Phillips Funeral Home

11/19/2025

Letters from important figures, a reel of film, and an Academy Award… what do these all have in common? They’re all in the TIMES Archives! Click the link below to explore these and other artifacts from the archives.

The Zapruder film, a note from Martin Luther King, the first TIME logo, and more

11/18/2025

Jacob Lowell Jesse Smith passed away at the age of 32 on November 13, 2025. Born on August 14, 1993 in Jonesboro Ar., Jacob’s journey through life was marked by joy, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his family & loved ones.

For Jacob, fishing was more than just a hobby, it was his sanctuary, his happy place, a place where he held many joyful childhood memories of fishing with his brother and grandfather, using only a cane pole. The connection to nature combined with his faith and those priceless childhood memories created a space where he could find peace and truly be himself.

His love for the outdoors was only matched by his connection with music, which resonated throughout his life and provided him a tool for healing and self- expression.

Jacob's love for life was not restrained to the quiet moments by the water's edge; it was also expressed through his unwavering dedication to others, unconditional trust, and being able to see the infinite value in life. His love for life was infectious and left an impression on everyone he met.

After many years of struggling with addiction and spending 5 years in prison, Jacob was able to repent for his sins and give his heart to God. During the time he was incarcerated, he spent many hours studying the Bible in order to gain wisdom and use it as guidance to share God’s love with others around him.

Jacob's hope was infectious, and it propelled him to look forward, anticipating the future with a bright-eyed optimism that he could overcome any obstacle. His determination and relentless spirit pushed him to try to better himself in all aspects of life. He wanted to be a beacon for others and show that change is possible through persistent faith in God.

Jacob was preceded in death by his father, Lowell Jesse Smith; and grandparents, Mary Lou Smith and Elmo Smith.

Survivors include his mother, Heather Marie Bennett; brothers, Bryant Smith and Spencer Jackson; sisters, Hannah Smith and Ashley Gann; nephews, Oliver Koehler and Daelyn Koehler; niece, Evelyn Grace Trice; uncle, Jimmy C. Turner, III (Janette); aunt, Tina Woodward (Jimmy); and grandparents, Tywana Edwards (Harlan) and Timothy Bennett.

The family will receive friends Saturday, November 22, from noon until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm. With Jerry Clements officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Bryant Smith, Justin Trout, Jon Jones, Pablo Badillo, Jimmy C. Turner, III, and Seth Jones will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Spencer Jackson, Tyler Miller, Cody Greer, Jimmy C. Turner IV, and Jimmy Woodard.

11/17/2025

11/17/2025

Bobby Joe Staggs, Sr., passed away on the 13th of November, 2025, in Paragould, Arkansas. Born on the 8th of July, 1953, in Monette, Arkansas, Bob's zest for life and the love he carried for his family, friends, and faith were the hallmarks of his 72 years.
Bob was a man who cherished the simple pleasures of life. His love for the outdoors was evident to all who knew him. He found joy in nature, no matter what the activity. Many will remember Bob for his love for music, and enjoying a cold beer.
Above all, Bob's heart was devoted to his family and God. He was a loving husband, a guiding father, and a doting grandfather. His wife was the center of his world, and their partnership was built on mutual respect, laughter, and an unbreakable bond. Together, they navigated life's challenges and celebrated its joys, serving as an inspiring example of love and commitment for their children and grandchildren.
Bob's passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved him, but his legacy of love, laughter, and faith remains. He taught us to appreciate the world around us, to savor every moment, and to live with a heart full of love for others.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Wanda Staggs and 2 siblings.
Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Margaret Staggs; son, Bobby Staggs, Jr.; daughters, Michelle Simpson and Margaret Staggs; sister, Delores Adams; grandchildren, Jordan Murrell, Jonathan Blake, Matthew Price, Cheyenne Vazquez, Bobby Staggs, III, Brittany Tapley, and Ashley Sander; and several great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Thursday, November 20, from 2:00 p.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The memorial service will begin at 3:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home.

