John Roy Soward

Reverend John Roy Soward, 67, of Jonesboro died Wednesday night, January 29, 2014 at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. He had lived in Jonesboro most of his life. As a minister, John was a member of the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church and served the Lord at the First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro. He was a member of the Jonesboro Exchange Club and enjoyed his fellowship with his friends as a member of the Burger King and the McDonald’s Coffee Club. In every community John served in, he was very civically active. He graduated Cum Laude with his Masters of Divinity from the Memphis Theological Seminary. John served as a minister for over 40 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Anna Soward; brother, Donnie Wayne Soward; and sister, Shirley Sims.

Survivors include his wife, Patty, of the home; sons, Sid and John; and one sister, Phyllis; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, February 1, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverends John Miles, Rex Darling and Herschel Richardson officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial will be private. Visitation will be from 11-1 at the FUMC Atrium.

For lasting memorials, please consider the FUMC Chapel Sound System Fund, 801 S. Main St. Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401. To sign an online guest book, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.