Jerrell Mitchell “Spooky” Bearden, 77, of Isola, a farmer and ginner, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017, at Greenwood Leflore Hospital.
He was born October 15, 1939, in Isola, to Dillard and Geneva Muse Bearden. Spooky began working on the family farm as a small child, and by the age of 15 his father said he picked more cotton than anyone else on the farm. Mr. Bearden owned Arkansas Fiberline, and owned Bearden Farms, and Bearden Fish Farms with his father and brothers until his retirement in 2012. He loved all aspects of the cotton business from planting, picking, ginning, re-ginning, and trading. Spooky had a devious but funny sense of humor and loved entertaining people. He was outspoken but generous, and loved to travel. Spooky was a member of T.J. Catchings Masonic Lodge #394 in Inverness for 52 years. He previously served on the Levee Board, and the board of Citizen’s Bank.
Mr. Bearden was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerrell Bearden; and two brothers, Richard Bearden and Bob Bearden.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Janice Bass Bearden of Isola; aunt, Hazel Bearden Cardinell of Belzoni; sister in law, Barbara Bass Day and husband Bill of Katy, Texas; brother in law, Ron Spence of Monroe, Louisiana; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; dear family friend, Nancy Lopez and her children Emily and Jillian; caregivers, Charlie Mae Eubanks, M.C. Robinson, Jr., and Leroy Bowman; and his best friend, James “Soup” Reed.
The family received friends on Sunday, September 17, 2017 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the family home in Isola. A second visitation was held Monday, September 18, 2017 from 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral service at Inverness United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Greencrest Gardens in Belzoni. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola was in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net
