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Friendship Cemetery
Pocahontas, Arkansas

Recognizing the historic importance of Friendship Cemetery, the State of Arkansas has recently awarded a $1000 grant to begin early work toward restoration and upkeep of the cemetery, including construction of a road to provide easier access to the site. The committee that pursued the grant is made up of Pat Johnson, Jean Oaks, Co. Judge David Jansen, and Cindy Robinett¹, Director of Randolph County Heritage Museum.

We hope to use this page for folks to inquire about ancestors connected with Friendship Cemetery. In addition, we offer this page for those who have information and/or photos to share, related to Friendship Cemetery and those buried there. Please send inquiries, information, and photos to us and we'll post them here on the Friendship Cemetery page. Our e-mail address and mailing address are listed here.

 

 

Friendship Cemetery Work Day June 21

A work day is scheduled for Saturday morning, June 21 at the Friendship Cemetery from 9 a.m . to Noon. Following the work, a dinner is planned to be held at the Eddie Mae Herron Center.
An application is being prepared to place the historic African American cemetery on the National Register of Historic Places. Established right after the Civil War, the Friendship Cemetery is the largest African American Cemetery in Randolph County and covers five acres.
Several former slaves are buried in the cemetery, as are World War I and World War II veterans and many well-remembered citizens of Randolph County.
Everyone is invited to participate in the work day. Bring trimmers, rakes, and other yard tools.
The cemetery is located behind the radio station on Highway 67 North. Enter at the cattle guard across from UPS.

Shown above is the grave of Lawrence “Gene” Dunn (1895-1940), who’s grave has the following inscription: Ark Wagr 524th Eng Ser Bn, WWI. He was the son of former slaves, Lawrence and Rachel Dunn, who are also buried at the cemetery. Visitors are welcome to come to the cemetery on Saturday morning (this weekend) to learn more about this historically significant site and those Randolph County residents who are buried there.  For more information, contact Pat Johnson, Jean Oaks, Cindy Robinett, or County Judge David Jansen.

Photos from last cemetery work day HERE

 
History (coming...)
Location (coming...)
How To Donate (coming...)
Family Surnames
(Click hyperlinked names to see cemetery details on the family.)
Related Documents
(Reading documents requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free HERE.)

 

¹Ongoing cemetery research compiled by Cindy Robinett, committee member and humanities scholar for the Arkansas Humanities Council Friendship Cemetery Grant. ctr68803@centurytel.net

Original cemetery list by Betty Tucker (http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~randolph/cemetery/friendship.html). Some obituaries are from the Margaret Barnhart Obituary Collection, Randolph County Library, Pocahontas.

Recent Photos From Friendship Cemetery
(Click on a "thumbnail" photo to enlarge it. Then use your browser's "back" button to return to this page.)

Pat Johnson examines what's left of a broken tombstone.

Shirley Chester, Pat Johnson, and ____ Blackshear examining broken tombstone.

Some workers at recent cemetery work day.

Left to right: Charles White, Melvin Young, Wayne Finley, Willis Johnson, Ron Bailey, Jean Oaks.

Bill Carroll working in the distance on cemetery work day.

Ken Ziegler and Melvin Young admire a chain saw.

 

 

 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")

Allen, Laura

died 23 Aug 1941 age abt 100 yrs

 

Laura Allen, colored, who was thought to have been over a hundred years old, died  at the home of her daughter, Mary Wagner, Saturday August 23. She was born in Pocahontas in a cabin located on the site of the present post office. Funeral services were conducted at the colored cemetery Sunday afternoon. Her only survivor is the daughter.  (PSH, Aug. 28, 1941, page 6).

Bundy, Willie Apr. 28, 1895 – July 11, 1943 click here  
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Creath, Fannie

dau of Tom & Hannah (Miller)
22 Mar 1875 - 1 Feb 1950  (per obit & funeral rec)

(no tombstone located- grave is
believed to be within
a fenced family plot)
Fannie Creath, age 74, well known and highly respected colored woman of Pocahontas, died in the Jonesboro hospital on Wednesday of last week.  She was the daughter of the late Tom and Hannah Creath and was an accomplished musician.  Funeral services were conducted at St. Paul’s Church Friday morning at 9 o’clock by the Rev. Edw. Hinckley. Interment was in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of McNabb Funeral Home.  Her only surviving relative is a cousin, Thelma Duckworth, of Biggers. (PSH, Feb. 9, 1950, page 8.
Creath, Hannah (Miller)

wife of Thomas H
(married in RC on Jan. 16, 1870)
died 23 Dec 1912

(no tombstone located- grave is
believed to be within
a fenced family plot)
 
