Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Geneva McCulloch Starr
(December 31, 1930 - March 5, 2012)
Geneva McCulloch Starr, age 81, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Monday, March 5, 2012 in Mena.
She was born December 31, 1930 in Dallas, Texas to the late William Arthur Thomas and the late Jewell Azellee McNellis Thomas. She was a Land Fill Manager for the City of Arlington, Texas and was a member of the Assembly of God Church. She was a loving sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Geneva had a quick smile and kind word for everyone she met.
She is survived by:
Sisters: Jeanette Mantooth Farmer of Mena, Arkansas F. Kathleen Doyle of Mena, Arkansas
Grandchildren: Brandon Day, Jason Day, Autumn Day and Michael Day all of San Diego, California
11 Great-Grandchildren
Special niece and friend: Sharon McCormack of Mena, Arkansas
And seven nieces and nephews and an abundance of grand-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Jewell Thomas, by 3 husbands, A.B. Harvey, Joe McCulloch and Chester Starr, a daughter, Deborah Jewell Day and 2 brothers, William Arthur Thomas, Jr. and William Durwood Thomas.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 9, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel with Brother Ron Tilley and Brother Forrest Gibbs officiating. Interment follows in Mt. Gilead Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday evening, March 8th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Jeff McCormack, Dwayne Morgan, Brandon Cummings, Matt Morgan, Mike Doyle, and Gary Davis.
Dakota Lee Michael Atkinson
(September 13, 1999 - March 11, 2012)
Dakota Lee Michael Atkinson, age 12, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, March 11, 2012 in Mena.
He was born on September 13, 1999 in Hot Springs, Arkansas to Herbert John Atkinson and Christal Lea Thornsberry Ford. He was a student at Mena Middle School and was a member of the Dallas Avenue Baptist Church, where he was active in the Kingdom Kids Club. He was a loving son, brother and a friend to all and will be dearly missed by his peers, teachers and family.
He is survived by:
Father: Herbert John Atkinson of Mena, Arkansas
Mother: Christal Lea Ford of Mena, Arkansas
Sister: Latisha Robinson of Mena, Arkansas
Brothers: Brandon and Kameron Atkinson, both of Mena, Arkansas
Nephews: Daren Robinson of Mena, Arkansas Isiah Robinson of Mena, Arkansas Hayden Robinson of Mena, Arkansas
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Albert and Francis Atkinson, Deborah Lee Stringer and George Marvin Thornsberry.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church with Brother Donnie Edwards officiating. Interment follows in Nunley Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening, March 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kingdom Kids Club at Dallas Avenue Baptist Church.
Pallbearers will be Bernie Soliz, Ricky Robinson, Logan McCourtney, and Mark Spitler.
To donate to the account established for the family for funeral and medical expenses, please contact Dallas Avenue Baptist Church.
Mary Jaunita Parks
(February 13, 1924 - March 13, 2012)
Mary Jaunita Parks, age 88, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at her home.
She was born February 13, 1924 in Hartley, Arkansas to the late Columbus Jack Watkins and the late Cara Leandrea Greer Watkins. She was united in marriage to the late Rupert P. Parks. She was a homemaker, dedicated to her family, and also worked in Parks Feed Store. Mrs. Parks was of the Christian faith and was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend. She will be missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by:
Son: Nelson Parks and wife Susan of Mena, Arkansas
Daughter: Joyce Hansen and husband Richard of Mena, Arkansas
Sister: Jackie Ruth McKee of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Grandchildren: Paul Hansen of Shamrock, Texas Mark Hansen of Lamar, Arkansas Cara Mohler of Tulsa, Oklahoma McKenzie Black of Mt. Ida, Arkansas Daniel Foreman of Hot Springs, Arkansas
Great-Grandchildren: K.C. Hansen, Brooke and Alexander Hansen, Ansylee Hansen, Acylynn and Kory Coleman, Michael Hansen, Andrew Hansen, Thai Hansen, Andrew Graves and Trent Black
Great-Great- Grandchild: Tristan Hansen
She was preceded in death by her parents, C.J. and Cara Watkins, her husband, Rupert P. Parks, 4 brothers, Coyle, Everett, Donald and Dale Watkins, and by 1 sister, Grace Allen.
Graveside services will be Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Old Dallas Cemetery with Brother Gary Garrett officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday evening, March 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dallas Cemetery Association.
Michael Don Norris
(March 17, 1955 - March 7, 2012)
Michael Don Norris, age 56, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at his home.
He was born March 17, 1955 in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Herman Eldon Norris and Nada Jean Reed. He was married to Cynthia Nunn in 1976; they had 40 blessed years together and were given two precious children, Jonathan and Jessica Norris. Mike worked as a home renovation specialist and was owner and operator of Norris Restoration and Renovation. He restored a number of historic home sites here in Mena. He enjoyed woodworking and camping with his family. Mike loved the Lord and was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by:
Wife: Cynthia Norris of Mena, Arkansas
Mother: Nada Jean Reed of Mena, Arkansas
Son: Jonathan Norris and wife Becky of Mena, Arkansas Daughter: Jessica Norris of Chicago, Illinois
Brother: Lynn Norris of Weatherford, Texas
Half-Brothers: Tim Norris, Jim Norris, Sam Norris, Wells White, Tim White, And Keith White
Half-Sisters: Alice Scott, Charlene Day and Joy Doan
Mr. Norris was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. the Mena Church of God on Hwy 88 East with Brother Mark Lyle officiating.
Irene C. Smith
(June 4, 1927 - March 8, 2012)
Mrs. Irene C. Smith, age 84, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, March 8, 2012 in Mena.
She was born June 4, 1927 in Polk County, Arkansas to the late Marion Henry Cox and the late Mamie Saladina Cox. She was united in marriage to the late Jess Smith. Mrs. Smith worked in the cafeteria for Mena Public Schools for 25 years and was a member of the Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend and will me dearly missed by those who loved and knew her.
She is survived by:
Son: Harold Smith and wife Brenda of Mena, Arkansas
Daughter: Cathy Youngblood and husband W.T. of Mena, Arkansas
Brothers: Hubert Cox and wife Gertrude of Mena, Arkansas Archie Cox and wife Beth of Mena, Arkansas
Grandchildren: Rusty Youngblood and wife Nancy of Wickes, Arkansas Toby Youngblood and wife Amanda of Bentonville, Arkansas J.J. Samuels and husband Brian of Springdale, Arkansas
5 great-grandchildren and a set of twin boys on the way, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Mamie Cox, her husband, Jess Smith, a sister, Mary Bell Cox Moore, and two brothers, Olen Cox and Pete Cox.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church with Brother Orval Heath and Brother James Spradlin officiating. Interment follows in Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will be Friday evening, March 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
