Obituaries

Pulaski County

JEFFERY NEAL BOWERS, 55, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away following a lengthy illness on March 18, 2017. He was born January 12, 1962 in Augusta, Ga., to Gerald “Sonny” and Betsy Murchinson Bowers.

Jeffery loved the Lord with all his heart and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. His favorite day of the year was Gratitude Sunday at Calvary Baptist, as they held a churchwide pot-luck where massive amounts of food was served. Jeffery even brought his own Tupperware for leftovers. As a young boy, Jeffery was known as “A Boy Called Super Gnat” as he was really small, but very fast! He excelled in baseball, but football was his favorite sport. He was an All-State and All-Conference player. Jeffery loved his family, and enjoyed watching his children play sports — and passed his passion of fishing to his son.

He had such an amazing personality. Everyone was enamored by him and has a funny story about

him to share. He lit up a room the moment he walked in. Jeffery was a huge Razorback fan and an avid fisherman and hunter. God broke the mold when he made Jeffery. He was truly a blessing to all who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Judy Bowers of Little Rock; daughter, Rebekah Bowers of Little Rock; son, Jeffery Bowers, Jr. of Little Rock; parents, Sonny and Betsy Bowers of Benton, Ark.; brother, Don Bowers and wife Elaine of Benton, Ark.; mother-inlaw, Rita Barthol of Little Rock; and many more family members and friends who loved Jeffery and will miss him always.

Reception visitation held 5-7 p.m., Thursday, March 23, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Ark. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Ed Simpson, will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, March 24 at Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, Ark. Burial following at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery, assisted by John Barthol, Eddie Barthol, Jay Hansen, Mark Chambers, Jason Durnett, Brad Holicer, Robert Clark, and Kenny Gibbs as pallbearers. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– BRENDA SUE DELK, 77, of Little Rock, died peacefully in her sleep Thursday at UAMS. Services will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, at San Damiano Church. Ms. Delk was born October 11, 1939, the daughter of Alice and Craven Tucker in Stanley County, N.C. She is survived by sister Peg Parker of Florence, S.C., son Greg Delk of Dallas, and daughters Laney Pierce and Lori Delk of Little Rock. She is preceded in death by daughter Lisa Delk, and sisters Hazel Thacker, Helen Grier, and Bea Hartsell. In lieu of flowers family requests donations to UNICEF. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

–––––❖––––– JEREMY RICHARD ELMQUIST, 46, passed away March 19, 2017. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Judie Elmquist; brothers, Jay Elmquist of Sacramento, Calif., Jared (Marisa) Elmquist of Little Rock, and Jess (Jennifer) Elmquist of Chaska, Minn.; and a host of other family and friends. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72223, with the funeral service on Friday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at the church. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Jeremy’s online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– DONALD BLAIR HATFIELD of Little Rock, Ark., died at home on March 19, 2017, after a life filled with love, luck, and joy. Born in Fort Smith, Ark., July 20, 1941, to Homer Don (H.D.) and Miriam (Bartleson) Hatfield, Don graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1959, and Arkansas Tech in 1963. After college he served in the Army in Europe and then in Vietnam, and was awarded a Bronze Star.

He had a long and rewarding career in information technology (which he always assured everyone was a result of luck and fortunate timing, and not of any technical skill), started to retire in 1995 and finally succeeded after three attempts in about 2010, after having done business in “between 40 and 50” countries.

Don served for almost 20 years as Advisory Board Chair for Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a program giving at-risk Arkansas youth a boost in academic achievement and a much-increased opportunity for high school graduation and college attendance. He was a Charter Member and past President of the Arkansas Academy of Computing, which has played an active role in enhancing computing education in the state and has funded hundreds of college scholarships in the field. He was an active Advisory Board member for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)’s Psychiatric Research Institute (PRI), and for the College of Engineering and Information Technology at UALR.

He is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn (nee Weiser), with whom he shared romance and adventures on six continents (sorry, Antarctica) and an enduring love; a son, Andrew, and two granddaughters, Ellaina and Blair, all of Conway; two sisters, Vicky Kiehl (Bill) of Russellville and Robin Rylander (Nick) of Tulsa; a nephew Bill Kiehl (Holly) of Erie, Colo., and their three children; and many, many friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by a son, Peter (Pete) Aaron Clay Hatfield.

