Obituaries

Pulaski County

GLORIA “DEANY” JONES, a child of the most High God, went to be with her heavenly Father on November 11, 2017.

Deany retired after 35 years in accounting and business management in the auto and mobile home businesses. After retirement, she enjoyed playing bridge and taking care of her two puppies, Mr. Toto and Ms. Sugar.

Deany was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. She is survived by four daughters, Waynette Besser, Candy Gilbreath, Robin Howard and Sandy Jones Hanna; two sons, Byron Besser and Sid Jones; one brother, Bill Spann; 15 grandchildren; also wonderful friends, caregivers and neighbors, Jay and Tommie Simmons. Deany was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Jones; her son, Dennis Hall; five sisters, Rosa “Jippy” Stricklin, Charlsie Motley, Juanita Mullins, Euphema Wilder and Connie Hatch; and her parents Bill and Etta Spann.

Memorial service will be Tuesday, November 14, at 2 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sherwood Animal Shelter, 6500 North Hills Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. An online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

CLOIS LEON LANGLEY SR., 94, of Sherwood passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017. He was born June 25, 1923 in Conway, Arkansas to Joe Clarence and Annie McGlothlen Langley. He was retired from Hunt Wesson (Conagra) after 37 years, a member of First Baptist Church of Sherwood and an Air Force World War II veteran.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife, of 61 years, Dorothy Louise Langley; son, Clois Leon Langley Jr.; and his siblings. He is survived by his grandson, Jason Langley; daughter, Delores Withers (Lance); daughter-in-law, Linda Langley; granddaughter, Margo Blunk (Alan); and grandson, Todd Moser.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 1 p.m., November 16th at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

DEWELL ELDRIDGE SHIRLEY, 70, passed away November 12, 2017. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 14, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service with a funeral service to be held Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Stanfill Cemetery, Pulaski County, Arkansas. Online guestbook available www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA — Bessie Olivia Newburn Blacknall, 98, Arkadelphia, passed November 12, 2017. Survivors: children, Rosie Gill, Charles (Paulette) Blacknall; grandchildren, Lonya (Travon) Newborn, Charles Blacknall, Jr.; two great-grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mt. Morriah Baptist Church. Services provided by Williams Funeral Home. Sign guestbook in memory of Mrs. Blacknall at www.funeralsatwilliams.com.

ARKADELPHIA — Ruth Boyd, age 86, of Arkadelphia, passed away November 12, 2017. She was born August 23, 1931, in Anson TX, the daughter of Justin and Florine Bockman Moore. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Arkadelphia. She was involved in the Home Extension Club, and her main love, The Arkadelphia Hospital Auxiliary, where she was a member for over 40 years.

Ruth is survived by two daughters, Vici Fenwick of Mena, Ark., and Candi Stickney (Mike) of St. Petersburg, Fla., and one son, Rick Boyd (Brenda) of Mountain Home, Ark. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Justin Fenwick of Mena, Sarah Bentley (Craig) of Fort Smith, Ark., and Kasey James (Micah) of Heflin, La.; four great-grandchildren, Rylie and Harper Bentley, and Kimber and Kaitlin James; and one brother, Gawain Moore of Lassater, Texas.

The family will greet friends at the Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. There will be no formal services. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospital Auxiliary, 3050 Twin Rivers Drive, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Please sign Ruth’s online tribute wall at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

BATESVILLE — Earline Kempf, 84, of Batesville, died Friday, November 10, 2017. Funeral services will be Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Qualls Funeral Home Chapel in Cave City. Burial, Union Cemetery at Dowdy. Visitation, Wednesday, November 15, 2017, from 1 p.m. until service time.

BATESVILLE — Earl A. Tripp Jr., 91, was born on July 27, 1926, to Earl A. and Ovie Jackson Tripp in Sulphur Rock, Arkansas. He passed peacefully on November 11, 2017 in his home in Batesville, Ark., surrounded by his loving family. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Batesville, Ark., and taught Sunday School to high school students when he was a young man. Earl married the love of his life, Katherine Lucille Denison, on June 1, 1948.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Howard and Jimmy Tripp and sister, Billie Tripp Porter. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Katherine Denison Tripp; daughters, Charlotte Davidson (Dennis) of Fayetteville, Ark., and Earline Tripp (Gary Jones) of Batesville; grandchildren, Grady McMahan (Kathe) of Batesville, Dennis Davidson (Loryn) of Fayetteville, and Katie Driver (Ed) of Batesville; great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Dawson and Kealee McMahan, Hannah and Hunter Driver of Batesville, and Olivia, Eva and Keller Davidson of Fayetteville and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Earl was a devoted husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather with a caring and giving nature, never expecting anything in return.

