Joshua Lynn Blakely

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." Joshua Lynn Blakely was born into time on September 22, 1990. He was the third child born to the union of Gary and Billie Page Blakely in Hope, Arkansas. Josh was raised in a loving family and accepted Christ at a tender age. He was a member of Greater Love COGIC in Camden, Arkansas where he was a member of the Youth Department. He was a faithful member until his father began a ministry in Rosston. He was a 2008 graduate of Nevada High School where he played on the Junior and Senior High basketball teams. Josh was an outgoing and active student who was a member of Fellow Christian Athlete, Future Business Leaders of America and the Future Farmers of America. Josh was an employee of Tyson Foods in Hope, Arkansas. Josh had a warm smile that would chase the chill from any room. He had a great sense of humor and never met a stranger.   During all of his twenty-one seasons of life, he made friends across race, gender, and faith. On Sunday, March 11, 2012, in his 21st season of life Josh passed from time into eternity. Family, as well as friends, will miss his quiet strength, smile and love, but will never forget his spirit and compassion. Although Josh lived what some may call a short life, those who were touched by him understood that the quality of his existence far exceeded the quantity of time many of us spent with him. He leaves a legacy of love and his memories will be cherished by his son, Jayden Blakely of Hope, AR; his parents, Elder Gary and Missionary Billie Blakely of Rosston, AR; one sister, Britney Blakely of Rosston, AR; one brother, Jeremy Blakely of Rosston, AR; his paternal grandparents Ervin Blakely, Sr., and Doris Blakely Minor; his maternal grandfather Ozie Page and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, numerous friends and a special friend Trey Talley. Josh will lie in state on Monday, March 19th from 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home - Prescott Chapel. The last farewell and tributes to his life will be shared on Tuesday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m. at True Worship Center in Waldo, Arkansas where Joyce Easter is pastor. Bishop J.E. Williams of the Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Arkansas and pastor of Greater Love COGIC will deliver the message. Superintendent John Monk will officiate. The committal service and final resting place will be in New Salem Cemetery in Rosston, Arkansas. But now this is what the LORD says: "Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you," says the LORD. "Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. Jeremiah 31:16