Pulaski County

JEWEL DEAN BISBEE, 84, of Little Rock went for a face-to-face meeting with her Lord Sunday, December 20, 2015. She was born in Sheridan on February 19, 1931 to Ora and Becky Cotton. Dean was a housewife and mother to two daughters, Toma and Glenda, then Granny to 3 grandchildren, Angela, Laura and David. The Granny title extended to multiple extended adopted people throughout her life, Keo and Van from Laos, Van’s wife and their two children. Dean was Granny to many children that she took fishing.

Dean married Bob Bisbee on March 9, 1968. They enjoyed 47 years of marriage. Their love of music and dancing brought them together and held them together throughout the years. In later life, Dean was relegated to “chair” dancing due to her decreased mobility. Up to the end of her life, she would hear the beat of music and snap her fingers and wiggle to the sound of the music.

Fishing was a passion for many years and brought her together with many others who shared that love or for the children that were learning the love of fishing. Her big catch, a large mouth bass is proudly mounted on her wall along with another trophy fish.

Dean is survived by her husband, Bob; daughter, Glenda Graves; sister, Betty Hester of Benton; three grandchildren: Angela Graves of Washington, Laura Hughes of North Little Rock and David Bettger of Cabot; seven great-grandchildren; extended family Keo and Van; and many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Ora Cotton; Mother, Becky Cotton; Sister, Maxine Jeans; Brother, Bob Cotton; daughter, Toma England. Her family will dance in her honor, remembering her, as long as they live.

Funeral services will be 9 a.m., Wednesday, December 23 2015 at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209, (501) 455-5800. Small family gathering for burial to follow at a later date. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes. com/drummond.

–––––❖––––– JAMES BURTON, age 46, passed away December 17, 2015. Born April 20, 1969. Preceded in death by parents and one son. Survived by his daughter April, and sister Sheila, along with many other family members and friends. Online condolence: www.thomasfuneralservice.com. Cremation by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot, Ark., 501-941-7888.

–––––❖––––– STEPHEN H. BUTLER of Little Rock passed away December 20, 2015. He was born in Little Rock November 23, 1923, to Julius S. Butler and Josephine Powell Butler Meltona. He lived in Little Rock all his life. He was a man who loved his family and was loved by them.

Stephen was a 1941 graduate of Little Rock High School. He was a retired printer who worked at Democrat Printing for over 35 years. He was an active member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church until the Sunday of his death. He was a former deacon and Missionary Baptist Seminary trustee. Stephen was very active man who played softball and ran 10K races until in his 70’s. He was a Little League coach at Junior Deputy Field for several years. He taught his children and grandchildren many things by his Christian example. He taught them the value of work by never missing a day even when it snowed, he taught them the love of family by always being there, he taught them the value of listening and when talking was important. His grandchildren will tell you that he taught them the value in winning because he would never LET them win. He was a kind man with a gentle spirit. He will be remembered for his faithfulness — to his Church, to his devoted wife, to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

He leaves behind his wife of 25 years — the joy of his life, Joy J. Butler; his three children, Tom Butler (Becky), Jerry Butler (Carolyn), and Janet Harrison (Bob), all of Little Rock; his eight grandchildren, Jason Butler (deceased), Meredith Scroggin (Bennie) of LR, Jared Butler (Jessica) of Bryant, Justin Butler (Lindsey) of LR, Drew Butler (Sarah) of Charleston, S.C., Wes Butler (Christi) of Benton, Matt Harrison (Frank) of LR, and Courtney Harless (Richard) of LR. He leaves behind 16 great-grandchildren who knew him as “Big Granddad”: Gage Butler, Quinn Butler, Noelle Scroggin, Liza Scroggin, Mia Griffin, Monica Butler, Jodi Butler, Wade Butler, Jackson Butler, Madison Butler, Brooks Wetmore, Riggs Butler, Knox Butler, Mayson Butler, Clay Brown, and Ruby Harrison.

He is also survived by Joy’s three children, Kathleen Shumate and Wayne Harness (Donna) of Louisiana, and Randall Harness (Beth) of Conway; his seven step-grandchildren, Nathan Shumate, Kristen Ducote (Caleb), Kaitlyn Shumate, Tess Shumate, Kayla Harness and Megan Harness all of Louisiana, and Adam Harness of Conway; and his seven step-great-grandchildren: Lexis Shumate, Lanna Shumate, Conner Shumate, Haden Shumate, Peyton Antee, Jack Dekeyser all of Louisiana and Kristen Pippins of Utah. Stephan also leaves a host of nieces and nephews and friends to remember him fondly. He was preceded in death by his grandson Jason Butler, his wife of 45 years Ruby Butler, three brothers—Eugene Butler, William Butler, and George Butler, and one sister Josephine Hotard.

Visitation will be at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501-224-8300), on Tuesday, December 22, from 5 until 7 p.m. The memorial service will be at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 23, at noon with interment at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery following. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

–––––❖––––– NATHANIEL CARPENTER SR. was born December 7, 1932 to Otis and Mildred Carpenter in New Orleans, La. He went home to be with the Lord on Saturday December 19, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Hilliard and two sisters Millie and Olivia. He is survived by two sons Nathaniel Jr. and Gary Carpenter both of New Orleans, two daughters Cindy Adams and Annette Shankles, “granddaughter” Emily Gilbreth all of Redfield. Graveside service will be Wednesday December 23, 2015, 2:00. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St., Little Rock, AR 72202.