Creath, Henry Arthur

son of Thomas H & Hannah (Miller)
died 31 Jan 1881 age 8 yrs 21 days

click here  

Creath, James Esselman

son of Thomas H & Hannah (Miller)
4 Apr 1882 - 19 Aug 1932  (funeral record)

(no tombstone located- grave is
believed to be within
a fenced family plot)
 
Creath, Regina

dau of Thomas H & Hannah (Miller)
died 22 May 1880 age 2 yrs 1 mo 20 days

click here  

Creath, Thomas Harrison

Married Hannah (Miller) Johnson
died 7 Jan 1928 age 82 (per obituary)

(no tombstone located- grave is
believed to be within
a fenced family plot)
 
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Crenshaw, James died 20 May 1898 age 80 yrs click here  

Crenshaw, Josephine

died 13 August 1912   "Josephine Crenshaw, commonly known among the people of Pocahontas as "Aunt Joe", an aged Negress, died suddenly at an early hour Tuesday morning. It is said that she had just arisen from bed and started toward the door when she fell dead. Heart failure is given as the cause if death. Aunt Joe was well known to everybody, having lived in Pocahontas since the town was established here, and was well respected among the white people, being of good character and harmless in every way." (PSH)
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Dunn, Infant 2 May 1893 - 13 May 1893    
Dunn, Lawrence

13 Nov 1845 – 17 Nov 1899

   
Dunn, Lawrence Eugene "Gene"

son of Lawrence & Rachel (Powell);
hus of Beadie (Patterson);
 m. in Randolph Co. 1920;
Ark Wagr 524th Eng Ser Bn, WW I
4 Dec 1895 - 2 Jun 1940

click here  
Dunn, Rachel (Powell)

wife of Lawrence Dunn
(married in Randolph Co. 1876)
died 22 May 1925 age 68 yrs

 

Aunt Rachael Dunn, aged 68, well-known colored woman, died at her home here last Friday after a long illness. She had been a resident of Pocahontas for more than fifty years and was respected by everyone. The remains were laid to rest in the negro cemetery near town. (Barnhart Obituary Collection, PSH, May 28, 1925)

Card of Thanks. We wish to extend to our friends, both white and colored, who were so kind toward us during the long suffering illness of our dear mother [Rachael Dunn], who departed this life Friday, May 22, 1925. "Blessed are they that die in the name of the Lord." Humbly submitted, Tom, Sallie and Eugene Dunn. (Barnhart Obituary Collection, PSH, May 28, 1925)

Dunn, Ruffes (Rufus)

2 Mar 1885 - 9 Feb 1887    
Dunn, Stella E 9 May 1883 - 14 Apr 1906    
Dunn, Vergie V 18 Feb 1888 - 4 Apr 1899    
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Finley, Emma (Shockley) died 31 Mar 1929
wife of Harvey Finley

(grandmother of Pasturine "Pat" Finley Johnson)

click  here  
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Harris, Kathryn L. 1916 - 1 Oct 1958 click here  
Harris, Liza died 19 Jun 1908

(Mother of Birdie Pitman, great-great grandmother of Jean Oaks.)

 

“Aunt Liza Harris, an old ex-slave, died here last Friday and her last remains were laid to rest Sat. Aunt Liza was a slave of the family of Col. Crenshaw, father of P. H. Crenshaw, before the Civil War, and was almost a centenarian.”

(PSH, Friday, June 26, 1908, page 1)
Harris, Susan died August 1880 click here Believed to be Susan Harris, born abt. 1827 in North Carolina. She was listed in the 1880 Randolph County Census, age 53, living in Pocahontas as a widow, head of her household, with (probable) descendants living with her.
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Henderson, Della Mae (Pitman)
23 Nov 1907 - 30 Nov 1951
dau of James M & Birdie (Imboden), wife of Sylvester
  Della M. Henderson, aged 44, well-known colored woman of Pocahontas, died at her home Friday. Funeral services were conducted at the McNabb Funeral Chapel at 2 pm Monday by Bro. Davis. Interment was in Friendship Cemetery with McNabb’s in charge of arrangements. She leaves her mother, Birdie Pitman; two daughters, Emily Wimbish and Opal Johnson of Pocahontas; a son, Clifford Cole, also of Pocahontas. (PSH, Dec. 6, 1951, page 14)
Imboden, Izora (Montgomery)  9 Jul 1859 - 3 Apr 1943
dau of ----- & Jane (Morgan)
   
