Arkansas
Susanne Michael, 47
Died October 1, 2020.
Harrisburg Elementary School, Harrisburg, AR
Elementary Teacher
Susanne Michele Michael, 47, of Jonesboro, Arkansas had many passions and talents which all stemmed from the heart, just as our pain does now. Susanne was born February 17, 1973 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Patsy Whitney and the late Robert Hyslop. She went to be with the Lord in the late evening on October 1, 2020 while staying at St. Bernard’s Medical Center.
Susanne displayed earnestness, hard work, and a passion for life. Though she accomplished countless things during her life, she would want to be remembered for the small things that created her story. Susanne was a volunteer for many years as a Summer Missionary through the Southern Baptist Home Mission board. She attended Williams Baptist University to pursue a degree in Psychology. Coincidentally, during this time is when she met her husband and the love of her life, Keith Michael. Susanne and Keith were married June 5, 1993. In May of 1996, she graduated from Williams Baptist University with a degree in Psychology. Following this, she went on a nontraditional path to do something that she came to love most, teach. Teaching was Susanne’s passion. Her love for the children was a reflection of her love of the Lord. She taught for nearly 17 years with kindness and a sweet spirit. Her students could all testify that she was loved. Susanne went on to receive a master’s degree in educational theory and practice. Within the past year, Susanne was awarded her national board certification.
Susanne and Keith built a life together that consisted of serving and loving one another and their community. They led youth groups in several churches and were active members of Central Baptist Church. Susanne was blessed to have five children. Sara, who was born November 18, 1998 gave Susanne the gift of being a mother. Jessica was another answered prayer when she was able to be adopted in 2004. Recently, on July 21, 2020, Susanne and Keith adopted Holly, Hunter, and Houston.
Susanne left an imprint on almost everyone that she met. She was a loving wife, a fantastic mother, and an extraordinary teacher. Her footprints were small but steady, and Susanne will not be forgotten.
She is preceded in death by her father, Robert Hyslop.
She is survived by her husband, Keith Michael; her five children Sara, 21, Jessica, 16, Holly, 13, Hunter, 7, and Houston, 2; her mother, Patsy Whitney of Jonesboro, and her Brother Robert Hyslop of Missouri.
Jody Jenkins, 57
Died September 29, 2020.
Atkins Public Schools, Atkins, AR
Superintendent
Jody Callaway Jenkins, 57, of Atkins, went home to be with his heavenly father September 29, 2020. He was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, son of the late Jack and Jean Canada Jenkins.
He was an educator following his calling to work with young people. Throughout his educational career he was a coach and teacher at Magnet Cove and Russellville Public Schools, a principal at Ozark High School and Johnson County Westside, the director of the Alma Opportunity School at Alma Public Schools, and current superintendent of Atkins Public Schools.
He is survived by his wife, Kristi Jenkins; daughter, Jackie Jenkins Moore and husband Brandon Moore; son, Ryan Jenkins; brothers, Teddy Jenkins, Toby Jenkins, and Dusty Jenkins; sister, Sharon Holcomb; mother and father-in-law, Larry and Janette Burris; and his extended family, church family, friends, school staff, and former athletes and students.
Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 6, at Sorrels Stadium at Lemley Field with Bro. Ted Darling, Bro. Ira Taylor, Brandon Moore, and Bro. Zach Phillips officiating. The family will receive friends following services. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines, face coverings are required and social distancing practices will be observed throughout.
Pallbearers are Brannon Haney, Jerrod Burns, Larry Dugger, Matt Coleman, Ronald Anderson, Mark Ferguson, and Bronson Ruston. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Atkins School Board, Atkins Public Schools faculty and staff, Ozark and Johnson County Westside administration and high school staff during his tenure as principal, and former coaching colleagues at Magnet Cove and Russellville.
Terry Lee Thacker, 68
Died August 28, 2020.
Russellville School District, Russellville, AR
Bus driver
Reverend Terry Lee Thacker gained his heavenly wings on August 28, 2020 at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville, Arkansas. He was born January 15, 1952 in Dunklin County, Missouri to the late Vernon Thacker and Hazel Darter Moore Thacker. Terry spent the last eight years as a special needs bus driver for the Russellville School District. Before that he was the owner of Thacker Trucking in Russellville, Arkansas from 1980 – 2009. Terry won many dirt track championships in multiple classes throughout his racing endeavor as a driver and car owner and passed on his vast knowledge and passion for dirt track racing to everyone he could including his son and grandson. You could find terry most Saturday nights announcing an adding colorful commentary at the local go cart track as well as having special activities for the children of the community. He also loved fishing, hunting and camping. Rev. Thacker enjoyed preaching God’s word as much as he did any other activity. Rev. Thacker was never bashful about his love for the Lord, and was never without a kind word, hug, or prayer for anyone who might need it. Terry was founder and operating President of Angel Wings Ministries and former pastor of Pine Hill Community Church in Gum Log, Pleasant Grove Full Gospel Church Dover, Jerusalem Full Gospel Church as well as Scottsville First Assembly. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Teresa Thacker; beloved stepfather, James Moore; maternal grandparents, Everett and Dellie Darter and paternal grandparents, Frank Thacker and Mabel Wright.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Annie Louise Thacker of Russellville, Arkansas; one son and daughter, Johnny and Jennifer Thacker of Center Valley, Arkansas; one grandson, Johnny Wilson Thacker II of Center Valley, Arkansas; a granddaughter Caitlin and husband Jonathan Teeter of Vilonia, Arkansas; soon to be great grandson, Bentley Teeter of Vilonia; three brothers, Gary Thacker of Dover, Arkansas, Jerry and Wilma Thacker of Appleton, Arkansas, Larry Don Thacker of Dover, Arkansas; sister, Veronica Thacker of Appleton, Arkansas; numerous step siblings, nieces, nephews and friends and a host of adopted grandchildren, Chelsea Grider, Logan Grider, Annalisa and Harley Goins and his beloved dog Gabby.
His infectious smile and comical personality made him a pure joy to be around and he will be greatly missed.
Melissa Hilton, 46
Died October 13, 2020.
Westside Elementary School, Cabot, AR
Paraprofessional
Melissa Dawn Hilton, 46, of Cabot, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020. She was born February 27, 1974 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to the late Fred and Carrie Watt Hilliard, Jr. Melissa was employed as a paraprofessional at Cabot Public Schools. She also served on the usher committee at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Conway. She was Wesley’s number one fan in martial arts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jason Hilton; their son, Wesley Hilton and many other extended family members and friends.