of Batesville, AR
October 22, 1919 - June 11, 2008
Emma Julia Baker Massey of Batesville, Arkansas died Wednesday, June 11, 2008. She was born October 22, 1919 near Charlotte, Arkansas. Her parents were Henderson and Millie Stoner Baker.
After attending Blue Creek School she graduated from Batesville High School in 1936 where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She was employed as a practical nurse at Craig's Hospital and subsequently served as assistant to Dr. Finis Q. Wyatt in the delivery of healthcare in Independence County. She married Eugene Mack Massey on August 13, 1943. With her husband, Gene Mack, they owned and operated Mack Farm Dairy. Together they were active members at Moorefield United Methodist Church. They were instrumental in the development of Girl Scouts' Camp Crossed Arrows, and Mrs. Massey was a long time Girl Scout leader. Emma J. was widowed in 1969 and continued as sole owner and operator of the dairy and dairy farm until 1981. Starting in 1982, she converted Massey Farm to registered Limousin beef cattle. She was active in the Independence-Jackson Cattlemen's Association and served in a leadership capacity at the local, regional, and state levels. During her life, Emma J. served on numerous boards including the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas Traveler Theatre, Independence Saving and Loan, Independence County Farm Service Agency, and Independent Dairy Association of America. She worked with the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver Fawn Award for her numerous contributions. She was on the 4-H Foundation Board for many years and received the Friend of 4-H Award. She was an accomplished marksman, an avid gardener who enjoyed arranging and sharing her flowers, and she loved to feed her business associates, fellow cattlemen, friends and family. Throughout her life she was dedicated to caring for her family and friends. She loved and cared for not only her children but the children of the community.
She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Julia and Charles Nail, Betty and Charles Barnett all of Batesville, and Clara Massey and Charles Hamm of Mobile Al; two brothers and their wives: Jerry Kenneth and Oleta Baker, of Blue Springs, Mo and Joe Bill and Ava Baker of Batesville; eight grandchildren: Cindy Nail Willis, Beth Nail Boyce, Clark Nail, Christy Nail Dodd, Chuck Barnett, Julia Barnett Everett, Lockie Barnett Jones, and Amanda Jane Hamm; eleven great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.
Services will be at Moorefield United Methodist Church at 10 am on Friday, June 13, 2008, with Reverend Buddy Hamner and Reverend Mary Catherine McSpadden officiating. Interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
Pallbearers will be Tim Thompson, Justin Thompson, John Michael Thompson, Tony Thompson, Glen Pool, Jonathon Pool, Benjamin Pool, and Greg Green. Honorary pallbearers are the men of Moorefield United Methodist Church and Dr. Seth Barnes.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday at Roller Crouch Funeral Home.
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42 Condolence(s)
Heather Krater Mills
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Julia, Chuck and Lockie,
I am so sorry to hear about your grandmothers death. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of loss.
Love,
Heather
Tom & Amanda
Monday, June 30, 2008
Please take comfort in knowing your loved one is in a better place & enjoying paradise with God. She'll never be gone as long as she's in your hearts & thoughts.
Greta Hambrick Seward
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Massey family, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. I did not have the privilege of knowing Mrs. Massey personally, but I know that she was a very loved and valuable matriarch of your family. My special love to all the grandkids!
Mike & Mary Ann Harvill
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Massey family - please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Mrs. Massey was a very special lady and will be missed by many!
Debbie Jones Easley
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
I was so saddened to learn of Ms Emma J's passing. She was such a wonderful woman. I remember growing up and being at Mack Farm Dairy with my grandmother, Dorothy Tucker, all those years and Ms Emma J treating my brother and sister and I just like we were her own grandchildren too. They were wonderful days and the world has lost a wonderful woman but heaven has sure gained one fantastic angel.
Willie Strong
Monday, June 16, 2008
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jennie Claxton Miller
Monday, June 16, 2008
It is hard to express the feeling of loss when a loved one graduates from life's journey. We receive sustenance from fond memories that last our lifetime. Mack Farm Dairy was a large part of our family’s life, from the photo’s my Dad (Claxton Studio) provided for advertizing to that iconic red and white milk carton in the fridge. My sympathies and prayers to the family.
