Pulaski County

PATRICIA ANN BLESSING, 67, passed Sept. 14, 2017. Preceded in death by parents Minnie and

Chester Tyson. Survived by son

David Williams. Memorial Service Sept. 25, 2017 11 a.m., Maumelle Nursing Home. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home 4323 W. 29th Little Rock, Ark. 72204.

–––––❖–––––

JOHN EARL BROWN, 63, of Little Rock, died Sept. 22, 2017. Graveside service 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 Elmlawn Cemetery. Obituary and online guestbook at www. griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖–––––

FRED THOMAS BROWN, 78, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life, Sept. 20, 2017. He was preceded in death by: sisters, Maxine Hood, Dorothy Forte, Carrie Bosley, Alee Shelton; brother, Harold Brown.

Fred leaves to cherish his memory: loving wife of 35 years, Rosie Booth Johnson Brown; children, Renee (Ronnie) Jenkins, Diane Johnson, Kathy Brown, Mae (John) Warren, Curtis (Shelly) Perry of Omaha, Neb., Michael (Angie) Johnson, Tracy Johnson, Anthony Johnson, Fred Brown Jr., Elvis Brown, Michael Brown, Albert Brown; siblings, Evelyn Hood, Ernestine Fitzgerald, Earl (Dorothy) Brown, Patrick Brown of Conn., David (Vernell) Brown; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Family Hour: Friday, 6:15-7:15 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, LR. Funeral: Saturday 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Higgins, 9700 Hwy 365, LR, Ark., 72206. Pastor Michael Payne officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”

–––––❖––––– KATHLEEN ANN BULLEN (formerly Hickerson) ended her 16 year long fight with ovarian cancer peacefully at her home in Little Rock, Ark., surrounded by love on Sept. 19, 2017, her 61st birthday goal. Kathi was born at Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., on Sept. 19, 1956, and although she lived in several locations in her life, including Germany as an exchange high school student, she considered herself to be a “Northern California girl.” She spoke three languages, and had a varied and interesting career path, including stints as a model for Gloria Vanderbilt jeans, finally achieving her perfectly suited dream job as a Flight Attendant (“Sky Goddess”) for Southwest Airlines, a profession and a company she loved dearly for the past nine years, and where she gave inspiration to many other cancer fighters and fellow SWA Sky Goddesses with her positive spirit, grace, goofy humor, tenacity, encouragement, and beautiful smile. Kathi loved to travel and explore new places, and found an equally enthusiastic fellow world adventurer with John Bullen, who was blessed to marry her in May of this year. She brought the sunshine with her wherever she went and shared it with whomever she met. There were no strangers in her life. Kathi was preceded in death by her late husband, Tim Hickerson, and is survived by her children Tiffany Commerford, Sean Commerford, Grant Hickerson, her six beloved grandchildren, parents Don and Sheila Kendall, sister Terri Looney, brothers Jim Kendall and Ron Kendall, and her husband, lover, companion, fellow traveler John Bullen.

A service with reception to follow will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 30 at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, 20900 Chenal Pwky., Little Rock 72223.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathi’s name to either St. Jude’s Children Hospital, or to the Pan-Mass Challenge.

–––––❖––––– ROBERT MALCOLM BYERS, 72, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Sept. 18, 2017. He was born in Hope, Ark., on March 23, 1945, but lived in Hot Springs most of his life and attended school there. He was predeceased by his parents, Francis Patterson Byers and Howard K. Byers of Hot Springs.

To mourn his passing, he leaves his wife, Janice Linsley Byers, and all her family which he came to cherish as his own, E. Patrick Linsley (Wanda) and Deena Gayle Stankevitz (Keith); his nieces and nephews to whom he was deeply devoted, Tina Etheridge (Gene) and Tonya Bewley (Wayne), and all the greats and great-greats, Ryan, Austin, Natalie, Holly, Kade, Kasen, Kamren and one on the way.

Robert graduated from Henderson State University and worked for Social Security Disability, retiring as a Unit Supervisor in 2007 after 36 years of service. He was a Christian, U.S. Marine, had a Black Belt in Taekwondo, and when young, he was a certified scuba diver and skydiver who loved hiking and kayaking. He also spent his life rescuing every abandoned or suffering cat that came his way. Cats are poorer for his loss.

A service to honor Robert’s life will be held at 1 p.m., preceded by visitation beginning at noon, on Monday, Sept. 25 at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Feline Rescue and Rehome, P.O. Box 250567, Little Rock, Ark 72225 or to any Christian charity that touches your heart.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Robert’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– ROGER K. CHISHOLM died on Sept. 21 in Little Rock. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean C. Chisholm. He is also survived by three children, Margaret C. Massey (James) of Nashville, Tenn., Janet C. Webster (Donovan) and Elizabeth C. Jordan, both of Memphis, Tenn. He is also survived by his sister, Janet C. Wahl (Ed) of Homewood, Ill., and seven grandchildren: Nicholas, James, Andrew, Anna, Elizabeth, Alexandra and William, as well as several cousins in the U.S. and Scotland.

