of Harrison, AR
December 4, 1932 - August 15, 2015
Floretta Bailey Blackmon, age 82, of Harrison, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday, August 15, 2015 at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center. She was born in Alpena, Arkansas on December 4, 1932, the daughter of Baud Bailey and Lula Dillingham Bailey.
Floretta met the love of her life, Alfred Blackmon, in California in 1952. They were married one month later, a marriage lasting over 63 years. After 15 years, they returned to Arkansas where they were both born. Here they raised their 3 children - Gary, Sandy, and Brenda.
Church was always a huge part of her life. For 6 years, Flo and Al sang with Mary Ramsey-Borman and Nita Keener - The Gospel Sounds. She was also a member of Faith Assembly of God in Harrison.
Flo loved to travel with her husband. After retirement, they enjoyed spending their time traveling in their travel trailer across the country. Their favorite thing was attending Southern Gospel Singings. She also enjoyed working in her yard. From the perfectly sculptured lawn to the beautiful flowers, she made it quite the show place. She was a very talented artist in both painting and wood carving. She loved to take adventures and was full of spontaneity. Even in her 60's and 70's she was known to parasail, canoe, hike, and cruise. She loved spending time with her family and poodles. Spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes was another favorite pastime.
Floretta was the oldest of 6 children. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by four brothers: Doyle (Sabrina) Bailey, Kenneth (Mary) Bailey, Larry (Lorene) Bailey, Ronnie (Joretta) Bailey; one sister: Connie (Roger) Hackman; one son: Gary Blackmon; two daughters, Sandy (Beth Fitzgerald) Blackmon, and Brenda (Jackie) Mathis; one daughter-in-law, Kathy Mattox Blackmon; two grandsons: Brad (Ida) Blackmon and Ryan Blackmon; two great granddaughters: Kaitlin and Alyssa.
After her passing, many family members and friends have described our mom as beautiful, classy, witty, and a wonderful lady. We know her as all the above, but mostly loving, kind, generous, and a wonderful Christian influence. Our loss is certainly heaven's gain. We love you mom.
Visitation was Tuesday at the church.
Funeral service was Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at Faith Assembly of God with Scott Bailey, Rev. Tollie Sutterfield, and Rev. Arlis Thrasher officiating. Interment was in Alpena Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Brad Blackmon, Ryan Blackmon, Jackie Mathis, Roger Hackman, Seth Record, Scott Bailey, Wade Bailey, Wayne Bailey
Honorary Pallbearers, Ward Barnes, Jim Puttman, Faith Assembly of God's - His Hand Extended, and the nurses, staff and doctors of NARMC.
In lieu of Flowers memorials can be made to Gideon Bibles or Charity of your
choice.
So sorry for your loss, I loved Flo like a Mom and am so sorry to hear of her passing. Love and thoughts to your family. Robin
Our sympathy , and caring thought to Al and family.
Flo was a very sweet, fun-loving woman. She was my cousin and I will miss her even though I haven't seen her recently. My prayers are with her wonderful family