The Junior Auxiliary of Randolph County once again brought the community together in the spirit of Thanksgiving, delivering on their mission to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. The group, made up of women dedicated to meeting the needs of their community- especially children-develops and administers hands-on projects under their slogan: âCaring hearts, helping hands, changing lives.â
The Pocahontas Jr. Lady Redskins remained perfect on the season at 9-0 by cruising past the Hillcrest Jr Lady Screamin’ Eagles 53-22 Tuesday, Dec. 17 at Pocahontas.
The Pocahontas School District will be closed for the Christmas Holidays and New Years’ Break starting Monday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Jan. 6. Students will return to school on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
VFW Post #4556 presents awards to winners of Patriot’s Pen Essay Competition
Billy âBillâ Lewis Tyson, 72, of Powhatan, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, surrounded by his family after a brief battle with kidney cancer. Bill was born on October 9,1952 in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, to Billy Joe and Armilda Tyson. On June 5, 1971, he married the love of his life, Linda Roberts, with whom he shared 53 beautiful years. Together, they raised four children: Amy, Billy, Lacy, and Kacy. Bill proudly served in the United States National Guard during his younger years. He was a dedicated husband, father, Poppa and best friend. Billâs professional life reflected his natural talent as a skilled heavy equipment operator, a role that brought him great satisfaction and eventually sparked his passion for collecting heavy equipment replicas. Over the years, he also worked as a truck driver. Outside of work, Bill enjoyed the outdoors, particularly camping and fishing. However, his greatest joy in life was his family. He cherished every moment spent with them, and his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren were especially dear to him. His grandson Jett Lewis often delighted him with their shared plans and adventures. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Tyson; his sister, Beth McEntire Bess; and his niece,
Mary Lee Brown Cassidy, born on September 14, 1924, in Tyronza, Ark ansas, peacefully transitioned on December 6, 2024, at the age of 100. She spent 42 years living in Pocahontas, with earlier years spent on a farm and ranch in Maynard. A devout Christian, Mary Lee had a deep love for church and God. She cherished her time at Columbia Jarrett Baptist Church, where she attended for many years. After she was no longer able to drive the distance, she became a member of Northside Free Will Baptist Church in Pocahontas, where she made many close friendships. She was a regular attendee of local gospel singing events featuring Betty McCandless, Joe Melton, and Darrell Melton, an activity she deeply enjoyed. Though she didnât watch much television, she loved gospel singing and preaching programs, with the Gaither Vocal Band being her favorite. She was even able to see them live in Memphis, which was a highlight of her life. Mary Lee also dedicated her time to serving her community. She volunteered for several years at local election precincts and at Pocahontas Hospital Auxiliary, offering her help to others. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Elvis Cassidy; her daughter, Linda Darlene Cassidy Keene; and her parents, Dorothy Elizabeth Johnson Brown and Henry Robert Brown. She also mourned the loss of her siblings: Syble Lucille Brown Keech, Cletus Norman Brown, Henry Earl Brown, Agnes Pauline Brown Dysard, and Velpo Benjamin Brown. Mary Lee is survived by her daughter, Debbie Cassidy of Salida, Colorado, and her granddaughter, Tina L. (Tyler) Schriver, and husband Randy Schriver. Her life was one of love, service, and deep faith, and she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in the Jarrett Cemetery with Michael Roberts officiating. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Gary Johnson, Roger Johnson, Michael Roberts, Randy Schriver, Ben Foley and Robert Murray.
Marbra Jean Lewallen, 89, of Pocahontas, passed away on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at her home surrounded by her family with her beloved husband holding her hand. She was born on May 19, 1935, in Ingram, AR, to Joe Long and Pearl Linn Long. Jean worked as a transcriptionist at Randolph County Medical Center for 35 years. She attended Sutton Free Will Baptist Church; she was baptized at an early age. Jean enjoyed playing basketball in high school and being a member of the beta club and was an active participant in her childrenâs activities. She also devoted many years to Relay for Life. Jean considered her family as her greatest accomplishment and was their biggest fan. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Pearl Long; her sisters, Betty Long and Jenetta Moore; her son, William Dale âBubbaâ Lewallen Jr.; and her mother-in-law, Carrie Lewallen. She is survived by her husband, William âDaleâ Lewallen; daughters, Lesa Lewallen, Karen Jansen, Cindy (Joe David) James, Sarah (Dwayne) Carlson, Lori (Jim) Bergman, and Jeanie Lewallen; as well as thirteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren and many other family and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will take place at 10:00 am on Thursday, December 19, 2024, in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel, with Kevin Barnett officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallb earers, while granddaughters and great- granddaughters will serve as honorary pallbearers. âI have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.â 3 John 1:4 In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Childrenâs Home in Paragould or the MS Foundation.
In the1950s, Pocahontas found itself at the epicenter of agricultural innovation with the invention of the Rotary Cross Plow. This groundbreaking tool, designed for cotton chopping and beet thinning, promised to revolutionize row crop farming, offering matchless efficiency and precision. Behind this invention was a community- driven effort spearheaded by two local inventors, John McFatridge and N.R. Duff, supported by a network of local businesses and civic organizations.
Maynard Elementary announces Students of the Month