Obituaries

Pulaski County

LARRY ANTHONY LEWIS, 58, of Jacksonville, passed away on October 13, 2017. He was born March 6, 1959, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late James and Eldora Lewis. Cremations arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– LILLIE RANEY MAJOR died October 21, 2017. Born on January 14th, 1919, to Thomas Jefferson Raney and Inez Brannon Raney, she was the youngest daughter of

10 siblings. Lillie raised three children while successfully balancing a career in education and supporting her husband of 75 years, the late Dr. James E. Major. Together they served the United Methodist Church and Hendrix College.

Lillie received her BA from Sullins College in Virginia and her Master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas. She was very instrumental in establishing the Foreign Language programs in the Little Rock Public Schools. She taught school in every city where she and Jim lived starting with Durham, North Carolina, while Jim went to graduate school. In her role as a missionary in Santiago, Chile, she taught at the Sweet Memorial Institute alongside her husband. She

was the quintessential “Preacher’s Wife,” devoting her life to God, the Church, and her family.

Lillie is survived by her daughter, Mary Susan Major Holton and her husband, Len, of Little Rock, her son, Thomas R. Major and his wife, Carla, of Little Rock, and her son, James V. Major and his wife, Tamara, of Medford, MA; as well as grandchildren, Mike Major and his wife, Nikki, Lauren Major Averill and her husband, Chris, Alexis Major Jameson and her husband, Neil, Wesley Major, and six great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating Lillie’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock on Wednesday, October 25th, at 1:30 p.m. The family will greet friends prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201.

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

–––––❖––––– MARILYN NEWSOM McHANEY, 95, of Little Rock died at her home on Friday, October 20. She is preceded in death by her husband,

James (Jimmy)

M. McHaney, Sr. and her parents

Percy and Frances Newsom of

Little Rock.

She is survived by her son James

M. McHaney, Jr. and his wife Carmen of Little Rock, and her daughter, Frances McHaney Allen and her husband, John (Jack) Allen of Darien, Connecticut and Sanibel Island, Florida as well as four grandchildren, Michael McHaney of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kate Allen Lacour (Justin) of New Orleans, Louisiana, Holden McHaney of Portland, Oregon, and Brette Allen Mowrer (Patrick) of New York City.

Born on March 2, 1922, Marilyn grew up in Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock High School (now Central High). She attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia and the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She attended the Katherine Gibbs School in New York City where she met her future husband. The young couple resided in New York City until 1946 when they moved to Nuremberg, Germany where Jimmy served as a lead prosecutor at the Nuremberg trial prosecuting Nazi torture doctors and high ranking members of the SS and Marilyn served as a staff member of the prosecution team.

On a flight from Berlin to Nuremberg in March, 1948, the couple had to parachute out of a military plane when one of the engines stopped. Marilyn landed in a river in the French sector of Berlin while Jimmy landed on top of a building in the American sector. Both escaped unscathed, but had an exciting adventure to remember. Following the trials, the couple lived briefly in Little Rock and Washington, DC before returning permanently to Little Rock in 1952.

Marilyn was a community leader and active volunteer. Before serving as president of the Junior League of Little Rock (JLLR), she served on a three-member JLLR team that approached Winthrop Rockefeller to solicit start up funds for a local arts center. He told them they needed to establish an arts center for the entire state of Arkansas, not for just one community and the JLLR did just that with start-up funds provided by Rockefeller himself on a matching basis. She served on the Arts Center Board of Trustees during its formative years and remained an active member throughout her life. She also served on the Board of Trustees of the Elizabeth Mitchell Home, now known as Centers for Youth and Families. She enjoyed her memberships in the Little Rock Aesthetic Club, the Little Rock Garden Club, and the Country Club of Little Rock. She was a life-long member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist.

A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25. A private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park.

