Sylvia Juanita Rainey Stark

Sylvia Juanita Rainey Stark, age 93, passed away August 26, 2014 at her home in Walnut Ridge. The youngest and last surviving offspring of Earl P. and Mollie Ellen Frazier Rainey, she was born on May 29, 1921 on Boll Weevil Plantation in Poinsett County, Arkansas. "Gilly" was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, four brothers, her husband (John L. Stark), and a grandson (John Bradley Matthews). Surviving are her daughters Suzanne Harp of Black Rock and Lyne Abernathy (Mark) of Little Rock; grandsons, Chris Matthews (Cyndi) of Searcy, Layne Matthews of Black Rock, Brett Bassett of Little Rock, and Jack Abernathy of Little Rock; and great granddaughters Madison and Molly Matthews of Searcy. A private celebration of her life was held August 28, 2014 with internment following in the Marked Tree Cemetery. Persons wishing to honor her life are encouraged to consider the Children's Shelter in Walnut Ridge, Le Bonheur's Children's Hospital or a local food bank.