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Jacobs, Elizabeth 14 Dec 1921 - 5 May 1967 click here  
Jacobs, Harry Nov. 22, 1889 – Apr. 1976

Resided in Memphis, Shelby Co, TN (Social Security Death Index)

click here  

Jacobs, Rilla A

 

30 Dec 1894 – Dec 1970, 75 yrs 11 mo 22 days

Resided in Jonesboro, Craighead Co, AR (Social Security Death Index)

click here  
Jacobs, William H

5 Feb. 1919 –
7 Nov. 1998

click here

No tombstone. Just a fading funeral home marker.

last known residence Jonesboro, Craighead County, AR (Social Security Death Records Index)
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Johnson, Ella

wife of Thurman Luther
5 Feb 1904 - 26 Mar 1954

click here Ella Johnson, colored, aged 48, wife of Thurman Johnson, died at their home in Pocahontas Friday following a long illness. Funeral services were conducted at the McNabb Funeral Chapel here Monday afternoon by Bro. Davis. Interment was in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of McNabb’s. Besides her husband, she leaves four sons: Willie Shockley of Pocahontas, Paul Dean Johnson of Pontiac, Mich., Manuel and Jerry Johnson of Pocahontas; three daughters, Ella Mae White and Freddie Jo Johnson of Pocahontas and Lucille Shockley of Columbia, MO; a brother, Bill McCarroll of Birdell; and three grandchildren. (PSH, April 1, 1954, page 2)
Johnson, Erma 17 Aug 1888 - 19 Feb 1976 click here  
Johnson, Essie (Woods)

dau of Green & Della (Strickland);
wife of Mable
29 Mar 1891 - 18 May 1950

 

click here Essie Johnson, aged 57, well known colored woman of Pocahontas, died at her home at 2:30 Thursday afternoon after a long illness. She was the wife of Mable Johnson and had made her home in Pocahontas for about 40 years. She was a member of the colored Methodist Church. Funeral services were conducted by Bro. McDonald at Friendship Cemetery Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock. Interment was in charge of McNabb Funeral Home.  Besides her husband, she leaves a daughter, Mildred, and a son, Lavelle.  (PSH, May 25, 1950, page 12).
Johnson, Floyd Lee 1909 - 7 Jan 1959 click here  
Johnson, Jerry Jan. 2, 1946-April 5, 1985 click here Jerry Johnson, aged 39, of Pocahontas, died Friday at his home. Survivors include a daughter, Karen Latishia Johnson of Memphis; his father, Thurman Johnson; three brothers, Ralph Johnson of Walnut Ridge, Paul Dean Johnson of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Manuel Johnson of Memphis; two sisters, Ella Mae White and Freddie Jo White, both of Walnut Ridge. Funeral was Sunday afternoon at 2:00 in the McNabb Chapel with A. R. Scales as officiating minister. Burial was in the Friendship Cemetery under the direction of McNabb Funeral Service. (The Times Dispatch, Walnut Ridge, AR, Wed., April 10, 1985, page 4A)

Johnson, Jimmima

wife of Nelson
21 Feb 1847 - 11 Nov 1899

click here  
Johnson, Mable (Henry "Mable")

son of Nelson and Jimmima (Crenshaw)
17 May 1891 - 24 Oct 1968

click here Harry “Mable” Johnson, 77, of 1306 Imboden Street, Pocahontas, died at his home there last Thursday. He was born in Randolph County, May 17, 1891 a son of the late Nelson and Jemima Crenshaw Johnson. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Mrs. Burteener Johnson of the home; 1 son, Lavelle Johnson of Pocahontas; 1 daughter, Miss Mildred Johnson, also of Pocahontas; 1 sister, Miss Erma Johnson of Jonesboro; and 1 grandchild. Funeral services were held at 2 pm Sunday at the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Cecil Wilson and Jack Thompson officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of McNabb’s.
Johnson, Manual William "Tody"

son of Thurman & Ella (McCarroll)
25 Nov 1933 - 6 Nov 1994  (obituary)

click here

No tombstone. Just a fading funeral home marker.

