Pocahontas- Merlene Harper Brown, 81 passed away peacefully Friday, October 5, 2018 surrounded by her 3 daughters.

Merlene was born July 16, 1937 in Maynard, Arkansas to the late Rex and Mae Harper.

Merlene was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Brown; parents, Rex and Mae Harper; brothers, Conway, Don, Thomas and Dean Harper; and a sister, Joyce Goodsell.

She is survived by children, Joe and Jamae Bowman of Lake Jackson, TX., Bruce and Jeania Schaper of Raleigh, N.C., Mike and Jana Caldwell of Pocahontas; grandchildren, Jourdan and Shane O'Sullivan of La Parte, TX., Jo Beth and Matthew Bjune of Lake Jackson, TX, Stephanie and Kyle Farmer of Fayetteville, AR., Zoe Schaper of Raleigh, N.C., and Sydney Schaper of Boone, N.C.; 4 great grandchildren; brother, Wade and Bea Harper of Pocahontas; sisters-in-law Jeanie Harper of Walnut Ridge, and Lily Harper of Nashville, TN.; and brother-in-law, Charles Goodsell of O'Fallon, MO.

The family will receive friends and family Sunday, October 7, 2018 at McNabb Funeral Home Chapel from 12-2 p.m. with the funeral immediately following at 2 p.m. with Gaylon Russell officiating. Burial will be at McIlroy Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Andy Allen, Billy Dale Harper, Steve Powers, Dickie Jarrett, Bill Gay, Chris Couch, David Statler and Joe Stayton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House, 400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401.