The family expresses its thanks to Shawnda Washington and her loving team for the care they gave to Marilyn during her last years and to her dear friend Earlean Tolbert who has cared for the McHaney family for more than 60 years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas Arts Center, the Junior League of Little Rock, or Centers for Youth and Families. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– ROLAND ARTHUR “BILL” NEWTON SR., 81, of North Little Rock, passed away

Oct. 21, 2017. He was born June

13, 1936 in Little

Rock, Ark., to the late William and

Francis Atwater Newton. Bill served in the Air

Force and was a member of Guiding Light Baptist

Church for many years. He retired from Coleman Dairy after 41 years of service.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Bobby Gordon. He is survived by his wife, Paula Newton; sons, Roland Newton Jr. (C.J.), Terry Newton (Lisa), and Timothy Newton; stepdaughters, Tami Holt (Tim), and Donna Hudson; stepsons, Billy Bisbee (Dana), and Tony Bisbee; brother, Douglas Gordon; sister, Betty Harpole; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2017 at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander, Ark., from 5-7 p.m. Services will be Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home with Bro. Kevin Bellinger officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. To sign the online guestbook go to www. pinecrestmemorialpark.com.

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SUSIE MAE (nee JACKSON) RAGLAND, 89, of Little Rock, passed away October

22, 2017. She was born to Elmer &

Mary Jackson on December 23,

1927 in McRae, Arkansas. She was a long-time employee of

General Motors Acceptance Corporation. She was a former member of First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Buddy” Ragland; brother, Elmer Jackson; sister, Betty (Jackson) Welch; and her parents. She is survived by her son, Steve (Denise) Ragland; grandson, Matthew (Lisa) Ragland; great granddaughters, Haley and Emily Ragland; and nephew, Dennis Welch.

Graveside service will be held at Rest Hills Memorial Park on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

–––––❖––––– (BOB) (BOBBY) WILLIAM R. STAGE, age 86, returned to his heavenly home on October 11, 2017, after a valiant battle with long illnesses. His devotion to his family and from his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is now at peace in Heaven. Graveside Service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Riverwood Memorial Gardens, 301 Carnahan Drive, Maumelle, Ark. 72113. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA — Joe Don Freeman, age 70, of Arkadelphia, died October 22, 2017. A graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, at the Richland Cemetery with Bro. Jeremy Bell officiating. To read the full obituary and sign the tribute page please go to www.ruggleswilcox.com.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Doster Wynn Walker, 56, Benton, Arkansas, passed away Monday, October 16, 2017. He was born May 15, 1961 in Lawton, Oklahoma to Donald and Ann Walker. Celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. To sign guestbook: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– BRIGGSVILLE — Dennus Castleberry, age 83, of Briggsville, passed away Sunday, October 22, 2017. Service will be Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Briggsville United Methodist Church. Burial: Mt. Zion. Visitation: Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 6-8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Arrangements: Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville. Online guestbook: www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– CALICO ROCK — Flora Geraldine Marchant, 89, died October 23. Visitation and funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 25 at Pleasant Valley Community Church in Calico Rock. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 2 p.m. Burial: Staggs Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home.

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CAVE CITY — Wilma Loudell Martin, 88, of Cave City, died Saturday. Survivors: sons, David Martin, Tommy Martin, Richard Martin, and John Martin; daughters: Loretta Hays, Irene Stripling; 16 grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Cave City Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Burial: Cave City Cemetery by Roller-Crouch-McGee Funeral Home. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ cavecity.

–––––❖––––– DeWITT — Mary Kathryn Ruffin, age 85, of DeWitt, passed to her heavenly home on Sunday, October 22, 2017. Mary Kathryn was born to Harvey Simpson and Ruth Pittman Simpson on December 16, 1931. She resided in DeWitt and the Deluce community throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald “Toad” Ruffin; daughter, Cathy Jean Ruffin Fox; daughter in law, Beth Ruffin; and brothers Garland Simpson and Bobby Joe Simpson.

Mary Kathryn was a member of Unity Missionary Baptist Church and the Prairie Gems Extension Homemaker Club. She was a prayer warrior, encourager and pillar of her church and community. She never slowed down, and was always active in jobs and activities around the community. The legacy she leaves runs deep as a devoted Christian, loving mother and beloved Grandma to all who knew her.

She is survived by a son, Donald Lee and Marian Ruffin; a daughter, Vickie and Wilbur Joe McLain; seven grandchildren: Curtis and Misty Fox, Benjamin and Melissa Ruffin, Elizabeth Skinner, Leah and Deuce LaCotts, Jay and Megan McLain, Kate and Kevin Wingfield, and Dona and Seth Glaze; and eighteen great grandchildren; two brothers: Donal Simpson and William Simpson; and one sister, Marjorie Kraft. In addition she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and very dear friends of all ages, many who affectionately called her Grandma.

