competition, Duck Classic, which raises around $400,000 annually. They also host the Biker Classic, which is a bike poker run throughout Northeast Arkansas. Another source of money is Blue and You, which is large grant that helps keep the programs active in Arkansas. For more information about NEA Baptist or to donate either your time or money, visit www.baptistfoundation.org or www.baptistonline.org/facilities/jonesboro_nea.

Firefighters from 13 fire departments in Northeast Arkansas met in Tyronza for the Northeast Arkansas Firefighters Association. A representative from Hurst Jaws of Life gave a presentation on new car extrication technology, and after the meeting, firefighters got the chance to test out the equipment by cutting the doors and roof off a car outside. The association also gave out two awards. Firefighter of the Year went to Steve Farmer and the Thomas E. Cole Award went to John "Ty" Damron.

Cindy Crowe arranges her garage with rows of tables and then begins filling them with piece after piece from her past. Every item she once had for a reason, but today she is ready to let some of those things go. With the temperature rising in the Northeast corner of Arkansas, many residents in Poinsett County are decluttering, simplifying and making some serious dough. The thought is tied into spring cleaning, but this phenomenon is more often referred to as The Garage Sale. "I've been doing this for over 25 years," said Crowe. "I've done it every year since my girls were little. I would use the money I made to buy them new summer clothes." It's 6:45 on a cool Saturday morning and there is already a line of cars waiting outside Cindy Crowe's home. "We'll open at 7," she says cheerfully, unloading the last few pieces of furniture. She arranges a coffee table next to a recliner in front of the garage as a young girl mans the broken $20s and rolls of quarters. "Now my girls do it with me," says Crowe. "It's become our tradition." Close friends and neighbors help out with the sale. Crowe's sister, Dana Cannon, has even come from Mississippi. "I started years ago," says Crowe, "and now I'm known for it. I have people calling me wanting to come early or calling me at the beginning of spring to see when I'm going to have it." Crowe makes somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on the year. She is known for having a good selection of home decor and clothing. She normally has some furniture, toys and clothes that her granddaughter has outgrown. This spring, she even has a lawnmower. Rossie Holt and her sister-in-law, Nellie Holt, are some of the first people to peak through the treasures in the sale. "I love looking for purses," says Rossie, "and Nellie loves the shoes and jackets. We have a lot of clothes that come from yard sales. There are good finds." Kin Muse, who brought with her furniture and clothes to the sale, says her reason for being up so early was "being with friends, with people I don't have the chance to see very often." Iantha Humphries comes out the back door as the crowd begins to weave through the clothes and lamps and knick-knacks. She is Crowe's mother. "I brought some pictures, plates, placemats and clothes," she says. She has traveled down from Salem to help her daughter with the garage sale. "I love doing it. I get to spend time with my children, my grandchildren and my great-granddaughter." It has been said that "one man's trash may be another man's treasure," but it could just as easily be said that one woman's garage sale may be another woman's generational bond.

Twelve people were arrested in Trumann last week in a drug bust that was part of a six-year investigation. Warrants were served May 11 and Trumann Police arrested eight people on suspicion of delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), two people on suspicion of delivery of a controlled substance (marijuana), one person on suspicion of delivery of a controlled substance (methadone), and one person on delivery of a controlled substance (morphine). The following were charged with delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine): Jamie Hutcherson of 213 W. Speedway Street, Trumann. Bond was set at $50,000 cash only. Ashley Spray of 17 Viva Drive, Trumann. Spray was released on her own recognizance. Shawn Stracener of 335 Smith Street, Trumann. Bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety. Kevin Mitchell of 1016 Mulberry Street, Trumann. Bond was set at $50,000 cash only. Brandy Irvin of 317 Gum Street, Trumann. Bond is for two counts and set at $5,000 for each count. Kimberly Vines of 16442 Woodruff Lane, Trumann. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. Morgan Smith of 707 Christy Street, Trumann. Bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety. Rebecca Spray of 16110 Hinds Lane, Trumann. Bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. The following were charged with delivery of a controlled substance (marijuana): Adrian Person of 109 Jennifer Street, Trumann. Bond was set at $40,000 cash or surety. Jasmine Flowers of 222 Dogwood Street, Trumann. Bond was set at $2,500 cash or surety. Jerry Lillard of 824 Hurd Street, Trumann, was charged with two counts of delivery of a controlled substance (methadone) and released on his own recognizance. Michael Hisaw of 506 Lisa Lane, Bono, was charged with delivery of a controlled substance (morphine). Bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety. Detective Erik Willbanks said the May 11 bust was originally scheduled for April 13, but that was the week Officer Jonathan Schmidt was fatally shot. Willbanks said Schmidt was always part of these drug busts and would have been part of this one. "It was important to us to get these served yesterday because he would have been helping us," Willbanks said. "It's important for everyone to know we're still going to keep doing this."

Arkansas Department of Health staffers and Poinsett County Unit nurse Sherry Crosby, RN, recently administered freetetanus vaccines to residents and volunteers who worked to assist flood victims. Crosby and fellow nursing staff members gave 193 tetanus vaccinations at the Corner Chapel Baptist Church in Payneway. Anyone who lives in the flooded area or who did volunteer work at the flood site can receive the tetanus vaccine at the local health units at no charge.