Earl served in the U.S. Navy as a motor machinist mate second class during World War II from 1944-1946. He was co-owner of Tripp Gas Company from 19491977 and co-owner of Tripp Supply, Inc. from 1978 to present. Earl enjoyed working with Tripp Supply customers to find solutions to their problems and help them complete their projects. He served on the Batesville City Council for over 20 years, Batesville Utilities Commission as chairman 1983-84, and First United Methodist Church Board of Trustees for over 30 years. He was on the Arkansas LP Gas Board appointed by governors Faubus and Rockefeller, and served as President of the Board in 1957.

Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville. Funeral Service will be at 2 pm on Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Batesville with George Ray Williams, Bob Langley, and Justin Ledbetter officiating. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Brandon Taylor, Jeff Porter, Frank Tripp, Chuck Tripp, Bobby Denison, Fred Denison Jr., Brian McCord, and Kerry Graddy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First United Methodist Church, 615 E. Main Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501 or Independence County Library, 368 E. Main Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501.

The family would like to thank all of Earl’s caregivers for taking such outstanding care of him for the last 2 years. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

BENTON — Sue Carole Woodall Bush, 79, of Benton, passed away November 11, 2017. Sue was born November 23, 1937, in Lake Village, Arkansas, to James D. and Lee Neil “Dash” Crumpler West. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Don West, and husbands, Robert Woodall and John Bush.

She grew up in McGehee, Arkansas, where she graduated from high school in 1955 and then attended Fashion Beauty School in El Dorado, Arkansas, graduating in 1956. She worked 50 years in the beauty business, owned Hair Quarters Beauty Salon, and had many cherished patrons and co-workers… just had to add, she loved to talk.

She is survived by her son, Danny Woodall and his wife, Celeste; granddaughter, Danielle Woodall and great-granddaughter, Haven Davis, all of Little Rock.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 15th, in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock (501) 661-9111. Entombment will follow in Forest Hills Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. today (Tuesday) at the funeral home. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

BENTON — Randy Gill, 65, of Benton, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, November 18, in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton with interment to follow at 2:30 p.m. in Prosperity Cemetery in Herbine, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, at the Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.

BRADFORD — Benny William Harlan, 74, died Monday. Survivors: wife, Joan Harlan; two children, William Harlan, Penny Willard (Andy); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-children. Visitation: Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. Services: Thursday, November 16, 2017, 1 p.m., Powell Funeral Chapel. Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery. Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

BRYANT — Georgia Lavinne Fletcher, 87 of Bryant, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 in Bryant. Georgia was born August 5, 1930 in Gravelly, Ark., to Mr. Escal and Willie Mae (Hunt) Posey. Georgia enjoyed fishing, reading Western books, and watching the Razorbacks play football. Georgia loved visiting with her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, Ann Sears and brother, Howard Shaddon. Ms. Fletcher is survived by her children: Nadine Ables of Bryant, Ruth Ann Hood of Bauxite, Ellis Jr. Fletcher of Russellville, Morris Fletcher of Benton, Robert Fletcher of Benton; two sisters: Mae Hogue of Hartman and Pat Weatherford of Texas; 17 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and a host of friends and other family.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2017 at the Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel. Ms. Fletcher’s funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at Roller-Cox Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jeff Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Kendall Cemetery, JB Hood, Blaine Smalley, Tate Smalley, Josh Ables, Zack Ables, Noah Ables, and Tyler Ables serving as Pallbearers. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home, online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ clarksville.

CABOT — Bobby J. Henry Sr., 72, of Cabot, passed away November 12, 2017 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Bobby was born October 24, 1945 in Conway, Arkansas to the late Oather and Ruby Price Henry. He enjoyed hunting with his sons, fishing and watching football games.