The family has many people to thank, but first among them is the phenomenal staff at UAMS. Wonderful is far too weak a word. Thank you…

Memorials: A message to Don’s friends – Don has asked that no memorial services be held. Instead, he is asking us to dig a little deeper than usual and help him do some good on his way out. Before his death, Don began work on an endowment initiative at the Psychiatric Research Institute of UAMS, with a particular focus on helping veterans and their families. You can help bring this effort to fruition by making a contribution in his memory. Please send your contributions to UAMS Foundation, 4301 W. Markham St., #716, Little Rock, Ark. 72205, or www.giving.uams. edu/give. Also include the notation “In Memory of Donald B. Hatfield.” Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome. com

From Marilyn, part of a verse from the Scottish poet Robert Burns:

“Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d;

Few heads with knowledge so inform’d;

If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;

If there is none, he made the best of this.”

–––––❖––––– EVELYN MOHN, 72, of North Little Rock, departed this life Monday, March 13, 2017. She is survived by two daughters, Bertha Griffin, Josephine Mohn; three sons, Nathaniel (Trina) Mohn, Charlie Griffin, Cornell (Mattie) Griffin; four sisters; two brothers; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends. Memorial service: 11 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2017, Hubble Memorial Chapel. Services entrusted to the legacy, Hubble Funeral Home, 501-374-3134. “Serving you with professional care since 1900”, www.hubblefuneralhome.co.

–––––❖––––– VIRGINIA MAY MOORE, 91, of Jacksonville, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017. She was born September 24, 1925, in Cushman, Ark., to the late Luther and Frances Page. She was preceded in death by her husband Edgar Moore.

She is survived by her son Paul Mitchell; her daughter Linda Atkinson; three grandsons, Jason Peeler, Michael Mitchell and Eric Mitchell; two great-grandchildren; and several nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Woodland Hills Nursing and Rehab for all of their care and kindness to Mrs. Moore.

Graveside services will be 12 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2017, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– MEARION B. “BOOTS” MROSS, 85, of Little Rock, passed away March 20, 2017. He was born in DeValls Bluff to John E. and Lela Jackson Mross, and was a member of Second Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Boots was an unselfish, good-hearted man, who loved to help anyone in need.

Preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mary L. Mross, and a daughter, Sandy Gail Mross, he is survived by his sons, John B. Mross of Little Rock, and Robert Atkinson and wife, Lisa of Alexandria, Va.; daughter, Ann Brewer and husband, Bill Brewer of Leander, Texas; brothers, Doyle Mross and J.P. Mross; sister, Veronica Avants; eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, March 22 at 10 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., 501-224-2200. Mr. Mross’s online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– JAMES “JIM” MURPHY, 65, of North Little Rock passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017. He was born March 12, 1952 in Valdosta, Ga., to Brantley and Myrtle Potter Murphy. He was retired from the Orange County Florida Fire Department after 35 years of service. He then worked as a nationally known trainer in the fire service. Jim served as a consultant to FEMA in the recovery after Hurricane Katrina. He helped develop software for the National Incident Management System. In 2014, he accepted the position of North Little Rock Fire Chief ,where he served until his death.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Kit Murphy; daughters, Laura Hebert (Jim) and Karen Warnock (Mike); grandchildren, Nicole Burruezo (Alex), Jordan Herbert, Katelyn Warnock and Pearce Warnock; great-grandchildren, Sophia Burruezo, Matthew Burruezo; siblings, Ed Potter, Carl Murphy, Bill Murphy, Kathy Roberts, David Murphy and Patty Harville; and nieces, Arian Clute (Chris) and Aubrey M.A. Morales. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Wayne and Rick Murphy.

Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial, P.O. Box 56470, Little Rock, AR 72215. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Lakewood United Methodist Church, with a visitation prior to service at 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the church.

Arrangements by Smith - North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– JEANETTE L. ST. JOHN, 87, passed from our arms to the arms of her Savior, March 16, 2017. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim St John. She is survived by her daughters, Judy Burrows of Little Rock and Joyce Gildemeister of Wichita, Kan. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2017 at First Christian Church, 1500 N. Mississippi Avenue in Little Rock, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. Memorial gifts can be designated to First Christian Church for their new building fund. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

–––––❖––––– GEORGE H. STAUBER, JR., 60 passed away unexpectedly March 16, 2017. He leaves behind wife of 34 years, Ellen; daughters Rachiel and Elisabeth; sons Chris and Robert (Dhale) Stauber; grandsons Jarrod, David and Bradley; sisters Rose, Evelyn and Joanne; nephews Mike, Kevin, Richie and Bryan; niece Robyn. He was a loving father and devoted husband. We will all miss him very much.

