Phillips Funeral Home

01/20/2026

Karen Fay Miller, 69, of Paragould, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026. Karen was born August 3, 1956, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Louis and Winnie Miller. Karen dedicated her life to teaching special education. She taught at the Rector, Pocahontas, and Manila school districts. Her students received the best care and education. In her spare time, Karen let her talents shine with her embroidery and sewing skills. Above all, Karen loved her family and gave all she had.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Louis Miller.

Survivors include her mother, Winnie Miller; sons, Bradley Burns and Aaron Burns (Elaina); daughter, Angela Dorsey; eight grandchildren, Kaidance Burns, Kolton Daniels, Kyra Daniels, Kelsee Burns, Aniya Dorsey, Adien Dorsey, Avery Dorsey, and Aaron Dorsey; one great-grandchild, Jackson Daniels-Johson; and several uncles and aunts.

The family will receive friends Friday, January 23, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at noon with Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Beech Grove Cemetery.

01/19/2026

Today, we honor Martin Luther King Jr. for his tireless efforts in the fight for racial equality, social justice, and civil rights in the United States. Across the country, so many people honor his memory by focusing on service and community involvement because Dr. King valued social responsibility and the power of individual action. He is a man to respect and remember for generations to come!

01/16/2026

Justin Taylor Shreve departed from this life on January 14, 2026, at the age of 49. Born on December 1, 1976, Justin spent his childhood by the banks of the Cache River—a formative experience that instilled in him an enduring love for the great outdoors.

Justin's passion for nature was evident through his many hobbies. He was an avid camper, often found setting up tents under the wide canopy of stars. Hunting and fishing were not just pastimes but a way of life, as he patiently waited for the perfect catch or pursued the game with a quiet yet determined enthusiasm. His love for cooking was almost as well-known; family and friends frequently reveled in the delicious meals he prepared, always paired with his favorite beers, which he enjoyed with a hearty laugh and a toast to good times.

True to his adventurous spirit, Justin found joy in taking his trusty tracker out and playfully getting it stuck in the mud.

Family gatherings held a special place in Justin's heart. He reveled in the company of his brothers, cousins, and extended family, with each reunion bringing new stories and shared memories. His infectious humor and ability to make everyone around him smile were innate gifts that made each moment with him memorable.
Justin's joy for life extended to his community, where he was known as the friend who would brighten your day with a joke or a kind gesture. His laughter was a contagion that spread happiness, and his presence was a warm light that fortified the bonds of friendship and kinship.

Justin was preceded in death by his mother, Rita Snider Shreve and grandparents, Lloyd and Betty Snider.

Survivors include his uncles and aunts, Ted Snider, Jimmy Snider, Kristy Snider, Letia King, and Don King; brothers, Lloyd Shreve (Ashley Ooten), Keith Ooten (Shala), Dalton Snider, Nick Snider, Garrett Willard; sisters, Brandy Figgins (Rick Timmons), Shawna King; nephews, Aiden Ooten, Bryson Gates, Grayson Epley, Kolby Manuel, Logan Snider, and Heath Jackson; and nieces, Oaklynn Sullivan, Morgan Figgins, Kaleigh King, Amanda Epley, and Makynnzi Manuel.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 22, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Phillip Keeling officiating. Burial will follow at Brownie Cemetery.

Lloyd Shreve, Keith Ooten, Joe Grooms, Dalton Snider, Garret Willard, and Ed Rogers will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Logan Snider, Kolby Manuel, and Dillon Willard.

01/16/2026

Barbara Sue Gillmore, a cherished soul known for her warmth and nurturing spirit, passed away on January 16, 2026, at the age of 85 to reunite with her best friend, soulmate, and love of her life, “Pete.” Born on September 11, 1940, Barbara's life was a tapestry of love, service, and the simple joys of homemaking, which she elevated to an art form.

A member of the Center Hill Church of Christ, Barbara's faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She found great joy in fellowship and was a beloved figure among the quilting ladies of the church. Together, they crafted not just quilts, but a community woven together with care and devotion, much like the intricate patterns of their handiwork. Their works of art were distributed to the hospital for newborns and the kindergarten quilt at Crowley’s Ridge Academy was always a poplar item.

