Phillips Funeral Home

02/28/2026

Shelby Jean (Tedder) Faulkner, age 86, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2026. Born on November 3, 1939. Shelby’s life was defined by service and heart. She was a hairstylist for many years. She had a special gift of making others feel cared for – whether through her talent and love for doing hair or through the countless quiet acts of kindness that filled her days. When sitting in her chair at Center Hill Hairstyling, she had a way of making you feel not only beautiful but cherished and loved. She was never to busy to hear the stories her clients shared.

In her younger years, Shelby proudly played for the All-American Red Heads Women’s Basketball Team. She said making the team was an “opportunity of a lifetime, compared to chopping cotton in the fields.” Making $350 per month, she hit the road with the team playing all over the continental US playing full court basketball against men's teams when women at that time still played ½ court. One of her proudest moments in life, aside from her family, was being inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame! Even in her final days, when shown a picture of her wearing her Redheads uniform she would hold that picture and say “That is ME,” while smiling. Her love for basketball never faded and she could always be found in the stands, cheering at every event no matter how close or far away from home that might be. Events were never too far to travel to watch – from her children’s games to her grandchildren’s activities and everything in between, she never missed a moment that mattered.
Shelby led by example and had a servant’s heart. She was a devoted member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church where she led the nursery for many years. She could always be found working in the background tending to everyone’s needs before her own - from large family gatherings to her own kitchen – Shelby will always be remembered for how lovingly she served her family and those around her. It didn’t matter the time of day, how tired she was or what was going on, Shelby made time for drop in lunch dates, late night impromptu hair appointments in the kitchen, and she delighted in spoiling her baby twin sisters with shopping trips and continued that with her grandchildren as she grew older. Her grandchildren knew if their parents didn’t get it “Grandma would.” When still able, Shelby still believed in personal visits to family and friends even if it was just to sit and drink a cup of coffee and catch up on their lives. And lets not forget, who can think of Shelby without thinking of Elvis. She delighted in hearing his music and never missed an opportunity to go to his home at Graceland.
The last seven years of her life were not defined by her memory, but by her heart. She loved seeing her family but especially lit up when her grandchildren and those great-grand babies walked into the room. You could still sense the love and joy she carried in her heart even when her mind was fading. Shelby will forever be remembered for her sense of humor, kind heart, her deep love for her family, and unwavering faith.

Shelby was the daughter of the late Mack and Flossie Tedder. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Joe Hill Faulkner, and loving children Kenny (Mona) Faulkner, Theresa (Paul) Nedelman, Hailey (Steve) Reid. She was the proud grandmother to Lauren Vaughn, Justin (Lauren) Roberts, Chelsey (Jacob) Catt, Deidre (Logan) Vaughn, Kobe Reid, Karson Reid, Kyler Reid and great grandchildren Kendan and Conlee Vaughn, Lawson and Layla Roberts, Collins Catt, Zaiden Nedelman, Raif and Stella Vaughn. She is survived by her siblings Bob Tedder, Yevonne Mangrum, Linda Yocum and Brenda Cannon. She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings M.C. Tedder, Bill Tedder, Mark Creel, Jim Tedder, Shirley McCord, Eggie Tedder, Jerry Wayne Tedder, and Lurline Hambrick.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 2nd from 10:30 a.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home, in Paragould. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Chaplain Marcus Hoover officiating. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Kenny Faulkner, Justin Roberts, Kobe Reid, Karson Reid, Kyler Reid, Paul Nedelman and Jacob Catt. Gene (Star) Faulkner will serve as Honorary Pallbearer.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff of Legacy Hospice and Lawrence Hall Nursing Home. When we were connected with Legacy Hospice, we never realized all the amazing people we would encounter that cared for not only for Mrs Shelby but the entire family. This exceptional care continued with the staff of Lawrence Hall Nursing Home. We will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.

02/27/2026

We had a great day at the Sr. Bee's celebrating the January and February birthdays. Happy Birthday!!!

02/27/2026

If you're planning a meaningful tribute for a loved one, it's important to understand your options. Click the link to learn more about the viewing, the visitation, and the differences between the two!

Not sure what the differences are between a viewing and a visitation? Check out this article to learn more about each one!

02/25/2026

In Loving Memory of a Devoted Father, Charles Lynn Gibson
September 2, 1969 - February 17, 2026

Survived by Rebecca (Tim) Gibson, Zach (Haylie) Gibson, and Jared Morgan

With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of a remarkable man — a loving father of three, a faithful servant of God, and a free spirit whose soul was never meant to stay in one place for long.

He was a man who loved life deeply and lived it fully. Whether under open skies, on winding backroads, or surrounded by those he cherished most, he found beauty in the simple and the extraordinary alike. He carried a gypsy soul — always wandering, always exploring, always searching for the next horizon — yet no matter where his travels took him, his greatest journey was always back home.

As a father, he was steady, protective, and endlessly proud. His three children were his heart and purpose. He taught them to be brave, to love fiercely, to trust in God, and to never be afraid of chasing their dreams. His laughter filled rooms, his stories held attention, and his presence brought comfort.

