Margaret Helen Criner - Manila

Thursday, October 30, 2003

Margaret Helen Criner, 86, of Manila, formerly of Blytheville, died Sunday, Oct. 26, 2003, at the Manila Nursing Center. Born at Manila, she was the daughter of the late Wilburn Franklin and Maudie Mae Downs Drye and had lived most of her life in Blytheville where she was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church. She was a baker and worked many years for Curts Bakery in Blytheville until it closed. She later worked in several grocery stores and then out of her home. She was an avid Bingo player.

She is survived by two nephews, Paul Porter of Wilson and Billy Ray Porter of Boerne, Texas; four nieces, Elizabeth "Betty" Rayder Morgan of Elaine, Benita Faye Rayder Morgan of Lonoke, Martha Ann Rayder Cook of Cedar Hill, Mo., and Faye Beth Thompson of Paris, Texas.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John "Dee" Criner; three sisters, Hazel Porter, Nellie Rayder and Elizabeth Wilson.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. today (Tuesday) at the Elmwood Cemetery in Blytheville with Rev. William Piercy officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila.