Elnore M. Raley

Elnore Mae Raley, 95, of Paragould, passed from this life on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. She was born in Little Rock on April 1, 1928, to the late John Andrew and Ellen Elizabeth "Betty" Lane. Elnore graduated from Paragould High School in 1946. She married James "John" J. Raley on April 8, 1961. Elnore was a switchboard operator for Southwestern Bell until she and John had their first child. She then became a stay at home mom to raise her children. Elnore enjoyed classic pop music, especially her favorite singer Johnny Mathis. She also loved Frank Sinatra. Elnore always had a good time camping at Burlanebri. She also loved lemon meringue pie and fried oysters. Elnore was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, John Raley; parents, John Andrew and Ellen Elizabeth "Betty" Burch Lane; brother, Tom Lane; and sister, Linda Hoepfl.

Elnore is survived by her daughters, Laura Lane Raley (Scott, boyfriend) and Carol Ann Smith; son, Brian Joseph (Staci) Raley; grandchildren, Joshua Raley and Lucy (Sarah) Holifield; sisters, Phyllis Wills and Judy Smallwood; and many nieces and nephews. 

A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 6 PM at Heath Funeral Home. A visitation will follow from 6:30 until 7 PM. The Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at 10 AM at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Paragould. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.