Billie Staples

Billie Jean Wright Staples, 85, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord on May 28, 2016. She was born in Furlow, Arkansas on September 11, 1930, the oldest daughter of the late Earl and Louise Morris and mother of the late John Peter Wright, Jr.

Billie Jean was the head of the Jacksonville Water Department and a faithful member at McArthur Assembly of God. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, an avid gardener, a staunch Republican, hunter and fisherwoman and a lover of the great outdoors.

Billie Jean was loved by many. She was caring, compassionate, witty, charismatic, and had the best laugh. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Billie Jean is survived by brothers Earl, Jr., and David; sister Jackie; stepdaughter Donna, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Summit Hospice and her caregiver and former daughter-in-law, Billie Collins for their extraordinary help.

Family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016, at McArthur Church in Jacksonville, with burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com