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Thomas Glenn Shemwell, of Benton, Arkansas, was born on December 17th, 1931, in Paducah KY, his joyful lived 94 full and meaningful years before being welcomed home by our Heavenly Father on January 28, 2026 in Benton AR. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his three daughter’s a fitting farewell for a man whose life was defined by family, faith, and service.
Known lovingly as Tom, Dad, Grandpa, and ”G-Pop,” he was a devoted husband, proud girl dad, cherished uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His life was firmly rooted in faith, and he shared that faith generously through kindness, creativity, and quiet acts of service.
Tom proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After his military service, he poured his talents into teaching and creativity. A gifted artist and craftsman, he spent more than 20 years at SAU Tech, where he taught lithography, printing, and commercial art, shaping not only careers but lives. His hand were rarely still whether woodworking, boating, or bringing an idea to life. One of his proudest accomplishments was building an 18-foot tugboat, exquisitely detailed and entirely his own creation.
Tom and his beloved wife, Dorothy, shared a deep love for their church family. Together, they faithfully prepared and served the Men’s Breakfast for many years. Tom built Faith Chests to welcome new babies into the congregation and joined a group of dedicated men who collected and restored bicycles so children could experience the joy of Christmas morning.
He was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life for 65 years, Dorothy Jean Shemwell; his parents, Thomas Albin Shemwell and Vergie Velda Shemwell; his granddaughter, Christina Jean Renfro; and his sister, Linda Pennington.
He leaves behind a legacy of love through his daughters, Sharon Refro, Janet Kennedy, and Marilyn Doherty; five grandchildren Jillian, Brittany, Justin, Katlin and Haley; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his values, creativity, and faith.
Tom lived a long, productive, and joyful life surrounded by family and friends. He was deeply loved by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue to bless generations. Though he will be missed, his life is one to be celebrated.
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Martha Blake May, 70, of Rogers, Arkansas, formerly of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away January 30, 2026 at Circle of Life Hospice House after a hard fought battle with cancer. Martha was born in Little Rock on June 11, 1955 to the late George W. Willis and Marthel (Crowson) Willis of Benton, Arkansas.
She graduated from Benton High School in 1973, from UCA in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics, and from the U of A in 1978 with a Masters of Science in Home Economics. She began her career with the U of A Cooperative Extension Service in 1978 in Logan County. She worked in Lonoke, Jackson, and Craighead Counties finishing her tenure as Staff Chairman in Lawrence County in 2009. During that time she received many accolades including Jackson County Woman of the Year in 1995, Distinguished Service Award in 1997, and State 4-H Agent of the Year in 2001.
After retirement from the Cooperative Extension Service, Martha worked for the NEA Food Bank. She managed the Children’s Backpack Program and Senior Pack Program including delivery of food to senior citizens in Craighead and Lawrence Counties.
Martha enjoyed taking in beautiful scenery and watching wildlife. Whether visiting National Parks while traveling across the continental US and Alaska or riding in the side by side at the family cabin, Martha was always ready to pause and see the beauty God created.
Martha’s other hobbies included participating in Women Can Run, Women Can Cycle, and the Sewing Ministry at Cornerstone UMC. As an avid quilter, she made many quilts for family and friends. She was also a dear member of the Cancer Survivors & Thrivers Support Group in Jonesboro.
Martha married Mark in 1984. She was extremely proud of their two children Michael and Meleah, her daughter in law Kimmery, and her grandson Micah.
She is survived by her husband Mr. Mark May, her sisters Mrs. Christie Schade and Mrs. Betty Siegel and their families, her children Dr. Michael May and Miss Meleah May, her daughter in law Mrs. Kimmery May, and grandson Micah May who all loved her dearly.
Services will be held at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home on Wednesday February 4, 2026. Visitation at 1:00 pm with service to follow at 2:00 pm and at Cornerstone UMC on Sunday February 8, 2026. Visitation at 1:30 pm with service to follow at 2:30 pm.
Honored to be serving as pall bearers are Jerry Blackstock, Rodney McDaniel, Chris Hancock, Steven Cui, Nick Siegel, and Steve Lee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas 4 H Foundation, 1 Four H Way, Little Rock, AR 72223, Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 1910 Disciple Drive Jonesboro, AR 72405, St. Bernard’s Cancer Center, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401
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