Services will be held at Unity Missionary Baptist Church on Tuesday, October 24, at 10 a.m. www. essexfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– DUMAS — Jeffrey Allen Poole, 55, Dumas, passed away October 22, 2017 in Little Rock. He was born

September 23, 1962 in Dumas, to Luther C. Poole, Jr and Audrey Jefflyn Carr Poole. Jeffrey was a member of First United Methodist Church, Dumas and was a Jeweler at B&J Jewelers in Pine Bluff for 25 years.

Survivors: father, Luther C. “Buddy” Poole, Jr, Collierville, Tennessee; two brothers, Michael Batson, Beebe, Arkansas and Marc Poole, Indianapolis, Indiana; brother in law, Ricky McGee, Dumas, Arkansas; two nieces, Audrey Nicole “Nikki” (Bryan) Haskins, Dewitt, Arkansas and Sarah Ann (Jason) Sessions, Dumas, Arkansas; three cousins, Jeff Sullivan, Chattanooga, Tennessee and Gayle Sullivan, and Amy Carter both Germantown, Tennessee; two great-nieces, Beth Ann Shadwick and Jewel Wargo; and one great-nephew, Corbin Haskins.

Visitation and memorial services will be Wednesday, October 25, 2017, First United Methodist Church in Dumas. The visitation in the fellowship hall from 1-2 p.m., with services 2 p.m. in Sanctuary with Dr. Tandy Hanson officiating. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or American Cancer Society or Donor’s charity of choice. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas; guestbook at www.griffinfh.com.

–––––❖––––– GLENWOOD — James Edward “Jim” Freeman, age 55, of Glenwood, formerly of Arkadelphia, died Sunday, October 22, 2017. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Services will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 25th at Berry Chapel on the Ouachita Baptist University Campus. Online register available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

––––– ––––– HEBER SPRINGS — Elba Ann Huddleston, age 89, passed away Sunday. Survivors: son, Bill (Louise) Huddleston, Florence, Alabama; daughter, Julan Wood, Heber Springs, many grandchildren. Visitation: Wednesday, 5 to 7 p.m., Family Funeral Service. Memorials to Palmer House, 912 11th Ave., Columbus, Mississippi 39701 or Lottie Moon Baptist Missions. Family Funeral Service. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– HIGDEN — Laverne McDade, 77, Higden, Ark., died October 19, 2017. Born: January 31, 1940 son of W.T. & Pauline McDade. Widower of Bonnie McDade. U.S. Air Force Veteran. Survivors: children, Krissy McDade, James McDade, Susan Merritt (Jimmy), six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren. Visitation: 10 a.m. Memorial Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.

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HOPE — Davin “Dave” Pate Easterling, 53, of Hope, Arkansas passed away

Sunday, October

22, 2017 at home.

He was born August 21, 1964 to

Alvin and Mickey

Pate Easterling.

Dave was a

1983 graduate of

Hope High School and a lifelong

Hope resident.

Like most country boys, his passion was hunting and fishing. In recent years his favorite hunting partner was his grandson, Nick.

Survivors include his parents; wife, Carla of the home; daughters, Eva and Julianna of Texarkana; brother, Drew and wife Shawn of Murfreesboro; stepchildren, Lisa and Tray Austin of Texarkana and James Hill of Glenwood; grandchildren, Nikolas and Emma Oliver and Myca Austin.

The beloved Miss Kathleen Broach introduced Dave to Jesus at First United Methodist pre-school and now he is a faithful member of Rafter J Cowboy Church.

Visitation will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Herndon Pharr Funeral Home in Hope. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 25, 2017 in Herndon Pharr Chapel with Revel Kidd and Terry Evans officiating under the direction of Herndon Pharr Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Hope, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorials be made to Rafter J Cowboy Church, 4913 Hwy. 29 S, Hope, Ark. 71801. Sign our online register book at www.pharrfuneralhomes.com.

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HOT SPRINGS — Theresa Louise Thornton Bullard, 62, of Hot Springs, died Saturday, 10/21/17. Visitation; 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, 10/25/17, J.A. Funk Funeral Home, Malvern. Funeral: 2 p.m. Wednesday, chapel. Interment: Hickory Grove Cemetery, Bismarck. Survivors: Sondra Green (Gerald), Tina Irvin, James Dayton (Michelle), Stephanie Andersen (Jesse Judge), Dakota Andersen; 10 grandchildren. Online condolences: jafunkfuneralhome.com.

