Martha Jo Morgan

Martha Jo Stone Morgan passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family. 

She was born August 7, 1933, to Elmer and Lorene Freeland of Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  She was a longtime member of First Southern Baptist Church in Bearden, Arkansas, then later Third Street Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, where she was an active member of the choir.

Martha Jo owned and operated The Bearden Dry Goods store for over 30 years.  She was a gifted seamstress, and she was highly sought after in the community for her exceptional work.  She loved making quilts and created many beautiful designs her family will cherish.  Martha Jo was also an artist who enjoyed painting fall landscapes.  She was an avid reader, completing multiple books each month. She was a people person who loved visiting with friends.  Martha Jo enjoyed the outdoors.  She spent several years as a campground host at Mountain Harbor camping sites.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of forty-two years, Norman Conway Stone. 

Martha Jo is survived by her three children, David Stone (Janet) of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Janice McCumber of Benton, Arkansas and Teresa Wharton of Arkadelphia; her three sisters, Charlene Myers of Athens, Tennessee, Betty Thomas (Bill) of Hoover, Alabama and Linda Culp (Randy) of Russellville, Arkansas; four granddaughters, Heather Martin (Tyler) of Little Rock, Arkansas, Jael Stone of Jonesboro, Laura Winfrey (Stephen) of Dalark, Arkansas and Chariti Smith of Jonesboro and nine great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held Friday, April 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in Holly Springs Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.