He graduated from University of Illinois, Iowa State University and the University of Chicago. He served as faculty at University of Kansas, Northwestern University, University of Memphis and University of Arkansas-Little Rock, where he was professor, department chair, and Dean of the College of Business Administration. He also served as an expert witness in numerous cases on behalf of various Native American Tribal Organizations before the Indian Claims Commission in Washington, DC, resulting in many millions of dollars in payments to those organizations.

He was an active member in the Presbyterian Church, serving as both elder and deacon. In retirement, he became a lay pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA and served churches throughout the Presbytery of Arkansas. His ashes will be scattered in the prayer garden of Second Presbyterian Church, and a memorial service will be held there on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. Memorials may be sent to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark., 72227, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home; the online guestbook can be signed at www. ruebelfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– JOHNNY ROGERS CROON SR. was born March 12, 1941 to the parents of Rosena and Johnny Croon. He was born in in New Rhodes, La., and moved to North Little Rock, Ark., when he was seven years old. Johnny attended Scipio A. Jones High School. In his late twenties, he moved to Los Angeles Calif., where he lived out the rest of his life. Preceding him in death are; his mother and father, sister Jerrylyn Croon, and brother Mark Croon. He leaves behind his sister, Eula Covington (James), brothers; Wallace Croon (Delois), Chester Croon, Kenneth Croon (Tammy), Ricky Croon, and Cedric Croon. He also leaves behind his children; Johnny Rogers Croon Jr. (Angela), Mildred Scott, Joyce Smith, Sharonda Williams (Charlie), Varonda Johnson (Keith) and Tammy Greer, 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held Sept. 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Robinson Mortuary, 4511 East Broadway, North Little Rock, Ark. 72217. “A Service You Can Trust.”

–––––❖–––––

NINA MAE DODSON FRICKS GOINS, 90, of Sherwood, went to be with her Lord Sunday Sept. 17, 2017. She was born Dec. 1, 1926 in Brownville, Texas to the late William and Winnie Bennett Dodson.

Nina was also preceded in death by her siblings, Norman and Dovie Dodson and Sybil and Garland McJunkins; her former husband and friend, Chris Turner Fricks, and her husband Thomas Jutson Goins.

She will forever be remembered by her family; son, Jeff (Debi) Fricks, and her daughters, Mary Beth Fricks, Chris Fricks, and Debbie Goins. Those who called her “Grandma” are Kyle (Ericka) Fricks, and Kendall Fricks, and those who came along and forever changed her name to “Nini” are her great-grandchildren, Macey, Luke, and Melody Grace. She was also known as “Aunt Nina” to many nieces and nephews.

Nini loved her garden, even at the end, when all she could see were the bright colors. She enjoyed cooking and made many wonderful meals for those she always held in her heart with such complete and unconditional love.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Searcy and the staff at Baptist Hospital for their compassionate care.

Nini will be interred with her loving Thomas at the Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Ave., Sherwood at a later date. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www. arkansascremation.com.

–––––❖––––– JOYCE POLLNOW HARRIS, of North Little Rock, passed away Sept. 16, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Robert Harris; son, Doug Harris; daughters, Kristie Harris and Synnova Henthorne; and a host of other family and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 26 from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Memorials may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society and Drive Away Cancer. Joyce’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– CATHERINE M. BOBBITT ISON, 88, of Sherwood passed away Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. She was born Oct. 8, 1928 in Jacksonville, Ark., to Albert and Susie Bobbitt. She was a member of Gravel Ridge First Baptist Church.

Because of her tremendous love for Jesus, and His for her, she has gone home to glory. Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our precious Momma, but find peace in the knowledge we will see her again. We will hold tight to the sweet love she held for her Chris and Ed.

She is survived by her son, Ross “Eddie” Edward Ison Jr. (Debbie); daughter, Christie Lynn Ison Dillon; grandchildren, Melissa Anne Hensley, John Albert Ison, Jennifer Erin Dillon Fason, Jeremy Ross Dillon, Hayley Catherine Dillon; nine great-grandchildren; and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, James “Bo” Harold Bobbitt, and her sonin-law, Steven F. Dillon.

Memorials may be made to That Church, 901 E. Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, Ark., 72120 or Calvary Apostolic Church, P.O. Box 855, Wynne, Ark., 72396.