–––––❖––––– My loving husband, HAROLD HARDING SWEET, passed from my loving arms to God’s on March 20, 2017. He was born in Council Hill, Okla., on April 8, 1939 to the late Clarence and Nell Sweet. We moved to Maumelle when it was just a small community, making it our home.

He attended Batesville High School and Arkansas State University. He served in the US Navy during the Bay of Pigs Invasion and early Vietnam conflict. He retired from Riviana Foods in 1995, where he was the regional project manager. He loved being on the lake fishing, up at dawn and home at dusk. He was a wonderful husband and father. He will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Polly Sweet; one daughter, Sandy Sweet of Houston, Texas; two brothers, Robert and Ronny Sweet, both of Batesville, Ark.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, Ark., arranged by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz. org. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

–––––❖––––– PATRICIA A. WALTERS, 58, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed from this life on March 18, 2017. She was born on September 4, 1958 in Tulsa, Okla., to the late Orvel and Emmie Mae Bell Boggs. Patricia loved spending time with her grandchildren and traveling to the mountains. She was also preceded in death by three brothers and one sister. Patricia is survived by her children, Sondra Boggs, Rhonda Boggs, Annie Seaton and Mollie Boggs; four grandchildren, Hunter, Blake, Brandon, Trey; and a host of other family and friends. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Ark. Online guestbook, www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– HENDERSON YEARGIN, 76, of North Little Rock, departed this life on March 14, 2017. He was preceded in death by parents, Henderson and Sally Yeargin. His memories are cherished by his wife, Ula; son, Tige (Amber); grandchildren, Brianna and Brayden; sister, Catherine Bowe; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 23, 10 a.m. Both will be held at King Solomon Baptist Church, 1304 Pine Street, North Little Rock. Services entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 1851 Marshall St., Little Rock, AR, (501) 374-5025. Online guestbook at www.serenityfuneralhomear.com, “Providing Service of Excellence.”

Arkansas

AUGUSTA — Harry E. Kearney, Sr., of Augusta, died Saturday at the age of 98. Visitation: Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Thompson-Wilson McCrory Funeral Home Chapel, with graveside services at 2 p.m. following, at the Augusta Memorial Park. Survivors: son, Harry, Jr.; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. thompsonwilsonfh.com, 870-731-2551.

–––––❖––––– BALD KNOB — Helen Williams, 79, died Friday. Survivors: sons, Doug, Larry, Lonny and Ronny Williams; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and four siblings. Visitation: Tuesday, from 6-8 p.m. Services: 2 p.m., Wednesday, Powell Funeral Home-Bald Knob. Interment: Fredonia Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– BEEBE — Timothy Reesnes, 64 of Beebe, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on March 18, 2017. He was born to the late Rev. Arthur and Edith (Dreyer) Reesnes on October 6, 1952.

Timothy was a man of few words. After serving in the Air Force, he began making cabinets for aircraft. He later worked with his brother at Custom Aircraft Cabinets as Vice President of production until retiring in 2015. This is where he met his love, Lesa. His love for his CAC family runs deep.

As an avid history lover, he spent many days looking for and collecting antiques and guns. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time in the Rocky Mountains. He loved fishing, animals and especially

his family. Tim was a wonderful man who will truly be missed.

He is survived by his wife Lesa; sisters Rebecca Reesnes of Batesville, Sharon Jorgenson (Jerry) of Wisconsin, Mary Simmons (Willie) of Wisconsin; brother Paul Reesnes (Iris) of Greenbrier; stepchildren Shane, Anthony, Byrd, Boy, Yolly, Tony, Timmy and Ashley; and step-grandchildren Kaleb, Ethan, and Hannah; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Henderson Cemetery at Pangburn. Arrangements by Smith - Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — James Burney Hill, 70, of Benton, Ark., passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017. Burney was born in Memphis, Tenn., on August 24, 1946 to J.W. and Burney Lyons Hill. After graduating from Central High School in Memphis, Burney received his BBA from the University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University) and his MBA from Texas Christian University. He then served as Captain in the U.S. Air Force for six years.

