Orpha Jeanette Howard

Orpha Jeanette Howard, 78, of Rison passed away Friday November 7, 2025 at her home. Born March 7, 1947 to the late Jesse and Elza Newton Parker, Orpha was a homemaker and a foster parent.

In her free time Orpha enjoyed gardening, fishing, traveling to state parks, and arts and crafts. She was also an avid bird watcher and could identify any bird she saw. Orpha was a Master Gardner and a member of the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Left to cherish her memory are her children John Howard Jr. (Stacy) of Rison, Carl Howard (Vickey) of Sheridan, Kirk Howard (Jaclyn) of Watson Chapel; sisters Gladys Tucker of Pine Bluff, Wanda Finley of Russellville, June Murdock of Redfield; daughter in law Donna Howard of White Hall; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a host of many nieces, nephews, friends, and other family.

Orpha is preceded in death by her husband, John Howard Sr., son Mark Howard, brother Jesse Parker Jr. and sister Charlotte Traywick.

Pallbearers will be Caleb Howard, Josh Howard, Austin Howard, Matthew Howard, Brian Dailey, and Devon Zobrest.

Visitation will be Monday November 10, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at Buie and Cole Funeral Home in Rison. Funeral services will be Tuesday November 11, 2025 at 10am in the chapel of Buie and Cole Funeral Home in Rison with Brother Matt Donnell officiating.