Cobb Funeral Home

11/01/2025

Russell Lee Payne, 86, of Blytheville, Arkansas passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025.

Born and raised in Blytheville to William and Louella Mae Payne, he cultivated a rich life defined by simple pleasures and loyal friendships. After a long career as the Body Shop Manager at Carlock Chevrolet, he enjoyed a well-deserved retirement, spending his time with family, friends, and his favorite pastimes. He was an avid sports fan, especially loyal to his St. Louis Cardinals, and loved the thrill of NASCAR races. He expressed his passions through his hobbies, Indian artifacts and admiring classic cars. More than anything, he was a devoted family man whose greatest love was for his family. That devotion also extended to the close fellowship he shared with his coffee buddies at the Dixie Pig, a daily ritual he wouldn't miss.

In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by his wives, Patricia Payne and Helen Payne; brothers, Wayne Payne, Robert Payne and Johnny Payne; sisters, Harriett Seiford, Virginia Duncan, Doris Williams, and Wilma Payne.

Russell is survived by his children, Gary Payne and his wife Tonia of Half Moon Community, Ashley Callender and her husband Steve of Half Moon Community, Heather Gomer and her husband Daniel of Gosnell, Denise Glenn and her husband Roger of Candler, North Carolina, and Tammy Moore of Sautee, Georgia; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Lammers 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.

11/01/2025

James Perkins of Mountain View, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at New Liberty Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Memorial Park cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at New Liberty Baptist Church. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

A full obituary will be published once details are finalized.

10/29/2025

Rex Alan Stabbs, 53, of Bullard, Texas, passed away at UT Health in Tyler, Texas on October 14, 2025.

Rex was born to Billy and Iris Jo Gaines Stabbs in Blytheville. Rex was a proud 1990 graduate of Blytheville High School. He found success in sales but eventually shifted his focus to his true passion for art, doing flatting and coloring for Marvel.

Rex moved to Texas in 2004. It was there that Rex's commitment to his Catholic faith deepened. He became a Catechist for both children and adults, and a dedicated 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, even serving as Grand Knight. His faith was a guiding light, expressed through his service as an Instituted Acolyte and his strong calling to the Diaconate, which he was pursuing shortly before his death.

For anyone who knew Rex, it's impossible to talk about him without mentioning his incredible sense of humor. He had this resilient, positive spirit that was contagious, even as he faced declining health. His passion for life, his faith, and his loved ones never wavered.

More than any title or role, Rex was a devoted husband to Yvette for 19 years, a beloved brother and uncle, and a dedicated dog-dad. He was a friend to countless people, and we will all miss his laughter, his courage, and his positive outlook on life.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents.

In addition to his wife, Rex leaves behind his sister, Dana Ham and her husband, Michael; nephews, Colton Ham and Garrett Ham; and his dogs, Pepper, Cooper and Krissy.

Graveside services will be Thursday, November 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Dogwood Mausoleum with Rev. Francis Madanu officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home.

10/27/2025

Humberto “Danny” Valdez, 80, of Blytheville passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at St. Bernards Hospital in Jonesboro.

Born in Topeka, Kansas, to Frank Valdez and Carmen Guerrero, Danny dedicated his life to serving others. After serving his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, he returned home and continued his path of service, first as a civil service employee and later as a steelworker. Danny's commitment to his community was also evident through his active membership in the American Legion, D.A.V., and the Knights of Columbus, as well as his faith at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was a man who believed in the power of connection, famously never meeting a stranger, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to someone in need.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Chela Cervantes.

He is survived by his sons, Chris Valdez and his wife Kelly of Loganville, Georgia and Del Valdez and his wife Tabitha of Brookland, Arkansas; his daughter, Yvette Petit of Chicago, Illinois; grandchildren, Ava Valdez, Mia Valdez, Makayla Valdez, Janie Petit, Timothy Walsh and Jacob Petit; brothers, Michael Valdez, Mark Valdez and Mario Valdez; sisters, Anita Ray, Marissa Valdez, Yolanda Carrion, Malena Martinez, and Leticia Sosa; and the mother of his children, Louise Odom Valdez.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Rev. Francis Madanu officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m., at Cobb Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Danny’s honor to The Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.