11/16/2025

M***a Wayne Baskin, passed away on the 15th of November, 2025, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at the age of 77. Born in Bowman, Arkansas, on June 24, 1948, Wayne was a man whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Wayne grew into a man of strong character, known for his work ethic and friendly demeanor. Wayne spent many years as a dedicated employee at Darling Store Fixtures, from which he eventually retired.
Beyond his professional life, Wayne was a man of many passions. An avid fisherman, he could often be found by the riverside, rod in hand, enjoying the tranquility of nature. His love for fishing was only matched by his sociable spirit. Wayne was the kind of person who never met a stranger; he could strike up a conversation with anyone and often did. His genuine interest in people and their stories endeared him to many.
Wayne's knack for socializing extended to his love for a good bargain. He was a frequent visitor to flea markets, where he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, always on the lookout for hidden treasures. His haggling was always in good nature, and he was known for his ability to walk away with both a bargain and a new friend.
At the River of Life Church, Wayne was more than just a member; he was a deacon and a pillar of the community. Affectionately known as the "Candy Man," he took great joy in handing out sweets and smiles to everyone, embodying the spirit of giving and kindness that was central to his faith.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Ruby Baskin; sister, Martha Delois McDonald; brother, Lenzie Baskin; and grandson, Aaron Baskin.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Glenda Baskin; sons, Paul Baskin and Terry Baskin (Jennifer); daughter, Tracey Womack (Mike); grandchildren, Dustin Baskin, Emily Baskin, Alison Baskin, Asha Cook (Terry), and Lakeisha Standley; great-grandchildren, Karleigh Rae Baskin, Bryson Baskin, Jaden Cook, Hannah Cook, Olivia Cook, Jace Cook, Ashton Cook, Arionna Peterson, Eden Peterson, Roran Parker, and Therin Parker; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 18, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at River of Life Church. Funeral services under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home will begin at noon at River of Life Church with Brice Smithee officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Log Cemetery.

11/14/2025

We understand that putting together a eulogy for a loved one can be a daunting task. As you begin to write the eulogy, check out these guidelines that can help you avoid common mistakes.

Writing a eulogy is a big task! While there's no set way to create a eulogy, here are a few things to avoid.

11/14/2025

Ima Jean Huffines, age 73, of Paragould, entered her heavenly home on November 11, 2025. She was born on August 21, 1952, and lived a life defined by love, devotion, and unwavering strength.

A homemaker by choice and by heart, Ima considered being a wife and mother the most meaningful work of her life. In her late teens, she married Nicky Wiggington with whom she welcomed her daughter, Tracy. Ima devoted herself to caring for Nicky through his many years of health challenges until his death in 2001. His passing left her deeply adrift until God led her to Robert “Bob” Huffines, who became her second great love. They married in 2003, and together built a life filled with purpose, companionship, and joy.

Ima loved her daughter with her whole heart. Her greatest mission was ensuring Tracy always felt safe, supported, and cherished. Ima’s encouragement, strength, and love were unmatched—gifts she poured into her family every day of her life. Through her marriage to Bob, she readily welcomed two bonus daughters, Hannah and Heather, whom she loved dearly.

Her granddaughters were the light of her world. She beamed with pride watching Eden graduate from college and become engaged to Andre, celebrated every moment of Rory’s ball games and cheer events, and found so much joy in playing with sweet Ruby Kate. Being their Nana was one of her greatest blessings.

Ima was deeply grounded in her faith. She was a longtime member of the Paragould Church of God, where she nurtured her walk with the Lord and found a loving church family.

Ima was preceded in death by her parents, James Allen and Dora Mae Abbott; her first husband, Nicky Lynn Wiggington; her son-in-law, Stanford Eaves; six brothers; two sisters; and her in-laws, Ed and Wanda Huffines and Frank and Ruth Wiggington.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Huffines; daughters, Tracy Eaves, Hannah Ludick (J.P. Ludick), and Heather Huffines; her cherished grandchildren, Eden Eaves (Andre Ferreira), Aurora Wooldridge, and Ruby Kate Ludick, and sisters, Debra Jones and Christine Abbott. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 15, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow at New Friendship Cemetery.

