Pulaski County

JANELDA WARREN BENTRUP, 82, of North Little Rock, formerly of Atkins, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016, at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. She was born August 7, 1934, in Atkins, daughter of the late Elmer and Effie Davis Warren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; and a sister. She is survived by three sisters, Newana Kindrick, Kaye Hill, and Kathey Rebecca Goodrich; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are 1 p.m., Saturday, December 3, at Lemley Chapel with Rev. Brian Ryals officiating. Private burial is in Shiloh Cemetery under the direction of Lemley Funeral Service of Atkins. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m., Friday. Online obituary and condolences are available at www.lemleyfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– EARLANETTE BLACKMON, 40, of Little Rock passed on Thursday, November 24, 2016 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Public visitation: Friday, December 2, 2016 from 12-6 p.m. Sims Mortuary. Services 1 p.m. December 3, 2016 at Mt. Zion No. 2 Missionary Baptist Church. Services are under the direction of Sims Mortuary.

–––––❖––––– ROY BUCHANAN. Visitation: Saturday, 2-2:30 p.m. Service: Saturday, 3 p.m., at First Baptist Church-Higgins. Eulogist, Michael Payne. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, LR (501) 371-0111. Sign online guest book at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”

–––––❖––––– ELLA LOUISE LUSTER, 75, of North Little Rock passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2016. She leaves to cherish her memory; children, Carla Luster, Jearldine Luster and Laura Stewart (Roosevelt), eight grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, 12 noon at New Hope Church of God in Christ, 12914 Hwy. 365 South, Wrightsville, Arkansas. The family will receive friends today from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Personal and Professional services entrusted Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street, Little Rock. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com. “We Care, When Caring Counts.”

–––––❖––––– RICHARD E. “GENE” MINOR, age 92, of Little Rock died on November 27, 2016, at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born on August 1, 1924, to the late William R. “Boots” Minor and Edith Noryne “Granny Denner” Hooker Minor in Tyronza, Arkansas.

He was a WWII Army Air Corps veteran, serving with the 451st Bombardment Group, as a ball turret gunner, on a B-24 Liberator over the European Theater. After the war, he worked as second man at Denwood Plantation, Denwood, AR for seventeen years. In 1966, he became the administrator of Little Rock Orthopedic Clinic until his retirement 25 years later. He was a pioneer in medical management and was a founding member of the Arkansas Medical Group Management Association and of “BONES”, Best Orthopedic National Education Society. He was instrumental in pushing through legislation that benefited medical management, doctors, employees and hospitals.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter and private pilot. He kept them all up until his health would no longer allow him that level of active independence. He was a devoted family man and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved nothing more than hearing about their lives, a good hunting or fishing story and loved retelling stories of his activities with his second family, his B-24 crew. They were brothers to the end.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Dottie Davis Minor; three sons, Joe E Minor (Jodi) of Little Rock, Richard E Minor, Jr. (Abbie) of Little Rock, Ryan A Minor; two daughters, Margie Minor Jordan (Harvey) of Alexander and Vicki Minor Hill of Bismarck (Jack); a sister, Joy Sue Markham of Little Rock; grandchildren, Jessi Christian Johnson (Scott) of Hot Springs, Ali Christian, Becca Christian Harrell, Melanie Minor, all of Little Rock, Amber Minor Coffman of Charlotte, N.C., Richard E. “Boots” Minor, III, Louise Minor both of Little Rock, and Michael Nicolaou (Tracy) of Austin, Texas; eight great-grandchildren, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Joan Minor Lehr and Jewel Minor Harkey; one great-granddaughter, Fiona Nacole Douberly and one grandson-in–law, Justin Harrell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in his memory to the Father George B. Tribou Endowment Fund at Catholic High School for Boys, 6300 Father Tribou St., Little Rock, AR 72205 or the Monsignor Gaston Hebert Endowment Fund at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N Rodney Parham, Little Rock, Ark. 72212 or to a charity of your choice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 12:30 p.m., Friday, December 2, 2016 at Christ the King Catholic Church. Visitation will follow in the Family Life Center. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501) 224-8300.

Burial will be held 12 noon, Monday, December 5, 2016 at Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ chenal.

–––––❖––––– GRACE EILINE DEATON ELLIS NICHOLS, went to her heavenly home on November 28, 2016, at the age of 90. Born May 2, 1926, in Scott, Ark., she was a member of Wister Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by two wonderful husbands, Milton Ellis of Little Rock and Ray Nichols of Poteau, Okla.; parents, Ruben and Glennie Deaton; brother, Thomas Deaton; and step-daughter, Greta Ranten.

