Esther "Bug" Marie Barton

Esther Marie Barton affectionately known as “Bug” was born March 21, 1947 to Tommie Swink and Willie B. Hendrix Swink. Bug grew up to be a fun-loving and beautiful young lady. She was a 1965 graduate of Simmons High School in Okolona. She confessed her faith for Christ at a tender age where she united with First Baptist Church of Okolona. She was a faithful member and pianist until her health failed. As a young woman full of life and wit she met Mr. Hezy L. Barton and they were blessed with 33 wonderful years. They enjoyed fishing and spending quality time with each other. “Bug” was a hard worker and faithful employee having worked for Levis, Aalfs, Twin Rivers, Petit Jean Poultry and Allcare Pharmacy. She made many sacrifices to care for her family. Bug was a self proclaimed “master-griller” and could barbeque anything. She was well known for her finger-licking baste. She enjoyed being Aunt Bug and Granny Bug; her grandchildren were such an important part of her life and they brought her so much joy. She was preceded in death by her father Tommie Swink and three siblings. On Friday, September 13, 2013, in her 66th season of life with her husband by her side she passed into the Lord’s embrace. Her passing shall be filled with rejoicing for a life well lived. It is a given that she lived a life filled with love, joy and happiness. She gave her all to the Lord, and now is added to His great and blessed family in the world beyond our vision, a place not made by human hands, a place we call Heaven. Though she is no longer with us in body, and her irreplaceable presence will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who were impacted by the beautiful full life she lived. She leaves her precious memories with her beloved mother, Willie B. Swink of Okolona; husband, Hezy L. Barton of Okolona; five children, Raymond Barton of Flint, MI, Shelia Barton of Flint, MI, Kimberly (Gary) Harvey of Okolona, April Beard of Okolona, and Tiffany (Emeal) Hogg of Monroe, LA; seven grandchildren, one great-grandson; two sisters, Frances Jean Dokes of Detroit, MI and Esther Jean (John) Sanders of Arkadelphia; one aunt, Mable Ransom of Little Rock, AR; a niece cherished as a daughter, Romykia Nelson of Arkadelphia; a special great nephew, Jakhiry Dixon; a host of other nieces, and nephews; God-daughters, Regina Horton and April Horton; special cousins, Donna Muldrew, June Wine and Brenda Piggee; her best friend Maude Esther Hale, numerous cousins and countless friends. The family will celebrate her life & legacy at 12:00 noon on Saturday, Sept. 21st at First Baptist Church in Okolona. Rev. Kyle Jones will deliver the eulogy. The interment will be in First Baptist Cemetery. Public visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 20th from 12 noon –6:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 7:00 at the funeral home. Click Tributelink to watch video.