Arkansas
BATESVILLE — Ross “Junior” Debow, 91, of Batesville died Sunday, February 19, 2017. Born August 15, 1925 in Bethesda to Ross and Beulah Debow. Funeral: 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 22 in the Roller-Crouch Chapel officiated by Steve Smith. Burial: Camp Ground Cemetery in Bethesda. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. www.rollerfuneralhomes. com/batesville.
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BRYANT — Larry Cross, age 75, of Bryant died on February 19, 2017. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. To sign the online guest book, go to www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
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BRYANT — Jane R. Wilkins, 85 of Bryant, passed away February 18, 2017. She was born July 30, 1931 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to the late Gene and Billie Barnhill Reynolds. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Benton and Wesley Sunday School Class. Jane was a volunteer at Saline Memorial Hospital from 2000 until 2017. She logged over 5,433 hours of volunteer service.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Bobby Reynolds, grandson, Matthew Taylor and husband of 62 years, Melvin Wilkins. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Jane and Don Dove, Maggie and Jim Taylor; granddaughters, Claire and Jorge Marron, Paige Taylor, sister, Billigene Pedigo, brother, Jim and Linda Reynolds, special relatives, M.L. and Mary Ann Wilkins, numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Church services at First United Methodist Church in Benton will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ben Crismon officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery in Alexander. The family would like to thank the staff, volunteers and nurses at Saline Memorial Hospice House for all their kindness and care during this difficult time. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
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CAVE CITY — James Bartis Hoggard, 90, of Cave City died Monday February 20, 2017. Funeral services will be today at 2 p.m. at the Qualls Funeral Home Chapel, Cave City. Burial will follow in the Cave City Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
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CONWAY — Laura Nadine Byers, 84, of Conway, Arkansas passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home Conway. Funeral 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 22, at Eastside Baptist Church Conway. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Park. Entrusted to: Roller McNutt Funeral Home Conway. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.
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CONWAY — Pauline “Paula” Morris Hix, 70, of Conway passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017. She was born June 3, 1946 in Corpus Christi, Texas to Paul and Esther Mae Williford Morris.
She is survived by her husband, Donald Hix; children, Gerald Lybrand (Kathy) of Sherwood, Pamela Ausburn (Eddie) of Bryant, and Christopher Lybrand (Mary) of Conway; stepchildren, Libby Davenport (Ricky) of Clarendon and Carol Martin (Bill) of Oxford, Mississippi; grandchildren, Cheyanne, Lauren, Kayla, Holly, Jessica, Chris, Travis, Currie, and John; and her mother, Esther Morris. She was preceded in death by her father; two sisters and a brother.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Harmony Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
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COTTER — A Memorial Service for Judy Fay Ray McDonald of Cotter, Ark., will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at East Side Baptist Church, with Darrel DeBoard officiating. A gathering of friends and family will be from 1 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. at the church.
Judy went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on Feb. 18, 2017, in Mountain Home, Ark., at the age of 71. She was born September 9, 1945, in Little Rock, Arkansas, the daughter of Carl and Mary Kirby Ray. Before retirement, she served as Business Development Officer for Union National Bank in Little Rock, and was active in several women’s organizations including American Business Women’s Association and Network of Executive Women. She received many awards for her accomplishments including “Woman of the Year” and Distinguished Sales, presented by then Governor Bill Clinton.
After living in Chattanooga, Tenn., for 27 years, she and her husband, Ron, retired to Cotter, Ark., in 2008. She was very devoted to her church, East Side Baptist, and her community. Her radiant smile and vivacious personality made a lasting impression on all who met her and she was loved and admired by all who knew her. Judy enjoyed gardening, watching wildlife, and spicy food. Her greatest joy was spending time with friends and family.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Ronald “Ron” McDonald. She is survived by her five children: Thomas “Randy” (Galena) Morrow of Bentonville, Ark., Mark Morrow of Bauxite, Ark., Karen (Cliff) Vaughn of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Kristy (Bennett) Grimm of Atlanta, Ga., and Kevin (Julie) McDonald of Craig, Alaska; 11 grandchildren, Ivan (Elena), Natalie, Scott, Ashlyn, Kristen, Kylie, Cassidy, Georgia, Tate, Fiona, and Payton; brother Carl (LaJuanna) Ray, Jr. of Hope, Ark., and sister, Pasty Keel of Little Rock, Ark.
Memorials may be made to East Side Baptist Church Children’s Fund, 718 E. 9th St., Mountain Home, Ark. 72653, or the Gassville Cotter Rural Fire Department, P.O. Box 118, Gassville, Ark. 72635.
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DANVILLE — Irma Grace Reed, age 87, of Danville passed away Sunday, February 19, 2017. Funeral service; 10 a.m. Wednesday, February 22, at the Danville Cornwell Funeral Home Chapel. Burial; Earl Ladd Cemetery. Visitation; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, February 21 at the funeral home. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville.