She is survived by daughter, Katherine Porter (Earl) of Haskell, Okla.; four sisters, Ethelene Self, Owda Jones, Imogene Bryant and Pearl Jones, all of Little Rock; three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and three step-children, Jodi Hoffman (Bill), Charlott Holland (Lindy) and David Nichols.

Funeral service will be Friday, December 2, at 2 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander. Online guestbook is available at www. griffinleggettforesthills.com.

–––––❖––––– Memorial service for LARRY “STUMP” ROBERTSON SR., of Little Rock will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 3, in the Kendall Center on the Philander Smith College campus. A private Kappa Alpha Psi Ritual will be at 12 noon at the same location. Arrangements with the assistance of Walton GateWay Funeral Chapel, (501) 376-7188.

–––––❖––––– LUTHER “LUKE” W. RODGERS, 71, of North Little Rock passed Thursday, November 24, 2016. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2016, 11 a.m., at New Dora Baptist Church, 317 Jamison Ave., North Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow at Rest In Peace Memorial Gardens, Hensley, Ark. Viewing: today, December 2, 2016, 1-5 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305

–––––❖––––– ROBERT P. TAYLOR, age 92, passed away November 29, 2016 in Little Rock. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, December 12, 2016 at Christ Episcopal Church in Little Rock with a reception following. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, December 11, 2016 at Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock. A complete obituary with more details will be released in the days to come. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– LILLIE MAE VINSON, 83, her twilight February 16, 1933 to dawn November 28, 2016. Lillie was born in Carlisle, Ark. The first born of seven children to Rosyanner and George Johnson who preceded her in death and also siblings, John Johnson and George Johnson and Rose Johnson. Left to cherish her memories are daughter, Genell Walker of Detroit, Mich.; sisters, Barbara Smith of New York, N.Y., Susie Hood of Little Rock, Ark.; brother, Herbert Johnson of Texarkana, Ark.; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Home going services will be Monday, December 5, 2016, 12 noon. Interment will follow at Elmlawn Cemetery. Visitation: Monday, 10-12 noon, both services at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 South Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.

Arkansas

BALD KNOB — Johnny Larie, 69, died Wednesday. Survivors: wife, Connie; children, Dan and Brian Larie and James Lee Tucker; seven grandchildren; one sister; two brothers. Visitation: Friday, 6-8 p.m. Services: Saturday, December 3, 2016, 2 p.m., Powell Funeral Chapel. Interment: Fredonia Cemetery by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Billy DeWayne “Wayne” McGinty, age 62, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016. He was born May 24, 1954 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Wayne was an owner and operator of B. R. McGinty and a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. He was an admired and kindhearted man who dearly loved the Lord Jesus Christ and his family. Wayne will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Ray “B.R.” McGinty; his grandparents, Corbet and Velma Dodson and Edgar and Era McGinty and a niece, Amy Grenier. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jerrye Lee McGinty; son, Jeremy Wayne McGinty and wife Jessica; daughter, Jennifer Shea Russell and husband Justin; mother, Earnestine McGinty; brother, Chuck McGinty and wife Linda; sister, Donna Pennington and husband J. W.; sister-in-law, Jackie Clark; four grandchildren that are the pride and joy of his life, Carter and Cash Russell and Bo and Ty McGinty; nieces and nephews, Lissy Blacklaw (Aaron), Amanda Newman (Brad), Brady Snellings, Matt McGinty (Lyndsy), Josh Clark (Brittney) and Jake Clark; many precious great-nieces and great-nephews and one special to his heart, Katelynn Blacklaw.

Pallbearers will be Brady Snellings, Matt McGinty, Josh Clark, Jake Clark, Aaron Blacklaw and Brad Newman. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 2 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 3 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church with burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Bro. Dave Hughey will be officiating. Donations may be made to the Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Building Fund. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– BULL SHOALS — Funeral arrangements for Donald Forsell, 78, of Bull Shoals, Ark., will be private by Conner Family Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Donald Forsell passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Baxter Regional Medical Center in Mountain Home, Ark. Online guestbook and obituary are be available at www.connerfamilyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– CABOT — Bessie Mae Bowyer Dedmon, age 76, of Cabot, went to her heavenly home on November 30, 2016. She was born in Lynchburg, Virginia to the late Silas and Mary Bowyer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wendell Dedmon, and her brothers, Nathan and William Bowyer. Bessie loved nature, animals, and her beautiful garden. She enjoyed watching the butterflies and hummingbirds as they visited her favorite gardenias and other beautiful flowers.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved children, Nona Rogers (Sam) of Rogers, Ark.; Amy Martin (Matt) of Cary, N.C.; and Charles Smith (Dale) of Cabot, Ark.; grandchildren Robert and Charlene Smith, Christie Dishler, Maddison and Parker Davis, 13 great-grandchildren, special friend Bill Melton of Conway, Ark., and other loving family and friends.

