Marystel Crafton Appleton

Marystel Crafton Appleton, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on June 3, 2025.  She was laid to rest at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Born on February 10, 1926, Marystel was the daughter of Dorothy Gaither Crafton and Jack Washington Crafton.  She was preceded in death by her husband, William Stradley Appleton; her parents; and her brother, Jack Washington Crafton, Jr.

Marystel pursued her education at Morgan Park High School in Chicago, Illinois, followed by Gulf Park College in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Marystel and Stradley moved to Jonesboro in 1948, where they initially owned and operated the White Oak Chicken Ranch.  In 1954, they shifted their focus to farming with the establishment of Bobilldick Farms, Appleton Seed and Elevator, and the Appleton Family Ltd Partnership.  In 1980, Marystel became the first woman to serve on the Board of Directors of Mercantile Bank.  Through the 1980s, she further demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit by founding Cottages to Castles, an interior design firm, and worked with American Heritage Shutters, specializing in window treatments.  A talented artist, Marystel also taught Tole Painting from 1970 to 1979.

In the 1950s and 60s, Marystel spent countless hours on baseball bleachers, cheering on her three sons as they competed in Little League, Babe Ruth League, and American Legion ball games.  She played golf with them in the summers, popped popcorn for Sunday night family gatherings to faithfully watch Bonanza together, and devoted nine years to serving as a Cub Scout Leader.  Above all, she was a wonderful and devoted mother to her three boys, filling their home with warmth, support and unconditional love.

Deeply committed to her community, Marystel was a Charter Member of the Jonesboro Junior Auxiliary, a member of Chapter AJ of P.E.O., and a longtime member of the Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder.  In 2008, she joined the First United Methodist Church.  She was also proud of being designated a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary.

Marystel found great joy in traveling with her family.  After visiting all 50 states, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by embarking on an around-the-world journey at the age of 80.  Her travels took her to the Serengeti, Machu Picchu, and even to a wedding in India where she served as a “flower girl” near the Taj Mahal.  She lived her life to the fullest always guided by her faith.

Marystel leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion through her family: children, William Stradley Appleton, Jr. and wife, Nancy Lee Hudson, Robert Steven Appleton and wife, Christina Pate Keller, and Richard Crafton Appleton and wife, Ann Marie Saviers; grandchildren, Ashley Elizabeth Montana and husband, Jeffrey Scott Montana, Allison Kathryn Evens and husband, Paul Allen Evens, Emily Randolph Martin and husband, Russell Wayne Martin, Robert Steven Appleton, Jr. and wife, Christine Irene Buettner, Stacy Christina Mach and husband, Christopher Jon Mach, Richard Crafton Appleton, Jr. and fiancée, Brittany Cox, Andrew Gant Appleton and wife, Laura Elizabeth Hanson, and Barrett Almon Appleton and wife, Sarah Jane Meek; great-grandchildren, Grant Allen Evans, Emily Elizabeth Evans, Clara Grace Evans, Kylie Estelle Martin, Cole William Martin, Finley Grace Montana, William Jack Appleton and wife, Hadley Grace West, Avery Katherine Appleton, Joseph Reed Mach, Robert Henry Mach, Stradley John Appleton, Shepard Gant Appleton, August Almon Appleton, and Wyatt Wise Appleton.

Marystel Crafton Appleton will be remembered for her pioneering spirit, her dedication to family and community, and her unwavering faith.  Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks lasting memorials please be made to First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro, 801 S Main St. Jonesboro, AR 72401; NEA Baptist Charitable Foundation, 4808 E Johnson Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401; Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House, 1148 E Matthews Ave. Jonesboro, AR 72401; or a charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in the atrium in Jonesboro followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church sanctuary officiated by Rev. Michael Roberts. Following the church service, all are invited for a Celebration of Life at the Jonesboro Country Club. Marystel’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers include Chapter AJ of P.E.O.