Pulaski County

FLORENCE ADAMS ALBRIGHT, 89, ended her long and glorious life on Earth Wednesday, April 26, 2017.

Flo was born in Little Rock in 1927 to Berch and Florence Adams. Her family moved many times during her childhood, living in Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Jackson, Miss., Hot Springs and New Orleans.

She graduated from Little Rock High (Central), attended Little Rock Junior College for two years and graduated from the University of Arkansas. It was there she met her future husband, Clint Alson Albright. They married shortly after graduation, lived shortly in Lonoke, before moving to Little Rock, her first and last home. She and Clint were married for 61 years until he died in 2011.

Flo worked as a teacher for a few years and later as a substitute teacher. She was always involved in church and theater activities. She taught Sunday school for many years. An accomplished actress, she was involved with the Winfield Players, the Community Theater of Little Rock, the Arkansas Arts Center’s Tell-a-Tale Troupe and the Olde West Dinner Theater (Murray’s). In the Tell-a-Tale Troupe she toured around the state performing at schools, allowing her to combine her two greatest loves, acting and children.

In addition to acting, she also directed, organized and did backstage work for many productions. She made numerous TV and radio commercials and appeared in the movie “Crisis at Central High.” She conducted tours of the Clinton Library as a volunteer.

In the last 30 years of her life, she and Clint did quite a bit of traveling, many times to New York City, her home away from home. It was there she had dreamed of one day appearing on Broadway.

But that dream was superseded by another, her dream role of wife and mother. Her other most relished roles were grandmother and great-grandmother. She also loved her role of big sister to Betty Deaton and Evalyn Brawley and felt like a mother to all their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Flo loved all children to the day she died, but for those that were hers, she was the embodiment of that special, unconditional love. Her body is gone, but her love will live on in her loved ones’ hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Berch and Florence, her husband, Clint, and her sister, Betty. She is survived by her sister, Evalyn and her husband Roger; her sons Clint “Buzz”, Mark, Buzz’ wife Marla, their children Robert and Jackie; three great-grandchildren; two nieces, one nephew; five great-nieces; and two great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m. St. James Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, followed by a reception, also at the church.

Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

–––––❖––––– ERMA M. BENNETT, of Little Rock, passed away April 28, 2017, at the age of 87.

She is survived by six sons, Ronnie Woodall, Thomas Woodall,

David Steed Woodall, Steven Woodall, David Lee Bennett and Jeff Bennett; four grandchildren, Phillip Woodall, Thomas Woodall Jr., Wesley Woodall and Dylan Bennett; two brothers, Odis Leath and Morris Leath; three sisters, Lucille Gladden, Deloris

Taylor and Carolyn Hall; and by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 3, from 5-7 p.m. and services Thursday, May 4, at 11 a.m., both at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy 5 North, Alexander. Interment will follow at Little Rock National Cemetery.

Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

–––––❖––––– MARY ELIZABETH PENWELL BISH, age 82, of Little Rock, died Friday, April 21, 2017 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 7, 1934 to Dennis Penwell and Eva Head. She was a 1952 graduate of Fuller High School. She had many fond memories of her cousins, Helen, Joann, Doris, Kay, Linda, while growing up. Mary was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She was employed at Orbit Valve, where she was an Engineering Data Base Controller. Her working career took her on numerous technical jobs.

She enjoyed many hobbies including working in her yard and tending to her flowers, which she knew every variety of. She also enjoyed her computer, Ipad, and Iphone and kept abreast of all changes in technology and loved to help others learn. She loved visiting with friends and helping out or playing cards with those who had gone into assisted living or a nursing home facility. Other hobbies she favored included swimming, playing both the piano and guitar, and hiking both Pinnacle Mountain

and the King Fisher Trail.

Over the past 11 years, she enjoyed her time spent with her dearest friend, Randal Potter. They enjoyed dining out, gardening, playing cards and visiting with friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Dale Bish.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen Roe (Mike) and Lisa Swift (Tom); grandsons, Jason Roe, Chris Roe (Toren), Rusty Swift (Lindsey), Justin Swift; great-grandchildren, Trent Roe and Blake Ivy Swift; special friend, Randal Potter; other relatives, and her two feline companions, Milo and Dee. She also leaves behind good friends, Bettie Lou Gray, Jim and Lavern Hart, Kay McGuire, Inez Foster, Jane and Bill Stubblefield, John and Mary Bumpas, and Brenda Britton, in addition to many others.

