Unity and faith have brought Anthonyville this far, Mayor Leroy C. Wright, Sr., said as he welcomed everyone to the town’s 25th anniversary celebration. “I thank God for what he’s doing, what he has done, and what he’s going to do,” he proclaimed to the amens of the celebrants. Wright served as president of the community committee and the RID before being named mayor upon the town’s incorporation and, apart from one term, he has served as mayor since. Wright, who is also the pastor of Anthonyville’s Bright Star Missionary Baptist Church, plans to run for one more term next year. “We’ve never had a city hall,” he said. “I want to see that happen. Then I can retire.”
Luke Sears Anthony, Sr., and his sons established the Anthony Funeral Home along U.S. Highway 79, now Highway 147 South, in Crittenden County, to serve the residents in that region of the Delta. The family-run business became an institution and would go on to anchor the community known today as Anthony Quarters.
The Anthony Quarters Volunteer Fire Department was established.
Anthonyville Fire Chief Charles Eason (left) and Mayor Leroy C. Wright Sr., show off t-shirts made for the town’s 25th anniversary.
The Anthonyville community joins the local Rural Improvement District (RID).
Community leaders, who met regularly at Anthony Funeral Home, worked with the county and the state health department over the next several years to install a sewer system and expand fire protection services.
As Anthony Quarters grew, so did its need for infrastructure improvements, and in 1999 residents submitted their petition to incorporate to Crittenden County and to the state.
On January 1, 2000, the town of Anthonyville was officially incorporated, its name chosen to honor the Anthony family, whose funeral home still operates today.
On September 27, the town marked its 25th anniversary, with residents past and present gathering to celebrate at Barton Wright Community Park. The day included a 5K walk/run, musical performances, a BBQ contest, and vendors selling crafts and food. The day was also a tribute to the fire department and its dedicated volunteer firefighters.
Gallery: Anthonyville 25th Anniversary Celebration
