10/27/2026
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Faye Askins Towell, 96 years of age, passed from this earth on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Born in Rector, Arkansas on July 13, 1930, to Benjamin Otis Askins and Gladys Mae Helms Askins, Faye was the fourth of nine children. She is survived by an adopted grandson, Joshua Owens (Le’Onita Charnae), great-grandchild Arie Rae Owens, sisters Frankie Jetton and Shyrl Bailey, as well as nieces and nephews and a host of friends who loved her dearly.
On August 20, 1946, Faye Askins wed Duane Towell. For many years, the couple owned and worked together at Towell’s Paragould Shoe Store. When Duane passed away in 2018, they had recently celebrated their 72nd anniversary. Their affection and commitment for each other served as the role model of a loving marriage to all who knew them.
In addition to Duane, Faye was preceded in death by their only daughter, Janice Ann Smith, Jan’s husband Ray and their grandson Shawn Allen Smith. Additional family members who preceded her include her sisters Geneva Edwards, Kathleen Griggry, Vira Mae Carver, Betty Breckenridge, Mary Smith, a brother, Charles Askins and Kathy Rowe, a special niece who provided attentive care for Faye.
Faye was known for her love of family, children and growing beautiful plants and flowers. Many decades of toddlers were introduced to Bible stories and the love of Jesus in her two-year old class at 7th & Mueller Church of Christ. After retiring from the shoe store, Faye influenced many children in the community by volunteering at Baldwin Elementary as an unpaid teacher’s aide in her daughter Jan’s kindergarten class.
Over the years, Faye generously shared cuttings from the lush plants in her beautiful yard. She simply said, “With God’s help I could grow pretty things.” She leaves a legacy of generosity, encouragement and faith in God to the many who knew her simply as “Mrs. Faye.”
Visitation will be at 7th and Mueller Church of Christ from 10:30-12:00 noon on Friday, October 30, immediately followed by a funeral service under the direction of Phillips Funeral Home with Josh Owens and Larry McFadden officiating. Burial will take place at Morrow Cemetery. Pallbearers include Caleb Eddleman, Aaron Meyer, Jake Eddleman, Kirby Graves, Rusty McMillan and Kyle Rowe. Andy Eddleman, Andy Landrum, David Summitt and David Pratt will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Children’s Homes, Inc. of Paragould or the April Nicole Foundation.
