Barbara Morris

JONESBORO - Barbara Ann Wathen Morris, of Jonesboro, passed away at the age of 92, Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. She was born in Jonesboro on Feb. 27, 1933, to Moore Thomas Wathen and Letha Waddle Wathen.

She graduated from Jonesboro High School where she was a cheerleader and attended Arkansas State University (ASU) for two years. While at Arkansas State, Barbara was a member of Phi Mu sorority and was a Pi Kappa Alpha Dream Girl. She won the title of Miss Jonesboro, and in 1952 represented Arkansas in the Miss Universe pageant in Long Beach, California.

Barbara married David Morris in 1953 upon his commission as a 2LT Lieutenant in the United States Army. Barbara supported David throughout his military career until he eventually retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1972.

Barbara was a devoted Christian who loved her Lord and Savior. She was a member of First Baptist Church and attended Sunday School class until her health declined. She volunteered in the Church Care Center and St. Bernards Auxiliary. David and Barbara were both avid ASU fans and attended many football and basketball games. She loved her bridge club, crossword puzzles, and watching Wheel of Fortune.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, M.T. and Letha Wathen; brother, Tom Wathen; husband David Morris; stepmother, Agnes Wathen; and stepsister, Mary Jane Van Slyke.

Barbara is survived by two daughters Leslie O'Neal (Bob) of Bentonville, and Letha Morris of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Paige Mhoon (Brian) of Bentonville, and Joshua O'Neal (Lindy) of Rogers; great-grandchildren, Saylor O'Neal, Anniston O'Neal, and Hyson O'Neal.

Visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home on Saturday Feb. 21, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. with Arlis Dickerson and Ross Burton officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers-Peyton Tyner, Gaylon Tyner, Brian Mhoon, Bob O'Neal, and Charlie Cottam.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to First Baptist Church General Fund, 701 S. Main St. Jonesboro, AR 72401, or a charity of your choice.

Online guestbook: www.emersonfuneralhome.com..