10/27/2025

Sara Hardy Austin, 82, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

A lifelong resident of Blytheville, Sara, daughter of A.A. and Frances Hardy, built a life centered on family, faith, and community. After graduating from Blytheville High School in 1960, she dedicated herself to her faith at First Baptist Church and her community through active memberships in the Lady Bug Garden Club, Chapter N PEO, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed being at home with her hands in the soil, nurturing her beloved home garden and planting flowers. A devoted family woman, Sara found endless joy in watching her grandchildren's sporting events, and she loved the adventures of traveling and the simple pleasure of a good day of shopping. Her long and loyal career as a legal secretary, serving Graham Partlow and John Mayes for 43 years, was a testament to her steadfast character.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dudley Hardy.

She was survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Fred Austin; sons, Vance Austin and his wife Lisa, and Jason Austin and his wife Dana, both of Blytheville; brother, Bill Hardy and his wife, Clorita of Blytheville; sisters-in-law, Mary Hardy of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Aloma Reed and her husband Vernie of Crawfordsville, Arkansas; and grandchildren, Abby Austin, Hayes Austin, Allie Austin and Aspen Austin.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at First Baptist Church with Rev. Don Edmiston officiating. Entombment will be private. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Sara’s honor to First Baptist Church Bereavement or Flower Fund, 715 W. Walnut St, Blytheville, Arkansas 72315. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

10/22/2025

Johnny “Gene” Higgins, Jr., 65, of Blytheville, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Gene was born to Johnny Higgins, Sr. and Myrtle Fason Higgins in Blytheville.

Gene was not only a star athlete in High School, but he was also a man o...

View Johnny "Gene" Higgins, Jr.'s obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/17/2025

Sherrie Ann Boyett, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the age of 84 in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on January 26, 1941, in Manila, Arkansas, Sherrie's life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and generous heart.

Sherrie spent her formative yea...

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10/17/2025

Sherrie Ann Boyett, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the age of 84 in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on January 26, 1941, in Manila, Arkansas, Sherrie's life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and generous heart.

Sherrie spent her formative years in the warm embrace of Manila before where she would eventually meet and marry the love of her life, Otto Stephen Boyett. Together, they built a family founded on the principles of love, respect, and joy. Sherrie's legacy lives on through her devoted sons, Otto Keith Boyett (Renee), Stephen Perry Boyett (Shelly) and her cherished grandchildren, Wyatt Boyett, Tucker Boyett (Miranda Henderson), Noah Boyett (Josie Fagundes), Rylee Boyett, Erin Boyett, and Camryn Boyett, who will all remember her as a guiding light and source of endless support.

Sherrie is proceeded in death by her parents, A.J. and Iletha Lewis of Lost Cain, Arkansas, her brother, Wade Lewis of Morrilton, Arkansas and her sister, Joan Gammell of West Plains, Missouri. She is survived by her brothers Steve Lewis of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Gary Lewis of Morrilton, Arkansas.

Professionally, Sherrie excelled as an Executive Secretary, a role in which her wisdom and organizational talents shone brightly. Her colleagues revered her not only for her impeccable work ethic but also for her compassionate nature and ability to make everyone feel valued.

Sherrie's passion extended beyond her professional life into her community, where she was actively involved in her church, East Lake Presbyterian in The Villages, Florida. With a voice as gentle as her demeanor, Sherrie enjoyed singing in the choir, touching the hearts of all who heard her. Her love for music was only matched by her love for her family, especially her grandchildren, with whom she spent countless cherished hours.

An avid gardener, Sherrie had an affinity for flowers, nurturing them with the same tenderness she bestowed upon her family and friends. Sewing was another of Sherrie's talents, through which she crafted not only garments and gifts but also woven memories that her family will hold dear.

