Chester E. Sirois

Chester E. Sirois, 98, of Jonesboro, died Sunday at his home. He was born in St. Anne, Illinois and had lived in Jonesboro since 1954. He was the owner/operator of Quality Gladiolus Gardens for many years. The business was begun by Chester’s father in Illinois in 1922. Chester moved the business to Jonesboro in 1954, and within the next couple of years, he began a wholesale florist operation which served florists in the northeast Arkansas and southeast Missouri areas until his retirement in 1997. In addition to the gladioli and cannas grown during the summer months, “Quality” sweet corn was recognized throughout the northeast AR region. Sales of canna bulbs in the winter months grew into worldwide distribution.
He was an active member of Central Baptist Church since his arrival in Jonesboro, and a dedicated member of Gideons International for over 60 years.

He is survived by his wife, Luella Sirois, of the home; his daughter, Bonnie (Kent) Kelly, of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Kim (Greg) Laffoon, Brian (Michelle) Kelly; great grandchildren Charla (Jeff) Hart, Kyle Kelly, Clint Simpson, Trace Laffoon; and great great grandchildren, Acelen Hart, Tripp Hart, and Phoenix Kelly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin & Josephine Leveque Sirois; and his sisters, Vivian Large, Gladys DeYoung Vrolyk, and Esther Dingledine.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Mike Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Emerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Active pallbearers will be Brian Kelly, Kyle Kelly, Clint Simpson, Herbert Lucas, Bill Gibson, and Bob Bishop.

Honorary pallbearers will be past employees of Quality Gladiolus Gardens and members of Gideons International.

The family also wishes to thank and recognize his faithful and dedicated caregivers.

Visitation will be Wednesday 12:30 until time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, Tennessee, 37214, St. Bernard’s Hospice, 2813 Forest Home Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401, or Central Baptist Church, 3707 Harrisburg Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72404.

www.emersonfuneralhome.com