Cobb Funeral Home

04/23/2026

Gary Harrison, 79, of Blytheville, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Manila Nursing Center.

Born in Marked Tree, Arkansas, to L.T. and Ruth Harrison, Gary lived a life defined by service and devotion. After serving with honor in the United States Air Force, he dedicated his career to the United States Post Office until his retirement. Outside of work, Gary was an avid golfer, but his true joy was being his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest fan at every sporting event they participated in.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Harrison.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Lampton Harrison; his children, Gregg Harrison and his wife Deanna of Brookland, Bryan Harrison and his wife Melanie of Brookland, Mark Harrison and his wife Rebecca of Brookland, Brad Harrison and his wife Jennifer of Manila, and Lisa Vick and her husband Jimmy of Brookland; twelve grandchildren, Natalie Teague and her husband Ty, Ryan Harrison, Jared Harrison and his wife Ashton, Tyler Harrison, Kaleb Harrison, Damon Harrison, Lilah Harrison, Hudson Harrison, Maddox Harrison, Keely Vick, Phoenix Vick, and Raven Vick; two great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Rory Teague; his brothers, Rick Harrison and his wife Vivian of Blytheville, and Randy Harrison of Lowell; and his sister, Linda Golden and her husband Joe of Oakland, Tennessee.

His services will be private. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/20/2026

Karen “Kathy” Sanders Sloan left this earth peacefully on Friday April 17th, 2026, with her husband by her side at the Phil and Flo hospice house.

Kathy was born on April 21st, 1951, in Blytheville Arkansas to the late W.O. “Ott” Sanders and Dessie Lott Sanders. She graduated from Gosnell High School in 1969. She married Roger Sloan on July 10th, 1972. She was a member of the Pathway Church of God. She worked as an Operator for Southwestern Bell until it closed in Blytheville. She was one of the last to leave Base Supply when Eaker Air Force Base closed in Blytheville. She retired from working as a secretary for her son-in-law and daughter’s company, A&A Supply, in 2010.

Kathy was a spit fire, to know her was to love her. She loved watching her grandkids play basketball, travel with her beloved husband, decorate and shop. Kathy was the “baby” of the family, and she would always remind you of that, as she was loved and spoiled beyond words.

She was preceded in passing by her parents; her brothers, Wayne Sanders and Gene Sanders; sisters, Peggy Perkins and Ann Cooper; her sister-in-law, Wanda Sanders; brothers-in-laws, Raymond Cooper and Marion Perkins; and two sons-in-laws, Tony Kennedy and Chad Tillman.

Kathy leaves her husband of almost 54 years Roger Sloan; her daughters, Christie Kennedy Emmert (Tony) and Tiffany Tillman, both of Blytheville; her grandsons, Ashton Kennedy (Kaytlyn) and Brayden Tillman; four granddaughters, Mckenzie Tillman, Abby Burrow (Landon), Gracie Tillman and Kylee Tillman; three great-grandchildren, Ella Langdon, Beckett Kennedy and Stella Kennedy; two sisters-in-laws, Leva Tillman and Jana Regan; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of long-time friends.

A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:00pm at Pathway Church of God in Blytheville, Arkansas, with Rev. Danny Rigney officiating. Graveside services will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 3:00pm until service time at Pathway Church of God. Pall Bearers are Ashton Kennedy, Brayden Tillman, Landon Burrow, Darrell Sanders, Wayne Sanders, and George Pannell. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/20/2026

David Thompson, 74, of Blytheville, Arkansas, passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at his home.

A native of Blytheville, he was the son of Morris and Ora Sue Thompson. Following his graduation from Forrest City, he pursued a life filled with his favorite pastimes, including bowling and music, and shared his passion for the game as a baseball player through his 50's.

David was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his brother, Charles Thompson, of Como, Mississippi; and two nieces, India Holland and Kayte Thompson.

His services will be private. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/16/2026

Barbara Ann Peterson, 87, of Jonesboro and formerly of Blytheville, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at her home.

Born in Blytheville, Arkansas, to Andy and Geneva Bevill, Barbara built a dedicated 38-year career with the Gosnell School District as a Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant following her graduation from Gosnell High School. An avid golfer and member of “Ladies of the Club” at the Blytheville Country Club, she cherished her time with loved ones, writing poetry and music, and especially cooking for her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Bevill and his wife Sara. Her husband J.L. Gurley and James Peterson both of Blytheville.

Barbara is survived by her children, Stacey Newcomb and her husband Larry of Blytheville. Gina Jaksic and her husband Mish of Clearwater, Florida. Step-son Dean Gurley and his wife Nancy of Blytheville. Step-son Scott Gurley and his wife Julie of Austin, Texas. Terry Gurley and his wife Diana of Hardeeville, South Carolina. Eleven grandchildren, Anna Kinsey, Taylor Kinsey, Aleks Jaksic and his wife Kinsey. Andriana Jaksic and her husband Cameron. Adam Jaksic, Max Gurley and his wife Emily. Katie Thomason and her husband Russ. Christian Gurley, Ryan Gurley, Evan Gurley, Joanna Bahe and her husband James. Nine great-grandchildren. A special niece, Tara Leike and her husband Ken. Her loving sister, Claudette Miller.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home, with Mr. Randy Jumper officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Barbara’s honor to the Blytheville Humane Society PO Box 1855, Blytheville, AR 72316. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/16/2026

Linda Faye Shuck, 75, of Blytheville, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026 in Daleville, Mississippi.

