Loretta Echols

Loretta Echols, 90, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. She was born in Humphrey, Arkansas, on May 20, 1935, to the late Cecil and Lillian Wilson. Loretta was a devoted member of Walnut Street Baptist Church.

She retired from the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging after decades of dedicated service in senior care, where she served as Director of Purchased Services. Loretta loved spending time with her family, and she enjoyed reading—especially Christian fiction.

In addition to her parents, Loretta is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Melvin B. Echols; brothers, James Sidney Wilson and Oscar Earl Wilson; sister, Delois Pauline Wilson; grandson, Jonathon Edward Davis; and great-great-granddaughter, Delta Renee Brown.

She is survived by her sons, Leldon Echols (Gwen) of Dallas and Ron Echols (Melissa) of Jonesboro; brothers, Finis Wilson (Maydell) of Argyle, Texas and Dale Wilson (Ruth) of Bristow, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Kristin Kilman (Darren), Candace Mitchell (Josh), Ben Echols (Liz), Jonathan Echols, Laura Echols (Patrick), Kathryn Echols, and Christina Echols. Loretta also leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Emerson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Emerson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Williams Cemetery in Humphrey, Arkansas.

Online guestbook: www.emersonfuneralhome.com