Cecil Ray Bradley, a cherished resident of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, was born on March 24, 1948, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to the late Raymond and Geneva (Adams) Bradley. He peacefully departed this life on October 8, 2024, at the age of 76 years, 6 months, and 14 days, leaving behind a legacy of love and fond memories.
Cecil was united in marriage to Clelah (Medley) Bradley on July 29, 1969, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Their union was a beautiful chapter until her passing on January 24, 2012. A devoted member of the 2nd Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Cecil found joy in his faith and community. He had a passion for riding motorcycles and hunting, yet his greatest joy came from the time spent with his grandchildren, cherishing every moment with his family.
He is survived by his loving daughter, Christina Bradley, and his son, Cecil Bradley, both of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Cecil’s legacy continues through his siblings, James and Paul Bradley of Midwest City, Oklahoma, and Lesa Bradley of Casso, Oklahoma, alongside his six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom remember him with love and admiration.
Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects during the visitation scheduled for Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11 A.M. at the 2nd Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The funeral service will follow at 1 P.M., officiated by Brother Curtis Crowley of Ellsinore, Missouri, celebrating a life well-lived. Interment will take place at Dudley Cemetery in Dudley, Missouri.
Watkins and Sons Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Kathleen Glynis Wilds, also known as Kate, Kath, Kat, and KK, was born on February 5, 1966, and passed away peacefully on September 24, 2024, after an extended cancer journey. Kathy was 58 years old and had lived in Tucson, AZ, for 22 years.
Kathy was raised in Bernie, MO, graduating from Bernie High School in 1984. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University and a master’s from the University of Phoenix.
Kathy is survived by her domestic partner of 18 years, John Landwehr; her sisters Donna Sutton, Joy O'Brien, and Kelly O'Brien (spouse Kevin Woods); her paternal grandfather, William McMillen; and her dearest friends, Keith and Mary Lund, Adrian and Jessica Gourley (children Sophia and Logan), Dale and Jeanice Tanner of Dexter, MO, and Tim and Kimberly Flowers of Dexter, MO. Kathy had nieces and nephews across the country: Melissa Bradley, Kyle Durno (Donna), Eric O'Brien, Lisa Covarrubias, Amanda Johnson, Patrick O'Brien, Samantha O'Brien, Kalin O'Brien (Joy), Shannon Freeland, and Andrew Patterson (Kelly). She is survived by seven grandnieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents who raised her, Glen and Velna Stevens of Bernie, MO.
Kathy was a long-time employee of Raytheon Technologies, an aerospace and defense company, in Tucson, AZ, but her passions were genealogy, quilting, and anything with hearts and dandelion seed flowers, which she referred to as wishes. She was a masterful baker, known for her cookies and famous peanut brittle, where she lovingly was given the name of peanut brittle lady. Kathy treasured her time with her ‘adopted’ family in Dexter, MO, where she would visit several times yearly, spending many weeks on each trip. Here, she would visit family in neighboring states, work on genealogy and hike through cemeteries to find family connections, and add to her Christmas collection with visits to the Yule Log.
Kathy's strong spirit, along with her beautiful smile and big heart, will be greatly missed. She will forever be remembered. At her request, Kathy will be interned at the Chalk Bluff Cemetery south of Dexter at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Chalk Bluff Cemetery, PO Box 727, Dexter, MO 63841.
Gary Lynn Simmons, son of the late William Simmons and Maxine Goode Simmons, was born on November 1, 1946, in Ada, Oklahoma and departed this life on October 4, 2024, at his residence in Malden, Missouri, at the age of 77 years.
Mr. Simmons was a former farmer and racehorse trainer. He also loved to go fishing and rabbit hunting.
He was united in marriage to Judy Simmons. Mrs. Simmons preceded him in death.
He is survived by his son Scott Simmons of Jonesboro, Arkansas; by his daughter, Gerri Ann Simmons of Kennett, Missouri; by his sister, Shirley Harris of Dexter, Missouri; by two grandchildren, Tristan Simmons of Oklahoma and Sydney Patrick of Kennett; and by two great-grandchildren, Achilles Simmons and Milo Simmons.
Mr. Simmons is preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Simmons and his infant brother; one sister, Mary Lou Simmons.
Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A memorial service will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 3:00 p.m.
Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie is assisting with arrangements.
Cheryl “Sherrie” Faye Patterson, daughter of the late Homer Murphy and Cecil Elledge Murphy, was born on May 30, 1947, in Advance, Missouri and departed this life on October 4, 2024, at Crowley Ridge Care Center in Dexter, Missouri at the age of 77.
Mrs. Patterson was formerly employed by Paramount Cap and Elders Manufacturing as a supervisor in quality control. She was a member of the First Assembly of God in Dexter, Missouri. She loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and talking with her friends.
She was united in marriage to Ronnie Patterson, Sr. and from that marriage came three children.
She is survived by one son Ronnie Patterson (Judy) of Bentonville, Arkansas; two daughters, Gretchen Allen (Will) of Bloomfield, Missouri and Stacy Rauls (Rick) of Dexter, Missouri; one sister, Sharon Murphy of Jackson, Missouri; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Bertha Murphy of Carlisle, Illinois; one brother-in-law, Lester Abner of Bloomfield, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by three brothers, Milford “Bud” Murphy, Jackie Murphy and Randy Murphy; two sisters, Margaret Waggoner and Marjorie Abner.
Visitation will be held Tuesday October 8, 2024, at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to:
18 Forelife
705 Laurie Circle
Dexter, Missouri 63841
Mathis Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.
Julia Bell (Lewis) Taylor of Puxico, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 1 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories. Born on November 23, 1942, in Dexter, Missouri, to the late John and Jessie (Pulumn) Lewis, Julia's life was characterized by the warmth of family, devotion to her beliefs, and tireless passion for the simple joys in life.
In 1961, Julia wed the love of her life, Clarence Taylor, in Dexter, Missouri. Their union was one of profound connection, marked by shared dreams and unwavering support for one another. Together, they nurtured a family and built a home filled with laughter, kindness, and love, until Clarence's passing on August 20, 2021.
A devoted member of the Church of Christ, Julia found strength and comfort in her faith, which served as a guiding light throughout her life. Her comforting presence extended to friends and family alike, who were often welcomed into her loving home.
Julia was a woman of many interests. She found great joy in spending time with her family, tending to her garden, crafting beautiful handmade items, and immersing herself in the pages of novelty and Amish books. These activities not only enriched her own life but also the lives of those around her, as she often shared her creations and stories with a generous heart.
She has now joined the ranks of those who have gone before her; Julia is preceded in death by her beloved husband Clarence Taylor, her parents, her brother Arlie Lewis, and her sisters Carol Richmond and Phebia Lacy.
Her spirit, however, will continue to flourish through her surviving family, which includes her cherished siblings, Eddie "Cookie" (and the late Mary) Taylor of Puxico, Missouri, James Allen (Lisa) Taylor of Bruno, Arkansas, and her brother Bill Lewis of Sikeston, Missouri. Julia’s legacy is further honored by her three daughters: Carolyn Sue (Gary) Barber of Tecumseh, Missouri, Melissa (Bob) Gray of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Christina (Joe) Scott of Puxico, Missouri.
In addition, Julia leaves behind an incredible lineup of 20 grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Among them are Jeramey (Beth) of Bloomfield, Missouri, Shasta (Jimbo) of Puxico, Missouri, and Cynthia (Jacob) of Puxico, Missouri, just to name a few. Her affection extended even further to her 26 great-grandchildren, who were the apples of her eye, including Jakoby, Landrie, Johannah, Camilla, and many more. Several step-grandchildren also survive her, adding to the quilt of family that she cherished.
A host of family and friends will undoubtedly miss her, commemorating the beautiful bonds she nurtured throughout her life. The loving community she built will echo her laughter and memories as they come together to celebrate the remarkable life she led.
Visitation for Julia will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, beginning at 11 A.M. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel in Puxico, Missouri. The funeral service will follow at 12 P.M., officiated by Rev. Kenneth Lambert. Burial will take place at the Rock Hill Cemetery in Puxico, Missouri, where she will rest alongside her beloved husband.
As we gather to remember Julia Bell Taylor, let us hold close the lessons she taught us about love, family, and dedication, ensuring her spirit lives on in our hearts.
Watkins And Sons Funeral Service is honored to handle all arrangements.
