Camillus Joachim Wurtz, 91, of Pocahontas, AR joyfully departed this life April 14, 2013.  He was born in Pocahontas to the late Peter A. and Mary T. (Stolle) Wurtz on August 16, 1921.

He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II earning four Bronze Stars. He retired from his business, Builders Plumbing and Heating in 1982.  He and Esther, his wife of 63 years, shared wonderful years together and traveled extensively. C.J. was admired and respected for his courage, integrity, wisdom, guidance and love and was an outstanding example of a life well lived.  He felt his Catholic faith and family were his greatest gifts.

His family expresses their heartfelt thanks to everyone at Randolph Home for their extraordinary love and care of their mom and dad.

He is survived by sons Sid (Rita) Wurtz of Little Rock, Ron (Judy) Wurtz of Pocahontas, daughters Camille (Joe) Myers of Memphis, TN., Juanita (Joe) Cofer of Chattanooga, TN. Seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren also survive and a sister Joanne DeGregorio of Exton, PA.

Preceding him in death were his wife Esther, brothers Zeno and Sylvan, and sisters Juanita, Rosemary and Beatrice.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Tuesday, April 16 at McNabb Funeral Home followed by a Rosary at 7:00pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am, Wednesday, April 17 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church with grandson Rev. Michael B. Wurtz C.S.C. officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery.

Pallbearers are grandchildren Craig, Ashley and Phillip Wurtz, Jessica Cofer LaFoy, Allison Cofer and Jan Obert.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Catholic Youth Ministry, 1002 Convent Street, Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455

John was born on June 13, 1935 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Raymond and Ida Murphy. He is also proceeded in death by his step mother Ruth (Edington) Murphy.

He is survived by his wife Rose Murphy of the home, sons Bryan (Colleen) Murphy of Imperial, Missouri, Jeffrey Murphy of St. Louis, daughters Sharon Horsfl of Ellisville, Missouri and Tasha Murphy of St. Louis, six grandchildren and brother Richard Murphy of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Visitation will be at McNabb Funeral Home Tuesday April 16, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Humane Society.

McNabb Funeral Home was in charge of making arrangements.

She was born on November 4, 1953 in Caraway to the late James Cecil and Gladys Jane Mangrum Brickell.  She was a retired teacher of over 25 years and a Christian.  Melissa enjoyed being outside and camping was one of her favorite activities. Her favorite location for camping was Blanchard Springs where she regularly visited since a young child.  She was a member of the Arkansas Archeological Society.  Melissa taught in the special education department at Highland High School for 8 years at the time of her retirement. Prior to that, she taught at East Poinsett County School and Caraway Elementary School, where she began her teaching career.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Jean Wood of Jonesboro; a son, Dustin Lee Brickell of Jonesboro; a brother, Tim Wyman Brickell of Jonesboro; a sister; Teresa Brickell McFarlin and husband Bob of Hot Springs; two nephews, Timothy “TJ” Brickell and Fiancé Misty Kezior of Little Rock, James “Jarrett” McFarlin of Hot Springs; two nieces, Crystal McFarlin Marcussen and husband Andrew of Little Rock and Katherine ‘Katie” McFarlin Vasilescu and husband Avi of Portage, WI; two  great nieces, Gabriella “Ella” Vasilescu  and Myla Brooke Brickell; two great nephews, Edward Alexander “Alex” Vasilescu and Jesse James  Brickell;  two aunts, Barbara Mangrum Lamb and husband Bill and Joann Mangrum Mounce both of Jonesboro and many cousins and numerous friends.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday April 16, 2013 at 2 pm at the Caraway Cemetery with Eddie Dunigan officiating.  Burial will follow under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Caraway.

A Celebration of her life will follow at the Caraway Masonic Lodge. All who knew her are invited to attend. 

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Dustin Brickell, TJ Brickell, Jarrett McFarlin, Bob McFarlin and Andrew Marcussen. Honorary Pallbearers include the caring staff of UAMS  MIRT and Cancer Institute and Palliative care team  as well as NEA Baptist Surgical Hospital Infusion Lab.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Red Cross.

Online: www.ncnabbfuneralhomes.com.

Jayni was born on July 16, 1948 in New Hampton, Iowa to Evelyn and Willis Riley. She was raised in Elma, IA.  She graduated from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids with a bachelor’s degree in social work.  She was named “Outstanding Graduating Senior” in 1970.

Jayni began her professional career as an adolescent counselor at Orchard Place, a residential treatment facility in Des Moines, IA from 1970-72 then later at Iowa State Rehabilitation Center as a graphic arts evaluator until 1977.  In 1977, Jayni married Ron Blackburn and moved to Jonesboro.  They became the parents of two daughters, Gretchen and Allison.

Jayni joined the staff of George W. Jackson mental health center in 1977 where she worked as an inpatient social worker until 1982 when she moved into the position of Director of Education and Marketing.  Throughout her years of employment, she developed and presented numerous motivational speeches and workshops throughout Arkansas and surrounding states.  She was a presenter at the State Mental Health Institute conference for over twenty years.  She retired from Mid-South Health Systems in 2009 after 32 years of service.

Jayni served on numerous boards including Crowley’s Ridge Development Council, Share a Home, St. Bernard’s Home Health, State Mental Helath Institute, HUD Housing, Jonesboro Vocational Technical School, Jonesboro Practical Nurses Board.  She was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church, serving as Parish Council, PTA president, as well as dinner chair for the Fall Festival.  She was an active member of the Jonesboro University Rotary Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris award.

Friends knew Jayni as a confidant, optimist, organizer and motivator.  She loved spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren.  She also enjoyed traveling, volunteering, and socializing.  Some of her favorite travels included Ireland, France, Italy, Costa Rica, and numerous cruises.

Jayni is survived by her husband, Ron Blackburn, daughter Gretchen Marlin and her husband T.J., daughter Allison Russell and her husband Eric, all of Jonesboro; sisters Kathleen Riley and Carrol Roy of Cedar Rapids, IA; brother Charles Riley of Elma, IA; four grandchildren, Cameron, Will, Sam, and Cate; and ten nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 15^th at the Gregg Langford-Bookout Funeral Home with Rosary to begin at 5:00 p.m. and visitation 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.  A funeral mass will be held Tuesday at Blessed Sacrament at 10 a.m. with Father Jack Vu officiating.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Eric Russell, T.J. Marlin, Dave Riley, Will Riley, Greg Black and Jeff Black.

Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Puryear, Bobby Hogue, Sid JHohnson, Steve Johnson, Rondy Roy, Jerry Conway and Pete Palmersheim.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Jayni’s care team, especially Dr. Jeff Cohen and St. Bernard’s Home Health.  Memorials may be sent to Blessed Sacrament School Endowment Fund, 614 S. Church St., Jonesboro, AR 72401; and The ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.