After leaving the Air Force, Burney returned to Memphis where he worked in the investment banking business and later in industrial sales. He and his wife, Susan, moved to Benton in 2013, where Burney loved his sunset cruises on the lake. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and loved to travel, especially to the beach with his family and his dogs, Bentley and Lexie.

Burney was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Billy Hill and Sandy Steele. He is survived by his wife Susan, son Justin Hill and daughter-in-law, Jen, of Glenn Dale, Md.; stepson, Shawn Hunter Rowland and daughter-inlaw, Leslie, of Maumelle, Ark.; and stepdaughter Joy Rowland Johnson and son-in-law, Matt, of Spokane, Wash. He also leaves behind his three adored grand-daughters, Hattie Rose Hill, Lowery Lane Rowland and Shiloh Rae Rowland. The family wants to express a special thank you to Amy Hughes for her compassion and care of Burney.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy. 5 N., Alexander, Ark. Visitation will be held starting at 12:30 p.m. at Forest Hills. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please share your memories of Burney at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

–––––❖––––– BISMARCK — Dianne McFarlin Vinyard, 69, of Bismarck, Arkansas, formerly of Benton, passed from this life on March 19, 2017. She was born April 30, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Henry Milton McFarlin, II, and Norma Durbin McFarlin. Dianne attended Hall High School in Little Rock. She worked for years in the insurance industry and administrative services. Dianne enjoyed reading, shopping, fishing and catching up with family and friends. She adored her dogs.

Dianne was preceded in death by her father, Henry Milton McFarlin, II, and his wife Patsy; and her mother, Norma Durbin, and her husband Jack. She leaves to cherish her memories her husband of 29 years, John W. Vinyard of Bismarck; daughter, Kaki Emerson and husband Tom of Madison, Mississippi; stepson, Jamie D. Vinyard of Nashville, Arkansas; granddaughter, Lindsey Emerson of Little Rock; three sisters, Delinda Brown and

husband Jade of Flower Mound, Texas, Kellie Harvill and husband Mitch of Paragould, Arkansas, and Jenni Roberson and husband Scott of Fort Worth, Texas; brother, Mick McFarlin and wife Janice of Malvern, Arkansas; and many more family members and friends who loved Dianne and will miss her always.

Reception visitation will be held 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Ark. Funeral service held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Saline County Humane Society, P.O. Box 305, Benton, Ark. 72018. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www. SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– BULL SHOALS — Dorothy A. Baye, 92, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away March 20, 2017. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 870-425-6978.

–––––❖––––– BULL SHOALS — Janice L. Phillips, 65, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away March 17, 2017. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 870-425-6978.

–––––❖––––– CABOT — Danny Lee Ramsey, age 71, of Cabot, went to his heavenly home Sunday, March 19, 2017. He was born on May 26, 1945 in Beebe. Danny loved his Lord and Savior, his family, and his dog. He was an avid Razorback fan and enjoyed taking care of his yard. He was known for being extremely helpful to others, and was always determined in anything he did. His heart radiated with kindness, and he will forever be cherished by his family and friends. Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Jefferson and Stella Griffith Ramsey; brothers, J.H Ramsey, Thomas Ramsey, Billy Ramsey, Jimmy Dale Ramsey, Johnny Ramsey, Fred Ramsey; sisters, Bobbie Moncrief, Patsy Martin; and his beloved dog and best friend, Rexlee.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Karla; his mother, Jefferene Hoofman Ramsey; his children, Cristy Hutto and her husband, Richard, Chad Ramsey and his wife, Allison, Felicia Blythe and her husband, Daniel; his sisters, Dorothy Orr and her husband, William, Theda McGhee, Sanda Roberts and her husband, Ralph, Deborah Wright and her husband, Glen; a brother-in-law,

Larry Martin; sisters-in-law, Brenda Ramsey and Wadena Ramsey; eight grandchildren, Riley Khoury, Abby Khoury, Emberly Hutto, Haven Blythe, Colton Blythe, Stella Blythe, Cody Hodges, Madison Hodges; and many nephews, nieces, other family, and friends.

