/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/612/513914/Zf6aTrkRe0wM5SA0alheard.jpg)
Obituary For Mrs. Arvie Haley Conaway
Arvie Haley Conaway was born March 12, 1934, in Blytheville, Arkansas, the beloved daughter of Vordie Haley and Romayer Blackburn Haley. Arvie was a graduate of Richard B. Harrison High School, and continued her education at Arkansas Baptist College, later earning her degree from AM&N, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She shaped and molded young minds as an educator for the Blytheville School District for thirty years. Arvie was a dedicated member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, serving faithfully for many years, as the President of the Adult Choir, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Secretary of the church’s building fund and second vice president of the Women’s Missionary Society. She also served as a member of Christ Temple Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Lawrence Haley, and New Faith Baptist Church under the pastorage of Reverend Laddie Whaley. Arvie was active in her community serving as Worthy Matron of Eastern Star Chapter # 347, Secretary of the Mississippi County Valley Baptist Union, the Director of MVBU Youth Department, and a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.
She was united in marriage to Lonzell Mathis, Sr., on March 3, 1959, and later with W.M. Heard, Sr., on January 1, 1968. In later years, she was blessed to share her life with her husband, Reverend George Conaway.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Vordie and Romayer Haley, her husband, Reverend George Conaway, former husbands, Lonzell Mathis, Sr., and W.M. Heard, Sr., her brothers, Jaffus Haley and Floydel Haley, her sister Arizona Haley Morris and a bonus daughter, Carnetta Heard.
She leaves to cherish her memory four children, Vordie Mathis and Lonzell (Bernice) Mathis, Jr both of Blytheville, Arkansas; Lorece Montgomery of Little Rock, Arkansas and W.M. (Tamika) Heard also of Little Rock, Arkansas; bonus children, Robert Taylor, Donna Pankey Garcia, Reginald Heard, Katrina Heard, and Jeremy Heard, thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and a host of Favorite nieces, nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, beginning at 10:00 am at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 809 East Main Street, Blytheville, Arkansas where Reverend Rickey Everett is the pastor.
Celebration of Life Services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Lawrence Haley will deliver the eulogy with interment to follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Condolences may be conveyed to the family online at www.mhfuneralhomeinc.com or through our Facebook page McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.
Professional services and arrangements are under the care and direction of McDonald-Horne Funeral Home.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Stephanie Nicole Washington sent Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum for Mrs. Arvie Haley Conaway - December 17, 2025
We are sending our condolences and prayers to the family. It is never easy losing a love one. just know your mom touched so many students that attended Central Elementary Schools in ways that molded a lot of young men and women. She had a big loving heart. Just know memories will never be forgotten and God will continue to take care of you all. Our condolences and continue prayers Robbie and Cedric
Sending my sincere prayers and condolences to the family. Mrs Arvie Haley Conway was just like family to me. My uncle rip the late Lloyd Blackburn was her cousin and every time he came to Blytheville, he would always without a doubt visit his Auntie Romayer he called her Aunt Romay and love his family and relatives dearly. We all attended Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church-for many many years and every member of the church was just like family. I hold those fond memories close to my heart and soul even today because we never missed a Sunday, the Jones, Nichols and Haley's Barbara Haley was one my best friends from first grade through graduation from Richard B. Harrison, the class of 1968 and we were honored as the larges class of 5in history
TO the family may God love grant you peace, love, strength, and comfort at this time of sadness, I was one of her students at Promised Land Elementary School. i thought her voice was special. I will never forget her. , God bless you forever. Amen. Sincerely Brenda Greenberry Foreman.
/religious/torah.jpg)
Family , I am sending my deepest condolences, please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May The Most High and Mighty God continue to carry you all in this difficult time. Love you all
Sending condolences & prayers of comfort to the family. Carolyn Logan-Herbert
W.M. and family You'll are in my heart and prayers during this time of deep mourning.. My heartfelt Condolences for your loss. May God grant you patience and relieve your heart. Your friend/coworker... Stephanie Washington.
Wm, I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. I am sending prayers from my family to yours. May your mom rest in peace.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
