As of Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026
Cities without a state are in Missouri
July 29, 1950 – Nov. 1, 2026
Beverly Perry (Matthews), 76, of Lamar, passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2026. Beverly was born on July 29, 1950, in Oronogo. Beverly was a waitress in Carterville and later a police officer in Carterville, and then she worked with the USDA.
Proceeding Beverly in death are her parents, Brady and Alliance Star Matthews; son, Claude Williams Jr.; brothers, Leon Matthews, George Matthews, and Stan Matthews; and sister, Billy Ann Matthews.
Surviving Beverly are her sons, Bobby (Corissa) Williams, of Corsican, Texas, Chris Wiles, Minneapolis, Minn., Josh Williams and Andrea Gastel, Lamar; grandchildren, Kayla Williams, Jasper, Kelsey Williams, Elmira, N.Y.; Shelby Williams, Midlothian, Texas; Kyle and Lawren Williams, San Antonio, Texas; Brittany Williams, Jasper, and Nicolas Williams, Jasper, Jayden Williams, and Leeam Williams; great-grandchild, Tyler Wayne Williams; her brothers, Leroy and Jayden Williams; and her sister, Charlene Matthews.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, in Carterville Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
Dec. 21, 1930 – Oct. 29, 2026
Lois W. Spracklen, of Webb City, passed away on Oct. 29, 2026, at her home. She was born in Webb City on Dec. 21, 1930, to the late Ray and Hazel Watson. After growing up in Webb City, she lived in Dallas, Texas, for several decades before returning to her hometown.
She carried with her the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance that shaped her character from an early age. Lois pursued her education with care and determination, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in physical education.
Lois understood the importance of family, community and the everyday moments that give life its deepest meaning. She was known for her dependable nature and for the calm presence she brought to those who knew her well. She was a member of the Central United Methodist Church of Webb City and active in the community, including being a driver for the Meals on Wheels program.
Lois enjoyed outdoor activities and appreciated the beauty of the world around her. She also looked forward to watching football on the weekends.
Lois is survived by her children, Jeff Spracklen (Silvia) and Robert Spracklen; grandchildren, Ray Spracklen and Jeffry Spracklen; her loving caregiver, Norma Landers; and several nieces and a nephew.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wallace Spracklen; and her sister, Frances Lewis.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, at Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home. Burial was in Mount Hope Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Webb City Senior Citizens Center.
Jan. 19, 1956 – Oct. 27, 2026
Becky Lou Webb, affectionately known as Bea or Aunt Bea, departed this world peacefully at Mercy Hospital Joplin on Oct. 27, 2026. Born in Webb City on Jan. 19, 1956, Becky was a devoted Christian whose faith guided her through life’s journey.
She married the love of her life on May 9, 1974, and enjoyed 45 years with Tom before his passing. Her thoughtful and loving nature was evident in her roles as a Sunday school teacher and the director of the Caravan Program at the Webb City Church of the Nazarene.
Becky spent her years nurturing her creative spirit through crafting, sewing, crocheting, diamond art, painting, collecting and coloring. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She embodied Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith and love for her family.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom; her parents, Jack and Jennie Vinyard; brother Jackie Vinyard; sister Cindy Hoog; and brother-in-law Robert Hoog.
Becky leaves behind a legacy of love and reliability. She was a devoted mother to TJ Webb, married to Abbey, and Bristi Powell, married to Ryan. Her cherished grandchildren, Bladen Powell, Kalyn Powell, Kimber Powell, Peyton Webb, Elias Webb, and Chandler Webb, were the heart of her world. Her Grandchildren would often say “Grandma can fix anything” and “Grandma always laughs at our jokes.” Becky also leaves behind her sister Marilyn Flowers and brother-in-law John Flowers, along with nieces Melissa Dicks and Christina Dayton, nephews Scott Flowers, Mark Flowers, Robert Hoog Jr., and Jesse Hoog, and her dear Aunt Lynnie Essex and sister-in-law Janice Bender. Becky was a pillar of strength and compassion, always ensuring her family felt loved and supported.
Becky’s dedication to her grandchildren and her role as the primary caregiver for her husband in his final years are just a couple of the many way she touched the lives of those around her. When asked in her final days what advice she would give to future generations, she replied, “Place Christ at the center of your life.”
Her family will honor her memory at Forest Park Church-Joplin, 725 S. Highview, Joplin, on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, with a visitation at 3 p.m., funeral at 4 p.m. and a graveside service to follow at Webb City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.
As it was when the Sentinel was in print, ‘Obituaries are news to us.’ THERE IS NO CHARGE
Obituaries on this page are primarily found by looking for those with a connection to our immediate area on local funeral home and crematory websites. So we don’t miss one, please notify us by email at news@webbcity.net.
