Leona Phillips Witherow

Leona Elizabeth Phillips Witherow, 86 of Sheridan, Arkansas went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 27, 2011. Leona was born May 26, 1924 in Center Point, Arkansas to Grisom and Ola Phillips. After graduating from Drew County High School, Leona attended Baptist State Hospital School of Nursing where she was known as "Phil" to her classmates. While in nursing school, Leona was president of her class and held numerous leadership positions. In 1949, she was "pinned and capped" as a nurse and thus began her extensive nursing career. She was proud to say her first year of nursing service was at Children's Hospital. In 1981, she retired from the Veterans' Memorial Hospital where she served for 32 years. After retirement, she continued to utilize her nursing degree as the interim director of nursing at what is currently Sheridan Rehab and Healthcare. Leona spent much of her time reading, gardening, cooking and baking, sewing, and spending time with her family. She was an active member of the Home Extension Club in Sheridan; where she enjoyed crafting and fellowship with her friends. Leona was a longtime member of Marlow Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, Arkansas. In addition to her parents, Leona was preceded in death by her loving husband James Witherow, three step-sons: David Witherow, Andrew Witherow, and Stephen Witherow; a sister Fern Phillips; four brothers: Cleo Phillips, Audie Lee Phillips, Clifton Phillips and an infant brother Jackie. Survived by her step-sons and daughter-in-laws: Barry and Donna Witherow of Center Ridge, Arkansas, Karl and Karen Witherow of Houston, Texas, and Joan Witherow of Sheridan, Arkansas; eight8 grandchildren: Sam Witherow, Zachary Witherow, Andrea Baker, Amy Witherow, Kasey Witherow, Joshua Witherow, Jacob Witherow, and Allison Witherow Pruitt and one step granddaughter, Kristina Green. As well as, two great-grandchildren: Reed Baker and Brooklyn Witherow. Visitation will be held at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. with the funeral services immediately following at 11 a.m. with Pastor Robert Standley officiating. Interment will be at Bethel North Cemetery in Sheridan, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grant County Library, 210 North Oak Street, Sheridan, Ark. 72150. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan, (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.