Neomia Faye (Lawson) Vaughn was born April 6, 1924, the daughter of Wiley and Maggie Margaret (Dill) Lawson at Kittel, Arkansas, and departed this life November 5, 2012 at West Vue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 88 years.
She was united in marriage on December 20, 1941 to Clyde William Hightower, who preceded her in death on July 11, 1965. She was united in marriage on July 31, 1967 to Robert Cecil Carpenter, who also preceded her in death on October 10, 1978. She was united in marriage on November 12, 1993 to Leyman Vaughn.
She is survived by one sister, Lorene Whitman of Pontiac, Michigan; one daughter, Phyllis Fowler of Bakersfield, California, as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wiley and Maggie Lawson; two husbands, Clyde Hightower and Robert Carpenter; one son, Floyd Earl Hightower; three sisters, Novelle Lawson, Cleffie Goodman and Ollie Allen and one brother, Cody Lawson, Sr..
Neomia was a homemaker and spent much of her time reading and studying the Bible. She also enjoyed flower gardening or “diggin’ in the dirt,” as she called it.
She was of the Baptist faith and will be remembered as a wonderful and loving mother, aunt and friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services for Ms. Vaughn will be Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Hoyt Pope officiating and burial in the Thayer Cemetery.
Ruby Louise (Edwards) Johnson was born February 13, 1927, the daughter of John Rollen and Alta (Nelson) Edwards at Lauratown, Arkansas, and departed this life October 26, 2012 at her home in West Plains, Missouri at the age of 85 years.
She was united in marriage on January 21, 1946 at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Evert Tilman Johnson.
She is survived by her husband, Evert of the home in West Plains, Missouri; two sons, Bill Johnson and wife, Vickie of West Plains and Joe Johnson and wife, Sue of Springfield, Missouri; one daughter, Denise Gum and husband, Pete of Rolla, Missouri; four grandchildren, Kimberly Wade and husband, Mike, Rebecca Simmons and husband, Lance, Janine Gum and Derek Gum; two great grandchildren, Rachel and Ryan Wade; one sister, Shirley Park of Springfield, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Alta Edwards; two sisters, Ruth Way and Tressa Linson and three brothers, Tommy, Vernon, and Norman Edwards.
Ruby grew up in the Thayer area and will be remembered for her singing talent. She was a former member of Thayer Free Will Baptist Church where she sang and served as church treasurer for many years. She also sang with The Revelations gospel quartet and on the Thayer Radio Station gospel program along with Christine Case. After her husband’s retirement from Burlington Northern Railroad, they enjoyed traveling and spending time camping in their 5th wheel trailer.
Mrs. Johnson was currently a member of the United Free Will Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri, still serving and worshiping. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She will be truly missed by her family, her church family and many friends.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 29, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. The family will receive friends Sunday, October 28th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
Patsy Lorene (Hunsperger) Hightower was born the daughter of Norval Hunsperger and Dowan (Day) Hunsperger on January 19, 1944 in Koshkonong, Missouri and departed this life October 24, 2012 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 68 years.
She was united in marriage May 22, 1964 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Bobby Joe Hightower, who preceded her in death July 27, 2012.
She is survived by one sister, Hazel Johnson of Zebulon, Georgia; three brothers-in-law, John Sloan of Koshkonong, Missouri, Doyle Evans of Hardy, Arkansas and Gary Nickels of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Virginia Murphy and husband, Danny, of Center, Arkansas; two grandsons, Tyler and Trenton Johnston and one granddaughter, Miley Johnston, all of Thayer, Missouri; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Joe Hightower; her son, Kevin Hightower; her parents, Norval and Dowan Hunsperger; four sisters, Edith Sloan, Yvonne Johnston, Betty Evans and Iona Nickels; and three brothers, Jay Hunsperger, William Cowens and infant, Frankie Hunsperger.
