Roberta Blanchard

Roberta Blanchard, age 90 of Rison, died, Monday, December 31, 2012. She was born December 11, 1922 at Delight, Arkansas, the oldest child of the late William Otis Simpson and Grace Lee Simpson. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, a baby sister, Veda Simpson and an infant brother. Mrs. Blanchard was reared and educated in the Delight and Murfreesboro areas. She and D. C. "Doc" Blanchard wedded on December 14, 1941 at Murfreesboro and were married for seventy one years. Mrs. Blanchard worked for ten years for C. E. Mayer and Company in Helena, Arkansas, managed Falore Department Store in Jasper, Arkansas, and owned and operated for over ten years, Blanchard Bluffs Gift Shop, on Scenic Highway 7 near Jasper, Arkansas. Roberta and "Doc" built and sold several homes in the Jasper, area and retired back to Rison in 1989. For over four years, they would drive their Motor Home to Florida and Texas for the winters. They enjoyed traveling the United States and meeting people at the different campgrounds that became lifelong friends. They drove to California, Oregon, Colorado, Idaho, and Arizona several times, and many other states. Mrs. Blanchard was a life-long member of Rison United Methodist Church, member of the Wesleyann Ladies Group, and served on numerous Church committees. She was a member of the Crown Club with Pine Bluff National Bank, Cotton Pickers Travelers Club, Homemaker and Business owner. Mrs. Blanchard is survived by her husband, Doc Blanchard of Rison; three children, Barbara Gray (Jim), John Blanchard (Billie), all of Rison and Connie Blanchard Simpson of Norfork; two sisters, Dessa Fenter (J.C.) Livingston, Texas, JoReta Grimillion (Maurice) of Houston, Texas; two brothers, Gene Simpson (Mary) of Houston, Texas and Elvin Simpson(Linda) of Livingston, Texas; one sister-in-law, Mary Blanchard Meena (Nick) of Louisville, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Jamie Gray, Michael Gray (Deb), all of Greenwood, Arkansas and Michelle Phillips (Brian) of Rison; five great grandchildren; special caregiver, Whitney Mull; and a host of nieces and nephews, and lots of friends. Funeral services are 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Rison United Methodist Church with Reverend Don Johnson and Reverend Richard Rogers officiating. Visitation is 10:00 to 12:00 noon, Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Buie Funeral Home. Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 3, 2013 in Delight Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jim Ed Attwood, Rufus T. Buie, Bobby Tucker, Paul Scarbrough, Jerry Spakes and Joe Rauls. Honorary pallbearers are John Brewster and Jay England. Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216.