Tyronza's annual Stars and Stripes Jubilee will kick off Friday with a pageant from 7 to 9 p.m. and run all day Saturday. The festivities in Tyronza's downtown park will include bands, food, mechanical bull rides, helicopter rides, races, contests and a parade. Saturday's activities begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast at the Fire Department. Arts and Crafts and the food booths will open at 10 a.m. The parade line up starts at the school at 10:30 a.m. and the parade will start at 11 a.m. followed by the opening ceremony at 11:45 a.m. The children's contest -- which will feature a watermelon roll, sack race, watermelon eating contest, three-legged race, and hula hoop contest -- will run from 2 to 3 p.m. Bands playing include the EPC Band at 12:30 p.m., J.R. Rodgers All Star Band at 2 p.m., Gage Country at 4 p.m., Hailey Constant and Southern Pride at 6 p.m. and the ShotGunBillys at 8 p.m.

There will be a wrestling benefit for Chad Henderson, Lepanto's Chief of Police, Saturday May 21, in the Lepanto High School gym. Bell time is at 7:30 Saturday night and all of the proceeds collected will go to Chad Henderson and his family. On April 5, Henderson had his appendix removed. He returned to the hospital April 15 due to a serious infection. "His kidneys were shutting down," said Henderson's wife, Casey. "He was in the ICU for 10 days, then in a regular room for four." Henderson has lost over 65 pounds since he became ill back in April. The Henderson's now have to travel to Jonesboro every week so Chad can receive dialysis. "I have dialysis three days a week in Jonesboro," said Henderson. "Each dialysis visit takes about four hours. We don't know yet how long I'll have to do this." Jeff Miles, friend of Henderson and the man behind the organization of the wrestling benefit said, "We believe prayer is going to change that though." Tickets are available for $5 in advance and $6 at the door. Children four and under are free. Tickets will be available for advanced purchase at the Lepanto Police Station on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. After 5 p.m. all tickets will have to be purchased at the door. Headlining the night will be Lepanto's own Jeff Miles. Other wrestlers include Big Daddy LaFonce, Heavyweight Champion Frankie Tucker, Officer Hudson, Hillbilly, Chris Steel, East Coast Bad Boyz, Luxora Hustlers, Hambones and many more fan favorites. Henderson will be in attendance for the benefit. There will also be a bake sale at the wrestling match. Anyone who would like to donate baked goods can deliver them to the gym on Saturday at 6 p.m. If anyone would like to make a donation to the Henderson family, they can send a check to P.O. Box 13, which is Chad and Casey's personal mailing address. "We're looking for a big turnout," said Miles. For more wrestling match information call LaFonce at 815-0711 or Jeff Miles at 680-0345. You can also contact the police station at 475-2566.

The floodwater is receding at Payneway, but it will still be a while before it goes away completely. Frank Kraft, the coordinator for the Poinsett County Office of Emergency Management, said, "The water is receding finally. We're taking it one day at a time. It will be at least two weeks before it's dry. The flooding is widespread." Kraft said that, as of Monday, about 75 percent of people in the Payneway area had been evacuated. "The ones that stayed are on high ground already," Kraft said. "We appreciate the volunteers and donations. Right now we're feeding the people who still can't get out." Kraft said that County Correctional Services were a big help with sandbagging. Twenty soldiers from the 87th Troop Command's 875th Engineer Battalion also helped with sandbagging. Kraft wants to thank the National Guard and the Game and Fish Commission, as well as Sheriff Larry Mills and the Sheriff's Department, for helping with the evacuation. Sheriff Mills said they stopped sandbagging Saturday and went around both in boats and on foot door-to-door checking houses. Yellow ribbons were placed on every house that was checked. "We want people to know that the water is contaminated and that if you're in the water, be sure to scrub really good and be safe," Kraft said. The Arkansas Health Department gave 193 tetanus vaccinations at the Corner Chapel Baptist Church to residents and volunteers. "I just want to say thank you from the Judge's Office and the Office of Emergency Management to all the people who helped," Kraft said.

Mrs. Anna Ruth (Crisp) White, 69, of Trumann died Monday, March 28, 2011. She was born Aug. 16, 1941, at Lawrence County, the daughter of George Crisp and Ruth (Winkles) Williams. She married Mr. Grady William White in September 1962. Mrs. White was a waitress at City Café in Trumann many years and later babysat in her home. She was a member of Central Baptist Church in Trumann, where she taught Sunday school and was a member of the Women's Missionary Auxiliary. Mrs. White enjoyed bingo, playing cards, cooking, taking care of her grandchildren and getting out and going places. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady William White, on Oct. 2, 1997; one son, Charles Ray White, on Oct. 25, 1987; two daughters, Tressa Kay Simmons and Kathryn Christine White; one grandson, Johnathan Long, and one sister, Maxine Bradley. Mrs. White is survived by two daughters, Wilma Payne and husband Alan of Griffithville, Ark., and Etta Long and husband Marlin of Harrisburg; five grandchildren, Josh Payne, Talia Thompson, Kristen McDaniel, Lin Long and Leah (White) Adkins; seven great-grandchildren, Easton Payne, Addison Long, Gracie Long, Jaxin Hightower, Billie Jean Owens, Garrett McDaniel and Brody McDaniel, and one brother, George Crisp of St. Louis, Mo. Funeral services were Thursday, March 31, at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Gracelawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com