She was a member of the Thayer Free Will Baptist Church and an Eastern Star member of the former Masonic Lodge No. 496 in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
Patsy was a retired Cosmetologist, owning and operating a Beauty Shop for many years.
She loved spending time with her grandkids; liked shopping with family and friends, especially for shoes; was an avid bowler; and enjoyed visiting and talking with friends on the phone or in person.
Patsy will be remembered for her pleasant personality and witty sense of humor. She was truly a great sister, loving grandmother, wonderful aunt and loyal friend. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services will be Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.
The family will receive friends Saturday, October 27th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home.
Burial will be in the Wayside Cemetery near Koshkonong.
Neva Helen James was born the daughter of Elijah Honeycutt and Pearl (Rose) Honeycutt in Randolph County, Arkansas in the Ring Community on January 26, 1925, and departed this life October 18, 2012 at the home of her daughter in Bono, Arkansas, at the age of 87 years.
She was united in marriage on October 30, 1943 at the home of L.E. Mahaffey in the Ring Community to Lehman Ray James, who preceded her in death November 9, 1984.
She is survived by five children, Linda Ezell and husband, Keith, of the Ring Community, Helen Baldridge and husband, Cameron, of Bono, Arkansas, Kerry Bush and husband, John, of Wichita, Kansas, Garreth James and wife, Norenda, of Jonesboro, Arkansas and Travis James of the Ring Community; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; one brother, Ben Honeycutt and wife, Joyce, of Jonesboro, Arkansas; two sisters, Mary Marriott of the Ring Community, and Ava White and husband, Charles, of Dickson, Tennessee; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elijah and Pearl Honeycutt; her husband, Lehman James; four brothers, N.E. Honeycutt, Berry Honeycutt, Earl Honeycutt, and Harold Honeycutt and two sisters, Dorotha Honeycutt and Viola Honeycutt.
Neva was a dedicated homemaker and an excellent cook. She enjoyed quilting and was a great seamstress. Neva was Lehman’s right-hand on their family farm and continued caring for the farm and their cattle herd seven years after his death.
She was a faithful Christian lady and member of the Church of Christ at Jeff. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and a loyal friend. She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her and the community in which she lived.
Funeral services will be Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Saturday, October 20 from 6 to 8 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery at Ravenden, Arkansas with services under the direction of the Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.
Kristin Rebecca Phillips was born the daughter of John Arthur and Kathy (Singleton) Phillips on February 18, 1983 in Memphis, Tennessee and died October 14, 2012 at her home in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 29 years.
She is survived by her mother, Kathy Phillips of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; her grandmother, Patti Kail of Somerville, Tennessee; two sisters, Sarah Johnson and husband, Aaron of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, and Stephanie Phillips of Memphis, Tennessee; one brother, James Phillips of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; one nephew, Matthew Johnson of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Arthur Phillips.
She was a wonderful and loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Graveside services will be Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Riverside Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas
Thelma Melvina White Hull Kinney was born the daughter of Napoleon Edrington “Dock” and Nora Ethel (Bussell) White on November 24, 1919 in Anthony, Kansas, and departed this life October 16, 2012 at Shady Oaks Healthcare in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 92 years.
She was united in marriage on March 29, 1939 at Pomona, Missouri to Reverend G. M. Hull, who preceded her in death on July 17, 1973. She was united in marriage on October 6, 1979 at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas to Earl E. Kinney, who also preceded her in death in May of 2003.