A Memorial Visitation will be held in her honor on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the Service to follow at Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot. In lieu of flowers a donation in her memory may be made to the Humane Society of the United States. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot (501) 941-7888. http:// www.thomasfuneralservice. com/.

–––––❖––––– CABOT — Tiffiny Mamie Lynn Hogan passed on Monday, November 28, 2016. She was preceded in death by her father John Roach. She is survived by her children Audrey and Avery, mother Frances Roach, and many loving family members and friends. Visitation will be Sunday, December 4 from 2-4 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Service, Cabot. Funeral Service will be Monday, December 5 at 10 a.m. at The Bridge Church, 1610 S. Pine Street, Cabot. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service (501) 941-7888. www.thomasfuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– CALICO ROCK — Flora Martin Jennings, 87, died December 1. Visitation: Saturday, December 3 1-2 p.m. Funeral Service: Saturday, December 3, 2 p.m. at Calico Rock Mennonite Fellowship. Burial: Staggs Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock. Survivors: Ellen Richie, Rodney Jennings, Donna Jennings (children); Dorothy Pinkston (sister).

–––––❖––––– CAVE CITY — Opal Cavasin, 92, of Cave City died November 30, 2016. Survivors: son, Mark Dyer; daughters, Mary Haywood, Linda Cavazos, Paula Dyer; brother, Ray Thompson; seven grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Roller-Crouch-McGee Chapel. Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Cave City. Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. www.roller-funeralhomes.com/cavecity.

–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Joyce Russell, 57, of Conway, formerly of Dumas, died November 26, in Virginia Beach, Va. Survivors are one son and four daughters. Funeral: December 3, 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Rock MBC, 100 N. Cherry, Dumas, Ark. Visitation: today, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. at the church. Services by Veasley Funeral Home. www.veasleyfuneralhome.com. 501-358-6300.

–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Nora Lee Swallow, 75, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016. Graveside Service 10 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Oak Grove Cemetery Conway. Open visitation 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home Conway, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– FAIRFIELD BAY — Bernice Neely, 85, passed away November 30, 2016. Born January 15, 1931, daughter of late Archie and Alberta George Cloud. Widow of John Neely. Survivors: children Wayne Neely (Shelia), David Neely, Keith Neely (Donna), Nanette Crotts (Brian); eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. Visitation: Friday, 11 a.m. Funeral 1 p.m., Eglantine Church of Christ. Burial Woodland Memorial Park. www.olmstead.cc.

–––––❖––––– GRADY — Gary Leonard Parker, 58, of Grady, Arkansas, passed Monday, Nov 21. No immediate family. Graveside service 11 a.m., Rest In Peace Cemetery on Saturday. Arrangements by Watson-Northcrest, 1801 Maple St. 812-5303.

–––––❖––––– HEBER SPRINGS — Ruby Joe Bratcher, 77, of Heber Springs died Nov. 30, 2016. Survivors: two sons, David Bratcher of Heber Springs, Jerry Bratcher of Springdale, Arkansas. A Memorial Service: 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at Sugar Loaf Baptist Church in Heber Springs. Arrangements by Heber Springs Funeral Home. Online Obituary: www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– HEBER SPRINGS — Dorothy Lou Paone, 78, died November 30, 2016. Born June 16, 1938, Daughter of late Horace Clay and Bertha White Stacks. Widow of David Paone. Survivors: three sons, five daughters, sister, 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren. Memorial Service: Saturday, 10 a.m., 1st United Methodist Church. www. olmstead.cc.

–––––❖––––– HOT SPRINGS — Dr. Robert Cowan Pope, age 86, of Hot Springs, died Wednesday, November 30, 2016. He was born on March 22, 1930, in Little Rock, the son of John J. Pope and Winifred Phayer Pope. He married Patty Stockemer on March 20, 1970. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and his son, John Pope.

