Willie Jean (Edwards) Cantrell

Mrs. Willie Jean Cantrell entered her Heavenly home on September 28, 2022, undoubtedly greeted by her Savior Jesus Christ and her beloved husband Claude and their precious daughter Debbie. She was born on October 2, 1935, in Bald Knob to Lewis Edwards and Nell Edwards Ethridge. A blind date with a handsome Korean War Veteran developed into the love of a lifetime with Claude Cantrell, whom she married in August 1955, and who preceded her in death in 2016. Willie Jean graduated from Bald Knob Public Schools in 1954, and she trained to file taxes and became a notary public even as she ran the Hurricane Sports Center, farmed with her children in tow, and aided her husband in saw mill labor with the grit and determination that she inherited from her mother. Wilie Jean was a devoted Christian first and foremost, serving others countless meals and genuinely loving anyone whom she encountered, regardless of whether it was at church or the grocery store and despite any wealth or lack thereof. Her hands were seldom still as she gave generously to others. A dedicated wife and treasured mother, Willie Jean nurtured her family with grace and conviction. She loved her children and grieved horribly at the death of her firstborn, a daughter, Debbie Cantrell. Willie Jean leaves two cherished sons Ricky S. (Cherry) Cantrell and Randy Cantrell of Bald Knob as well as an honorary son Carroll Varnell of Bald Knob. Willie Jean especially loved the title Nanny and leaves four dear grandsons: Chord (Bethany) Cantrell of Searcy; Tyler (Kelsey) Cantrell of Russellville; and Joshua S. Cantrell and AJ Cantrell of Bald Knob. Willie Jean also leaves behind her lifetime best friend, her sister Mary Lou Meyer of Joplin, MO, who is the last of the siblings due to the prior death of brother Bobby Edwards. Navigating life with her gentle spirit, Willie Jean’s smiles and hugs made others leave her presence feeling better about life. She lived her life in such a way that her sons and grandsons inherit a legacy of love and hard work. “Her children arise and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28. Services will be at Powell Funeral Home in Bald Knob with interment to follow at Carter Cemetery in Russell. Visitation is scheduled for 6:00-8:00 p.m. September 30 with the funeral at 10:00 a.m. October 1. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to Worden Baptist Church of Bald Knob. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob - Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Willie Jean (Edwards) Cantrell

October 2, 1935 - September 28, 2022