Betty Haley Rega
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Julia, Betty, Clara & Family, Just wanted to express my condolences to you for the loss of your mom. Emma J. was such a special person. So many of my childhood memories center around her and all of your family. I always felt so welcome at your house and anywhere else I went with your family. My mother worked so she also provided transportation for me to Scouts, swimming lessons, etc. She was so sweet to my mother, Nellie Haley, as her heath declined. Emma J. was so busy but always seemed to have time for all of us. She was such a loving, caring person! Betty Haley Rega
Stan & Helen Guthrie
Friday, June 13, 2008
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of this loved one. Emma J. was such a wonderful friend to everyone who knew her. She was my neighbor at "Blue Creek" for many, many years and continued to be a dear friend to both of us through out the years.
marie qualls
Friday, June 13, 2008
Children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I wish you love, and all the best in your loss. You have been blessed with a loving, caring, smart, and an example for all you by having Mrs. M as a guiding light. God bless you and keep you and may his face shine upon all of you. Marie Qualls
Alan & Traci Rutledge
Friday, June 13, 2008
Lockie, Chuck, Julia, Mr & Mrs Barnett - Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. She will certainly be missed.
Carol Bradley
Friday, June 13, 2008
A very special person who will be greatly missed in Independence County's agricultural sector who contributed immensely to farming.
Cyndi Reed and Tommy Watts
Friday, June 13, 2008
We are deeply saddened at the loss of Ms. Emma. It was our pleasure and priviledge to care for her in a nursing capacity. She always made sure she lifted our spirits everytime she was in clinic. She will truly be missed.
Pam Taylor
Friday, June 13, 2008
Julia and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Pam
Betty Burge Cockrill
Friday, June 13, 2008
Julia, Betty and Dr. Clara, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this time. I will always remember your mom as a very special lady. May God give you the comfort and peace that only he can give. Betty
janice fuller
Thursday, June 12, 2008
We will miss this sweet lady and all the stories. I heard every week it was so great to get to know her .She we be deaply missed !
Ron & Sharon Trusty
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dear Julia & Family, Your Mother will be fondly remembered and immensely missed. We wanted to tell you and your family that you are in our thoughts and we are so sorry for your great loss. Take care. Sincerely, Ron & Sharon Trusty
Keith and Nancy Rutledge
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Mrs. Massey has been a great role model and a positive influence to many people in Independence County ...thinking of the family in my thoughts and prayers during this time..
Rachelle West
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am unable to attend the services for Emma J. She has always been such a special lady to me. She always had a smile and a hug for me whenever she saw me.....you are all in my thoughts and prayers....sincerely Rachelle West
Bobby and Betty Morgan
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Clara our prays and thoughts are with. Bobby and Betty Morgan
Tom and Michelle Davenport
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to everyone and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cynthia, Ricky, and Catalina Grace Busse
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Betty, Charles, Chuck, Julia, and Lockie we want to offer our deepest condolences. It is never easy letting go of a loved one when they are called home to be with the Lord. It is our sincerest prayer that his words will comfort you in your time of loss. May God be with you and bless you in this time of sorrow. We love and miss you.
Johnnie Baker
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I was so sad to hear that Ms. Emma J. had past away. I feel we have lost another part of our family in such a short time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this diffcult time.
Opal & Wilsene Moody
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Mother and I are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Wilsene Moody
Shelly Huff Middleton
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I loved Mrs. Emma J. I have lots of fond memories of playing with her grandchildren on Mack Farm Dairy Farm. The community will not be the same without her. I am thinking and praying for her entire family.
Phyllis
Thursday, June 12, 2008
To the family, I was very sad to hear that Mrs. Massey had died. I am so very happy that I was able to join the family at Easter time and especially to visit with Mrs. Massey. Thank you Julia for inviting me to join your family at Easter. I will always remember your Mom and her wonderful "SMILE". She played a big part in my life as I was growing up in Batesville. Sincerely, Phyllis Painter Gurlen
Sue Webb
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Mrs. Emma J was a wonderful person and so kind to our family. Independence County has lost a good friend who contributed so much to so many lives. I will be praying for your family as you mourn the loss of your mother, grandmother, and friend. Sue Webb
Leslie Rutledge
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Lockie, Chuck, Julia (Sister), Betty and Papa- My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know how much you all loved Mama J and how much she meant to each one of you. She will certainly be missed.
