Velma Whitbey

Velma Lee Whitbey 87, of Russellville, died Saturday, September 3, 2016 at Sparks Medical Center in Fort Smith, AR. She was born January 22, 1929 in Spadra, AR to Homer & Erie Johnson. She was a registered nurse for 41 years and faithfully attended East Point Baptist Church. Survivors include her five sons and daughters-in-law, Reece and Sheila Whitbey of North Little Rock, Keith and Patricia Whitbey of Dardanelle, Tommy and Melbra Whitbey of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Donald and Debbie Whitbey of Atkins, Benton and Nina Sims of Fort Smith, AR; two daughters and son-in-law, Jeannie and Dean Spraggins of Hill City, South Dakota and Gail Arthur of Russellville; one daughter-in-law, Charlotte of Jefferson City, KY; 19 grandchildren, Amy Newsom, Stanley Whitbey, Kelley Ewald, Brad Whitbey, Misty Wilson, Kim Whitbey, Barrett Christian, Leighann Case, Jared Christian, Jacob Christian, Chris Sims, Chelsey Sims, Whitney Sims, Kayla Ford, James Sims, Michael Acorn, Cheyton Sims, Jason Casey, and Mallerie Casey-Rowley, and numerous great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Gene Whitbey of 42 years; two brothers, Dwayne Johnson and James Johnson; and one daughter-in-law, Karen Shell-Sims. The funeral will be held Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 10am at East Point Baptist Church in Russellville, with the Rev. Larry Pless officiating. Visitation will be from 10-10:30am prior to the service. Burial will follow at East Point Cemetery in Russellville, under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral. Pallbearers will be Derek Rowley, Jason Casey, Jeff Holt, Adam Bryant, Shannon Arthur & Cheyton Sims. The family would like to give a special “thank you” to Pam Smith with Russellville Family Funeral, for her compassion and care during this time. Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.