Norma Trice Elkins

Norma Trice Elkins, 89, of Jonesboro, died Sunday afternoon, February 12, 2012, at her home. Born in the Roe community in Monroe County, Mrs. Elkins lived in Jonesboro from 1969 until 1980, and in Flagstaff, Arizona until 1988 when she returned to Jonesboro. Following graduation from Roe High School, Norma earned Bachelor and Master degrees in education from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia. She performed post graduate work at Syracuse University, Chadron State College, Arkansas State University and Northern Arizona University. She taught elementary school for 22 years in Arkansas and New York with the last 11 years in South Elementary School in Jonesboro. Norma was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jonesboro and was a 50-year member of Daughters of the American Revolution. Norma was also a member of POE, ASU Faculty Women's Club, Kappa Delta Pi, Delta Kappa Gamma, Phi Delta Kappa and Alpha Xi Delta. She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew A. and Pearl Montgomery Trice, and by a brother-in-law, Steve Barrett. Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Dr. F. Clark Elkins, of the home, married August 18, 1946; 1 daughter and son-in-law: Annette and Paul Bednar of Jonesboro; 2 brothers and sisters-in-law: William Matthew and Martha Trice of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and John Robert and Pat Trice of Lincoln, California; 1 sister, Frances Trice Barrett of Corpus Christi, Texas; and two grandchildren, Chris and his wife Jennifer Bednar, and Jennifer and her husband Justin Shrable, all of Jonesboro. Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at 11 a.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Patty Soward officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park. Active pallbearers include Dr. Stanley Williams, Chris Bednar, Justin Shrable, Dennis Abell, Paul Bednar and Russ Hannah. Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Ray Hall, Dr. Eugene Smith, Ray Blevins and Charles Rasberry. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, 5-7, at Emerson Funeral Home. For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the F. Clark and Norma T. Elkins Scholarship, Chadron State College Foundation, Chadron State College, 10th and Main Street, Chadron, Neb. 69337, or to First United Methodist Church, 801 S. Main, Jonesboro, Ark. 72401. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.