Emma Gail (Blackwell) Grist

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Visitation Schedule
Visitatoin
Roller Funeral Home Chapel
1700 E. Walnut St.
Paris, AR  72855
Sunday, July 29, 2012
2:00-4:00 P.M.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Roller Funeral Home Chapel
1700 E. Walnut St
Paris, AR  72855
Monday, July 30, 2012
10:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Oliver Cemetery
Oliver Rd.
Paris, AR  72855
Memorial Contributions
Union School Heritage Center
145 Schwartz Lane
Paris, AR  72855
Emma Gail (Blackwell) Grist

of Paris, AR

September 28, 1927 - July 25, 2012

Emma Gail (Blackwell) Grist, 84 of Paris, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on September 28, 1927 in Paris to her parents John Henry and Martha Ann Blackwell. She worked as a nurse at the Old Smith Hospital in Paris, Director of ARVAC Child Care for many years and was active in many community services projects.

Gail is preceded in death by her parents, John and Martha Blackwell; her husband Cecil Grist; her sisters Bertie Sue Sewell and Sharon Carol Woods; her brother John Henry Blackwell Jr. and her granddaughter Jordan Parish Grist.

Gail is survived by her two daughters, Chandra Rush and husband David of New Blaine and Lori Smith and husband Raymond of Paris; three sons Fred Grist of Paris, Reggie Grist and wife Donna of Paris and Wayne Grist and wife Christy of Paris; one brother Chester Koprovic of Fort Smith, Arkansas; eleven grandchildren April Grist of Charlottesville, Virginia, Rose Grist of Ashville, North Carolina, Tyson Rush of New Blaine, Arkansas, Chelsea Rush of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jeremy Grist and wife Sasha of Charleston, Arkansas, Emily Huff and husband Caleb of Panama City, Florida, Chance Kirchner of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Lacey Whitman of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Jenna Grist of Paris, Arkansas, Sherry Smith-Potter and husband Jason of Kearney, Missouri and Barry Smith and wife Lindsey of Rogersville, Missouri; and eight great-grandchildren, Trace and Jacob Grist, Mason Huff, Chayse and Bayli Havens, and Trenton, Dane and Easton Smith.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m., on Sunday July 29, 2012 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris

Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday July 30, 2012 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris with burial in Oliver Cemetery in Paris under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Pallbearers will be Derek Woods, Chad Woods, Danny Sewell, Mike Sewell, Rusty Blackwell and Reggie Grist.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Union School Heritage Center, 145 Schwartz Lane, Paris, AR 72855.

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15 Condolence(s)
Yvonne Moffet
Ozark, AR
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Dear Chandra, Lori, Wayne, Reggie, n Freddie,
I am so sorry for the loss of ur mother she was a wonderful fun and loving woman. I am glad i was allowed to be born into this family an have had the priviledge of knowing n spending time with Gail. I look back at the fun times and all the wonderful memories that we have shared over the years an God has truly blessed our families. I remember when she worked at the Pants factory in my area she had such invitive ideas decorations that made our work place a more enjoyeable area she was loved. I remember when dad passed away n mother worked an so did i n it was lonely at the holidays she opened up her home an her families Christmas eves for us to come to and enjoy that showed how much love she had for me n mom in her heart and soul she was there anytime we needed her are just wanted to talk. She would share things funny with me about mom when they where younger that mom would say i don't remember with a twinkle in her eyes but Gail did n we would just laugh n he haw. I remember all the fun times we had when the family from California would come to visit and we would all meet at her n Cecils home an the boys would do a big fish fry oh what fun she had entertaining people. Your mother enjoyed live she enjoyed her family her children an all her grand and great grandchildren she had a big loving heart. She is now now longer hurting or suffering anymore she is enjoying the heaven an loved ones that have gone on. An we know that someday soon we will go to be with her but as of now she wants you all to wipe your eyes an live life the way she did n her spirit will be there to minister to u all. I would have loved to be at the services an visitation physcally but instead my heart love and prayers were there with u. When i am able to get around i am going to the cemetary n added some more flowers to her grave n making a donation to the Union School in her name. Just remember we are family n i will be here if u need me Love n prayers ur cousin Yvonne (Hickman) Moffet

