On July 7, 1951, Joanna Leapheart Newman was born in Atkins, Arkansas, to Cummitt Morris Leapheart and Lois Geneva (Brooks) Leapheart. She was the eighth child and youngest daughter among twelve siblings. She died July 20, 2026. Joanna spent her earliest years in the loving care of her paternal grandparents, Eddie and Tobitha Leapheart, in … More Joanna Newman
Benjamin Harrison Utley died of heart failure on June 15, 1963, at Fayetteville. He was 74. Utley was born Oct. 14, 1888, to Green and Rhoda Utley at Clarksville, Ark. He moved to Fayetteville sometime during the 1930s. He was survived by his wife, Jessie Reaves Utley, whom he married on Dec. 10, 1922 at … More Benjamin Utley
Wesley Whitmore, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born September 21, 1953, in Ashdown, Arkansas, to Obie and Roberta Whitmore. Wesley was raised with strong values of community and togetherness. He joined Elizabeth Academy Baptist Church at a young age, … More Wesley Whitmore
Erika Sparrow was born on June 25, 1993, in Gretna, Louisiana, to the union of Edward Paul and Rose Jackson Sparrow. Erika and her family lived in Gretna and Westwego, Louisiana, for the first 12 years of her life. She attended Vic A. Pitre Elementary School in Westwego, La. Following a mandatory evacuation after Hurricane … More Erika Sparrow
The Squire Jehagen Outreach Center, a ministry of St. James Baptist Church, provides aid to alleviate hunger, homelessness and poverty in Northwest Arkansas and to be a catalyst between the church and our communities. The center is based in the old St. James church building at 115 S. Willow Avenue and was named for the … More Squire Jehagen Outreach Center
Elnora Jackson, a trailblazer, devoted mother, and cherished friend, passed away surrounded by her loved ones at the age of 86. Born on December 14, 1938, in Cane Hill, Arkansas, to Preston Lackey and Isabel Barker. Elnora’s life was a testament to resilience, faith, and love. Elnora was among the first African American students to … More Elnora Lackey Jackson
Ethel Marie Smith, 83, of Fayetteville gained her wings on April 22, 2024. She was born in Cane Hill, Ark., on June 1, 1940, to the late Clarence and Margaret Lackey Smith. Ethel attended Fayetteville Public Schools and was a member of the Historic St. James Baptist Church. She was a passionate cook and was … More Ethel Marie Smith
Stephania Dabney, 5-month-old daughter of Curtis and Mary Watson Dabney died at her home, 154 E. Meadow St., Thursday [Oct. 24, 1968]. She was born May 4, 1968 in Fayetteville. Survivors in addition to the parents are one sister, Cynthia Kay of the home; the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Watson of Fayetteville and … More Stephania Dabney
John Jenkins, 57, of Fayetteville, died Sunday [March 3, 1968] at his home. He was born June 21, 1910, in Fayetteville the son of Joel and Henry Walker Jenkins. Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Elverna Evans Jenkins of the home; one brother, Bradford of Fayetteville, and one sister, Mrs. Eleanor Reynolds of Galesburg, Ill. Funeral … More John Jenkins
Mrs. Estella Vaughn, 57, of 206 E. 6th St., died in a local hospital Tuesday [Oct. 24, 1967]. She was born Feb. 8, 1910, in Yellow Bush County, Mississippi, the daughter of Scott and Ada Collins Jackson and was a member of the Baptist Church. Survivors are the husband, Henry Vaughn of the home, one … More Estella Vaughn