Barbara R. Grissom Atchison

On Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, Barbara R. Grissom Atchison of Benton departed this world for her heavenly home. She was born Aug. 21, 1929 to Wade and Vuda Grissom in Bauxite, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Rubye Sample, Odie Morrison and Janice Huckaby; her brother, A. W. Grissom; son-in-law, Darrell Ray and her son John Wade Moore. She is survived by her husband Kenneth L. Atchison; daughter, Pam Ray; grandson, Randy Ray and wife Karen; great-granddaughters, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Riley, all of Benton, as well as many family members, her first Baptist Church family and her CJCOHN family. She was valued member of the community and had served on the board of directors for Saline County Habitat for Humanity, the Benton Senior Adult Center and CJCOHN, as well as serving as the CJCOHN food chairman for many years. In 1999 Barbara and Ken were recognized as Citizens of the Year by the Benton Chamber of Commerce. In 2001 she was named a Woman of Distinction by the National Federation of Democratic Women. Barbara was proud of her Bauxite heritage, always attending the reunions with her sisters. She was also a founding member of the Bauxite Ladies Association and was very proud of the scholarship program that was established for Bauxite High School Graduates. She was a long time member of Benton First Baptist Church. She sang in the Morning Glories Choir and played ukulele in the Strummers. She loved God, her church and family. She was well known for her beautiful smile and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2013 at The First Baptist Church in Selph Hall. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 at The First Baptist Church by Ashby Funeral Home. Burial will be at Pine Crest Cemetery. Pallbearers: Joe Jones, Leon Tucker, Ross Lee Rich Goheen, J. D. Johnson, Russell Leverett. Honorary pallbearers: Joe Martindale, Jim Ligon, and Glenn Holicer. The family suggests memorials be made to CJCOHN, P. O. Box1146, Benton, Ark. 72018. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.