Manuel Willie “Tody” Johnson, 60, of Walnut Ridge, died at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center, Sunday, Nov. 6, 1994. He was born Nov. 25, 1933, at Pocahontas, a son of the late Thurman and Mae Ella McCarroll Johnson. He is survived by two sons, Manuel Johnson Jr. of Missouri and Tony Herron of Springfield, MO.; a step-son, Tom Oaks of Pocahontas, a daughter Debra Dailey of Arlington, Tex; two brothers, Paul Dean Johnson of Wyoming, Michigan, and Ralph Johnson of Walnut Ridge; two sisters, Freddie White and Ella Mae White, both of Walnut Ridge; one grandson. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1:00 pm in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Harold Brown, Paul Dean and Ralph Johnson, and Carl, Charles and Harold White.
Johnson, Nelson "Nel"

died 14 Sep 1917 age 75 yrs
(obituary)

  In the 1880 RC census, Nelson was listed in the household of Mrs. Mima (Jimmima) Wilson (who was aged 30), as a day laborer. Mrs. Wilson had several children. They married on Aug. 2, 1886 in Randolph County.
Johnson, Thurman Luther

son of Mack & Willie (Wyatt)
10 Sep 1896 - 25 Nov 1986

  Thurman Luther Johnson, 90, of Pocahontas, passed away Tuesday, Nov 25 in Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was born in 1896 in Randolph County, a son of the late Mack and Willie Wyatt Johnson. His wife, Mrs. Ella McCarroll Johnson preceded him in death. He is survived by three sons, Ralph Johnson of Walnut Ridge, Paul Johnson of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Manuel Johnson of Memphis; two daughers, Mrs. Ella M. White and Mrs. Freddie White of Walnut Ridge; 17 grandhildren and six great-grandchildren.  Funeral services were held at 11:00 am Saturday in the Chaple of McNabb Funeral Home with Gerald Fears officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery with McNabbs in charge. Pallbearers were Sherley Johnson, Thomas Young, Ronald James, Wayne Finley, Sherman Ballard and Melvin Young. (PSH, Dec. 4, 1984, page 24).
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Looney, Annie died 25 Dec 1946 age 77 yrs click here  
Looney, Armstes 1850 - 20 Dec 1934 click here It is believed that Armstes/Armstead was born a slave on the Looney farm near Dalton.
Looney, Mamie C (Noble)

dau of Henry & Emma (Brown); wife of Marvin Henry
7 Mar 1912 - 6 Sep 1988

click here Mrs. Mayme C. Looney, 76, of Route 1, Imboden, died in Doctor’s Regional Medical Center, Poplar Bluff, MO, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 1988. She was born March 7, 1912 in Missouri, a daughter of the late Wm. Henry and Emma Brown Noble. Survivors include her husband, Marvin Henry Looney of the home, a son, David Looney, of Pocahontas; three brothers, Ray Noble of Compton, Calif., Verl Noble of St. Louis, Mo, and Norman Noble of St. Joseph, Mo.; a sister, Helen Fullilove of Gary, Ind.; two grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:00 in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with burial to follow in Friendship Cemetery.
Looney, Marvin Henry

US Army WW II
21 Mar 1916 - 14 Aug 1999

click here Marvin Henry Looney, 83, of 670 Powell Road, Imboden, died Saturday, Aug. 14, 1999 at the home of a son, David E. Looney in Pocahontas. He was born Mar. 21, 1916 near Dalton, a son of the late William Henry and Jessie V. (Binkley) Looney. Hew was a retired Riveter Crane operator for the U.S. Steel Mill, was a member of Pocahontas First Free Will Baptist Church and a veteran of World War II. His wife, Mayme Clarabelle Noble Looney, a sister, Lucile Looney, a brother William “Bill” Looney and a cousin Ed Young, all preceded him in death. In addition to his son, he is survived by a brother, Theodore Lewis Looney Sr. of Little Rock, two sisters, Anna May Owens of St. Louis, Mo and Alberta Spears of Gary, Ind.; two grandchildren an five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 10 a.m. in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Nelson Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Friendship Cemetery near Pocahontas. Pallbearers will be Earnest Moore, Jerry Wayne Johnson, Les McPherson, Sherely Johnson, Sherman Ballard and Marvin Oaks. (PSH, Aug. 19, page 9A).
Looney, Ransom died 19 Oct 1930  (funeral record    
Looney, Will H (William Henry)

son of Armstes & Annie (Oaks)
24 Oct 1894 - 22 Aug 1964

click here William Henry Looney (colored), 69, died August 22, in his home on Rt. 1, Imboden. He was born October 24, 1894 in Randolph County. He is survived by his wife, Ella Looney; six children, Mrs. Annie Mae Orange of St. Louis, Mrs. Lucille Thomas of Paris, Texas, Mrs. Alberta Spears, Marvin Looney, Theodore Looney and William Looney of Gary, Ind.; three sisters, Mrs. Betty Johnson of Imboden, Mrs. Georgia Williford of Pocahontas, and Dora Stark of St. Louis; and one brother, Frank Looney of marked Tree. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday at 1 pm in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Bro. David Elkins officiating. Burial was in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of McNabb’s (PSH, Aug. 27, 1964, page 6)
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
McCarroll, Earnest 14 Feb 1893 - 1 Aug 1951 click here Earnest McCarroll, aged 58, well known Pocahontas colored man, died at his home in west Pocahontas, Aug. 1. Funeral services were conducted at the McNabb Funeral Chapel at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon and internment was in Friendship Cemetery with McNabb’s in charge.   He leaves his wife, Essie (Raymond) McCarroll, of Pocahontas; a son Earnest, Jr., of Springfield, MO; a daughter, Lilly McCarroll, also of Springfield; 2 brothers, Bill of Birdell and Homer of West Plains, MO; a sister, Ella Johnson of Pocahontas. (PSH, Aug. 9, 1951, page 3).
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")

Oaks, Arvie

 

son of Sampson & Della (Looney)
10 Jun 1896 - 5 Jan 1978

  Arvie Oaks, 81, of 508 Marr, Pocahontas, passed away at his home here, last Thursday. He was born June 10, 1896 in Dalton, a son of the late Samson and Della Looney Oaks. His wife, Mrs. Della Henderson Oaks preceded him in death. He is survived by a son, Ralph Oaks of Jonesboro; a daughter, Mrs. Emily Beavers of Reno, Nevada; a brother, Amos Oaks of West Plains, Mo.; 9 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Steve Bailey officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery with McNabb's in charge. (PSH, Jan 12, 1978)
Oaks, Essie "Raymond" McCarroll (Smith)

dau of Bud & Oma, 1st hus Earnest McCarroll, 2nd hus Walter Oaks
11 Apr 1911 - 9 Jun 1990

click here

Question:
Is Essie buried here next to her first husband?

Please respond to ctr68803@centurytel.net
Mrs. Essie (Raymond) Oaks, aged 80, a lifelong resident of Poc­ahontas, died unexpectedly at her home, 1611 Archer Street, Satur­day, June 9, 1990. She was born April 11, 1911, in Pocahontas, a daughter of the late Bud Smith and Mrs. Oma  (McCarroll) Smith Looney Taylor. Mrs. Oaks is survived by several nieces and nephews. She was pre­ceded in death by a daughter; her first husband, Ernest McCarroll; her second husband, Walter (Sonny) Oaks and two sisters, Mrs. Edith Herron and Mrs. Betty May Johnson. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Scales officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery in Pocahontas under direction of McNabb’s. Pallbearers were John James, Carl White, Melvin Young, Harold Finley, Thomas Young, and James Oaks. (PSH, June 14, 1990)

Oakes, Fannie (Nash)

dau of H R & Lou
20 Sep 1870 - 26 Jul 1890

click here  
Oaks, Walter

son of Sam & Ida (Shocklee)
died 9 Sep 1969

   
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Owen, Willie (Dunlap) 20 Nov 1870 - 16 Jan 1906 click here  
Perry, Charlie Daughter of Charles and Texana Perry
4 Nov 1877 - 2 Aug 1880
click here  
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Pitman, Birdie (Imboden)

dau of Jack & Eliza (Harris);
wife of James Monroe
31 Dec 1876 - 10 Apr 1964

Birdie Pitman, well-known colored woman of Pocahontas, reports that she has four generations of her family residing in her home. Mrs. Pitman is 68 years of age; her daughter, Delia Mae Henderson, is 40; Delia Mae's daughter, Emily Wimbish, is 20, and has two children, Alvester Jean, 4 and Ralph, 2. Delia Mae has another daughter, Ernestine Rainey, 15, who also lives at the Pitman home and who has a daughter, Betty Lou, 10 months old. This is the family of the late Monroe Pitman, who was a highly-respected citizen here for many years. (Pocahontas Star Herald, Jan. 12, 1948)