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HOT SPRINGS — Helen Ruth Jester Gordon, age 86 died October 20, 2017, in Hot Springs Ark. Helen will lie in state at the funeral home starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday with visitation from 5-7 p.m. Celebration of Life Services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25th at the Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia with burial at Mt. Tabor Cemetery near Bonnerdale, Ark. To read the full obituary and sign Helen’s tribute page go to www. ruggleswilcox.com.

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HOT SPRINGS — John Carlton Mays, age 84, passed away Saturday October 21st

2017. He was born on October

25th 1932 to the late Carlton &

Emily Mays.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of

36 years Masha

Mays; one son,

John T. Mays (Tweedie) Little Rock, one daughter Debbie Beccia Fordyce and one brother Tommy Mays (Beverly) Little Rock. 3 stepchildren include

Tommy Vance (Kathy) Hot Springs, Travis Vance (Amanda) Fayetteville and Trisha Vance Louisville Ky. He also leaves a host of several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

John graduated from Fordyce High School in 1950. He graduated from U of A with a bachelor’s degree in science and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Graduated from Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Served in the U.S. Navy Korean War. Former partner and manager of Benton Funeral Home Fordyce. Served on the board and chairman of Dallas County hospital for 12 years.

A Memorial service in celebration of John’s life will be held Wednesday, October 25th at 10 a.m. at Hot Springs Funeral Home, 1017 Central Ave., Hot Springs. Online guest book hotspringsfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis Tennessee 38105. Attn: Tribute Program. Arrangements are with Hot Springs Funeral Home. Online condolences at www.hotspringsfh.com.

–––––❖––––– JUDSONIA — Clifford Britton, 93, died October 21, 2017. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy. Services will be held 2 p.m., Thursday at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel in Searcy. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www. powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– LAKEVIEW — Services for Barbara Miller, 77 of Lakeview, Arkansas will be private. Barbara died October 21, 2017. A secretary to the Vice-President of an Aerospace Company, survived by her husband, Joseph. Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral and Cremation Services-Bull Shoals. Visit an online guestbook/obituary at www. kirbyandfamily.com.

–––––❖––––– McGEHEE — Ka’mille Aubri Washington, infant, of McGehee, Ark. died October 19, 2017. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2017, Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, Ark. Graveside services 11 a.m. at Coleman Cemetery in Dermott, Ark. Arrangements made by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service, McGehee, Ark. On-line guest book may be signed at www.griffinculpepper.com.

–––––❖––––– MENA — Mrs. Shirley Simmons Russell age 72, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Saturday, October 21, 2017 in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. Memorial service will be Thursday, October 26, 2017, 10 a.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel with Deborah Head officiating under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

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PINE BLUFF — Mary Lynn Midkiff, 62, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, formerly of DeWitt, Arkansas died October 19, 2017 at JRMC in Pine Bluff. Graveside service Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 2 p.m. at DeWitt Cemetery in Dewitt by McKinzie Funeral Home of DeWitt, Arkansas.

–––––❖––––– PLEASANT GROVE — Donna Elaine Elliott, 66, of Pleasant Grove, Arkansas died October 22, 2017. Donna is survived by companion Storm Minick; son and best friend, William “Randy” Elliott; and three grandsons. A memorial service is scheduled Saturday, October 28, 2017, 2 p.m. at Roller Coffman Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtview1.

–––––❖––––– REDFIELD — Geneva Helen Patterson Lampkin of Redfield, went to be with the

Lord on Sunday,

October 22, 2017 at the age of 90 years. She was born at Redfield on July 5, 1927 to the late Henry Lawrence Patterson and Beatrice

Pitts Patterson.

Mrs. Lampkin was a member of River Road Church of God and loved playing the guitar.

She was also predeceased by a grandson, Tony Lampkin; and three younger siblings, Sandra K. Patterson, Horace Patterson, and Curtis Patterson. Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Willis Lampkin; four children, Kenny Lampkin, David Lampkin (Janet), Jackie Broach (Rickey), and Jerry Lampkin (Pauline); a sister, Linnie Standridge; seven grandchildren, John Lampkin, Crystal Howell, Matthew Lampkin, Shane Lampkin, Chris Lampkin, Jackie Lampkin, and Heather Lampkin; a number of great-grandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild; along with many nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, October 25, 2017, 2 p.m. at Redfield Cemetery with Reverend Rickey Broach officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Fuller Hale-South in Pine Bluff. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Elva Mavis Greer, age 92 of Searcy, died Sunday, October 22, 2017 in Searcy. She was born

June 4, 1925 in Griffithville to the late Callie and

Maggie Vandiver.