Funeral services are 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Victory Baptist Church in Cabot, with Ben Leonard officiating. Interment will follow the service at Monk Cemetery in Ward. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816, www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– CASSCOE — Horace London, 86, died Sunday. Survivors are his wife of 66 years, Mary Nell London; son, Terry London; daughter, Peggy Baggett; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral is 2 p.m. Wednesday, at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, with burial in Roe Cemetery. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, at Turpin Funeral Home. www.turpin-co.com.

–––––❖––––– CLARKRIDGE — Sherry Earline Lenderman, 63, of Clarkridge, Ark., passed away March 18, 2017. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 870-425-6978.

–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Bettie Joe Boyce, 73, of Conway, passed away on March 18, 2017. She was born in Morgantown, W.Va., on June 7, 1943. Cremation arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501-982-3400. www. anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Lillie Ann Howard, 49, of Conway, died Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Baptist Medical Center in Conway, Ark. She was born August 13, 1967, in Kennett, Mo. She is preceded in death by her father, Jerry D. Howard; grandparents, Jessie and Mabel Hickman, Red Howard, Lillie Howard, and Liz Howard Nash; and two nephews, Justin and Tyler Doherty. She is survived by her parents, Janice and Red Lanthrip of Fordyce; three brothers, Tommy Lanthrip of Warren, Chris Howard of Hope, and Bo Lanthrip of Fordyce; three sisters, Barbara Frances of Howe, Okla., Jerri Jester of Gurdon, and Janie Doherty of Lonoke. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Moss Hill Cemetery near Bearden. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– DUMAS — Visitation for Julia Gillespie: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 21, Griffin Funeral Home. Funeral service: 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, First United Methodist Church; burial in Mount Carmel Cemetery, Eudora, Ark. Memorials can be made to Donor’s choice of charity. Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas. Online guestbook: www.griffinfh.com.

–––––❖––––– EL DORADO — Lorine Short Reynolds Deckard, 89, of El Dorado, passed away, Sunday, March 19, 2017. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. tonight at Young’s. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, at Young’s Chapel. Burial will follow at Crossroads Cemetery, under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– ENGLAND — Janith Elaine Jones, 81, of England, Ark., passed away March 19, 2017. She was born August 9, 1935 in England, Ark., to the late W.A. Horton and Maxine Marks Horton. Janith loved her family, traveling, and reading. She spent her adult years as a homemaker serving her family, and she was a member of First Baptist Church of England.

Preceding her in death were her parents and one sister, Shirlene Lyons. Remaining to cherish her in memory are her husband, Bobby Jones Sr.; sons, Bobby Jones Jr. (Beverly) of Keo, Ark., and Jeffrey Jones (Pam) of Toltec, Ark.; daughter, Shelley Maynard (Danny Jr.) of England, Ark.; grandchildren Jade Jones, Casey Jones, Cody Jones, Katie White, Reilly Jones, Jarod Maynard, Jonathan Maynard, and Jonah Maynard; great-grandchildren Knox Maynard, Brody Maynard, Marlee Maynard, and Madelyn Jones; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

The graveside service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at Mulberry Cemetery in the chapel, England, Ark. There will be no formal visitation. Memorial donations may be sent to First Baptist Church, 201 E. Haywood Street, England, Ark. 72046, 501-842-2688. Arrangements are in the care of Roller-England Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/england.

–––––❖––––– FORT SMITH — Alice Miller, 38, of Fort Smith, formerly Benton Harbor, Mich., passed March 13, 2017, in Arkadelphia. Survivors: father, James Griffin; children, Deatria, Alexandria and Keymarion Miller; fiancé Paul Owens; siblings: Shawnya (Nakia Randle) Miller and Charles Miller. Cremation services provided by Williams Funeral Home, Arkadelphia. Sign guestbook at www.funeralsatwilliams.com.

–––––❖––––– GOULD — Maude Ella Morris Karr, 91, of Gould, died Monday, March 20, 2017 in Star City. Born August 8, 1925, in West Memphis, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Marie Morris. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Benjamin Joyce Karr, Jr., and a grandson, Jonathan Karr. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Gould and worked for many years at Dumas Motor Company. Survivors include three sons: Ben III (Jania) Karr of Dumas, Barry (Dawn) Karr of Bald Knob, and Mike (Meredith) Karr of Gould; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at First Baptist Church in Gould. Burial will follow at Dark Corner Cemetery in Gould, Ark. The family will receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. before the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 375, Gould, Ark. 71643 or to the donor’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Roller-England Funeral Home, England, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes/england.