A visitation will be from 2-3 p.m., Monday, Sept. 25, 2017 followed by a funeral service at 3 p.m., at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. Burial will follow in Gravel Ridge Cemetery.

Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– BOBBIE JEAN BRAGG LAMBERT was born on Nov. 24, 1943 to Earnest Bragg Sr. and Annie Bell Bragg in Malvern, Ark. She is preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Thomas Henry Lambert; one son; one daughter; one brother; two sisters; and her parents. She leaves to rejoice in and cherish her memories 10 children; 34 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; her fiancé; two brothers; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at Second Baptist Church, 1709 John Barrow Rd., Little Rock, Ark., 72204, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will held Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017 at 10 a.m., also at Second Baptist Church. Please Share your messages of love, comfort and support for Bobbie with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖–––––

RITA EMMA JANE HEFLEY PASCHAL, age 82, died peacefully Sept. 15 in Little Rock, Ark. She was born Feb. 27, 1935, to the late Lowell J. and Ruby Criner Hefley, in Mt. Judea, Ark., although her parents were living in Memphis at the time. Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Vail Meek Paschal.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Rita Paschal Wooley (Brad) and Ronda Paschal Dorchester (Charlie); her grandchildren, Elizabeth Dearing, Bradley Wooley (Lindsey), Ruby Dorchester, Leland Dorchester and Vail Dorchester; and one great-grandchild, Jack Wilson Wooley. She is also survived by her brother, Bill F. Hefley, Little Rock, and his family; and a close cousin, Jonijane Paxton, Little Rock.

Fiercely independent, Rita was an elegant and stylish woman who lived a life filled with family, friends, and a wide variety of interests and activities. She graduated from Little Rock High School, where she played flute and piccolo in the marching and concert bands and was a member of the National Honor Society. She then graduated from Little Rock Junior College (now UALR) with an Associate’s Degree in Home Economics. At LRJC, she was active in the theater and was a member of Delta Zeta Phi sorority.

Rita was a talented gardener — flowers in particular — and belonged to several garden clubs. She was an excellent and competitive bridge player. Indeed, some of her closest and longest friendships started at the bridge table; she and her POTTS bridge club friends played, traveled and enjoyed each other for more than 61 years. During her daughters’ school years, Rita was valued as a volunteer for Little Rock’s public schools, serving as PTA president and a Girl Scout leader. Both in Little Rock and Springdale, where she and Vail lived for 17 years, Rita was active in P.E.O. and supported the educational philanthropies of that organization. She was employed for a number of years at the regional headquarters of World Book International in Little Rock, where she managed the office and was known as “the boss.” Rita was a veteran, enthusiastic traveler, and she and Vail took many cruises together all over the world, often with friends.

Rita was deeply spiritual. She and Vail were members of 2nd Presbyterian Church in Little Rock and 1st Presbyterian Church in Springdale. Rita played in the handbell choirs of both churches, and was also an ordained Elder, a Stephen leader and a Circle Leader.

The family would like to thank special caregiver, Nancy Grinder, Brookdale at Chenal Heights Memory Care staff, and Hospice Home Care.

Funeral services, officiated by Pastor Steve Hancock, will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 29, at 2nd Presbyterian Church, Little Rock; a reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to 2nd Presbyterian Church, Alzheimer’s Arkansas, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home; the online guestbook can be signed at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– DONNA ROUSE RASHAD, age 68, AKA “Chicken”, AKA “D.B.”, passed on Friday, Sept. 8, 2017, in Los Angeles, Calif. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, James Rouse Sr. and Clementine Mathis Rouse; her brothers, Rev. James Rouse Jr. and Rev. Richard “Rick” Rouse.

Donna leaves to mourn her son, Mark Rashad Sr.; daughter Hana Rashad; grandchildren Blakely, La’Brea, and Mark Rashad, Jr., Brayden, Olivia and Atticus Hendrix; sisters, Sandra Rouse Kopp (Gary) and Linda Rouse Miller; Aunt Maxine Mathis; many nieces, nephews, cousins, work associates at UALR, family and friends.

Graveside Memorial Services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017, at 2 p.m., at Roselawn Memorial Park, 2801 Asher Ave, Little Rock, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you send donations to Arkansas Community Foundation (ARCF) For: Clementine Mathis Rouse Scholarship Fund, 1400 W. Markham Suite 206, Little Rock, Ark., 72201. www. ruebelfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– LINDA REYNOLDS passed away Friday, Sept. 15 at Spring Hill Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, Ark. Her memorial service will be held at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church on Thursday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m. 2403 McArthur Dr., Jacksonville, Ark. 72076.

