Carmelina A. Perez

Carmelina A. Perez, 96, of rural Jonesboro, died Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born in Tampa, Florida, Carmelina lived much of her life in Tampa before moving to Jonesboro in 1990. She, along with her husband, owned and operated a dry cleaners and laundry in Tampa for many years.

Carmelina attended Northside Church of Christ and enjoyed her flower garden, working jigsaw puzzles and bird watching. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

Carmelina was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond G. Perez, her parents: Avelino C. and Antonina Tomasino Andina, 2 brothers: Charlie Andina and Victor Andina, by 2 sisters: Adolfina Andina Hicks and Dollie Patrinostro, by a half sister, Angelina Trapani Scaglione, and by 2 step sisters: Anita Fernandez and Consualo Rodriquez.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law: Sylvia and Ross Ward of Jonesboro;
1 sister, Aurora Andina Melendreras of Wauchula, Florida;

3 grandchildren: Ross U. Ward, Jr. (Debbie) of Van Buren, Arkansas, Michael T. Ward (Melissa) of Bono, and Valerie Rae Alexander (Darren) of Killen, Alabama;

9 great grandchildren and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

A graveside funeral service will be held Friday morning at 11:00 in Jonesboro Memorial Park with Dick Blackford officiating.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening, 6-8, at Emerson Funeral Home.