Barbara's talents extended well beyond the quilting frame. She was a great cook, whose kitchen was the heart of her home. The aromas of her famous dishes were an invitation to gather, and her table was always open to family, friends, and anyone in need of a comforting meal.

Crocheting was another of Barbara's passions. With each loop and stitch, she created a legacy of beautiful, handcrafted items that warmed the bodies and hearts of those she loved. Barbara also enjoyed working on a challenging jig saw puzzle in her spare time.
Above all, Barbara's most treasured role was that of a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love for her family was boundless, and she poured her whole self into nurturing and guiding them.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Earl “Pete” Gillmore; parents, Ernest and Jewell Patterson; and sibling, Phyllis Riggs.

Survivors include her son, Kevin Gillmore (Marcia); daughters, Suzie Watkins (Kevin), Kathy Speaks (Johnny); sister, Sharon Deffendall (Ed); grandchildren, Dallas, Sarah, Lacey, Hailey, Stephanie, Justin, Jason, Ashlyn; and great-grandchildren, Neeley Rae, Sawyer Grace, Ava Bradleigh, Evie Kayte, Greenleigh Marie, Wrenley, Bradley, Riley, Jarred, Zaxton, Blakelee, and Scout.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 17, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Sunday, January 18, at 1:30 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home with Michael Meredith, David Deffenbaugh, Gary Cremeens, and Art Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Dallas Gillmore, Justin Speaks, Jason Speaks, Cody Felty, Jarred Collins, and Zaxton Johns will serve as pallbearers. Barbara’s quilting family throughout the years at Center Hill Church of Christ will serve as honorary pallbearers.

01/16/2026

While funerals of the past were more cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all style events, that?s not true anymore. Check out this article to learn more about funeral personalization and how it?s changing the way we honor and remember the lives of those we love.

Funerals aren't one-size-fits-all. In fact, funeral personalization is key to creating a meaningful and healing tribute. Click for more!

01/14/2026

The New Year is here, which means it’s time to make resolutions – and try to keep them! While some goals might take time to achieve, preplanning is one resolution you can check off your list now. Call (870) 236-4904 to start preplanning today!

01/12/2026

01/09/2026

Music can help us express our feelings in a way words alone often can?t, which is why personalizing the music at a funeral or celebration of life is so important. If your loved one grew up in the 1940s ? or just loved 1940s music ? here are 10 songs you can incorporate into their service.?

Want to incorporate music from the 1940s in your loved one's celebration of life? Check out our list for 10 beautiful options.

01/06/2026

James Harold Barber, passed away at his home surrounded by family on January 5, 2026. Born on August 31, 1947, in the neighboring town of Jonesboro, Harold was known for his hardworking nature, contagious humor.
As a blue collared worker, Harold dedicated his life to local fiberglass industry. Beginning his career in the 1970’s, he worked at FMC in Jonesboro until their closure during the 1980’s. He joined Associated Plastics for nearly 20 years. Harold finished his career at Mid-America Manufacturing until his retirement.
His love for the outdoors was evident to anyone who knew him, for his heart truly came alive in nature. He found solace and excitement in hunting and fishing. Harold had a passion for gardening and could be found sitting outside with family under the shade tree, grilling and always listening to oldies music. Beyond his outdoor pursuits, Harold enjoyed the moments spent with family. He was very proud of his kids and his grandkids were the joy of his heart.
He is preceded in death by his son James David Herndon; parents, Eugene and Nelda Barber; wife, Phyllis Barber; sisters, Joann Koster, Cathy Hendrix, and Lora Daniels; brothers, Herman Barber, and Dalton Barber Jr; Grandparents, Andrew and Freda Barber, and Pete and Blanche Bethel.
Harold is survived by his son, Kevin Barber (Jill); daughters, Sherry Smith (George Jr.), and Katrina Dougan; brother, Jimmy Barber (Brenda); sisters, Debbie Cobb, and Patricia Forehand (Alfred); grandchildren, Nick Cothern, George Smith III, Miranda Smith, Cash Barber, Dallas Barber, Evye Dougan, and Bristol Dougan.
The family will receive friends Thursday, January 8, from 5:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will be Friday, January 9, at 10:00 a.m with Matt Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Mt Zion Cemetery.
Nick Cothern, Jamie Gonzalez, George Smith III, Corey Wilson, Jackie Jarrett, and Gary Houston will serve as pallbearers. Gary Foster, Cody Yates, John Yates, Alfred Forehand, and Landon Gordon will serve as honorary pallbearers.
If one wishes to make a lasting memorial, please consider a donation to Mt. Zion Cemetery, P.O. Box 98, Walcott, AR 72474.