Mary’s family would like to thank the doctor’s and staff at Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice House in Bryant.

A celebration of life will be held 1 p.m., May 4, 2017 at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 4600 Baseline Road, Little Rock, Ark., with Pastor Charlie E. MaAdoo officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church– Pastor Charlie E. McAdoo.

Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

–––––❖––––– ANNAROSE COWSERT, 91, passed away on April 26 in North Little Rock, Ark. Born in Little Rock on June 25, 1925 to parents Alex and Annie Katewitz, AnnaRose graduated Little Rock Senior High School and attended Draughon’s Business School. She worked for a short time at the Arkansas Health Department and US Treasury before marriage and children. She attended Lakewood UMC.

AnnaRose lived for gatherings with family and friends and had a special talent for remembering everyone’s special occasions. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jimmy Cowsert and sister, Frances Parke. She is survived by her son David Cowsert; daughter Linda (Dale) Wamsley; grandchildren Mitch (Ronie) Wamsley and Aileen Wamsley; and great-grandchildren Tucker and Sawyer.

Thanks to the nurses and aides that helped care for her in her last years. Special thanks to Michelle for all her love and care.

Funeral service will be held at 2 pm, Friday, May 5 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, NLR with burial immediately following at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of your choice. Online Guestbook www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

–––––❖––––– ROGER DALE CYPERT SR. of Sherwood received his heavenly reward on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Dale was born Aug. 17, 1943 to the late Mr. Carl and Mrs. Erma (Tullos) Cypert in North Little Rock, Ark. He was a proud charter member of First Pentecostal Church of North Little Rock, where he faithfully served

the Lord with all of his heart. He was a retired produce manager at Kroger.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Phillip and Gary Paul Cypert. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley Looper Cypert, who faithfully cared for him through the years; two sons Roger D. Cypert Jr. (Andrea) of Sherwood and Samuel Cypert (Kara) of North Little Rock; five grandchildren, Cydney, Shayna, Claire, Myles and Alayna; two brothers, Virgil Cypert (Nancy) of Bryant and Kenneth Cypert (Kathy) of Beeville, Texas; and a special sister-in-law, Mary Blakley, as well as a host of extended family and friends, including an “adopted” daughter, Victoria Keith (Darin) of Sherwood.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2017 at First Pentecostal Church, 1401 Calvary Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2017, also at First Pentecostal Church, interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖–––––

SARA CRAWFORD DeMOTTE, 88, died Thursday, April 27, 2017. She was born on Oct. 28, 1928 to Edward Virgil and May Blackmon Crawford in Montgomery, Ala.

Following graduation from Huntingdon College (Montgomery) in 1951 she began working as a social worker for the State of Alabama and in 1952 married the love of her life, Ed DeMotte. They were married for 59 years, living in Alabama and Georgia, raising and nurturing three children and creating a network of friends of all ages.

Sara moved to Little Rock in 2010. She became an active member of Second Presbyterian Church, participating in Presbyterian Women leadership, serving in the ministry of Pastoral Care, and volunteering regularly at Stewpot. She enjoyed worshipping, learning, and serving in a church family that nurtured her journey of faith and provided a variety of ways for her to live out her call to discipleship.

Sara enjoyed flower gardening in her yard, decorating her home, entertaining and celebrating holidays with family and friends, and SEC football (an avid Crimson Tide fan all of her life, with an acquired support of the Razorbacks). With her gifts of hospitality and compassion, her genuine love of people, and her beautiful smile she literally made friends everywhere she went — her church, her neighborhood, her grocery store, her pharmacy — everybody loved “Miss Sara.”

Sara is preceded in death by her husband Ed DeMotte and her brother Charles Edward Crawford. She is survived by her children Lauren DeMotte-Kelly (John), Jeannie Ford (Collins Andrews), and John DeMotte (David Tankersley); her grandchildren Daniel Ford, Leah Kelly, and Sara Kelly; her step-grandchildren Collins Andrews (Boriana) and Spencer Andrews (Jennifer) and three step-grandchildren Milla Andrews, Nina Andrews, and Scarlett Andrews; her sister-in-law Carolyn Crawford and niece Cathryn Crawford.

A memorial service and witness to the resurrection will be held on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or a charitable organization of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖–––––

FRED H. FAAS, M.D., 78, of Little Rock, Ark., went home to be with the Lord on April 27, 2017. He was surrounded by his wife and daughters during his last breath. Fred was born Oct. 13, 1938, in Kansas City, Mo., to the late Erna and Oscar Faas.