–––––❖––––– GURDON — Shirley Qualls, 80, of Gurdon, Ark., died Saturday, March 18, 2017 in Hot Springs, Ark. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 1 p.m. Service: 2 p.m. at Rose Hedge Cemetery, Gurdon, Ark., under the direction of Pharr Funeral Home of Gurdon. The online guestbook is available at pharrfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– HEBER SPRINGS — Tina Jones Marshall (Russell), age 54, of Heber Springs, died March 12, 2017. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., March 25, 2017 at Pangburn School Performing Arts Center. Survivors: husband, Samuel Marshall; son, Aaron Russell; father, Alton (Ruth) Jones. Full obituary: www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– HOPE — Mrs. Jessie Lou Williams, 78, of Hope, Ark., died Sunday, March 19, 2017 in Hope. Visitation, Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., March 21, 2017, at Herndon Pharr Funeral Home. Graveside services, 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 22, 2017, in New Hope Cemetery, Patmos, Ark., under the direction of Herndon-Pharr Funeral Home of Hope.

–––––❖––––– JUDSONIA — David Lee Choate, of Judsonia, Ark., was born at Hawkins Clinic in Searcy, November 7, 1956, to James Donald and Alice Marie Webb Choate, and passed away at home March 19, 2017. He was raised near Floyd in White County on the family farm that his grandfather established. His family settled in White County shortly after his great-grandfather had died in the Civil War as a member of the Mississippi Infantry, and his great-grandmother migrated to Arkansas with David’s infant grandfather.

David was extremely proud of that family heritage and was especially pleased to maintain ownership of a part of the family farm until his death. In 2013, the state of Arkansas recognized the farm for having been in the family for over 100 years.

David was predeceased by his father and is survived by his mother. He is also survived by his wife and the love of his life, Penny, of Judsonia, and by his children, Laura Elizabeth Nick and her husband, Chris, and Guy David Choate and his wife, Liz, all of North Little Rock, and Eric Collins and his wife, Brooke, of Judsonia. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Caroline Sidney Nick and Lee Catherine Nick of North Little Rock, and Heagan Faye Collins, of Judsonia. He was very much looking forward to the birth of his grandson in June. He is survived by his sisters, Donna Marie Choate of Searcy and Nancy Lynn Fancyboy of Floyd and her husband, George, and by his brother, James Michael Choate, of Beebe.

He attended Beebe Public Schools where he was class president for five consecutive years and was named Mr. Beebe High School and Most Valuable Offensive Player of the football team his senior year. He was active in White County 4-H, and won the county tractor driving championship as a teenager.

He attended Arkansas State University at Beebe and graduated from ASU with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Upon graduation, he went to work for Bruce Oakley, Inc., where he remained until three years later, when he and his brother founded Choate Brothers’ Feed, which they operated for 16 years. After selling the business, he returned to Oakley as Vice President of Grain and Barge Operations. During his tenure, the company became one of the largest privately owned companies in Arkansas and expanded both the grain and barge divisions by over fivefold.

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Port Operators Association, The National Waterways Conference, and President of the MidSouth Grain Association. He was appointed by the Secretary of Defense to the Inland Waterways Users’ Board to advise Congress and The Corps of Engineers on the Inland Waterways Trust Fund.

He was elected to the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he represented parts of White and Lonoke counties and held many leadership positions including chairman of the House Education Committee. He was appointed to numerous education and agriculture boards of the state of Arkansas by three different governors, both Democratic and Republican, including the Early Childhood Commission and the State Board of Agriculture. When his children were young and he lived in Beebe, he was a member of the school board for seven years and was president of both the Chamber of Commerce and the Kiwanis Club. He was named Outstanding Alumnus by the Arkansas Association of Two Year Colleges, Honorary American Farmer by the National FFA Association and Honorary State Farmer by the Arkansas FFA Association. He was a member of the Arkansas and White County Cattlemen’s Associations.

He and Penny raised beef cattle and horses on 400 acres in the Ozark Foothill country of White County, and loved to travel the world, especially the Caribbean Sea. He enjoyed playing bluegrass music, having taught himself to play standup bass at the age of 50. He was a member of the Judsonia United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church of Judsonia on Thursday at 2 p.m. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– MAGNOLIA — Wayne Wilson, 63, a lifelong resident of Magnolia, Ark., passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017 at his home in Magnolia. He was born on February 25, 1954, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Ralph and Johnny Vahnita (Delaney) Wilson. He was the former executive director for the men’s group home at Magnolia Specialized Services.

