Celestia L. Stone

Celestia L. Stone, age 96, of Little Rock, Arkansas, went to be with her Savior on January 12, 2013, after a brief illness. She was born on December 23, 1916, in Bryant's Cove, Arkansas. Mrs. Stone is survived by three sons, Don E. Stone (Dee), Michael D. Stone (Vicky), and Mark Stone (Dianne) all of Bay City, Texas; brother Ferrell B. Moore, sister, Gretchen Madison, as well as son-in-law, James P. Clifton and daughter-in-law, Vicki Stone Allen. She is also is survived by 11 grandchildren: Renae (Frank) Stroinski, Dewayne (Debby) Clifton, Donna (Rick) Herring, Tami Bolton, Chance (Erin) Stone, Kim (Lance) Griffith, Shawn Stone, Misty Stone, Brian (Jenna) Stone, Josh Stone and Lauren Stone; 20 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, O.C. Stone; four sons, Gerald "Sonny" Stone, Darrell "Shorty" Stone, Ray C. Heck, Sr., and C.E. Jones; one daughter, Doris H. Clifton; one granddaughter, Charlotte Stone; one grandson, Les Bolton; sisters, Gertrude Mizell Johnston, Minerva Moore Barber, and Annie Moore Scott; and brothers, Gene Mizell and Ras Moore. In 1964, Mrs. Stone and her husband opened Stone's Market on Highway 10 West in Little Rock, Arkansas, where they became known for their generosity to the community. Her home was always open to family, friends and even strangers in search of food, comfort and friendship. She loved cooking for her family and was famous for her pies. Mrs. Stone was a living example of the Golden Rule. After retirement, Mrs. Stone moved to Conway, Arkansas for several years, recently moving to Bay City, Texas, to be close to her three sons. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, at Friendship Baptist Church in Vilonia, Arkansas. Visitation for family and friends will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Graveside service and burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery on Petit Jean Mountain. Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas. 979-245-4613.