  Birdie Pitman, 87, (colored), of Pocahontas, died April 10, in the Harris Hospital Annex in Newport. She was born December 31, 1876 in Pocahontas and was the daughter of the late Jack and Eliza (Harris) Imboden. Survivors include one daughter, Ora Bailey of Pascola, MO; one sister, Florence Jones of Chicago, Ill.; four grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were Wednesday at 1 pm in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Bro. Ollie McDonald officiating. Burial was in the Friendship Cemetery under the direction of McNabbs. (PSH, April 16, 1964, page 8)
Pittman, Herbert

Ark Pvt Co D 162nd Depot Bg WW I
7 Sep 1896 - 29 Apr 1966

click here Colored Veteran Dies Friday in VA Hospital. Herbert Pittman, aged 69, of 305 Gum Street, Walnut Ridge, died Friday morning at 2:30 in the Veteran’s Hospital in Poplar Bluff, MO., after an illness of several months duration. Mr. Pittman was born at Pocahontas in 1896 and moved to Walnut Ridge in 1916. He was a veteran of World War I and a retired employee of the Federal Compress. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Alma Pittman of Walnut Ridge. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the chapel of Bryan Funeral Home, conducted by Charles E. Phillips. Burial was in the New Friendship Cemetery near Pocahontas under the direction of Bryan Funeral Home. (The Times Dispatch, Walnut Ridge, AR, Thurs., May 5, 1966, page 6A)

Pitman, Homer

 

son of James M & Birdie (Imboden)
7 Jan 1902 - 7 Mar 1930

click here  
Pitman, Julius Hilton

son of James Monroe & Birdie (Imboden)
29 Aug 1917 - 1 Jul 1934

  Julius Pitman, colored, aged 16, died of typhoid fever Sunday at the home of his mother, Mrs. Birdie Pitman here. The funeral was held Tuesday and interment was made in the colored cemetery, north of town. Rev. C. L. King conducted services. (PSH, July 5, 1934, page 5).
Pitman, Mon  (James Monroe) died 15 Jun 1923

 

   
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Ponder, Aunt Jane died Mar 1923 age 106 yrs   (Pocahontas Star Herald - Noland News)
Powers, Aunt Ann died 31 Aug 1914    
Powers, Milton B died 18 Jan 1921 age 42 yrs    
Russell, Ursula B wife of W M 27 Aug 1879 - 22 Jul 1897 click here Believed to be Betsy E. (Creath) who married William Russell in 1896, Randolph County. She was listed as a daughter of Thomas and Hannah Creath in the 1880 census, spelled “Hestella.” She is buried in the Creath family plot.
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Shockley, Marie

dau of William & Opal (Landers)
5 Dec 1956 - 26 Dec 1956
(funeral home record)

   
Shockley, Opal Jewel (Landers)

wife of William
died 22 Mar 1989
age 62 yrs 1 mo 16 days
(funeral home record)

  Mrs. Opal Jewel Shockley, 62, of Pocahontas, died in Randolph County Medical Center Wednesday, March 22, 1989. She was born Feb. 6, 1927, in Newport, a daughter of the late Harrison and Mamie Turner Landers. Her husband, William Shockley preceded her in death. Survivors are two sons, Glen and Preston Shockley of Pocahontas; two sisters, Willie Lewis of Newport and Mamie McCarroll of Pocahontas; a grand­son. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Larry Robertson officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery with McNabb's in charge. Pallbearers were James and Tom Oaks, Melvin Young, Harold and Wayne Finley and John James. (PSH, March 30, 1989)
Shockley, William

son of Willie & Ella (McCarroll);
Ark Pfc Hq 45th Rpl Bn WW II
16 Jan 1924 - 13 Oct 1963

click here William Shockley, 39, colored, died at his residence in Pocahontas Sunday morning, October 13. He had lived in Pocahontas for 19 years and was a veteran of World War II. Born January 16, 1924 at Imboden, he was a son of the late Willie and Ella (McCarroll) Shockley. Survivors are his wife, Opal, of the home; two sons, Glenn and Preston of the home; three brothers and three sisters. Funeral services were held at 1 pm, Wednesday, October 16, in the McNabb Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ollie McDonald officiating. Burial was in Friendship Cemetery near Pocahontas under direction of McNabbs. (PSH, October 17, 1963, page 6)
Shockley, William Morris

son of William & Opal (Landers)
29 Feb 1956 - 1 Mar 1956
(funeral home record)

   
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Stegall, Lula Mae 11 Aug 1916 - 6 May 1991 click here

No tombstone. Just a fading funeral home marker.