Robert was Christian in his faith and graduated from Subiaco Academy. He was a United States Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He received his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine, Fayetteville, in June of 1958. His residency was at Kansas City General Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, from 1958 through 1959. He was a member of the American Board of Pathology, American Medical Association and retired in 1992.

He is survived by his daughter Peggy Pope; his nephews, Barry Martindale of Harrison, Arkansas, and Michael Martindale of Hudson, Florida; and his niece, Pam Galloway of Lakewood, New Mexico; and numerous friends.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, in the Coker Cemetery near Amity, Arkansas. Military honors will be presented by the United State Army Honor Guard.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.

–––––❖––––– JONESBORO — James Merle Rupard, 78, of Jonesboro passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016, at his home. He was born August 26, 1938 in Craighead County to the Arthur C. and Ona M. Griffin Rupard. He was a member of Woods Chapel Baptist Church. He was a member of the Gideons International and loved farm tractors, hunting, fishing, and talking with the coffee drinkers at Hardee’s.

Mr. Rupard is preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Jack Rupard. Survivors include his wife, Doris Troutman Rupard; two sons, James Randall (Carol) Rupard and William Douglas (Mary) Rupard; a daughter, Kimberly Ann Rupard; four grandchildren, Josh Rupard, Jordan (Doyle) Rupard, Madison Rupard and Max Rupard; and

two great-grandchildren, Reece Rupard and Porter Doyle.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Woods Chapel Baptist Church with Rick Hathcoat officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Log Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. until time of service. Bo James, Mike Rupard, Scott Bridger, Josh Rupard, Max Rupard, Glen Bridger, Kelly McGaughey and Tony Elmore will serve as pallbearers. The Bridger Hunting Club will serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider either the Woods Chapel Baptist Church or the Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Jonesboro.

–––––❖––––– MALVERN — Jo Folds, age 74, of Malvern died Wednesday, November 30, 2016, in Little Rock. She was born on July 30, 1942, in Decatur, Georgia, to the late John W. Payne, Sr. and Enid Cook Payne. Reared and receiving her education in Georgia and Arkansas, she attended Oglethorpe University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science; and Henderson State University, earning a Master’s Degree in Education. Jo was a public school teacher for over 30 years, retiring from the Malvern School District. A resident of Malvern since 1969, she was a member of First Presbyterian Church and P.E.O. Chapter BC.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Folds, to whom she was married on August 30, 1968, in Hapeville, Georgia; two sons, Wesley Folds and his wife, Angie, of Conway, Arkansas, and J. R. Folds and his wife, Traci, of Hot Springs, Arkansas; two brothers, Bobby Payne (Flora) of Forrest Park, Georgia, and John W. Payne, Jr. (Nancy Jo) of Grayson, Georgia; seven grandchildren, Mackenzie and Jackson Folds, Caroline, Griffin, Mary Kate, Anna, and Elli; numerous nieces and nephews. Jo was also preceded in death by a brother, Tommy Payne, and a sister, Nannie Kate Thompson.

Visitation will be on Friday evening, December 2, 2016, from 6 until 8 p.m. at J.A. Funk Funeral Home. Funeral services at First Presbyterian Church will be at 10 a.m. Saturday morning, December 3, 2016, with Reverend Courtney Bacon-Latina officiating.

Pallbearers will be: Ralph Williams, Michael Chance, Ben Dial, Chris Williams, Landon Williams, and Blair Williams. Following the service, she will be flown to Atlanta, and her interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery, DeKalb County, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, memorials may take the form of gifts to First Presbyterian Church, Malvern, or the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– MARIANNA — Mrs. Julia Dixie Jackson “JuJu” Hughey age 94, of Marianna, Arkansas died on November 30, 2016. She was born on December 16, 1921, in Marianna to H.M. and Cordelia Rickets Jackson.

JuJu loved life, her church and her family and many friends. Crossword puzzles and bridge were everyday activities, as well as cooking and keeping books at Marianna Parts Inc., a business she and Bob owned and managed with their children for 57 years.

She is survived by a son, Jack Hughey and wife Timothy and daughter, Anne McClendon and husband Donnie of Marianna. Grandchildren, Ashley Bennett and husband Matthew of Madison, Mississippi, Rob Stiles and wife Faith of Flagler Beach, Florida, Heather Middleton and husband Mike and Steven McClendon and wife Pam all of Marianna. Great-grandchildren Charlie, Davis and Molly Bennett, Sarah Beth Simmons and husband Kyle, Jackson and John Stiles, Reed Middleton, Taylor and Tanner McClendon. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert “Bob” Hughey, her brother H.M. Jackson Jr. and sister Mary Jackson Standing.