She was a member of West Race

Baptist Church and worked 40plus years as the bookkeeper for

Searcy Frozen Foods.

She is survived by one son, Ronnie Greer and wife Brenda of Searcy; two grandchildren, Matt Greer and wife Stacy of Searcy, Stuart Greer and wife Mindi of Searcy; and two great-grandchildren, Hayden Greer of Searcy and Maggie Greer of Searcy. She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Elmer Lee Greer; four infant children; three brothers; and one sister.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at West Race

Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to West Race Baptist Church in Searcy. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Melba Joyce Weatherley, age 76, passed away Monday. She was an accountant and her religious belief was Baptist. Survivors: sons, Wade (Amity) Weatherley, Mt. Vernon, Warren (Julie) Weatherley, Jonesboro; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Memorial Service: Saturday, October 28, 2 p.m. Floyd Methodist Church. Family Funeral Service. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– SILOAM SPRINGS — Opal Marguerite McGhee Reed, 88, passed away October 22, 2017. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Ark. Services will be 10 a.m., Thursday, October 26, First Baptist Church, Siloam Springs, with interment at 4 p.m., Birta Cemetery.❖––––– –––––

WHITE HALL — Mr. Euarl “Cee” Summers, 73, White Hall, Ark., passed Wednesday, October 18, 2017. Funeral Service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Judah Restoration Worship Center by Brother Larry Bishop. Interment will be in St. Luke Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

Out-of-state

CLEVELAND, Miss. — Patricia Robyn Ezell Webster, age 54, of Cleveland, Miss., passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Visitation will be Wednesday October 25, 2017 from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Cleveland Funeral Home in Cleveland. Funeral Services will follow at 1 p.m. in the Cleveland Funeral Home Chapel.

–––––❖––––– DALLAS — Mrs. Dortha Mae Hall, 99 of Dallas, Texas passed Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at Indiana Street M.B.C. by Rev. George Glass. Interment will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

–––––❖––––– TEXARKANA, Texas — Mary Anna Fowler, 72, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on October 21, 2017.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Fowler, her son, Charles Thomas Fowler, and her father, Thomas Wells Martin. She is survived by her mother, Mary Alice Pennington, daughter Jennifer (Lisa Ann), daughterin-law, Pamela, and granddaughters Elizabeth Fowler, Caitlin (Emilio) Rodriguez, and Meagann Nimchan, her sister Betty Jane (Steve) Martin, and her brothers, Thomas (Becky) Martin, and John (Betty) Martin, and 2 nieces, Sarah Martin, and Allyson (Jack) Hancock.

Mary Anna was born on May 11, 1945 in Zent, Ark. to Thomas and Mary (Ward) Martin. She grew up in Brinkley, AR. While attending University of Central Arkansas, she met Jim Fowler, whom she married in 1964. After marriage, Mary Anna spent time as a Head Start teacher, believing in the power of early education. After their children were born, Mary Anna chose to be a homemaker, raising her two children in a variety of places including Texas, central Mexico, and Arkansas.

Jim and Mary Anna travelled the world together in their 51 years of marriage, travelling to France, the U.K., Switzerland, Mexico, and many places in the United States. The practical education of seeing the world encouraged Mary Anna to advocate for women’s rights and education. When most people were retiring, Jim and Mary Anna successfully started and ran a cottage sewing industry for many years. Mary Anna was a music lover, having performed as a singer and pianist for many years, passing her love on to her children. Memorial service will be held at Texarkana Funeral Home, Texas Blvd., on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary Anna’s name to the National Head Start Association, 1651 Prince St., Alexandria, Va. 22314. Donations may also be made through the Head Start website at https://www.nhsa.org/get-involved/donations.

–––––❖––––– MILWAUKEE — Daren Phillips, 52, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, formerly of Gould, Arkansas died October 12, 2017. Funeral service: 10 a.m., Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Exodus Research Center in Gould. Burial: Sneed Cemetery in Star City, Ark. by McKinzie Funeral Home of DeWitt. Visitation from 9 a.m until funeral at 10 a.m.