Dr. Faas was a long tenured professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He was a 50 year member of the Arkansas Medical Society. He also served as a board certified endocrinologist on staff for the Arkansas Veterans Health Care System. He retired from the Department of Veteran Affairs following 41 years of dedicated service to the Government of the United States of America. He served his country in the United States Navy as a Flight Surgeon from 1965 to 1967.

Dr. Faas received his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, followed by his doctorate of medicine from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 1963. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Endocrinology and Metabolism at the UAMS. He was board certified in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Clinical Lipidology. Dr. Faas was a member of the Endocrine Society, the Southeast Lipid Association, the American Oil Chemists Society, and a fellow in the American College of Physicians. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Southeast Lipid Association, 2004-2011, and served as their President, 20052006. He was designated a Diplomate of Clinical Lipidology from the American Board of Clinical Lipidology. He was awarded basic and clinical research grants, served as principal investigator on many clinical trials, and authored a number of scientific articles and abstracts.

Dr. Faas was the Director of the Fellowship program for Endocrinology and Metabolism at UAMS. He was passionate about teaching during his tenure at UAMS and taught scores of medical students, residents and fellows in endocrinology. In recognition of his dedication, devotion and passion for teaching, his students awarded him the following honors: Educational Excellence Award, Red Sash Award for Outstanding Teaching, Gold Sash Award for Outstanding Teaching, and the Junior Golden Apple Award.

He was a member for over 50 years of Little Rock’s First Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, choir member, and teaching Sunday School. Dr. Faas had a great love of classical music. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren at the lake and Florida vacations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erna and Oscar Faas, and brother, Rudy O. Faas. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Earlann Faas; daughter Carolyn (Gerard) Wood of Kansas City, and daughter, Diana (Philip) Brandon of Little Rock. He took great pride in his six grandchildren, Michele Wood of Denver, Alex Wood of St. Louis, Natalie Wood and Angela Wood, also of St. Louis, Darby Brandon of New York, and Trent Brandon of Little Rock.

Burial will be held Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at 9 a.m., Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock. The Celebration of Life service will follow at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Little Rock, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive. Visitation will follow the service.

Memorials may be directed to the UAMS, Division of Endocrinology, Division of Oncology, or the Palliative Care Clinic. The family would like to thank the many physicians who were involved in his care. Arrangements under the direction of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

–––––❖––––– LAWRENCE G. FAISON left this world on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. He was a veteran, a playwright and an ordained minister in the C.M.E. Church. Survivors include Peter G. and Othello Faison, parents, three sisters, one brother, two children, five grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many cousins.

Funeral will be at Bullock Temple C.M.E. Church, Monday, May 1, 2017 at 11 a.m. Family hour will be 1011 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Arrangements entrusted to Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home. (501) 372-1305.

–––––❖––––– LOUISE J. GATRELL of Little Rock passed away at her home in Austin on April

26, 2017. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Charles Gatrell; sister, Linda (Harvey ) Chisum of Benton; daughter, Jaime Morgan of Austin; son, Charles (Kim) of Jacksonville; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

She was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. To know her was to love her. She was a rock for many to lean on and she never met a stranger. She had an infectious smile and a wonderful sense of humor. If you were down or depressed she would have you laughing before she left you. She had a beauty that shined inside and out. She was devoted to her family and they came first and foremost in her life. She will be greatly missed by many.

Funeral services are provided by Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Monday, May 1, 2017. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, 2017 with graveside following at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. There will be an after service at New Life Missionary Baptist Church, 126 West Drive, Benton, Ark. 72015. Online Guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.

–––––❖–––––

JOHN ROLAND GILLAM SR., 97, of Little Rock, Ark., was born on June 27, 1919 to the late John W. and Louise Wicker Gillam. He joined St. Bartholomew Catholic Church at an early age and was a faithful and active member until his death.

He was united in holy matrimony on Jan. 9, 1941 to the late Louise Trigg Gillam for 63 years. To that union 15 children were born. He was a member of the Holy Name Society, served as an usher, pastoral council president and sang in the choir for many years. He served on the Catholic Interracial Council and was instrumental in integrating Catholic High School for Boys in 1962. He went home to be with his heavenly Father on Monday, April 24, 2017. He was preceded in death by his grandsons: Victor Shaw II, Michael Boyd; sonsin-law: Jerry Cooke, Otis Landers; sisters: Majorie McGhee, Evelyn Gardner, Equilla Gillam and Faye Gillam.