A Memorial service will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 3rd at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Marianna. Burial will follow Marianna Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Marianna, Arkansas, P.O. Box 241, 72360. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net. Under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

–––––❖––––– MARVELL — Annie Mae Smith, 82, died Tuesday, November 22. Survivors: children Myrtis Isom, David Aaron Smith, Victor Smith; siblings Beatrice, Ruby, Ruthie, Thomas, Jeff, Leotriest, Leslie, Eslie; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Friday. Funeral: 12 noon Saturday, Bob Neal & Sons-Brickell Funeral Home, Marvell. Burial: Mount Moriah Cemetery. Guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com.

–––––❖––––– McGEHEE — Robert Bernice Markham Jr. of McGehee, Ark., died November 28, 2016, in Holladay, Tenn. Predeceased by parents Robert Bernice and Jenny Mince Markham, brothers Ervin Markham and Darl Markham, sisters Mildred Markham, Georgia Johnson, and Verner Geisler.

Survived by Peggy, wife of 63 years, daughters, Judy (Bill) Thompson, Holladay, Tenn., Debbie (John) Carter, North Little Rock, and son, Bob Markham, Glendale, Ariz., seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Griffin Culpepper Funeral Home in McGehee. Visitation for family and friends will be at 1 p.m. with service to begin at 2 p.m. Burial at McGehee Cemetery. Online guest book may be signed at www.griffinculpepper.com.

–––––❖––––– MENA — James “Jimmy” William Byrd, 49, of Mena, Arkansas, passed from this life on November 23, 2016. He was born on March 27, 1967, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to Clause William and Patricia Elaine Byrd. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. www. anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– MENA — Elvin Huston Davis, 77, of Mena passed away November 30, 2016, in Mena. Funeral service will be December 3, 2016, 10 a.m., Acorn Baptist in Acorn, Arkansas. Interment will follow in the Blackfork Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

–––––❖––––– MONTICELLO — Glenn Craig, age 67, of Monticello passed away Friday, November 25, 2016, at Belle View Estates Nursing & Rehab in Monticello. He was born September 28, 1949, in Monticello to James Craig and Bennie Jean Causey Craig Tucker. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016, at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel. Online guestbook: www.stephensondearman.com.

–––––❖––––– MONTICELLO — William Frank Jackson, age 81, died early Thursday morning, December 1, at his home in Monticello. He was the son of the late William Marion and Nina Virginia Jackson of McGehee.

Jackson and his wife, Mary Emily Clower Jackson, were publishers of The Advance Monticellonian newspaper from 1964 until 1996. They began their journalism careers at The Times in McGehee, Arkansas, in 1962. They moved from McGehee to Monticello in 1964 when Jackson’s father purchased The Advance Monticellonian after a fire destroyed the newspaper’s building. In addition to his involvement in the newspaper business, Jackson was a radio control aircraft enthusiast, opening Advance Hobbies in the late 1990s, and was also an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and tennis player.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Emily, and their four children, William Stuart Jackson and his wife Christy of Little Rock, Elizabeth Brooke Smith, Julie Catherine Jackson and John Flannery Jackson, all of Monticello. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Kathleen Emily Jackson and Connor William Jackson, both of Little Rock; his older sister, Etta Marion Williams and husband William W. Williams Jr. of McGehee and their children (William W. Williams III and Susan Williams Zalnis and their children and grandchildren) also survive him.

Jackson was a 1953 graduate of McGehee High School and a 1957 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville (Sigma Chi), where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business, with a minor in journalism. Upon graduation from college, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force and underwent pilot training. He served four years and was honorably discharged. He retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Captain.

Jackson was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served in various roles, including youth Sunday school teacher and board member. Jackson’s other community activities included being a member of the local Rotary Club, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow; being a member of the Monticello Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors; being a member of the Board of Directors of Union Bank and Trust; being a member of Twenty for the Future in Monticello; and being a member of the organizing committee for Delta Counseling, later serving on its board of directors for about ten years. He was also a member of the original committee that planned and successfully developed Monticello’s Educational, Medical and Cultural Complex.

Despite all of these activities over the course of his 81 years, his most enjoyable times in life came when he was fishing with Mary Emily. She could out-fish and outlast him at any time and on any lake, river or stream!