She is survived by a daughter, Peggy Underwood of Thayer, Missouri; a son, Dan Hull and wife, Terri of Thayer; a daughter-in-law, Betty Hull of Nixa, Missouri; a son-in-law, Bob Underwood of Thayer; one granddaughter, Susan Dills and her husband, Joe of Thayer and their family, Savannah and Derrick Smith of Koshkonong, Missouri and Sarah and Cory Carey and daughter, Brooklyn of West Plains, Missouri; five grandsons, Mark Underwood and his wife, Missy of Thayer, Missouri and son, Mitchell; Tim Hull and his wife, Lori of Ft. Smith, Arkansas and sons, Matthew and his fiancé, Christina of Austin, Texas and Christian of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; Tony Hull and his wife, Carey of Nixa, Missouri and sons, Brayden and Brennyn; Todd Hull and his wife, Lagsana of Stafford, Virginia and daughters, Abigail and Amilynne; Toby Hull of Springfield, Missouri and daughter, Madison; a brother, Gene White and his wife, Betty of Sparta, Missouri; a sister, June Gentry of Joplin, Missouri; several step-children, step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dock and Nora (Bussell) White; her husbands, Rev. G. M. Hull and Earl Kinney; a son, Sam Hull; a grandson, Steven Underwood; three brothers, Harry, Leroy and Dean White and two sisters, Maureen Gentry and Betty Morgan.
She was a Christian lady with strong unwavering faith and truly loved her Lord. With that faith, she and Brother Hull built and established Faith Tabernacle in Camp, Arkansas. She was a homemaker, a mom and a very special “granny” and “granny great” to many and was loved by all.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer, Missouri. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, October 19, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
Sidney Bowers Funk, Jr. was born the son of Sidney Bowers Funk, Sr. and Ruth (Raper) Funk on June 9, 1926 in Haskell, Arkansas and died October 14, 2012 at Shady Oaks Healthcare Center in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 86 years.
He was married October 21, 1948 at Jonesboro, Arkansas to Marcella Green, who preceded him in death June 13, 2012.
He is survived by one daughter, Peggy Lewis of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas; two sons, Richard Funk and wife, Sally of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Jerry Funk and wife, Jeanie of Wagoner, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren, Ronnie, Donald, Shauna, Amanda, Jeffrey, Jessica, Malinda, Richard and Tammy; sixteen great-grandchildren, Sydney, Eric, Charlie, Kylea, Immajen, Jaicee, twins, Sam and Sophi, Pepper, Constance, Kayle, Ashlynn, Kristen, Erik, Megan and Madison; one sister, Polly Cashion and husband, Earnest of Tulsa Oklahoma; several other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Ruth Funk; his wife, Marcella Funk; and three brothers, Burton, Ransford and Houston Funk.
Sidney was a fireman, retiring as an assistant Fire Chief for the Jonesboro Fire Department after 20 years of service.
Mr. Funk was a Veteran of the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during World War II. He was a member of the VFW Post 7831 and was a Mason. In his spare time, Sidney loved to fish and deer hunt.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial Services will be Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer.
Graveside Services for Eleanor Williamson, age 95, of Covington, Louisiana, formerly of Thayer, will be Friday, October 12, 2012 at 10:00 AM in the Thayer Cemetery at Thayer, Missouri. Services are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home Inc. in Thayer.
Hazel Elizabeth Koontz was born the daughter of Thomas H. “Hank” Lance and Clara May (Johnson) Lance on January 9, 1920 in Oregon County, Missouri and departed this life October 5, 2012 in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 92 years.
She was united in marriage in Newport, Arkansas to Herbert Koontz, who preceded her in death May 1, 1974.
She is survived by one daughter, Beverly Ann (Koontz) Williams and husband, Jim of Alton, Missouri; one son, Roger Koontz and wife, Janice of Mountain Home, Arkansas; one grandson, Michael Williams and wife, SaDonna of Norwood, Missouri; three granddaughters, Tammy (Williams) Barry and husband, Mark of Webster Groves, Missouri, Rona (Koontz) Williams and husband, Rick of Couch, Missouri and Jana (Koontz) Sisco and husband, Clifford of Springfield, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren, Megan, Madison, and Allison Williams, Grace Barry, Casey and Nora Williams, and Clifford, Drew, and Molly Sisco. In addition, she loved and was loved by many nieces, nephews, Herbert’s family, and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one daughter, Gwendolyn Sue Koontz; three brothers, Paul, Oscar “Buss”, and Thomas “Junior” Lance; two sisters, Phyllis (Lance) Cory and Virginia (Lance) McMurtrey; and four infant brothers and sisters.
