Stella Mable (Fears) Anthony

Stella Mable Anthony (Fears), 98, the daughter of the late Charles Edward Fears and Susie Myrtle Buckner Fears, of Poplar Bluff, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Anthony was born November 8, 1914 in Centerville, Missouri. At the age of 16, her family moved to the Cane Creek area of Poplar Bluff. She was a member of the First Baptist Church. Mrs. Anthony was one of the original employees of the John J. Pershing Veterans Hospital when it opened in 1951, retiring in 1980 after 29 years, and 2 months of loyal service. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling and taking care of her many grandchildren.

On October 10,1936, she married Chester Frank Anthony, who preceded her in death in 1982. Mrs. Anthony had eight children, five who survive ? Louise Pinkerton (Charles), Norma Fredwell, Wilma Duncan, Eugene Anthony (Priscilla) and Ruth Ann Hunot, all of Poplar Bluff, and three who preceded her in death - Ernest Junior Anthony, Frank Edward Anthony, Mary Dell Carlson, as well as a granddaughter, Linda Fredwell and a grandson, Louis Montgomery Jr. Survivors also include 19 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren; a sister, Roberta Arndt; a daughter-in-law, Lois Anthony; and a special friend, Jasper Edmundson, all of Poplar Bluff. Also preceding her in death were eight brothers and sisters ? Ethel Kearbey, Irene Dill, Eunice Fancher, Ruby Anderson, Charles Ottis Fears, Tommy Loren Fears, Mamie Rollins and Melba Hart; and a son-in-law, Leon Fredwell .

Visitation will be at the Cotrell Funeral Chapel, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, from 5-6 p.m. for family and 6-8 p.m. for the public. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. William Vail officiating. The burial will be at the Sparkman Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, P.O. Box 2151, Memphis, TN 38101-2151.