He was a 1937 graduate of Dunbar High School. He worked several jobs to support his family. He was employed by the Guardian

Press for a number of years (currently the Arkansas Catholic). He also worked for the United States Postal Service for over 30 years before retirement.

John and Louise Gillam were awarded the Daniel Rudd Award, presented by the Council for Black Catholics in 1989 for being outstanding members of the Catholic Church. He was a volunteer basketball coach of both boys and girls teams at St. Bartholomew Catholic School for many years. He also coached youth football and girls volleyball.

He is survived by his daughters: Patricia Cooke, Carolyn Lee, Frances Landers, Angela Guimont, Dorothy Gillam, Karen Billips (Lawrence), Victoria Gillam, Sherry Gillam, Marguerite Gillam and special daughter Yvette Preyer; sons, John R. Gillam Jr. (Dorothy), Michael Gillam (Aletrice), David Gillam (Sheila), Damien Gillam (Charlotte), Peter Gillam (Elaine) and Phillip Gillam (Rosalind); 47 grandchildren including 15 spouses, 66 great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 1622 Marshall St. Little Rock, Ark. A Rosary service/visitation, will be held Tuesday, May 2, 2017, from 6-7 p.m. at Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St. Little Rock, Arkansas, (501) 372-1305.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Catholic High School for Boys or Mt. Saint Mary Academy.

–––––❖––––– JAMES HARRIS JR., 63, of Little Rock, departed this life on April 23, 2017. Survived by wife, Sharon Harris, five children; James Harris Jr., Tinika Reeves, Drapper Montgomery, April Scales, Laura Scales. Siblings; Clark, Ronnie, Lamont Harris and 18 grandchildren. Memorial Service May 3, 2017, 6 p.m. at Gunn Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W 29th, LR, Ark. (501) 660-4323.

–––––❖––––– MARY BETH BRADLEY HENDERSON died Friday, April 21, 2017. She was born in Little Rock on Aug. 20, 1948. She was preceded in death by her parents, Judge Rolland A. and Orine Bradley, and her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. W.P. Huthins of Hot Springs, and Dr. and Mrs. W.T. Bradley of Blackton, Ark.

Mary Beth graduated from Conway High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas. In her professional life, she was an English teacher at Conway High School, a counselor at South Oklahoma City Jr. College, the director of Human Resources for the Oklahoma City School District, the director of the Newspaper in Education Program at the Arkansas Gazette, and a counselor at Western Hills Elementary School and at DaySpring Behavioral Health.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Ralph Bernard Henderson, daughters Kelly Zellner Breland (Shain) and Julie Chavis (Doug), son Bret Henderson (Carrie), and grandchildren, Cayce DeFoore, Gracie Breland, and Justin Henderson. Mary Beth is also survived by her sisters, Lou Joyce (John) and Dr. Pat Bradley (Fred Hendricks), her wonderful German Shepherd service dog, Elvis, and her church family at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.

There will be a memorial celebration of Mary Beth’s life in the coming months. If you are so inclined, the family requests donations in her memory to CARE, P.O. Box 7604, Little Rock, Ark. 722177604.

Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

–––––❖––––– BOBBY J. HUNTER, age 67, died on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. Bobby was a native of Malvern, Ark. He was fifth of nine children born to the late Ennis and Oradel (Sally) Hunter. Bobby is survived by his wife of 45 years,

Carrie J. (Diggins) Hunter, three daughters, a son, a granddaughter and a host of relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends and loved ones at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 2. Funeral services will be 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, at the same location.

Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖––––– NIGEL JACKSON, 17, of Little Rock, departed this life on April 26, 2017. Survived by parents, Harry

Jackson, Jennifer

Hutson, grandparents, Mildred

Jackson, Annette

Waits, John Hutson, seven brothers, five sisters a host of other relatives and friends. Services entrusted to

Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W 29th, LR, Ark. (501) 660-4323.

–––––❖––––– SHARON LEE KIILSGAARD, 75, passed away on April 19, 2017.

She was born

Sept. 12, 1941 in

Kellogg Idaho, to

Irene Nonini and

John Wilford.