His faith guided him through every chapter of life. A God-fearing man, he leaned on prayer, trusted in grace, and believed that every road he walked was part of a greater plan. Even in difficult times, his hope never wavered.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Though his earthly journey has ended, his spirit continues to roam free — carried in the hearts of his children and all who were blessed to know him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

02/25/2026

When celebrating the life of a loved one, personalization is key. Every life is unique and valuable, and in order to celebrate that life, the service should be tailored to bring out the aspects that make them one of a kind.

We will brainstorm with you, offer ideas and suggestions, and listen to your loved one's life story to help you create a final tribute that is personal, healing, and meaningful so that you can honor your loved one's life personally and specifically.

To learn more about celebrating life, contact us today!

02/23/2026

Wallace Lee Howe, lovingly known as “Beaver,” was born on December 4, 1930, in Stonewall, Arkansas. He passed peacefully on February 23, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy rooted in hard work, loyalty, and deep love for his family and community.

Wallace proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a Technical Sergeant, where he earned his first set of flight wings — a symbol of honor, discipline, and commitment to something greater than himself. After his service, he returned home to farm in Lafe, Arkansas, the town he never left. The land was more than his occupation; it was his calling and the foundation of everything he built.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George Lee Howe and Sally Vester Hyatt Howe; his beloved wife, Dorothy Marie Howe; his brother, Donald Howe; his son, Timothy Lee Howe; his daughter-in-law, Margaret Anna Howe; and his great-granddaughter, Josie Mae Austin.
He is survived by his daughter, Pam Lyerly (Murray); his son, Scott Howe (Melissa); his grandchildren Dustin Howe, Stacy Griffin, Katie Combs (Zach), Grant Howe (Megan), Jordan Lyerly, Lindsay Fry, and Will Tarry (Meagan), and his great-grandchildren Gavin Howe, Mia Howe, Cash Austin, Barrett Austin, Case Combs, and Charlotte Howe, along with bonus great grand-children, Tucker, Hudson, Rayce, Sawyer, Kaylyn, and Wyatt.
Beaver was known for saying he had “worked his fingerprints off,” and anyone who knew him believed it. He worked so hard that his overalls were worn down to threads and the soles of his shoes had been glued back on more than once. He could be found driving a tractor from sunup to sundown — even well into his 90s — unwilling to slow down and always tending to the land he loved. He was an avid hunter, proudly bringing home whatever he harvested for his beloved Marie to butcher, continuing a partnership built on hard work and shared purpose.
He also enjoyed playing poker several nights a week with dozens of lifelong friends. Even if the games carried on well past midnight, Beaver would still be back on the farm before 7 a.m. to “make rounds,” checking the fields as if sleep were optional and responsibility was not.
Just before he passed, Beaver squinted his eyes harder than he had ever squinted — as if adjusting to a light brighter than any Arkansas sunrise he had ever watched over his fields. We believe he was seeing the gates of Heaven open and preparing for one final takeoff. After earning his first set of flight wings in service to his country, he gained his final and most important set — the most permanent and most brilliant — as he took his flight home to Heaven.
His 95 years were marked by grit, devotion, and unwavering faith. His legacy lives on in the land he farmed, the family he raised, and the generations who will forever carry his name and his stories forward.
Graveside services will be Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Providence Cemetery at 1:00 PM under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home, with Pastor Aaron Neugebauer and Pastor Kim Bridges officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the Henry Wrinkles Foundation in Paragould, Arkansas.

02/23/2026

02/22/2026

William Edward Cook, a loving father, and cherished grandfather, left this world on February 22, 2026, at his residence in Knobel, Arkansas. Born on March 31, 1947, in Bucoda, Missouri, he lived a life marked by hard work and generosity.
A proud Vietnam Army Veteran, William approached life with the same dedication and discipline he exhibited during his service. His career as a truck driver allowed him to travel the country, sharing his stories and experiences with those he met along the way. William was a simple man, always eager to embrace new hobbies, which included building trikes and fishing—activities that brought him joy and were cherished by family and friends alike.
He is survived by his loving sons, James Cook (Michelle), Tony Cook (April), and Douglas Cook; his beloved daughters, Maria Cook (Terri), and Courtney Wiyrick (Dakota); his caring sisters, Betty Adams and Louise Rogers; as well as 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren who will carry forward his legacy of love and kindness.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil William and Virginia Irene Cook; his wife, Judy Cook; and siblings, Mary Ann Bridges, Shirley Rogers, and Barbara Stephens.
Friends are invited to honor William Edward Cook in a visitation on Thursday, February 26, from 12:00 PM until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held beginning at 1:00 PM with Scott Trayler officiating. Burial will follow at Finch Cemetery.
Dale Smith, Jay Carpenter, Brian Brown, Bruce Stephens, Demarea Speaks, and Dakota Wiyrick will serve as pallbearers. Greg Stephens, Kenny Rogers, Scottie Rogers, and Allen Bridges will serve as honorary pallbearers.