He is survived by two sisters, Lynda Wilson Aggus and husband Larry of Fayetteville, Ark., Kay Wilson Bevis and husband Bill of Scott, Ark.; a brother Bill Wilson and wife Gillian of Westlake Village, Calif.; and a host of extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Cremation services were provided by Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. The family will have a family celebration of life service at a later date. To sign the online guestbook or share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.

–––––❖––––– MALVERN — Willie Mae Collins Merryman, age 92, of Malvern, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017. Survivors: one son, James Delmon “Del” Merryman, grandson Rudy Merryman (Paula); three great-grandchildren, Patrick, Julianna and Lucy; one brother, Donald Dean Collins; Carol Baker, and her son, Jason W. Baker. Visitation: Wednesday, March 22, 6-8 p.m., Regency Funeral Home. Services: Thursday, March 23, at 2 p.m., Regency Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements: Regency Funeral Home. Complete obituary and guestbook: regencyfuneralhome. com.

–––––❖––––– MONTICELLO — Laverne Lytle Quimby, age 93, of Monticello, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017, at her home in Monticello. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.stephensondearman.com.

–––––❖––––– MONTICELLO — Troy Mack Williams, 76, of Monticello passed March 13, 2017. Funeral service will be Wednesday, 1 p.m., Morning Star Baptist Church, Monticello, with Rev. D.J. Buffington officiating. Interment: Oakland Cemetery, by Paradise Funeral Home of Monticello. “Only Paradise Can Serve You Better!”

–––––❖––––– MORRILTON — Lewis Lloyd Stracner, age 76, of Morrilton, died March 19. Funeral: 10 a.m. Thursday, March 23 at Harris Chapel, with burial at Brents Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Services are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Robert G. Forshee, 77, of Mountain Home, Ark., passed away March 19, 2017. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services, (870) 425-6978.

–––––❖––––– RECTOR — Demetra Louise Shultz, 95 of Rector, passed from the cares of this life on Monday, March 20, 2017, at the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. She was born on September 24, 1921, in Paragould, to the late Lawrence and Nell (Ball) Elsass. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, cooking and being involved in Rector community functions. She was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church where she served faithfully. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her loving husband Clovis Ray Shultz.

Demetra is survived by her loving children, Terry Shultz of Rector, Douglas and wife Marilyn Shultz of Springdale; one brother, Bill Elsass of Fayetteville; along with a host of other special relatives and loving friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at 2 p.m., at the Rector First United Methodist Church, with Bro. Mace Straubel officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.

Those who wish may send condolences to the family by signing the online guestbook at www. irbyfuneralhome.com or visit our Facebook page.

–––––❖––––– RUSSELLVILLE — Nina Katherine Wilson Crites, 88, of Russellville, died Sunday. Funeral service: 10 a.m., Wednesday, at the Shinn Chapel. Burial in Rest Haven Memorial Park, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation: 5-6 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Online obituary/guestbook is available at www.shinnfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– SALEM — James Rodney Barker, 79, of Salem, Ark., was born on February 8, 1938, to the late Luther Sylvester and Nola Lou (Maguffee) Barker in Salem, Ark. He departed from this life on March 19, 2017, in Salem, Ark.

Rodney married Hazel Louise Bosworth on July 6, 1958, in Salem, Ark., and to this union three children were born. Rodney graduated from Salem High School in 1956, and he spent the next 12 years in Oklahoma City, Okla., working as a welder for Kimray Incorporated. He helped to install heating and air, and in street sign fabrication. He then returned to Salem, Ark., where he went to work with Cities Service Oil Company and later became the manager of Amerigas Propane. He worked in the LP gas business for 31 years. He worked on many community projects during his working years, and spent many hours helping to build the Salem football field. He was kind and helped many customers and friends throughout the years. He loved reading, horses, and doing various things with his children. The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren truly were his pride and joy.