–––––❖––––– BOBBY JOE GIBSON went to be with The Lord on December 16, 2015. What can we say about Bobby Joe? Foremost, I can’t imagine anyone changing more lives than he did. He brought people together, changed them for the better and made people smile.

He loved and was loved. Young kids adored him and he listened to elders and made them all feel special. Bobby was special. He loved God, although in his younger days I think God had a good chuckle at him. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, Maumelle, and Fellowship of Believers, his Sunday School Class.

Bobby was unique in the best way. He loved music from day one. He sang beautifully, played guitar and keyboards and just about any instrument he picked up. It was God’s gift to him and he made full use of it. Many people loved him and he had numerous friends in the music industry.

Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Joseph A. Gibson; stepfather, Reece Watson; and brother, Ken Watson. He is survived by his mother, Bea Watson who he adored and shared a special bond; aunt and uncle, Barbara and Mark Hillman; brother, Jim Watson (Laurel); sister-in-law, Nita Watson Glover; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly and will miss him.

I think even though we miss him more than anyone can ever imagine, it will be hard to think of Bobby without a smile appearing on our faces. He was a true best friend to many.

Services will be Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Maumelle. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. with the Memorial Service following at 2 p.m. Arrangements are in the care of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to FUMC Youth, 1201 Edgewood Dr, Maumelle, Ark. 72113. Online guest book: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

–––––❖––––– DORIS JUSTICE GRAY, 81, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2015.

Born in Cabot, Ark., July 28, 1934, Doris was the first child of Ruthie Pruitt Justice and Morris Jessie Justice of Cabot, Ark. A graduate of Jacksonville High School, Doris married her high school sweetheart Edwin T. Gray Sr.; they were married 63 years. Doris is survived by her husband and three sons, Ed Jr. and wife Kathy, Mark and wife Lisa, and Jon and fiancée Carrie Wagner. Doris was preceded in death by two sons, Steven and Michael. She leaves 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Doris is survived by her sister Carolyn Justice Morgan.

Doris retired from the Social Security Administration, was a founding member of the U.S. Marine Corps Food Service Association and a former treasurer of the Arkansas Glass Club. A devoted wife, loving mother and family matriarch, Doris is loved by many and will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas Heart Association. Special thanks to the incredible staff of Baptist Hospital Springhill, for the comfort and care of our dearest loved one. May the peace of our lord be upon you during this most difficult time.

–––––❖––––– PASCAL E. “BUD” HANCOCK, born Dec 30, 1930 went to be with his Lord December 18, 2015. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, he served his country 21 years in the Air Force. He shared the Gospel of Christ overseas and home actively for over 20 years.

Visitation 6-8 p.m., Tuesday @ Natural State Funeral Home, Jacksonville. Funeral and full military honors at Faith Bible Fellowship, Wed. 10 a.m., 1200 W. Maryland, NLR. Donations in lieu of flowers: Wounded Warrior Foundation, Missionary Flights International, Child Evangelism of Ark., Haiti EBAC Orphanage, or Distinguished Flying Cross Society scholarship fund.

–––––❖––––– RAYMOND HARRIS, 75, of North Little Rock, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2015. He was the son of Jewel and Lonnie Harris, survived by brothers, Howard and Kenneth Harris, was born in Des Arc, Ark., February 8, 1940.

He is survived by his two children, Cheri Lout and Tracey Harris, three stepchildren, Ellen Bell, Curtis (Tyke) Dean, and Dani Richardson. He also leaves behind grandchildren, Samantha Smith, Mary McElduff, Aaron Lout, Joshua Lout, Amy Webster, Gail Hardebeck, Kaity Bryant, Patrick Bell, Erin Bell and numerous great-grandchildren.

Raymond is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals and retired from the Army and a successful career with The Corps of Engineers. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, to be determined and announced in the papers, at the Smith - North Little Rock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers we ask donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org or 877-832-6997. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– IDA MAE HILL, age 92, died Dec. 15, 2015, in Little Rock, Ark. Services will be Tuesday, Dec. 22, at Mt. Oliver Baptist Church, in Hurds, Ark. Rev. Charles Hargraves officiating. Burial in Davis Cemetery, Dermott.

–––––❖––––– JEFFREY ALEXANDER “ALEX” JOHNSON, 17, of Little Rock, was granted his angel wings December 19, 2015. Born October 7, 1998 to Jeff Johnson and Sarah (Teeter) Johnson Hughes. He was bright, full of joy, hilarious and deeply loved by everyone. He attended Pulaski Academy through sophomore year and was currently a junior at Catholic High School. He attended St. James United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed baseball, basketball, skateboarding, surfing and many hours at the farm 4-wheeling and off-roading in his truck. Alex loved to cook. He created wonderful meals for his family including a secret barbeque sauce and fish tacos.