Bob & Barbara Reynolds
Thursday, June 12, 2008
We were so sad to hear of your loss. Beth was fairly optimistic Sunday and we were certainly surprised to hear of her passing. She was a lovely person and the citizens of Batesville and Independence County will certainly miss her.
David and Fran Ford
Thursday, June 12, 2008
We are very sorry for your loss and sorry we have conflicts during the visitation and funeral service
Justin & Betty Burge
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Our thought& Prayers are with this family in this time. I certianly will miss her sweet smile and sense of humor even when she was hurting. With our Love Justin & Betty Burge
DONNA AND BENNY SIMMERMON
Thursday, June 12, 2008
"In my Fathers's house are many rooms.... I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 14.2 Just as He has prepared a place of love and peace for those He calls home, may the Lord also prepare a place of comfort in your heart as you grieve this loss, With Loving Sympathy, and all our love, Donna and Benny.
Todd, Resa & Stephanie Bolin
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Our heartfelt prayers go out to this family for the loss of a truly loving, caring and special lady. She always saw the good in everyone and was willing to help. She took so much pride in everything she did. May the memories help comfort you during this difficult time. With Love, Todd, Resa & Stephanie Bolin
Jeannie
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jeannie Talburt Kowis Gene Talburt
Janie Weaver Prichard
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Julia and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was such a sweet lady with a beautiful smile. I remember her fondly. I will keep you all in my prayers during this sad time. Love , Janie
Patricia Heath
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Momma Jay will be missed dearly. She was a very special woman as well as a very dedicated Christian and servant to God and her community. I will dearly miss her, but one thing I will never forget is her dedication to God and Christ our savior. Because of her example I was able to grow in that and be who I am today thanks to her example. I will dearly miss her.
Chuck Cossey
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
It was with deep sorrow I learned of Mrs. Emma J.'s home-going. She was a great friend to our whole family, especially Mom, Monnie Cossey. Ms. Emma J. invested in my life by giving me a place to work while I completed Arkansas College. I will be forever grateful for that and the work ethic she inspired in me. Be assured your family is in my prayers as you proceed on the journey of grieving and mourning. May God's grace be present as your relationship with Mrs. Emma J. changes from one of her physical presence to one of fond memories and the legacy she has left with you. God's grace is sufficient to help you encounter and embrace your loss. See you later Mrs. Emma J. and tell Mom hello.
Rick & Gloria Sparrow
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Julia, Betty,and Clara, No words can express what the friendship of your Mother has meant to us . We will treasure this forever. She made this "Yankee" feel so welcome in her home, and almost got him to eating cornbread! We will see you on Friday. With Love, Rick & Gloria
Phil & Jamie Ferguson
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Clark sorry for loss we are thinking of you.
Lisa Sparrow-Moon
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
My sweetest childhood memories were spent running the pastures of Mack Farm Dairy. Whether it be swimming in Blue Creek, or riding my horse in your fields, feeding baby caves, or sitting by the warmth of your fire watching birds. My life, living close to you was the best a kid could have ever asked for. Mrs. Massey allowed me the show her dairy calves in 4-H, and treated me like I was one of her own, for this I will be forever grateful. Her pearls of wisdom are etched in my heart, and are lessons that I have taken with me into adulthood. She is an icon that has left a foorprint that will be with me forever. This world has been truly Blessed because she walked this earth, and she left beauty with everyone who ever met her. I love you Ms. Massey, and all of your family who has been a part of my life. Until we meet again...God Bless You..... Lisa Sparrow
Johnna Skaten
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
What a wonderful lady Ms. Massey was. She always had a smile on her face when she would come in to our office. She will sadly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God Bless you. Johnna WRDC
Kelly King
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Dear Massey Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Patti has told me many wonderful things about Emma J, and I am truly sorry that I will never have the chance to meet her. She sounds like such a remarkable woman. May God be with you all and bless you during this hard time. Sincerely: Kelly King