Laura Emma Shinault

Mrs. Laura Emma Shinault, 95, of Blytheville, passed away on June 30, 2014, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice house in Jonesboro.

She was born on March 5, 1919, to Armanuel Smith Long and Mamie Bell Ransom Long in Obion County, Tenn. She was the widow of Eugene Shinault of Blytheville.

Mrs. Shinault loved gardening and working with flowers and shrubs. She planted every tree on her property herself, and like a true Southern lady, she always wore a big hat when working outside. She and her husband both took part in the National Cotton Picking Contest years ago, and they both were winners. He won first place ($1,000) two years in a row, and she won $500 twice in the Women's Division. She was an excellent seamstress, and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and quilting. She was a very generous and kind person who relied on God to guide her. She was also a good cook and had a great sense of humor.

She is survived by one niece, Mamie Bell Long Smith of Union City, Tenn.;

One nephew, Clarence Long of Camden, Ill.;

Her sister-in-law, Helen Glasscock of Memphis;

Her caregiver of 18 years, James F. Babb of Blytheville; and

Several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Memphis National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com.