He is survived by his wife Hazel (Nana Lou) Barker of the home; daughter, Carla (Barker) Wilden of Salem, Ark.; two sons, Bruce Barker of Salem, Ark., and Steve Barker and wife Kimberly of Salem, Ark.; three brothers, Roy Barker of Salem, Ark., Larry Barker of Salem, Ark., and Gary Barker and wife Judy of Gentry, Ark.; eight grandchildren, Luke Barker, Stephanie Smith and husband Jake, Sara Wilden, Cathryn Nelson and husband Josh, Elizabeth Wilden Gibson, Trenton Barker, Peyton Barker and Carson Barker; nine great-grandchildren, Riley LaFevers, Hattie LaFevers, Allison Smith, Addison Smith, Hoyt Smith, Camryn Mitchell, Noah Barker, Connor Barker and SJ Nelson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law (Evelyn and Udell Skidmore), two sistersin-law (Anna Lee Barker and Jo Ann Barker), and grandparents (Martin and Saphronia Barker and Mahlon and Hattie Maguffee).

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Ark., with Bro. John Hodges and Dale Godwin officiating. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Pallbearers are Bruce Barker, Steve Barker, Luke Barker, Jake Smith, Neil Barker and Josh Hudson. Honorary pallbearers are Harrell Estes, Bonnie Broughton, J.C. Foster, Ronnie Robbins, Tim Hodges, Roy Cunningham, David Garland, Gaye Williams, Chris Tomlinson, Jerry Moody, Randy Robinson, Jeremy (Lil Indian) Fowler, Larry Zeigler, Marty Dillinger, Emery King, Dr. David Kauffman, Tuffy Smith, Pedro Lewis, Harold Cotter and James Bragg. Memorials may be made to the Salem Cemetery Association, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Arrangements are entrusted to Barker Funeral Home of Salem, Ark. Guests may sign an online registry available at barkerfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– SHERIDAN — Dorothy Williams Hawkins Garms, 83, of Sheridan, Ark., died Sunday. Survivors: sons, Chester, Kevin; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, James; stepson, Carl; three step-grandchildren. Graveside: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Lost Creek Cemetery. Visitation: at the funeral home 10-10:45 a.m. Wednesday. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Sheridan, (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan. com.

Out-of-state

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Linda Sue Ray Lindsey, 71, of Colorado Springs, Colo., formerly of Monticello, passed away Friday, March 10, 2017, in Colorado Springs. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel, with burial to follow in Centerpoint Cemetery. Online guestbook www. stephensondearman.com.

–––––❖––––– TULSA — Ellavee H. Swift, 91, of Tulsa, Okla., died Sunday, March 19, 2017, at Legend Senior Living. Mrs. Swift was born June 5, 1925, in Dierks, Ark., to John Preston and Ethel Lee Hobson. She was married September 28, 1945, to Clyde N. Swift, with whom she was married 64 years and who she served with in ministry 45 years in United Methodist churches in Arkansas. Following her husband’s official retirement, she and her husband continued to serve in ministry in small churches.

Ellavee is preceded in death by her father John Preston Hobson, mother Ethel Lee Hobson, sister, Geraldine Edge, son-in-law Pastor Billy Joe Daugherty of Tulsa, Okla., and Ellavee’s husband Rev. Clyde N. Swift. Ellavee leaves cherishing her memory one son, Rev. David E. Swift and his wife Ann of Tulsa, Okla.; one daughter Pastor Sharon Daugherty of Tulsa, Okla.; six grandchildren, Sarah Wehrli and husband Caleb of Orlando, Fla., Matthew Swift and his wife Season of Jones, Okla., Ruth Sanders and her husband Adam of Frisco, Texas, Ella Wisley and husband Josh of Fayetteville, Ark., John Daugherty and his wife Charica of Tulsa, Okla., and Paul Daugherty and his wife Ashley of Tulsa, Okla., and nine great-grandchildren: Isaac and Elizabeth Wehrli; Sophie, Samuel and Bonnie Swift; Tovah and Ziva Sanders; Blythe, Jude and Monte Daugherty, Liam and Beniah Daugherty; Kathryn Wisley; and a number nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

To honor Ellavee’s memory in lieu of flowers, consider contributing to Victory Special Needs ministry, Tulsa Dream Center, or Billy Joe Daugherty Legacy Library. Interment: 1 p.m. Thursday, March 23, 2017, East Memorial Gardens, Texarkana, Ark. Memorial: 1 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2017, Victory Christian Center Main Sanctuary. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, (918) 291-3500.