Ethel Ellen (Brown) Barner, of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on September 5, 1938, the daughter of George and Rosie (Boone) Brown.
Mrs. Barner was a graduate of Newport High School. She was a faithful member of Jehovah’s Witnesses and stood strong in her faith.
Miss Barner dedicated her life to her home and family. She was a gifted and masterful seamstress, known for her beautiful work. She created treasured pieces, including handmade toys, baby clothing, and elegant wedding garments. Miss Barner also loved tending to her rose beds.
Mrs. Barner is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Joe Barner; their daughter, Darla Barner; three brothers, Myron Brown, Ed Brown, and Kenneth Brown; two sisters, Mary Roach and Betty Shelley; and her parents.
She is survived by her two sons, Joe Barner and Stephen Barner; a daughter, Leah Wing and husband, Randy, all of whom are of Newport; one brother, Ronald Brown, of Imboden; two sisters, Kitty Jewel and husband, Ernie, of Algoa, and Connie Prince, of Newport; her granddaughter, Hannah Wing; a host of relatives; and a lifetime of friends.
A joint funeral service honoring the lives of Mrs. Ethel Barner and her cherished daughter, Miss Darla Barner, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Saturday, beginning at 12:30 p.m. until service time.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Mario Rodriguez, Jason Linhart, Terry Hughes, Lee Binkley, Al Williams, Alex Ruffins, Mantel Love, and Juan Gonzalez.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.