Ima’s life was a testament to love, faith, and devotion. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

11/13/2025

Jennifer Marie Holmes of Paragould, AR (formerly Fort Atkinson, WI) beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on November 4th, 2025 at the age of 49. The daughter of Earl Holmes and Mary Lou Frandson, she was born on May 9th, 1976, in Fort Atkinson, WI. She attended Fort Atkinson High School and worked at Jones Dairy Farm for several years. In recent years she was employed at Frito Lay in Jonesboro, AR. Though her time on this earth was far too short, she lived every moment with honesty, humor, and soul.

Jennifer was a free spirit — a beautiful mix of strength and softness, wit and wildness. Never conformed to the concept of normalcy. She was known for her sharp humor and her unmatched intuition, which never failed her or anyone lucky enough to receive her advice. She was a hippie at heart, and always true to herself. A lover of life’s oddities, she carried a light that made everything feel more alive. She ran wild, laughed loud, loved deeply, and left a mark on everyone who knew her.

She found peace in the open air — under big skies, near rivers and trees. Nature was her sanctuary. Whether she was exploring, kayaking, fishing, magnet fishing, or searching for rocks and arrowheads, Jennifer was most herself in those quiet, untamed places. She was truly unfettered, always ready to find beauty in the unexpected, and laughter in chaos.

Jennifer worked hard all her life. From the warehouse floor to her own hustle, she made ends meet through grit, determination, and a fierce love for the people she cared about. She was rough around the edges in all the best ways — real, raw, and always genuine.

Jennifer will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her truth, her laughter, and her heart of gold. A celebration of her life is not yet planned, but in the meantime the family encourages everyone to take a walk in nature, tell the truth boldly, and love as fiercely as Jennifer did.

Jennifer is survived by daughters Jazmine (Tyler) Wilberding of Fort Atkinson and Hannah (Lee) Robel of Paragould Arkansas, Along with their stepfather Russel J Arnold. She is also survived by her sisters, Lexi (Jeramy) Holmes of Indianapolis and Mindy (Tim) Hoff of Brownsville, Wisconsin. She is also survived by her grandchildren Brooklyn and Grayson Wilberding and niece Hailey Lou Hamm; Her Uncle Chuck (Fran) Frandson, Aunt Candace Milan, and Cousin Sarah (Simon) Dorfman. Preceding her in death were her parents Earl Holmes and Mary Lou Frandson, Grandparents Geraldine Frandson Squeo and Peter Frandson, Uncle Peter Milan and Cousin Tristan Milan.

11/12/2025

If you are retired, you might be seeking new friendships in this next chapter of your life. Click the link below for practical suggestions to help you make new connections.

Feeling disconnected in retirement? Learn actionable ways to make new friends, expand your social circle, and combat loneliness.

11/12/2025

We invite you to like us on Facebook! You will be able to keep track of upcoming events, learn about discounts and giveaways, and read informative and helpful articles about grief, loss, funeral and memorial services, estate planning, and so much more!

11/11/2025

Melissa Michelle Lyles Jenkins, age 41, from Beech Grove, AR sadly passed away on November 8th 2025

Melissa was born on July 28th 1984 in Paragould, AR to Dale & Susan Lyles. She had a High School Education then went on to go to Vocational and Technical College to get her Beautician License. Melissa loved her family and especially loved all of her grandchildren.

Melissa got married to Jeffrey Jenkins on September 20th 2008.

Melissa was predeceased in death by Foy & Jimmie Lou Lyles, Bob & Berniece Holder, Tim Ray Lyles and Johnathan Jenkins.

Melissa was survived by Jeffery Jenkins, Dale & Susan Lyles. Children- Allan Jenkins & ( Lisa Jenkins ), Heather Jenkins Brown ( Josh Brown ), Treston Lyles ( Ashley Lyles ), and Caden Hunt. Grandchildren- Cloey Brown, Austin Brown, Roxy Jenkins, Novalee Brown, Alex Jenkins, Finley Lyles and one on the way.

11/11/2025

Today, we mark Veterans Day, a day created to honor our servicemen and women. To all our veterans, we honor you, remember you, and applaud your sacrifice to preserve our freedoms.