Those who knew Sherrie will remember her for the loving, wise, and kind soul she was. Her presence was a comfort, her advice sought after, and her laughter a melody that resonated in the hearts of many. Sherrie's impact on the world was profound, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

As we bid farewell to Sherrie Ann Boyett, let us take solace in the knowledge that her spirit continues to guide us. Her life's story is a beautiful tapestry of devotion, grace, and unwavering love of her savior, Jesus Christ —a story that will be recounted with fondness and admiration by those who were fortunate enough to be a part of it. Sherrie's memory will forever bloom in the gardens she loved so dearly and in the melodies sung in the church where she found so much joy.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Little River Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Knowlton officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Little River Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

10/16/2025

10/13/2025

Debra Stout, 66, of Harrisburg, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at home.

Born in Blytheville to Loy and Anna Marie Crews, Debra dedicated herself to her students as a Teachers Aid. She had a lively spirit and a wide range of passions, from the thrill of drag racing and horror films to the festive charm of Christmas movies. Her downtime was filled with favorite pastimes like tackling puzzles, listening to Christian music, and finding the perfect shoes and purses on shopping trips. She was a member of Pathway Church of God in Blytheville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, James Stout.

She leaves behind a son, Clint Stout and his wife, Sheyan Snow; sister Cathy Baker and her husband, Jerry; nephews, Steven Danner, David Hamilton and his wife Sylvia, Jon Mark Hamilton and his wife, Katie; a great grandniece, Charley Hamilton.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Cobb Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Pankey officiating. Burial will follow at Dogwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

View Debra Stout's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

10/13/2025

Debra Stout, 66, of Harrisburg, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025 at home.

Born in Blytheville to Loy and Anna Marie Crews, Debra dedicated herself to her students as a Teachers Aid. She had a lively spirit and a wide range of passions, from the thrill of drag racing and horror films to the festive charm of Christmas movies. Her downtime was filled with favorite pastimes like tackling puzzles, listening to Christian music, and finding the perfect shoes and purses on shopping trips. She was a member of Pathway Church of God in Blytheville.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, James Stout.

She leaves behind a son, Clint Stout and his wife, Sheyan Snow; sister Cathy Baker and her husband, Jerry; nephews, Steven Danner, David Hamilton and his wife Sylvia, Jon Mark Hamilton and his wife, Katie; a great grandniece, Charley Hamilton.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Cobb Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Rigney officiating. Burial will follow at Dogwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home Chapel.

10/08/2025

Janie Ellis McCutcheon, 77, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Flo and Phil Hospice House in Jonesboro.

Janie was born to June and J. C. Ellis, Jr, in Blytheville. Janie was raised in Barfield where, along with her siblings, enjoyed riding horses and go-karts, and the many adventures of country life. Janie was a proud member and graduate of the Blytheville High School Class of 1966. She attended Mississippi State College for Women and graduated from Draughon’s Business College in Memphis, Tennessee. Janie was an accomplished businesswoman. She retired from the Tom Barrow Company and during her retirement helped manage the family farm business. Her life was defined by grace, resilience, and strength. To know her was to know kindness. Janie’s warm smile and generous spirit were sources of love and light to her family and friends.

Janie was preceded in death by her parents, June and J.C. Ellis Jr.; brothers, Gary Ellis and Jim Ellis, both of Blytheville; and her beloved dog, Shelby.

She is survived by her daughters, Martha Warren and her husband Chris of Jonesboro and Michelle McCutcheon of Memphis, Tennessee; grandchildren, Noah, Madison, and Grace of Jonesboro; sister, Cathy Ellis Lee and her husband Mike of Bella Vista; and her bonus sisters, Debbie Ellis and Juanita Ellis, both of Blytheville.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Prayer Garden at First Christian Church with Rev. Holly Jo Engle officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Following the services, the family will receive visitors at a reception in the Yarbro home of Mrs. Gary Ellis, 2589 East State Highway 150, Blytheville, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Blytheville Prayer Garden c/o First Christian Church, PO Box 251, Blytheville, AR 72316. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.