I have gone home to Jesus and my loved ones. I was born in Chicago in 1950. I am survived by my wonderful husband, Charles, precious son, Richard, grandchildren, Sophie and Ashton, my cats and my dogs, and many wonderful friends. ‘People, I’ve had a great life and great friends. I want to thank David, my friend, and boss. I had a fantastic job, and again, thanks! Debbie, Janet, Linda, Mildred, Karen, Phylecia, and Melanie, think of me with a smile and be happy!

I am donated (all of me) to UAMS to help other people. Please, don’t worry, be happy!

–––––❖––––– JAMES ELMER SINKEY SR. “JIMMY”, 81, of North Little Rock, Ark., went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept., 21, 2017 after a brief illness.

Services to honor his life will be held on Wednesday,

Sept. 27, 2017 beginning with visitation at 1 p.m. followed by his funeral service at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road North Little Rock, Ar.

Jimmy was born Jan. 27, 1936 in DeWitt, Ark. His childhood was something straight out of a Mark Twain novel. He ran about the town square, watched double features of The Wolf Man at the Dewitt Theater and had many adventures in the woods and bayous of Dewitt. He moved to North Little Rock at the age of 15 where he later married the love of his life, Mary Helen Noland March 14, 1955. They had four sons and a daughter. Their love story continued for 62 wonderful years. In their later years they enjoyed spending time at their lakeside home with family.

The most important thing in his life was spending time and making memories with his children and grandchildren, whether it was taking trips to the beach and Disney World or spending weekends at their cabin boating, fishing and swimming with the kids. Jimmy was adored and admired by many. Especially, children who he won over with jelly beans. His kindness and generosity was unsurpassed. He was a true jokester and had a contagious smile. You couldn’t help to be happy when in his presence. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him and his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer Sinkey and Ludeal Arnett. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary (Noland) Sinkey; his four sons, James Sinkey Jr., Virgil Sinkey, Steve Sinkey, Gary Sinkey, all of North Little Rock; daughter, Crystal Sinkey Malloy of Shreveport, La.; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Sanchez of Tucson, Ariz.; brother, Virgil Sinkey of Judsonia, Ark., and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Baptist NLR, Sherwood Rehab, his special caregivers, Joy and Amalia and the many family members and friends that provided love and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation or the National Kidney Foundation. Please visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com for the online tribute.

–––––❖––––– VIOLA “BITTIE” RICHARDSON SWEETENBURG, 90, of North Little Rock passed

Sept. 20, 2017. Homegoing Celebration Tuesday Sept. 26 11 a.m. at Eighth Street Baptist Church 901 SA Jones Drive North Little Rock. Superior Funeral Service 5017 East Broadway North little Rock (501) 9459922. Trudean Long Brown: Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”

–––––❖––––– THERESA KORDSMEIER VOGLER passed away peacefully Sept. 19, 2017. She was born in 1929, at her family home in North Little Rock. She was the sixth of seven children of Frank and Hattie Kordsmeier.

Theresa is survived by her husband, Henry

Benton “Buddy” Vogler Jr. of Little Rock; her sons: Stephen Vogler of Sherwood, Thomas (Marge) Vogler, Paul Vogler and Henry Benton “Buddy” (Nicole) Vogler III, all of Little Rock; and her daughter, Mary Vogler of Bryant. She has one remaining sibling, Bernadine Treml of Delaware. Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Hattie Chicoski Kordsmeier; siblings, Leo Kordsmeier, Cecilia Lucas, Frank “Sonny” Kordsmeier, Julia Comstock and Richard Kordsmeier. She was also preceded in death by a son, John Christopher Vogler. They had three grandchildren, Megan Vogler, Allie Vogler and Alaric Laughlin.

A rosary service will be held at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24. Funeral Mass will be at St. Edward Catholic Church, 9th and Sherman, at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 25. Burial will take place at the Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Subiaco Academy.

–––––❖––––– SISTER LOIS M. AUSTIN WEAVER passed into eternity on Sept. 20, 2017. She was an amazing woman who deeply loved God, her family, and all she came in contact with. After graduating from Dunbar High School, she attended Capital City Business College but cooking was her passion. Mrs. Weaver was employed at Browning Mexican Restaurant for over 40 years.

Her husband, Elijah Weaver Sr., predeceased her in 1991. She is survived by her loving children, Michael Daniels, Elijah Weaver Jr. (Kim) and Nell Weaver; her loving grandchildren, Rosalyn Daniels, Michael Daniels II, Ashton Daniels, T’Myaa Daniels, Kenya Daniels, Chandra Daniels, and Kameron Daniels; and a special niece, Donielle Green.

Celebration of life will be Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017 at noon at Christ Temple Cathedral COCHUSA, 1923 S. Arch, Little Rock. Family hour will be Friday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Premier Funeral Home, 1518 Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. (501) 376-4801.