Sharon married her husband

Dane Kiilsgaard on June 16, 1962 in Wallace, Idaho, and was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Sharon was

raised in Northern Idaho and loved to travel to see family. She and her husband Dane moved to Little Rock where she worked for the Little Rock School District tirelessly for over 30 years and helped to raise her family. She devoted her life to her family and to education, and is survived by her husband, Dane Kiilsgaard (Arkansas); children, Scott Kiilsgaard (Idaho), Diana Asbury (Tennessee), Robert Kiilsgaard (Illinois), Jan Kiilsgaard (Arkansas); nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Sharon is also survived by her siblings, Michael Nonini (Arizona), Bob Nonini (Idaho), and Patricia Hutcheson (Oregon).

A Memorial Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, May 6, 2017, 2 p.m., 13901 Quail Run Dr, Little Rock, Ark. 72210. Memorials may be sent to the CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55011 Little Rock, Ark. 72215.

–––––❖–––––

JOEL GARRETT MELVIN, age 73, of Sherwood, Ark., entered into his heavenly home on April 19, 2017.

Joel was born

Jan. 8, 1944 in

West Frankfort,

Ill., to Carl Melvin and Edith Lucille (Macklin) Melvin who preceded him in death along with his brother Daniel.

Joel is survived by his son, Christopher Todd (Tammy) Melvin; his daughter Tara Suzanne Melvin; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister, Carla (Jack) Watt of Marble Hill, Mo.; sister Kathy L. McLean of Modesto, Calif.; four nieces and two nephews.

Memorial Service to be held at Moose Lodge # 942,4000 Keihl, in North Little Rock from 11 a.m.2 p.m. on May 6, 2017. You may contact the Moose Lodge for more information. Graveside service will be held on May 20, 2017 in East Fork Cemetery, West Frankfort, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Joel’s name to the CARTI FOUNDATION; Baptist Health Medical Center Hospice or the Moose Lodge # 942 Legion #181, North Little Rock.

Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– ROBERT LEO “BOB” MOELLERS, age 83, born Feb. 16, 1934, reared in Fort Smith and long-time resident of Pine

Bluff, died April

26, 2017 at Parkway Village, where he was a resident.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dolores

Grace Lovoi Moellers; six daughters, Cyndi Farnam (Tony) of West Fork, Mary Beth Gramlich (Jeff), Patti Drake (Jim) and Becky Ridgeway (Tim), all of Little Rock, Michelle Self (Rick) of Hurst, Texas, and Laura Thompson (Pete) of Paris, Texas; three sons, Robert Moellers (Diane) of Little Rock, John Moellers (Serina) of Jefferson City, Mo., and Richard Moellers (Natalie) of Morrilton; 32 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sisters, Virginia (Mike) Dwyre of Sandestin, Fla., Catherine (Tom) Ament of Hot Springs Village and Theresa Scherrey of McAllen, Texas.

Visitation will be Monday, May 1, at 6 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Francis I. Malone on Tuesday, May 2 at 11 a.m., also at Christ the King. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. The online guestbook and full obituary on the life of Mr. Moellers can be found at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– Deacon WILLIE DEE PREYER, 79, of North Little Rock, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2017.

He was a retired,

24-year veteran of the Air Force, having served at many bases in the U.S. and overseas. He also was a retired 20-year employee of the

U.S. Post Office.

He loved his church – St. Luke Baptist Church – and was church’s oldest deacon.

He is survived by his wife Myra Preyer; daughter Pam Traylor; sons Michael Preyer, Talerngsuk Preyer, Watana Preyer, Apinant Preyer; step-sons Stan Harris, Jimmy Harris, Marvin Harris; sister Gertrude Kirk; brothers Charles Preyer, Tyrone Preyer, Anthony Preyer; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Family Hour: Thursday, 5:30-7 p.m. Service: Friday, 10 a.m. both at St. Luke Baptist Church, 8205 Highway 161, North Little Rock, Ark. 72117.

Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 E. Broadway Ave., NLR, Ark. (501) 374-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”

–––––❖––––– BENNY LEON PRUITT, 96, of Little Rock passed away in his home on Thursday, April

27, 2017. He was born Aug. 1, 1920 in Little Rock,

Ark., to Charles and Millie Johnson Pruitt. Benny was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Charles

Alfred Pruitt; two sons, Charles Edward Pruitt, and John Nathan Pruitt.