02/21/2026

Linda Louise Travis, a devoted family matriarch, was born on March 30, 1945, in Rector, Arkansas. She passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, in Jackson, Tennessee, surrounded by the love of her family.
Linda attended Marmaduke High School, where she cultivated not only a love for learning but also lifelong friendships that would carry her through the years.
Linda held a special place in her heart for her Pentecostal faith, and her faith was an integral part of her life. She dedicated herself to nurturing her family, placing them at the center of her world. Linda cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Tina Travis; daughter, Teena Batten; daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Kevin Dunlap; daughter-in-law, Melissa Travis; brother, David Clayton (Jewel); sisters, Barbara Carpenter (Marston), Peggy Sutherland (Danny), and Lesa Taylor; 14 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Noah and Rachel Clayton; her husband, Stanton Travis; her daughter, Kelly Jean Travis; her son, Chris Travis; her brothers, Jerry, Darrell, Bill, Randy, and George Clayton; and her sisters, Kathy Wheat and Mary Raspberry.
The family invites friends to celebrate Linda’s life and legacy on Monday, February 23, from 11:00 a.m. until the service time at Phillips Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 PM, at Phillips Funeral Home with David Clayton and Nathan Gramling officiating. Burial will follow at Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery.
Noah Travis, Corey Travis, Blake Travis, Doug Lyell, Ty Gramling, and Aiden Bessent will serve as pallbearers. Chad Wheat, Kaden Wilcox, Macually Gramling, Timothy Travis, and Spc. Cody Stanton Mounce will serve as honorary pallbearers.
A reception will be held after the burial at Linda’s grandson, Nathan’s house.

02/21/2026

Johnny Dane Horton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on February 20, 2026, at the age of 79 in Paragould, Arkansas. Born on November 29, 1946, in Piggott, Arkansas, Johnny lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering passion for the simple joys that life offers. He was an active member of Transform Life Church in Paragould.

A proud United States Army Veteran, Johnny exemplified the values of service and dedication throughout his life. His military service was an integral part of who he was, shaping him into the kind and generous man loved by so many.

Johnny was a retired truck driver, spending years on the open road. This profession allowed him to meet countless people, and it was no surprise that he carried with him a heart that loved connecting with others. He was known for never meeting a stranger; his warm disposition and engaging conversations were part of his charm. He enjoyed playing cards and brought a competitive spirit to the table.

His hobbies included fishing and growing a beautiful garden. Additionally, Johnny showcased his musical talent as a gifted drummer. Whatever he engaged in, he did so with enthusiasm, making memories that will be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Johnny is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Sue Horton; his sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jodie Horton and Tony and Cindy Horton; his stepchildren, Belinda and Steve Causey and Curtis Dortch; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Verna Horton, and his sisters, June Lamb, Jan Pirtle, Karen Weeks, and Kathie Huckabay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. and Ruby Horton, and his brother, Kenny Horton.

Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Johnny's life. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 24, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, both at Phillips Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Drew Horton, Jace Horton, Nathaniel Horton, Ryan Horton, Ethan Horton, and Chase Causey will serve as pallbearers. Chance Causey, Cameron Dortch, Christopher Dortch, and Jared Barham will serve as honorary pallbearers.

02/20/2026

Evelyn Steelman Roach, born on September 24, 1928, in Paragould, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at Greene Acres Nursing Home on February 20, 2026. Evelyn will be remembered for her kindness, and vibrant spirit.
Evelyn dedicated a portion her career to Emerson Electric, from which she later retired. Her ethic and dedication extended beyond her professional life, she was also an enthusiastic entrepreneur who operated the Downtown Flea in Kennett many years. Her interests for gardening, where she took great joy in cultivating her harvest, particularly her renowned pickles. A proud caretaker of her five-acre yard, she relished the time spent mowing and maintaining her property, a testament to her hardworking nature.
In addition to her hobbies, Evelyn was actively involved as a member of the Newton Street Church of Christ. She cherished her family and friends, and her genuine heart touched the lives of many.
Evelyn is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Clifton and Diann Powers, along with her sisters, Alberta Heltsley and Beauton Powers, and a special granddaughter, Madison Cupp.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Ruth Powers, and her two husbands, William Steelman and Dean Roach. Evelyn's legacy also includes the love of her siblings, who have passed on, including Vestel Powers, Virginia Powers, Mae Block, Bertha Bearden, Troy Powers, Chestley Powers, and Houston Powers, and Don Powers.
A visitation in honor of Evelyn will be held at Phillips Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Union Grove Cemetery.

02/20/2026

Grieving the loss of a loved one doesn't just affect you emotionally; it can also affect your physical health. One issue many people face is appetite loss. If you're struggling with appetite loss while grieving your loved one, click here for 8 helpful tips that can help you cope.

Many people lose their appetite while grieving the death of a loved one. Here are a few tips to help you cope with appetite loss.