Retha Almedia Stanton

Retha Almedia Smith Stanton, 101, formerly of Paragould, Arkansas passed away February 11, 2020, at her daughter’s home in Stockbridge, Georgia, where she resided for the last fourteen years. Affectionately called Coco by her family and friends, she was born in Lake City on December 30, 1918. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Eura Smith; husband, Ward Robert Stanton; brothers, Birton Smith, Glenn Smith and Gerald Smith; and great grandson, Christian Rascon.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Stanton Lee, Stockbridge, Georgia; son, William Robert Stanton (Yolie) of El Paso, Texas; grandchildren, Jeff Lee of Des Moines, Iowa, Irma Rascon of Gilbert, Arizona, and Martin Armendariz and Art Armendariz of El Paso, Texas; great grandchildren, Avery Ann Lee, Preston Lee and Ashton Monroe of Des Moines, Iowa, Isabella Rascon and Andre Rascon of Gilbert, Arizona, and Octavio Armendariz and Eric Armendariz of El Paso; and one great-great granddaughter, Jayda Rae Lee.

Almedia worked in Paragould as a secretary at Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church and as a secretary for eighteen years in the Paragould School District. After retiring, she went back to work for several years as a secretary at the Paragould Chamber of Commerce. She liked to work with people, especially children.

One of her greatest joys in life while she lived in Georgia was attending the Hidden Valley Senior Center in Stockbridge, until she was no longer physically able to attend. In earlier years, Almedia would ride the bus to the Center. Later, she had to be taken by car and used her walker. Finally, she had to be taken in a wheelchair until she had to give up going. She missed seeing her dear friends at the Center and getting her hair done every week. The Senior Center gave her a 100th birthday party which was very special to her.

Almedia was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Paragould. It was her wish to be cremated with internment of ashes in Paragould. A memorial service will be Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 3pm at Heath Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-3pm. Burial will follow in Linwood Cemetery.