Born in Booneville, Mississippi to James Dayton Moore and Ella Fulks. Linda dedicated her life to the service of children. A retired school teacher who taught in both DeKalb, Mississippi, and Osceola, Arkansas, she furthered her impact by driving a bus for the Gosnell School District for many years. Above all, Linda was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Wayne Moore and Danny Fulks; her sister, Elaine Borders; her grandson, Johnathan Sherrill; and her mother-in-law, Helen Shuck.

Linda is survived by her beloved husband, Glenn “Buddy” Shuck; her children, Angie Sherrill and her husband, Chris, of Catawba, North Carolina, Kristi Shuck of Meridian, Mississippi, and Mashall Gully and her husband, Greg, of Daleville, Mississippi; her grandchildren, Zachery Shuck, Britany Shuck, Stephanie Sherrill-Scott, Nathan Sherrill, Alyssa Gully, Lindsay McKee and Rylee Gully; great-grandchildren, Khloe Shuck, Kristina Gentry, Adeline Shuck, Jace Gibson, Kai Gibson, and Lillibet Sherrill-Scott; her brothers, Ricky Moore and his wife, Marie, of Gosnell, Arkansas and Rick Wetzell of Colorado; her father-in-law, John O. Shuck, Jr.; and her sister-in-law, Esther Moore, of Georgia.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David King officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/16/2026

Granvil Sonny Murphy, 85, of Blytheville, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Sonny was born in Dover, Arkansas to Lonnie and Lena “Matilda” Murphy. Sonny was a master diesel and hydraulic mechanic, he spent 25 years with International Harvester before following his entrepreneurial spirit to open Murphy’s Repair Service. His life was anchored by his deep faith as a devoted member of the First United Pentecostal Church. Outside of work, he was a renowned woodsman; while he was a professional c**n hunter who achieved Grand Nite and Grand Show Champion status with his prized “Murphy’s Blue Rock”, he also enjoyed the simpler pursuit of hunting rabbits. He found joy in bringing smiles to others by catering parties with pony rides and was a fixture at the local coffee shop, where he loved 'horse trading' and swapping stories with dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four sisters, Billie Jean Cossey, Florence Morris, Virginia Murphy and Brenda Laffoon Carmichael.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Berniece Staggs Murphy; his children, Nitalynn Murphy-Earnest of Blytheville, Tammy Alvey and her husband, Alan, of Conway, Beverly Thompson and her husband, Richard “Kent” of Blytheville, and Kimberly Buchberger and her husband, Kevin, of Ward; ten grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and a host of many friends and loved ones.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Pentecostal Church, 219 N. 21st Street in Blytheville, with Rev. Robert White officiating. Burial will follow in Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at First United Pentecostal Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/15/2026

Margaret “Louise” Arnold, 79, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Louise was born in the Huffman Community to Eugene and Edna Studdards Hardesty. She was a former employee of Plaza Drug, Sterling’s and Dillard’s. She enjoyed watching game shows and westerns, as well as getting together with friends to play Bunco. Louise loved going out to eat, especially when Chinese food was on the menu, and she always looked forward to her weekend shopping trips. More than anything, Louise enjoyed time at her home where she felt most at ease and surrounded by the life she loved. She spoke to her cousins on the phone every day, as this was a treasured part of her daily routine. She had a deep love for her animals and was devoted to providing them a loving home. Louise loved the holidays and enjoyed having everyone gather at her home. Louise especially loved her family and grandchildren, and her greatest happiness came from watching them grow and making sure they were loved.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Arnold; and brothers, Owen and Gary Hardesty.

Louise is survived by her children, Chris Arnold and Debra Holifield and her husband John; granddaughter, Chasadie Treadway and her husband, Carle; great-grandchildren, Conner Holifield and Cayden Treadway; nephew Eddie Hardesty and a special great-nephew, Gene Hardesty, all of Blytheville.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Billy Holifield officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/15/2026

Scott Rice, 55, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026 at his home.

Scott was born in Kansas City, Missouri to George and Bonnie Rice. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he served his country with distinction before earning degrees from Arkansas State University and the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Academy. Following a dedicated career as a police officer, he embraced a well-deserved retirement filled with fishing trips and watching his son play basketball. An impassioned sports fan, he remained forever loyal to the Arkansas Razorbacks and the San Francisco 49ers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Rice and Bonnie Faye McGee Rice.

