Sallie Jo Byars

Sallie Jo Byars, age 82, widow of James Auldon Byars, passed from this earth June 16, 2013 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Sallie was born January 28, 1931, in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee to loving and Christian parents, Walter Francis and Tricie Elberta Wells Gray. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant siblings Mariam and Franklin Gray, elder sister Frances Rhodes, and youngest daughter Annette Denise Emmons. Loved ones who will cherish her memory include her three sons, Marvin Ray (Kay) Emmons of Green Forrest, David Lee (Pati) Emmons of Ravenden Springs, and Walter Alan (Donna) Emmons of Marion, two daughters, Bobbie Frances (Dale) Barnett of Ravenden and Beverly Faye (Eddie) Slusser of Memphis. One brother, Billy Faye Gray of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, seven grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and numerous friends also mourn her passing. Sallie had lived in the Randolph, Sharp and Lawrence County area for the majority of her adult life. She was an active member of the Jonesboro Christian Church and a past Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Ruby Chapter #191, Hardy, Arkansas. Sallie was involved in many Senior Citizen activities, events and programs. Painting was one of her favorite hobbies. She loved wearing her jewelry at every opportunity. As an avid animal lover, she enjoyed various pets throughout the years and her two Yorkshire Terriers were her special comfort and delight. Known as a kind and affectionate wife, a fond mother, a good and generous friend to all, she will be greatly missed. Her Remembrance service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2013, at the Jonesboro Christian Church, 1700 Loberg Lane, with Pastor Steve Shepherd officiating services. Care and cremation provided by Faith Funeral Service. Dispersal of ashes at the family farm will be private. Memorial tombstone is located in the Hardy Cemetery in Hardy, Arkansas, directly in view of her former, beloved home “The Old Hardy House”. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial Contribution to the Salvation Army or the Flo and Phil Hospice House 1148 East Matthews, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.