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Submitted: 6/28/20 • Approved: 6/28/20 • Last Updated: 7/1/20 • R1325541-G1325541-S3
Rheba
Jan 9, 1913 - June 10, 2009
Parents;
Chester O'Neal Stout
Lillian Enez Miller
M E "Pinky" Muril Ervin
May 4, 1911 - May 30, 1972
Father: John Thomas Berryhill
Mother: Lillie Ana Morris
Rheba Berryhill Mattox, age 96 of Searcy, Arkansas, beloved and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother peacefully left this life and entered the arms of Jesus on June 10, 2009. Born January 9, 1913 in Frankfort, Alabama, she was the first child of Chester O. and Lillian Miller Stout. She was preceded in death by her parents, a younger sister, Bernice, her first husband, M.E. "Pinky" Berryhill, and her second husband, F.W. "Billy" Mattox. She is survived by four children, son Don and wife Anne of Jackson, Mississippi, daughter Naita Tate and husband Sid of Searcy, son Dick and wife Jana of Little Rock, and son David and wife Lola of North Little Rock. Also surviving her are fifteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
In her younger years the family moved to Russellville, Alabama where her father spent many years as a rural mail carrier. After graduating from Russellville High School in 1930, Rheba enrolled at Harding College in Morrilton, Arkansas. While there she met her dear "Pinky" Berryhill of Knox City, Texas whom she married following graduation from Harding (which had moved to Searcy). To this union of almost 38 years, four children were born. Except for a short time during the early 1940's when they lived in Nashville, Tennessee where "Pinky" was doing graduate work, Rheba resided in Searcy.
Rheba and "Pinky" committed themselves to service in Christian education. He taught and coached at Harding until his death in 1972. At various times over the years she worked in the college infirmary and the library while also being devoted to raising their children. Rheba was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who embodied qualities of Christian character: dedication to her Lord and service to others. For many years she opened her home on Harding Drive to help house students and/or visitors to the Harding campus. She became affectionately known to her grandchildren, their friends, and other students as "Mama Rheba".
In 1989, Rheba married F.W. "Billy" Mattox, a former schoolmate at Harding and longtime family friend, who had earlier lost his first wife to Alzheimer's. Rheba and Billy enjoyed twelve wonderful years together traveling, gardening and entertaining family, friends and neighbors. Their annual July 4th backyard neighborhood picnic became a highlight of the year. She once again became a shining example of love, devotion and perseverance as she tirelessly and faithfully cared for "Dad Billy" during his final months following the tragic accident which eventually took his life. The past few years of her life were spent at Harding Place where she made many new friends and acquaintances.
On her 90th birthday in 2003 she was honored by Harding University with a plaque recognizing her many years of service and support of Harding. She proudly displayed the plaque on the wall of her home.
Rheba will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her, but she is waiting on the "other side" for us all with her arms open wide. Memorials may be made to African Christian Hospital Foundation, Associated Women for Harding or a charity of one's choice.
Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 pm Friday, June 12, 2009 at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. A private graveside service for family will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday at White County Memorial Gardens. Memorial Services celebrating her life will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the College Church of Christ in Searcy with visitation to follow.
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When Muril Ervin Berryhill was born on May 4, 1911, in Rochester, Texas, his father, John, was 32 and his mother, Lillie, was 28. He married Rheba Lounette Stout on August 28, 1934. They had five children during their marriage. He died on May 30, 1972, in Searcy, Arkansas, at the age of 61, and was buried in White, Arkansas.
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When Rheba Lounette Stout was born on January 9, 1913, in Frankfort, Alabama, her father, Chester, was 21, and her mother, Lillian, was 17. She married Muril Ervin Berryhill and they had five children together. She also had two children with Fount Wallace Mattox. She died on June 10, 2009, in Searcy, Arkansas, at the age of 96, and was buried there.
Contributed on 6/28/20 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1325541