Josh Lovan
Fort Smith,
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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Granny was such a special woman to all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Karen Fairbanks
Magazine, AR
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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Chandra, I'm so sorry to read about your Mama. She was such a great lady and I loved seeing her around town. She was always so nice to us when we were growing up. How she could take the noise and disruption of giggling girls, romping through her house, I'll never know. I'm sure we drove her nuts at times. May God bless you with many wonderful memories to ease your sorrow and comfort you in your grief. Love, Karen

Alice Parks
Paris, AR
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Friday, July 27, 2012

I cried when my son, Bobby, called to tell me about Gail. I will always treasure the precious memories our young families shared. Going fishing, on picnics, sharing home cooked meals, playing cards, just visiting and talking, all the while our kids were playing and going wild. Although, as we got older, I didn't see Gail very often in my heart she was, and always will be, one of my very best and dearest friends. My love, prayers and very deepest sympathy to all her family, friends and loved ones. God gained another Angel.

Clifford & Hermina Bridges
Scranton, AR
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Wayne, Christy and the rest of Gail's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I know there are no words that can be said to take away your pain, but just lean of the Lord and let him hold you in his arms to comfort you all. May God bless each and every one of you and just know in your heart that you will always have her in your heart and memories. And the fact she will suffer no more and you will see her again one day.

Clifford, Hermina, Cory, Courtney and Becca Bridges

Linda Hamilton
Paris, AR
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Dear Chandra, Reggie, and all the Family,

I met your Mother when I was barely 18 and she and Alice Finney took me under their wings and began my early marriage education and work career. You could not make a trip with these two ladies without laughter and tears the entire way. She was a special friend I will always treasure. Love always.

Lona Hixson
Paris, AR
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Friday, July 27, 2012

It is an honor for me to wish my friend a fond farewell. Gail was a ball of energy in perpetual motion at high speed. I don't remember how we met, but she showed me the ropes when I moved here in '61-showing me where to go to pick green beans in Mac Koch's field, where to go in Clerksville to pick peaches and strawberries. Our sons became lifetime buddies. I am talking about Wayne and Kenny. Lots of good memories and stories. It is a blessing to me to have been her friend.

Amanda Moses
Fort Smith, AR
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Jeremy & Sasha: My thoughts and prayers are with you. Although I did not know your grandmother, I do know she was a wonderful lady and loved dearly. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

Glenna James
Clarksville, AR
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Jeremy, I'm very sorry for the sadness this brings to you. My wish is that your wonderful memories will bring you peace and comfort.

Holly Greb
Ratcliff, AR
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Lori, Just letting you know that you and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl Denton
Hot Springs, AR
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Gail had a GIFT.....the ability to make everyone feel special.
One of her children told me how each of the siblings thought that they were their mother's favorite.
That was the GIFT.

Rev. Don Eubanks
fayetteville,, AR
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Dear Chandra : I know you have been drained.. and are exhausted.. At the same time you are releved that this difficult time that comes to us all is over...
I have been lifting you & your family up in my prayers.

D Cravens kept me updated as to your mothers status.
Please know if there is anything I can do for you let me know love & blessings bro. d.

Sandra Rush Taylor
,
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Gail was such a kind, generous, and thoughtful friend. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, share her wonderous words of wisdom, help one see the beauty of this world, and then, make you laugh so hard your sides ached. She was truly one of a kind!
I loved her dearly.
My thoughts, love and prayers are with you all.
Sandra

Kay Daniel
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Chandra, Lori and Family -

So sorry for your loss. Loved your Mom so much! She meant a lot to so many people and she helped a lot of people in her lifetime. So many memories hanging out at the Grist house! :) Praying for comfort and peace for all of you. Love you.

Kay Daniel

Linda Moore Hixson
Paris, AR
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Family,
May God's blessings of peace be upon all of you during this difficult time of loss of our beloved Gail. She was a precious person. My sincere condolences to all of you. I'll never forget that infectious laugh and sparkle of mischief in those eyes.