Mr. Pruitt was educated in the Little Rock Public Schools at Bush ES, Dunbar Jr./Sr. HS. and Dunbar Jr. College. He was also a World War II Army Veteran. Most of his adult working years were spent at Rock Island Railroad and 35 years of service at the “United States Government Post Office” as he loved to call it. Additionally, he frequently worked second and third jobs to support his family.

He was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church during childhood and young adulthood. He later joined Greater Archview Baptist Church where served as a deacon for 52 years and several other capacities.

Survivors include his loving wife of 77 years, Ruth; son, Benjamin (Caroline) of West Bloomfield, Mich.; daughter, Lillian Rutter (William) of Little Rock; sisters, Fannie Belle Greene, of Little Rock; Rosemary Banks (Thomas) of Little Rock; brother, Arthur Lee (Helen) of Little Rock; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Baptist Hospital, Hickory Heights Rehab Facility, as well as, Arkansas Hospice Care.

Mr. Pruitt will be available for viewing on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 between noon-6 p.m. at the Ruffin and Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., Little Rock, and on Thursday, May 4, 2017, 9:3010:30 a.m. at the Greater Archview Baptist Church, 1720 W. 23rd St., Little Rock. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Internment is at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

–––––❖––––– MARJORIE BROWNE RAFF, 79, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away peacefully on Friday, April 28, 2017 after a long battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. She is survived by her loving husband

Bob of 57 years.

Margie was born June 10,

1937, in Texarkana, Ark., the daughter of the late Kimbro V. and Margie Browne. A graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BS in Education, Margie was a lifetime angel of Pi Beta Phi, an active member of the Little Rock community, and the ultimate “Domestic Goddess”.

She is also survived by her children, Kim (Sam) Wood of Scranton, Ark.; Courtney Fletcher (Don) of Austin, Texas; Robert H. Raff Jr. (Amy) of Houston, Texas, and her grandchildren Matthew, Austin, Justin, and Megan.

A visitation for Margie will be held by her family from 5-7 p.m., on Monday, May 1, 2017, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark. Graveside service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, at Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all memorials be made to either Trinity Presbyterian Church or C.A.R.E. (Central Arkansas Rescue Effort) in her name.

We would like to thank Parkway Village and Parkway Health Center, along with her long-time friend and caregiver, Carolyn Epperson.

Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖––––– MILDRED McGRAW SNIDER, 91, was born to the late Waverly and Irene Watson on

Jan. 17, 1926 and passed peacefully away on Thursday, April

27, 2017. She leaves a treasure trove of wonderful memories to be cherished by her daughters

Barbara Moon and Brenda Mitchell; her three sisters; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and the greatgreat-grandchild whose arrival she was anxiously awaiting. Her family is thankful for the love, care, and laughter the staff at Brookdale lavished on Millie over the last two years.

She loved nothing more than to show off her family. Please join us for a celebration of the life of the “Prettiest girl in Macon” at SmithNorth Little Rock Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 11 a.m. Visitation at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– VERLA MAE WILBUR of Little Rock, passed away April 27, 2017. She was born in

Cape Girardeau

Mo., to Wilma (Hampton) and

Clyde Statler on

May 17, 1938.

Verla is preceded in death by her parents, her husband,

Merritt Gist

Wilbur Jr. and nephew, Jody Markham. Survivors include her children: Jackie Wilbur Cossey and husband David, Merritt “Tray” G. Wilbur and wife Cheryl, and Sandy Wilbur Hubbard and husband Ted; three grandchildren: Leah “Leelee” Cossey Celikel and husband Timur, Leslie “Essie” Cossey Furton and husband TJ and Bauer “Bauer-B” Hubbard; brother John Martin Statler and wife Carol; special cousin (more like a sister) Margie Reisenbichler; nephews, Travis and Trenton Statler, Ryan Markham; niece Jamie Hitt and sisters-in-law Pat Fowler, Marie Peeples and Magaret Peel as well as other extended family members and friends.

Verla was a warm, compassionate woman with a terrific sense of humor, an infectious smile, contagious laugh, and a willing ear. Everyone she met was drawn to her energy and invariably into an interesting conversation as well. She was a talented interior decorator, professional shopper, loved fashion, her fish aquarium and most of all her family. By those who were fortunate enough to know her, she is already missed.

Special thank you to her caregivers and friends at The Manor. She loved so many of you and the family thanks you for the exceptional care.

Memorials may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, www.lupus.org.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 North, Alexander. Online Obituary at SmithFamilyCares.com.