Hazel was a life-long educator, graduating from Arkansas State College in Jonesboro, Arkansas with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in various one-room schools in Oregon County, ending her career teaching third grade at Alton, Missouri. She spent many years educating, loving, and nurturing thousands of children.
She was a Christian lady and an active member of Riverton Baptist Church, serving as Treasurer for many years and later as Sunday School Secretary. Her family, church, and teaching career were her life.
Hazel will be fondly remembered for her sweet spirit, her beautiful smile, and her willingness to serve others. She will never be forgotten and will live on in the hearts of those who loved her forever.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 2:00 PM in Riverton Baptist Church near Alton, Missouri with Brother David Case officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of service. Burial will be in Myrtle Cemetery at Myrtle, Missouri.
Mary Jane Cerutti Pierce was born the daughter of Paul Emilio and Grace Elva (Walden) Cerutti on December 6, 1926 in Thayer, Missouri and departed this life October 4, 2012 at Shady Oaks Heathcare in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 85 years.
She was united in marriage March 23, 1943 at Thayer, Missouri to Madison E. Pierce, who preceded her in death on May 27, 1992.
She is survived by eight children, Jim Pierce and wife, Dianne of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, Betty Albright and husband, Marvin of Mammoth Spring, Rose Pierce of Mammoth Spring, Rocky Pierce of Mammoth Spring, Barbara Humphries and husband, Larry of Glencoe, Arkansas, Chet Pierce and wife, Ellen of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Steve Pierce and wife, Deniece of Mammoth Spring and Jesse Pierce and wife, Denise of Camp, Arkansas; nineteen grandchildren, Derek Pierce, Aitken Gallup, Michael Gallup, Cheryl Walsh, Brad Pierce, Tony Pierce, Isaphene Pierce, Link Humphries, Jo Kaye Bandy, Tyler Humphries, Stephanie Pierce, Jamie Pierce, Andrea Thompson, Joshua Pierce, Amber Reynolds, Ben Leisenring, Jerad Stokes, Tiffany Cooper and Ethan Pierce; twenty-four great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren; three brothers, Bill Cerutti and wife, Ruby of Independence, Missouri, Hugh Cerutti and wife, Lennice of Farmington, Missouri and Zack Cerutti and wife, June of Thayer, Missouri; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Madison E. Pierce; one grandson, Matthew Allen Pierce; her parents, Paul and Grace Cerutti; maternal grandparents, Emery Osgood and Elva Cordelia Walden; and one sister, Pauline E. Cerutti Hufstedler.
Mary attended school during the Great Depression, occasionally having to miss school to help work for the support of her family. While in high school, she met her husband, Madison, who she married at the age of 16. She was a dedicated homemaker while her children were growing up and Madison worked in the timber industry. She was, herself, a hard-worker and determined to help provide for the needs of her family. While the children were young, the entire family would travel to the bottomlands of Arkansas to pick cotton in order to make ends meet. Later, she took a job with the Thayer News, where she worked for twenty years setting print for the newspaper and doing job printing. When the paper sold, she began working as a certified nurse’s aide at the Thayer Nursing Home which later became known as Shady Oaks Healthcare. In 1980 Mary was elected the first female Justice of the Peace of Fulton county in Arkansas. At the age of seventy-two, she retired from full-time employment and began volunteering at the Mammoth Spring Schools as a Foster Grandmother.
She was a member of Grand Gulf Shiloh Church where she often sang solos or with the choir. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, quilting and reading a good book.
Mary will be remembered as a wonderful, loving and caring mother, grandmother and friend and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Pierce will be Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the Carter Funeral Home Chapel at Thayer. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.
The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM.
