Esther A. Bayless

Esther A. Bayless, 75, of Jonesboro passed away Thursday morning, February 26, at her home.

She was born on August 13, 1933 in Conway, Arkansas to Reverend P.E. and Ollie Turner. She attended Hendrix College, the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas State University. She served as Youth Director at Second Baptist Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and also as Youth Woman’s Auxiliary Director for the Colorado Baptist Convention, which covered five western states. She taught Sunday school classes and worked with Youth and Women’s church organization’s through the years and was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro.

In earlier years she worked with Arkansas Girl’s State and attended Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. She also served with the Faulkner County American Red Cross in Life Saving and Swimming Instruction. Mrs. Bayless considered her primary occupation as wife, mother, and grandmother.

Survived by her loving husband, Dr. Ovid Lyndal Bayless of the home. One son, Dr. Scott Bayless and wife Carolyn of Vienna, Virginia. Two daughters, Joy Walker and husband Mike of Mountain Home and Martha Harvey and husband Kevin of Jonesboro. One sister, Martha Lou Stuckey of High Point, North Carolina Nine precious grandchildren, Clint Walker, Cody Walker, Cindy Bayless Oliver, Chris Bayless, Steven Bayless, Conner Bayless, Madison Harvey, Sam Harvey and Ben Harvey; and two great grandchildren, Mackenzie Oliver and Caleb Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday February 28, 2009 at Emerson Memorial Chapel, with Reverend Mike Martin officiating. Burial will be private, with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge. There will be no public visitation. The grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family extends “special thanks” to the St. Bernard's Hospice personnel, Dr. Michael Isaacson, Dr. Michael Crawley, Joyce Files, Stephanie Devires and Shelia Cole.

For those wishing to leave lasting memorials, the family requests you please consider Central Baptist Church, 3707 Harrisburg Road, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404, American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, Texas 75284-0692 or a charity of your choice.

To view ESTHER's MEMORIAL VIDEO