 
Stewart, Armste S Oct 1844 - 11 Aug 1900 click here  
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")

Taylor, Clara (Powers)

 

dau of John & Nellie; wife of Henry S (m. 1906, Randolph County)
14 May 1886 - 22 Sep 1943

   

Taylor, Henry Robert "Rob"

son of Levi & Martha (James)
14 Sep 1886 - 19 Apr 1947
m. Oma McCarroll in 1927, Randolph County

  “Rob” Taylor. Robert Taylor, well known colored resident of Pocahontas, died at his home here of a heart attack Saturday. He was familiarly known to his friends as “Rob”, and had been employed as a mill worker at the Sallee Handle factory for the past 18 years.  His funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon and interment was in Friendship cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Oma Taylor, and a number of other relatives.  (PSH, Apr. 24, 1947, page 12).
Taylor, Henry S

son of Lee
22 Jan 1886 - 24 Feb 1948

click here  
Taylor, Oma (McCarroll)

dau of James & Betty;
wife of Robert
8 Jan 1886 - 11 Nov 1979

click here Mrs. Oma M. Taylor, 93, of 151 Pratt, Pocahontas passed away in Randolph Home, Sunday. She was born Jan. 8, 1886 in Lawrence County, a daughter of the late James and Betty McCarroll. Her husband, Robert Taylor, preceded her in death. She is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Essie (Raymond) Oaks of Pocahontas; five grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with burial followed in Friendship Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers.
Taylor, Prince Edward "Bid"

Shoe Shine Man
Born abt. 1892
Died 4 Dec 1940
married Ozella Wise in 1915, Randolph County

  Prince Edward “Bid” Taylor, well-known colored man of Pocahontas, died a his home Wednesday morning. For many years “Bid” had been popular as a shoe shine at local barber shops. Funeral services will be conducted today and interment will be made at the colored folks’ cemetery. (PSH, Dec. 5, 1940, page 6)
Taylor, Stella M 3 Aug 1905 - 4 Jun 1906 click here  
Taylor, Wilce

Dec. 25, 1875-Jan 9, 1906
married Florence Dunn in 1904, Randolph County

click here  
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Thomas, Lucille April 16, 1920 – Dec. 6, 1977

Last known residence was Paris, Lamar, Texas.

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Wallace, George died 12 Dec 1932
(funeral records)
   
Wallace, Masie Irene 27 Nov 1900 - 21 Aug 1956 click here  
 
NAME INFORMATION TOMBSTONE
PHOTO
OBITUARY
("PSH" = "Pocahontas Star Herald")
Williford, Fred

son of Samuel H & Georgia (Looney)
14 Nov 1910 - 10 May 1983

 

Fred Williford, 72, of Pocahontas passed away in Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., on Tuesday, May 10. He was born November 14, 1910 at Dalton, a son of the late Sam and Georgia (Looney) Williford. Survivors include a son, Kenneth Williford of Savannah, Georgia; two brothers, Ted Williford of Pocahontas, and James Williford of St. Louis; five sisters, Rosie McGovack and Margell King of Peoria, Illinois, Mildred West, Dorothy and Willene Williford of St. Louis; and seven grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 1 pm on Saturday in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with Gary Frazier officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery with McNabbs in charge. (PSH, May 19, 1983, page 6)

Williford, Georgia (Looney)

dau of Armstes & Anna (Oaks)
3 Sep 1889 - 7 Jun 1971

click here Mrs. Georgia Williford, 81, of Pocahontas was dead on arrival at Randolph County Hospital, Monday. She was born at Ft. Smith, Sept. 3, 1889, a daughter of the late Armstie and Anna Oaks Looney. She is survived by her husband, Sam Williford of Pocahontas; five daughters, Mildred West and Dorothy Williford of St. Louis, Margeel King and Rosie Ganock of Peoria, Ill., and Willene Williford of Kirkwood, MO; four sons, Ted Williford of Pocahontas, Fred, Parvin and Marvin Williford of St. Louis, a sister Mrs. Dora Storkes of E. St. Louis, Ill, and a brother Frank Looney of Marked Tree. Funeral services were led at 11:00 a.m. today (Thursday) in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with burial following in Friendship Cemetery. McNabbs were in charge.
Williford, Mamie L 9 May 1891 - 11 Apr 1952    
Williford, Manuel Jack

US Army WW II
14 Mar 1916 - 14 Jan 1986

Last know residence was Little Rock, Arkansas.

