Theetta Maxine Cokley, daughter of the late Orlie Owens and Esley Stephens Owens, was born on December 23, 1933 in Powe, Missouri and departed this life on April 11, 2020 at Southeast Health in Cape Girardeau, Missouri at the age of 86 years.
Mrs. Cokley was the former treasurer for the City of Bernie, she wrote the “This and That” column for the Bernie Banner, she was a homemaker and a resident of Bernie. Theetta received the Democratic Woman of the year award from the Stoddard County Democratic Women.
On November 19, 1949, in Piggott, Arkansas, she was united in marriage to Jimmy Cokley. Mr. Cokley preceded her in death on November 5, 2000.
She is survived by two sons, James Thomas “Tommy” Cokley and wife Tina of Clarkston, Michigan and Charles “Dan” Cokley and wife Amberlee of Portland, Oregon; by two daughters, Stephenia Elizabeth Cokley of St. Louis, Missouri and Karen Lee Cokley Burner and husband Clifford of Powe, Missouri; by her brother, Jerry Owens of Bernie, Missouri; by five grandchildren; and by eight great-grandchildren.
Other than by her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Orlie Edward Cokley; by her daughter, Loretta Glen Cokley Dodd; by her grandson, Christopher Daniel Cokley; by three brothers, Bill Owens, Buford Owens and Reuben Owens; and by two sisters, Amy Green and Patricia Johnson.
Mathis Funeral Home in Bernie is in charge of all arrangements.
Ronnie D. Sells, son of the late Wesley Sells and Norma Welchel, was born on August 25, 1945 in Corning, Arkansas and joined his heavenly Father on Good Friday, April 10, 2020. He died at Barnes-Jewish hospital in St. Louis, MO at the age of 74.
Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Peggy J. Carlson, on May 13, 1966 in Belleville, IL. Mrs. Sells survives of their home in Dexter, MO.
Ron is survived by three brothers, Bud Sells (Joann), Darrell Sells (Dottie), and Keith Sells (Gail). Besides his parents preceding him in death, also his beloved brother Joel Sells, and his surviving daughters Joy, Janice, and Jennifer.
Ron has three sons, Steve Sells (Krista) of Poplar Bluff, David Sells (Susan) of Piedmont, and Joe Sells (Kate) of Dexter.
He has six granddaughters, Allison Miller (Rus), Riley Jane Crews (Matt), Sara, Sally, Nicole, and Natalie Sells. He has one step granddaughter, Courtnee Jordan (Jason) and one step grandson, Cory Jackson (Taylor).
Ron has one great grandson, Cameron Crews and three step great grandsons, Roman Jordan, Huxley and Beckham Jackson. He has two step great granddaughters, Andie and Piper Jordan.
He was loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and so many friends, especially close friend John Carter (Ramona).
Ron’s most important and proudest accomplishment in life was his family! He always knew what was going on with his family and would be sure to always ask about all our situations specifically. Also, Ron was a great friend. He never met a stranger in life! No matter who they were or what their status was, they would end up being a friend of his.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Dexter where he served as an Elder.
Ron was a barber for 15 years and owned his shop with brother Bud in St. Louis before moving to Dexter. In 1978, he opened the McDonald’s restaurant in Dexter when he became an owner/operator. He grew his organization to nine restaurants during his 24-year career before retiring in 2002. He was a successful, active, and respected businessman during his life. He and Peg loved to be involved with their communities. For years they worked and supported local schools, churches, and civic organizations.
Ron was a Shriner, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a member of the Dexter Masonic Lodge #532 for 44 years. He was also a member of the Dexter Elks Lodge for 35 years.
Ron’s other enjoyments and interests included family vacations, holidays, and gatherings. He also enjoyed spending time with friends at classic car auctions and shows, and picking for antiques. Ron loved dogs and had many golden retriever companions.
Ron is loved by all and will be deeply missed!
Memorials may be made, in memory of Ron D. Sells, to: The Ronald McDonald House Charity, 3450 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63104, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
Due to social distancing practices, the family will have a private, invitation-only service at the funeral home and grave site. After the private graveside service, we will have a drive thru service at the gravesite open to anyone on Thursday, April 16 at 3:30 pm at Dexter Cemetery. Then, at a later date, the family will have a full service and celebration of life.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
Don Alan King, son of the late William Gale King and Hazel Leonna Phelps King, was born on August 22, 1942 in Bell City, Missouri and departed this life on April 9, 2020 at his residence in Dexter at the age of 77 years.
Mr. King was a former supervisor for Ford Motor Company in Hazelwood, Missouri and he was an owner and operator of a dump truck business.
On May 26, 1961, in Bloomfield, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Massey. Mrs. King preceded him in death on January 20, 2020.
He is survived by three sons, Christopher King and wife Dana of Troy, Scott King and wife Laura of Moscow Mills and Timothy King of Dexter; by his daughter, Teresa Schwartz of Dexter; by two sisters, Bernice Allen of Arkansas and Midge Laugherty of Bloomfield, Missouri; by nine grandchildren, Ian King, Wade King, Nicole Eynard, Meagan Schwartz, Jake Schwartz, Jamie Stoops, Jessica Knaust, Nathan King and Emma King; and by three great-grandchildren, Oakley, Paisley and Theo.
Other than by his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill King, Gail King, and Denny King.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
Verla Jean White, daughter of the late Oliver White and Mary Edith Garner White, was born on October 12, 1936 in Sugar Tree, Missouri and departed this life on April 10, 2020 at Dexter Living Center in Dexter Missouri at the age of 83 years.
Ms. White attended the Church of Christ in Dexter and was a resident of Dexter.
She is survived by her brother-in-law, Sam Sturgess of Dexter; by her nephew, Doug Sturgess and wife Kathy of Sikeston; by three nieces, Deborah Sturgess of Dexter, Dana Frazier and husband Mark of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, and Dr. Susan Lucktong and husband Dr. Ek Lucktong of Mooresville, North Carolina.
Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Sue Sturgess.
A private, family only, graveside service will be conducted at Old Bethel Cemetery on Saturday, April 11, 2020.
Memorials may be made to the Children’s Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, Arkansas 72450.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
Mark Edward Jackson, son of the late Gerald Jackson and Wanda Woolard Jackson, was born on November 10, 1960 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and departed this life on April 9, 2020 at Southeast Health of Stoddard County at the age of 59 years.
Mr. Jackson worked at Auto Tire and Parts and was a former service manager. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Bloomfield and a resident of Bloomfield. His nickname was “Hootie” and he had a great sense of humor. He loved cars, making mini bikes and spending time with his grandkids.
On January 30, 1981, in Aid, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Kim Henderson. Mrs. Jackson survives of their home in Bloomfield.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, Jacob Jackson and wife Miranda of Bloomfield; by two daughters, Casey Smith and husband Jason of Bloomfield and Allison Clark and husband Brandon of Puxico; by his brother, Ken Jackson and wife Jamie of Dexter; by his sister, Barbara Duckworth and husband Clinton of Dexter; and by seven grandchildren, Keller Smith, Gunner Bridges, Cannon Hood, Andrea Clark, Audrie Clark, Carsan Phillips, and Colten Jackson.
Other than by his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Ron Jackson.
Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is in charge of all arrangements.