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dennis Spence officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello. Family visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main, Monticello; Paws Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 126, Monticello, Ark.; American Heart Assoc., 909 W. 2nd, Little Rock, Ark. 72201. Online guest book at www.stephensondearman.com.

–––––❖––––– MONTICELLO — Theodore McCullough, 97, of Monticello passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at the Woods Nursing and Rehab Facility in Monticello. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 16th Section Missionary Baptist Church. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

–––––❖––––– PINE BLUFF — Freddie F. Glass Frazier, 59, of Pine Bluff, Ark. Funeral service will be Saturday, December 3, 2016, 10:30 a.m., New St. James Baptist Church with Rev. James Barnes Sr. officiating. Interment Graceland Cemetery V.A. section by Paradise Funeral Home.

–––––❖––––– PINE BLUFF — Mr. Roosevelt Kelley, 76, of Pine Bluff, Ark., passed November 21, 2016. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Pine Hill Baptist Church by Pastor William A. Shaw, Jr. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

–––––❖––––– PINE BLUFF — Rev. Curley Minniefield Jr., 62, of Pine Bluff passed away on November 20, 2016. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Amos Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. Funeral service handled by Christian Way Funeral Home.

–––––❖––––– PINE BLUFF — On November 29, 2016, Mr. Louis Percell Stigger, 79, of Pine Bluff passed away.

He is survived by four sisters: Margaret Barker of Taylorsville, N.C.; Lillie Metcalf of Conway, Ark.; Susie (Johnnie) Robinson and Flavelia Stigger of Pine Bluff, Ark.; and several generations of nephews and nieces whose well-being was of utmost concern to him. He was a retired public school teacher.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at St. Paul M.B. Church, 1404 S. Georgia St., Pine Bluff, Ark., by Reverend Steven King. Interment will be at St. Olive Cemetery, Crockett’s Bluff, Ark., by P.K. Miller Mortuary of Pine Bluff. His body will lie in repose Saturday, December 3, 2016, 10 a.m. until service time. Visitation will be Friday, December 2, 2016, 5-7 p.m. at St. Paul M.B. Church. The family will be at 1215 Alabama, Pine Bluff, Ark.

–––––❖––––– PINE BLUFF — Ethel Mae Tolvert, 89, passed November 27, 2016. Funeral service will be Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 10 a.m. in Selma, Alabama, at St. Mary’s M.B. Church with Rev. Arnold Garrett Officiating. Interment will be in New Live Oak Cemetery by Paradise Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.

–––––❖––––– PORTLAND — Eugene “Gene” Holmes, 66, of Portland, died November 24, at his home with his family and friends.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Georgia Holmes of Portland; two sons, Fredrick Eugene of Harrison and Adrian LaRon of White Hall; two daughters, Tarsha Marie Averett of Arlington, Texas, and Adriana Brianna Webster of Maumelle; two sisters, Cora Jane Metcalf of Little Rock and Lillie Mae Holmes of Milwaukee, Wis; six brothers, George Jr., Ricky, and Samuel Holmes of Milwaukee, Wis., Alfred and Eric Holmes of Portland, and Ray Lee Holmes of Montrose; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 12 noon Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Union Baptist Church, Parkdale, Ark.; Rev. Jessie Knight, Pastor, Rev. Kentrell Woods officiating. Service entrusted to Dillard Funeral Home, 137 Front Street, Eudora, Ark. 71640. (870) 355-4888.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Wanda EldaJean Smith, 87, of Searcy died Thursday, December 1st. She was born August 12, 1929. Visitation will be Saturday, December 3rd from 6-8 p.m., at Searcy-McEuen Chapel. Graveside services will be Sunday, December 4th at 2 p.m. at Henderson Cemetery in Pangburn. All funeral arrangements by Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home.

–––––❖––––– SPRINGFIELD — Charles Leon Coning, age 73, of Springfield, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Hattieville Family Worship Center with a private burial at a later date. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

–––––❖––––– TUMBLING SHOALS — J.D. Yarbrough, 84, died Wednesday. Survivors: wife, Ann Yarbrough; daughter, Benita Yingling (Stan); one stepson; one stepdaughter; brother; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Visitation: Friday, 6-8 p.m., Powell Funeral Home. Graveside: Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 11 a.m., Providence Cemetery by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– WHITE HALL — Mrs. Pamela Renee Atkinson, 42, of White Hall, Ark., passed November 25, 2016. Funeral Service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Family Time Baptist Church by Pastor Parnell Walker. Interment will be in Canaan Cemetery, Tarry, Ark., by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.