Alex is survived by his loving family, his mother Sarah (Teeter) Johnson Hughes and husband Copeland Hughes; his father Jeff Johnson and wife Mariette (Boatwright-Drennen) Johnson; sister Anna Katharine Johnson; stepsisters, Grace Drennen, Hannah Drennen; paternal grandparents, James and Sara Johnson; maternal grandmother, Lou Teeter; aunts and uncles Maria (Teeter) Walker and Jeff Walker, Elizabeth (Teeter) Goulet, Clint and Connie Johnson of Benton and a great-aunt Martha “Puggy” Parks. He also leaves behind a host of cousins and a wealth of wonderful friends.

It can be tempting, during these times, to think about the what-ifs. Instead, honor Alex’s life by living ours to the fullest. Services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, Catholic High for Boys, or C.A.R.E. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

–––––❖––––– MARY ELLEN KELLY MILLIGAN, 78, of Little Rock, passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock, holding the hand of her husband and best friend of 61 years, Harry Francis Milligan. Mary Ellen was born on November 29, 1937, to Andrew Reed Kelly and Bonnie Seymore in Batesville, Ark.

At Cave City High School, she participated in activities from being the captain of the basketball team to singing in the sextet. She married Harry on November 13, 1954, in Batesville, where they raised two daughters, Lynda Beth Bauer (Mark) and Cara Frances Wade (Guy). She volunteered for any school activity that involved her two daughters and never missed a chance to cheer for the Batesville Pioneers.

Mary Ellen was a member of West Baptist Church in Batesville until 1995, when she came to Little Rock to help take care of her first grandchild and never left. From that time on, she and Harry made Little Rock home and she was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She would proudly tell you that her greatest joy was raising “three fine grandsons” – Cooper (20), Carter (17), and Harrison Wade (16). Mary Ellen always had a great sense of humor and a giving heart and didn’t want anyone to go out of their way for her. She was never shy about her faith and said daily that she was ready to live with Jesus. Mary Ellen loved her husband, her family, the Razorbacks, going to the Mall, weekly visits to her hair dresser, and the Sonic. But more than anything she loved Jesus and knew him as her Lord and Savior.

Survivors also include her two sisters, Lorene Altman and Joyce Kelly; and two brothers, Russell and James Kelly. She was proceeded in death by her parents and two brothers, Gene and Paul Kelly.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 23, 2015, in the Chapel at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, and a visitation at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville at 2 p.m. that same day. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville. A special thanks to the caregivers at Baptist Health and CARTI who fought right alongside her. And to her husband, Harry, who as Mary Ellen always said “could do anything” for his selfless love and indescribable devotion to who he described to the very end as “the most beautiful girl in Arkansas.” Donations may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock Christian Academy, or Baptist Health Foundation. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501) 224-8300.

–––––❖––––– PATRICIA “PAT” DAUGHERTY MOONEY, age 70, passed away, Wednesday, December 16, 2015. Pat was a loving mother and grandmother who loved to garden, fish, camp, and her dogs. She worked as a home health nurse and also owned the first home video rental store in Sherwood.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her son, Shane Daugherty, of Jacksonville; three grandchildren, Courtney, Logan, and a baby girl due in May.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 3 p.m. in the Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy, North Little Rock (501-791-7400). Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ owens.

–––––❖––––– DEBRA LAVON MOORE, 59, of Little Rock, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2015. She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Corey Jones; siblings, Billy G. & Jonathan Johns, Betty Harlston, Ruby Hodo (Howard) and Emma Merritt; special friend, Paula Kendrick. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, 11 a.m. at Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. The family will receive friends today from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Personal and Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street, Little Rock, (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com. “We Care, When Caring Counts.”

–––––❖––––– MARIAN JEAN SPEED, 57, of North Little Rock, died December 21, 2015. She was loved by her family and the Lord. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was survived by her 95-year-old Father RV George H. Speed; sister Glenda Offer-Isokariari; brother George Miles; daughters Tawonna, Glenda, Racheal and Evette; and six grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Roselawn Memorial Park. A Celebration Service will be Tuesday, Dec 22, at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home 6-8 p.m., 1921 Main St. North Little Rock, Ark. 72114. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– BOBBIE ZACHARY, 78, of Little Rock, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2015. She was born April 18, 1937 in Morrilton, Ark., the daughter of Augusta Ralph and Josephine Mourot. She was a member of Western Hills United Methodist Church, where she rocked many babies to sleep.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Pauline Bowie and Ernestine Taylor; three brothers, Knight, Ernest and Joe Mourot and a grandson, Kevin Longinotti. She is survived by three daughters, Sharon and Sonny Hill of Mabelvale, Debi Slepicka, of Memphis, and Mary Watson of Little Rock; three sons, Allen, Mark and Tim Zachary, all of Little Rock; 12 grandchildren, Bobby Hill III, Tony Longinotti, James Hill, Roger Hill, Holly Wright, Justin Slepicka, Aaron Slepicka, Tiffany Salyers, Cody Hill, Danielle Hopson, Ashley Edwards, and Brandi Diaz; 12 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Danny Mourot and Ronny Mourot, and one sister, Bea Thompson.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday at Western Hills United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.