Mrs. Willie Bernetta Critton

July 15, 1946 - November 21, 2018

Mrs. Willie Bernetta Critton, 72 yrs., of Magnolia, AR passed away Wednesday, November 21st, at her home. Willie Bernetta Barrower Critton A beautifully spirited child was born on July 15, 1946 in Emerson, Arkansas to her parents Gussie Lee Ward and John "Booker" Barrower. As a young child, Willie B. liked to play with her siblings and cousins, fix hair, and run track at McMitress High School where she graduated from in 1965. This beautifully spirited child grew to become a "God Fearing" Young Lady. Willie met and married her first love, George Ray Critton, Sr. in 1965. Together, they became glowing parents to 5 children: Christopher, Priscilla, Gwendolyn, George Jr., and Myra. As a family, the seven of them would spend their time enjoying each other's company and spending time with extended family at family get togethers, eating, laughing, and enjoying her delicious food. Knowing the value of education, Willie prided herself in nurturing and teaching her children. Aware of the need for education, she worked as an adult education teacher for some time. During her life she also worked as a cashier, cleaner, and cook, but her most prominent role was loving mother and grandmother. Finding her purpose at a young age, Willie knew that she wanted to use her sweet voice to share her heavenly father's word. Her mission must have been to tell everyone that she met about the "Good News" of Christ. And that is what she did. With a passion for cooking, canning, and gardening, Willie loved preparing food for her family to enjoy. Oftentimes she would go beyond her family sharing food with extended family, friends, and neighbors. She had a giving heart and wanted to be a blessing to others. From her youth Willie was a member of New Hope Church in Emerson Arkansas, Sweet Home Church in Emerson Arkansas. As an adult she was a member of St Mark's Baptist Church in Magnolia Arkansas, Free Union Church in Magnolia Arkansas, and had begun attending and enjoying the preaching, teaching, and fellowship of First Baptist Church in Magnolia Arkansas. She loved singing, praying, and teaching in church. At St Mark's Baptist Church, she would give her beautiful rendition of her favorite song, "Precious Lord." Later in her life Willie had ailments that touched her body, but never touched her soul. She never let anything get in the way of spreading the "Good News" of Jesus Christ. She never met a stranger that she could not share the Gospel with, and she would often end her conversation with "Pray for the world, as I pray for you." Although she made a lifetime of memories, for the people that knew her 72 years was too short. Her journey to Heaven was filled with Goodness, Grace, and Love. Now she is with the heavenly father, whom she loved so much. Sister Willie Critton took her father's hand on November 21, 2018 and was welcomed into his loving arms. She was preceded by death by her Mother, Gussie Lee Ward Hatter; Father, John "Booker" Barrower, Sr., brothers; LeRoy Murray and Roy Lee Hatter, nephews; Jeremy Murray and Corey Dylan Charles. She is survived by her brother; John Barrower ,Jr. (San Antonio, TX) sister Tressie Lee Hatter of Prattville, AL, her brother Ray Charles Hatter, her two sons; Christopher Critton (Meleah) of Little Rock Arkansas and George Critton, Jr. of Magnolia Arkansas; her three daughters Priscilla Critton, Gwendolyn Critton, and Myra Collier (Ricky) all of Little Rock Arkansas and her nine grandchildren; Christopher (CJ), Jeremiah, Tyranni, Sarah, Ricky III, Marika, Jade, Skylar, and Amira. Celebration of life will be held Friday November 30th, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Magnolia, AR, with burial to follow in the New Hope Cemetery in Emerson, AR. Under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home LLC of Magnolia, AR. Officiant will be Pastor Brent Summerhill. Visitation will be held Thursday from 12 Noon-4:30 at the funeral home. Sign our online guestbook @rlreedfuneralhome.com