01/05/2026

Cody Lee Jones, 20, of Paragould, AR, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026. Cody was born July 7, 2005, to Ivan “Lee” Jones and Laura Jones of Paragould, AR.

Cody attended Greene County Tech Schools. He was very passionate about Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, singing nursery rhymes, and being with his family. Cody’s memory will forever be cherished by his family.

He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Debra Bates of Kennett, MO, and Lynn Jones of Rector, AR.

Cody is survived and was very loved by his parents, Ivan “Lee” and Laura Jones; maternal grandfather, Richard Bates; paternal grandparents, Ivan Jones of Rector, AR, Bobby and Jonell Holland of Arbyrd, MO; twin sister, Madison Jones of Paragould, AR; aunts and uncles, Pam Gibson, Marlaina Wilson, Heather Panzier (Josh), Vanessa Jones, C. J. Jones, Ricky Bates, Tina Hardcastle (Johnny), Michael Holland, and Cindy Vassar (William).

There will be a celebration of life at a later date.

01/03/2026

Mary Ann Potter, a cherished soul whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her, passed away on January 2, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 67. Born on August 15, 1958, in Paragould, Arkansas, Mary Ann was a beacon of love and joy throughout her life.

Mary Ann found delight in the simple pleasures of life. She was an exceptional baker, whose cakes and cobblers were the highlight of every family gathering. Her garden yielded an abundance of vegetables that she lovingly canned and shared with friends and family. Mary Ann's love for gardening was only matched by her enthusiasm for garage sales, where she could often be found on early Saturday mornings. Mary Ann's flair for beauty extended to her personal care, as she enjoyed getting her nails and makeup done, always presenting herself with grace and elegance.

She was a devoted grandmother, never missing an opportunity to support her grandchildren. Whether it was a school awards ceremony or a sporting event, Mary Ann's presence was a constant source of encouragement. Her unconditional love and pride for her grandchildren knew no bounds, and her memory will continue to inspire them throughout their lives.

Her faith played a central role in her life. As a faithful member of the Center Hill Church of Christ, Mary Ann's commitment to her church community was unwavering. She was always ready to lend a hand, whether it was helping to prepare for showers, meals, or any church event.

Above all, Mary Ann loved her family with all her heart. She was the glue that held them together, the gentle hand that soothed away troubles, and the bright smile that lit up every room. Mary Ann's legacy of love, generosity, and kindness will forever be cherished.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, John Darrell and Glenda Irene Pillow; late husband, Lannie Huffman; brother, Darrell Pillow; daughter, Kristie Johnson; granddaughters, Alex Snyder, Aubrey Allred, and Bexley Allred; son-in-law, Mickey Merrell; and sister-in-law, Connie Pillow.

Survivors include her husband, John Potter; sons, Tim Wilcox (Alicia) and Clint Potter (Kodie); daughters, Robin Merrell, Cindy Poole (James), and Holly Allred (Jimmy); brothers, Charlie Pillow (Sue) and Frankie Pillow; grandchildren, Shay, Shi, Dalton, Tyler, Justin, C.J., Alysha, Ainsley, Brik, Andi, Allyson, Skye, Angel, and Destiny; and 34 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, at Phillips Funeral Home with David Deffenbaugh officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Tyler Brown, Dalton Hester, Scott Pillow, Jonathan Pillow, Chris Pillow, and Justin Merrell will serve as pallbearers. Lonnie Vester, Tim Hufford, Alan Bruce, and Brik Bricker will serve as honorary pallbearers.