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Williford, Marvin F

son of Sam & Georgia (Looney); PFC US Army WW II
23 Jan 1915 - 13 Nov 1981

 

click here Marvin Williford, 66, of Chicago, Ill, passed away in Lakeside V. A. Hospital, Chicago, Nov. 13. He was born Jan 23, 1915 near Dalton, a son of the late Sam and Georgia Looney Williford. He was a veteran of World War II. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Jan Porter and Mrs. Marvina Griffith of Chicago, Ill.; three brothers, Fred and Ted Williford of Pocahontas and James Williford of St. Louis., five sisters, Mrs. Rosie McGavack of Peoria, Ill, Mrs. Mildred West, Ms. Dorothy Williford and Mrs. Willene Hinkle, all of St. Louis and Mrs. Margell King of Bartonville, Ill.; six grandchildren. Funeral services were held Nov. 19, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with F. W. Gould officiating. Burial followed in Friendship Cemetery with McNabb’s in charge. Pallbearers were Lee, Jack, James, Jr., and Robert Williford, David and Marvin Looney.
Williford, Raymond W 3 Jul 1924 - 24 Jan 1942 click here  
Williford, Robert L

son of Sam & Georgia (Looney); PFC US Army WW II
13 Jan 1924 - 14 Dec 1947

click here “Robert Williford Killed in Car-Truck Accident.”  Robert L. Williford, 24, colored porter for the O. K. Barber Shop in Pocahontas, was instantly killed when the car in which he was riding was struck by a train in Neelyville, MO, Sunday morning about 11:30 o’clock.   Williford was riding in a car driven by Johnnie Quinn colored, of Jonesboro; a Williams boy of Lepanto and a girl friend of Neelyville. Quinn and the girl also were killed but Williams jumped from the car before the crash and was uninjured. The car was carried down the railroad track for about 150 feet.  Robert was born Jan 13, 1924, a son of Sam Williford and wife. He was inducted into military service Feb. 6, 1943 and served as a heavy machine gunner in the European Theater where he was awarded two bronze stars, the Good Conduct Medal and the European African Campaign Ribbon. He held the rank of Private First Class when he received his honorable discharge January 1, 1946. Funeral services will be held at McNabb Funeral Chapel this afternoon at 1 o’clock. Interment will be in Friendship cemetery.  Besides his parents, he is survived by a number of brothers and sisters.  (PSH, Dec. 18, 1947, page 20).
Williford, Ruby

wife of Ted Sr.
1923 – 1998

click here

Ruby Mae Williford, age 74, affectionately called “Big Mama” of Mounds, Ill, formerly of Pocahontas died May 31, 1998 in Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, Ill. She was preceded in death by two children, Steve and Joann Williford, her father, Reuben Barksdale Sr. and brother , Reuben Barksdale Jr.; three sisters Mr. Ernestine Humber, Ms. Barbra Barksdale and Lillian Odum. Survivors are her husband of 58 years, Ted Williford Sr. of Mounds, Ill.; ten children, Samuel Williford, Josephine Siler, Loretta Winters, Carolyn Allen, and Edna Williford all of Chicago, Ill. , Ronald Williford of North Carolina, Marcelle Sims of Mounds, Ill, Lee Williford, Glen Williford and Ted Williford Jr. all of Cairo, Ill. Her mother Ms. Mary Barksdale of St. Louis, brothers and sisters, Ms. Ophelia Wise and Yvonne Heggins, both of St. Louis, Ms. Ellen Hawkins of Long Beach, Calif, Donna Jean Bright of Cleveland, Ohio, Lorraine Cobb of Detroit, MI, and Rosella Frazier and Charles Barksdale, both of Los Angeles, CA; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at Friendship Cemetery, near Pocahontas, Saturday afternoon with Gaylon Russell officiating. Pall bears were Samuel, Lee, and Ted Williford and Noel Jackson. McNabb Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (PSH, June 11, 1998, 12A).

(7 Oct. 1923 birth date, Social Security Death Records)
Williford, Samuel

died 14 Jan 1986