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DARDANELLE — Brandon Murphy Crow, age 44, of Dardanelle died Saturday, February 18, 2017 at River Valley Medical Center. Service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at the Chapel. Visitation was held Monday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Chapel. A full obit will run in a later edition of The Courier. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.
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HARRISBURG — Arvil Brown, 79, of Harrisburg died Saturday. Survivors are: sons, Roger, Mark, Tony, and Kenneth, brothers: Reece, Sherrill, and Stanley, sisters: Georgette and Katherine, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at Jackson’s Funeral Home; visitation Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Interment: Harrisburg Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Funeral Home.
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HARRISON — John Robert Watts, of Harrison, Arkansas passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017, in St. Louis, Missouri. John was born October 16, 1954, in Harrison. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Thursday, February 23, at White Church Cemetery in Harrison. Visitation is Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison.
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HEBER SPRINGS — Lynn Elaine Abbott Williams, 68, passed away on Saturday, February 18, at North Little Rock Baptist Hospital.
She was born on November 21, 1948, in Newport to Lloyd and Virginia Abbott. She was a 1966 graduate of Tuckerman High School. She married Ronald C. Williams on July 15, 1968, in Tuckerman. They have one daughter, Karrabi Williams Malin. There are three grandchildren, Octavia, Isabel and Noah. She is survived by her mother, Virginia Abbott (Houston, Texas); her husband, Ronnie; two sisters, Vicki Abbott Hulett (Houston, Texas) and Ann Abbott Boyce (Newport, Arkansas); and daughter, Karrabi Williams Malin (Grapevine, Texas).
Family and friends are invited to the funeral at Heber Springs Funeral Home from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 25. Online Obituary: www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.
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MARVELL — Doyle Howell, age 81, died Sunday. Survivors: wife: Velma Clemons Howell of Marvell, son: Lesley Howell of Greenbrier, daughter: Doyla George (Ronnie) of Marvell, grandson: R.P. George and fiancé, Collyn Lindley. Funeral services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Bob Neal & Sons-Brickell Funeral Home, Marvell. Burial: Marvell Cemetery.
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MENA — Bonnie Jean Harrison, 83, of Mena passed away Saturday, February 18, 2017 in Mena. Graveside service will be Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 10 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at Big Fork under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
MENA — Peggy Louise Williamson Johnson, 90, of Mena, passed away February 18, 2017. Mrs. Johnson was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
MORO — Rosa Mae Holloway Eason, 86, of Moro, Arkansas, went to be with Jesus on February 18, 2017. The daughter of R.G. and Eola Holloway, she was born in Monroe, Arkansas, on December 13, 1930. She graduated from Clarendon High School in 1947, where she was a cheerleader and was selected for the Homecoming Court. She attended business college in Little Rock and also excelled in Home Economics, which prepared her for her role as a farm wife. She married the love of her life, Fremont Daniel Eason, in 1954. They were named Lee County Farm Family of the Year in 1969 and were married for 50 years. She was active in Moro First Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, volunteered with children’s choir, and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She also started a local Girl Scout troop and served with Awana. She had a gift for music and was a talented pianist and organist as well as a skilled oil painter and seamstress. She never missed her grandchildren’s football games, pageants, recitals, school programs, and other activities.
Mrs. Eason was preceded in death by her husband, Fremont, and three brothers: Everett Theodore Holloway, James “Jimmy” Dockery, and Julian “Dude” Holloway. She is survived by her faithful daughter and devoted friend, Angela Waldrip, and her husband, Mark, whom she loved like her own son; four grandchildren, Allison Bragg (Aaron), Nathan Waldrip (Maegan), Lauren Ward (Wesley), and Katie Branscum (Ethan); and one great-grandson, Austin Marcus Bragg.
Her favorite role in life was being “Gran,” as she was called not only by her grandchildren but also by all of their friends. She will be remembered for her warm heart and generous spirit. Serving as pallbearers will be Nathan Waldrip, Aaron Bragg, Ethan Branscum, Wes Ward, Keith Freeland, and Holly Hickman.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 21, at 10 a.m. at Moro Baptist Church, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.
–––––❖––––– MORRILTON — Jennifer Louise Anderson, 53, of Morrilton, Ark. passed away February 17, 2017. Mrs. Anderson was born May 29, 1963 in Morrilton, Ark. to John and Georgianna Anderson. Visitation will be February 22, 2017 at noon at First Baptist Church in Morrilton, Ark. Memorial Service will follow at 2 p.m. Rosewoodcremation.com.
–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN VIEW — Susie (Burns) Johnson, 62, died February 19, 2017. Survivors are mother, Ruby Burns, husband, Eddie Johnson, children Everett and Rebecca. Visitation is Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 12-2 p.m. at Roller Coffman Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Funeral services follow the visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtview1.
–––––❖––––– PINE BLUFF — Mr. Jesse Jasper, 76, of Pine Bluff, Ark. passed February 13, 2017. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Breath of Life Church by Elder Walter Jones. Interment will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, Ark. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.