Scott is survived by his son, Brayden Rice of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and his daughter, Anna Rice of Blytheville, Arkansas; his brother, Allen Rice and his wife, Cheryl, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; three nephews and one niece.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Scott’s honor, to the American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023, 1-800-DIABETES. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/14/2026

Deanna Cecilia Peavey Williams passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, at the Manila Nursing Center. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and devoted Sunday school teacher who leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and generosity. She was known by all who met her as one of a the most giving people, often sharing snacks or handmade crocheted gifts crafted with her own hands.

Deanna had a lifelong love for crocheting and enjoyed a variety of creative pursuits, including working in her flower beds, wallpapering, and painting her home. She had a vibrant personality and was known as a “bling queen,” always believing that the more sparkle, the better.

Her faith was central to her life. Deanna loved the Lord deeply and was a devoted Christian woman, wife and mother. She cherished her family. It was her heartfelt prayer that her faith would continue through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and that each would come to know and love Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years and the love of her life, Chuck Williams; her parents, Willard and Juliette Peavey; her brother, Floyd Peavey; her sister, Deloris Nason; and her beloved son, Michael Wade Williams.

Deanna is survived by her sister, Marie Richards; her daughter, Karen Brown (Charley); and cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren include Michael Williams, Jr. (Amanda), Justin Brown (Meghan), Christopher Brown (Callie), and Katelyn Weaver (Garrett). Her great-grandchildren include Billy Williams, Maddie Williams, Addison Brown, Nora Brown, Charlye Weaver, Savannah Brown, Baylor Brown, and Worth Weaver.

Deanna will be remembered for her generous heart, creative spirit, and unwavering faith. Her life touched many, and her legacy will live on through the family she loved so dearly.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Coy Camp and Rodney Cooper officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/13/2026

Franklin Helms Jr., 46, of Blytheville, Arkansas, stepped into eternal rest on April 9, 2026. Born on December 20, 1979, he grew into a man whose heart beat in rhythm with the land he loved the woods, the water, and the wide open spaces that felt like home.

Franklin was an outdoorsman in the purest sense. He understood the quiet language of the trees, the pull of the river, the hush of early morning before the world wakes. Hunting, fishing, boating, camping, riding four wheelers, these weren’t just hobbies to him, but the places where his spirit settled. Yet the greatest joy in every sunrise and every cast line was sharing those moments with his children. He was a country boy through and through, living boldly, simply, and with a heart that never wavered. His dedication reached far beyond the outdoors. Franklin served as a volunteer firefighter with the Armorel Fire Department, answering calls with courage and compassion. Through his work with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Department, ART, and Viserion Grain, he built friendships that lasted and earned the respect of those who worked beside him.

Franklin’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his children, Justin Helms and wife Courtney, and their children Waylon, Addison, and Bexleigh of Paragould; Skylar Helms and wife Liza of Luxora; and Robert Helms of the home. He is also survived by Robert’s mother, Betty Harris, and her husband Matt, who shared a meaningful and enduring bond with him.

He leaves behind his brother, Bradley Newson and husband KaDarius of Blytheville; his mother, Julie Mitchell and husband Edgar of Blytheville; and his fiancé, Serena Sellers, along with Keontae, Donta, Aishlinn, and Kaelinn, all of the home. He is also survived by his aunt, Angie Crow of Blytheville; his stepmother, Donna Helms; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who will feel his absence in both the quiet moments and the loud ones.

Franklin was preceded in death by his father, Franklin Helms Sr.; his paternal grandparents, Reba and Garfield Helms; his maternal grandparents, Margaret Faye and Rowland L. Mitchell; his great grandmother, Nadine Crocks; and his great grandparents, Orval and Joyce Mitchell.

Those who knew him will remember a man of loyalty, grit, and heart, someone who stood firm for the people he loved and never apologized for being exactly who he was. His legacy lives on in the stories told around campfires, in the lessons passed down to his children, and in the memories that will echo for generations.

Franklin’s life was a testament to love, loyalty, and the beauty of living boldly. Though he has stepped into a quieter place, the imprint of his spirit remains steady as the river, strong as the oak, and cherished beyond measure.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his home, 4402 East State Hwy 148 in Blytheville, on April 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that every one bring a dish to the celebration of life. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/08/2026

Brenda Dyer Bergquist passed from this life on February 19, 2026, in Heber Springs, Arkansas.

Brenda was born in Blytheville, Arkansas to Farris and Mary Russell Dyer.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Bergquist; daughter, Felicia “Lisa” Perry Elliot; brother, Larry Dyer; and nephew, Jimmy Tilley, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri Perry Austin and her husband, Robert; two sisters, Martha Ashmore and Pattye Elliott; her brother, Nick Dyer; three grandchildren, William Elliott, Stephen Elliott, and Robyn Thorn; four great-grandchildren, Lisa, Evan, Kenady and Lennon; four nephews, Jerry Ashmore, Mike Ashmore, Paul Carman, Larry Dyer, Jr. and his wife Agnes; and niece, Marry Beth Dyer.

Brenda’s services were private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Brenda’s honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and asks for your continued prayers. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

04/06/2026