–––––❖––––– PINE BLUFF — Levan H. Outlaw, age 76, of Pine Bluff, Ark,, died Sunday, February 19, at JRMC. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, at Frazers’s Funeral Home, Warren, Ark. Visitation: 12:30 p.m. until service time Tuesday, at Frazer’s. Burial in Outlaw Cemetery at Sumpter, Ark. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– RUSSELLVILLE — James Rye, 88, of Russellville, died Saturday. Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Wednesday at the First Assembly of God. Burial will be in East Point Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation: 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Online obituary/guestbook is available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Cynthia Evans Barker, age 70, went to her heavenly home on February 18, 2017 after a yearlong battle with cancer. Known affectionately by her grandkids as “Nana,” she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and leader in White County who focused on strengthening conservative values in the community. Cindy was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on October 18, 1946, and lived her entire childhood in Searcy, where she proudly cheered for Searcy High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Arkansas and served as a founding member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It was there that Cindy met her first husband, David Fulcher Evans. The two started their family in Memphis, Tenn., where David had his own business. It was in Germantown, Tenn., where Cindy began her long history of volunteering her time to serve in the community as the Chairman of the Germantown Beautification Commission and a member of the Germantown Design Review Committee. After the passing of her first husband, David Fulcher Evans, she focused on the role that she would be most proud of in the end - loving mother to the two boys that she raised to be exceptional men. Cindy’s life began a new chapter when she ran into her high school sweetheart, Kenneth Dayton Barker, at her 25-year high school reunion. The two fell in love all over again and enjoyed a beautiful life together traveling the country helping Amazon, Walmart, Dollar General and many other companies improve their product distribution capabilities. Cindy loved sharing her life with everyone; often speaking about old high school friends and the men and women on Kenny’s team with whom she shared so many memories. Cindy could most often be heard talking about how proud she was of not only her sons, but also her grandchildren. Cindy spent the final years of her life in Searcy, committed to the community where she served as a delegate for Arkansas at the Republican National Convention in 2012 and as a White County Election Commission leader for many years. Cindy loved Searcy and the people in it. Spending the final chapter of her life in Searcy gave her proximity to old friends and family.
Survivors include her son, David Fulcher Evans Jr. of Edmond, Oklahoma, his wife, Andrea, son, Trace and daughter, Kennedy as well as her son Brian Kemper Evans of Nashville, Tennessee, his wife, Jennifer and two sons Kemper and Campbell. She is also survived by her brother, Jim Erwin of Bryant, sister-inlaw, Carolyn and nephew, Trey. She is preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Dean Erwin, first husband, David Fulcher Evans and second husband, Kenneth Dayton Barker.
Visitation will be at Powell Funeral home in Searcy on Tuesday, February 21st, from 5 to 7 p.m. The Funeral will be held at Powell Funeral Home starting at 10 a.m. on February 22nd. A graveside interment for family and friends will follow at 3 p.m/ in Memphis Tennessee at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Louie D. Duke, 88 of Searcy, Arkansas passed away on February 18, 2017. Visitation Wednesday, February 22, 2017, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. Funeral Services at the Funeral Home on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 2 p.m. Interment at West Point Cemetery. For online guest book www. rollerfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– SHERIDAN — Louise Green Lavelle of Sheridan, Arkansas was born March 4, 1943 in Sheridan, the daughter of the late Minor Jewell and Edna Maybell Crook Green. She retired from Arkansas State Police after 43 years, as the longest serving employee. She also served as a member of the Grant County Quorum Court as the Justice of the Peace and Constable of the Simpson Township 1&2. She was an active member of Corinth Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as church secretary. Ms. Lavelle died Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Saline Memorial Hospice in Bryant at the age of 73.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Leon “Eddie” Lavelle Sr., brothers, Minor Green, Elester Green, Levi Green, John Green, Leonard Green, Charlie Green; sister, Elizabeth Hof. Survivors: sons, Edward Leon Lavelle, Jr. and wife Linda, T.J. Lavelle and partner Lyndon McWhorter, all of Ico; grandchildren, Samantha Elliott and husband Kyle of Ico, Jay Wallace and wife Chastity of Malvern; great grandchildren, Lane and Kassie Wallace and Baby Elliott due in August; brothers, Elbert Green of Hot Springs, M.J. Green of Sheridan; sister, Venita Stillman of Little Rock.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel in Sheridan with Bro. Tyler Askew and Bro. Glen Alston officiating. Burial will follow in Marvin Chapel Cemetery, near Ico, with Bro. Michael Walton conducting the committal. Visitation is Tuesday, 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Ron Casey, Shannon Shepherd, Shane Green, Ray Vance, Pete Roberts, Ryan Thomas. Honorary pallbearers are the Grant County Quorum Court and the ASP Angels. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www. memorialgardenssheridan.com.
–––––❖––––– STAR CITY — Homer Laron “Ronnie” Weatherford, 73, of Star City died Sunday. Funeral services are 10 a.m., Wednesday, at First Baptist Church-Star City. Visitation is 6–8 p.m., Tuesday, at Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Burial at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www. griffinfuneralservice.net.