Bobby is preceded in death by three sisters, Fayrean Patrick, Betty Norman, and Mary Baggett. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Freda Henry; two sons, Bobby (Betty) Henry, Jr. and Roger Henry; one brother, Frankie (Bonnie) Henry; one sister, Judy (John) Markham; four grandchildren, Whitney (Matthew) Holland, Jay, Julie and Christopher Henry; one great-grandson, Mason.

Graveside service will be Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Mayflower Cemetery in Mayflower, Arkansas. Visitation will be Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 10-12 noon in the funeral home chapel. Services arranged by Thomas Funeral Service 501-9417888 www.thomasfuneralservice.com.

CABOT — Nita Dean Ward Irvin, 73, of Cabot, died Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. She was born March 31, 1944, in Searcy to the late W.A. and Jeanette Howell Dean. Mrs. Irvin was a graduate of Searcy High School and a faithful member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church for 48 years. She was employed by the Lonoke County Tax Assessor’s office for 17 years. Mrs. Irvin never met a stranger and had made a world of friends. She was a loving and caring person who loved to dance. She had a quick wit and was very plain spoken. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Irvin was preceded in death by grandsons, Drew and Drake Ward.

Mrs. Irvin is survived by her husband, Claud E. Irvin. Nita was the love of Claud’s life. Also surviving her are her sons, Gregory Dean Ward and Cody Wade Ward (Christy); sisters, Sue Dean Ekdahl (Sonny) and Jan Dean Roland; step-daughters, Tammy Michelle Martin (David) and Kimberly Renee Irvin; grandchildren, Baylor Ward, Ashlee Keith (Tyler) and Cooper Powell; and great-grandchildren, Jayden and Kinlee Keith.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, at Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

CABOT — Troy Andrew Shafer Jr., age 72, of Cabot went home on Monday, November 13, 2017. He was born on November 30, 1944. Having dutifully served his country in Vietnam, and thereafter, Troy retired from the Air Force as a Master Sargent. An avid hunter in his younger years, Troy was a proud lifelong member of the National Rifle Association and a CB radio enthusiast.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Troy and Mildred Shafer of Harlingen, Texas. Troy is survived by his wife, Jane, his children, Andy and Beth, his son-inlaw, Aaron Price, and his sister Ann Jeffrey and her husband James of Arlington, Texas.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at 10 a.m. at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Graveside service with military honors will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery. The family requests casual attire at the service. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabootfuneralhome.com.

CABOT — Louis Neal Williams, 69, passed away on November 12, 2017. He was born on March 11, 1948, in Ward, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 10 a.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas. Online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

CLINTON — Clifford O. Richardson, 88, of Clinton, passed away on November 11, 2017. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas. Funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the Roller-McNutt Chapel. Interment following at Pordue Cemetery in Onia, Arkansas. Online guestbook can be signed at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.

CONWAY — Robert Byron Hogg Jr., (97), of Conway, passed away on November 8, 2017. He was born in Hillsboro, TX, on February 23, 1920, to Sammie Jay Lancaster Hogg and Robert Byron Hogg. Bob was a chemist for Magnolia Oil Company, co-owner of Clifton Auto Store, and retired to Arkansas to become a rancher. He was a WWII veteran assigned to the Army Chemical Warfare Supply Company, landed on Omaha Beach and was in the Battle of the Bulge.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Aleen; stepson, Richard Eaton; daughter-in-law, Joyce Eaton; and his sisters, Margaret Hall and Catherine Howard. Left to cherish his memory are stepsons, Don Eaton and wife, Betsy, Birmingham, Ala.; Bill Eaton, Waco, Texas; stepdaughter, Sandy Kraft and husband, Cecil, Conway, Ark.; daughter-in-law, Pat Eaton, Searcy, Ark.; 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Graveside Services will be held at 10 a.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in Sherwood, Ark. www.searcymceuenfuneralhome.com/listings.

CONWAY — Calvin Russell Sellers, age 69, of Conway, passed away on November 11, 2017. He was born in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to John and Tennie Sellers on January 5, 1948. Cremation arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

CROSSETT — Clara Marie Robinson, age 84, of Crossett, died Wednesday, November 8, 2017. Survived by four sons, Floyd William Jr., Willie Joe Robinson, Michael Robinson and Lamar Robinson; four daughters, Shirley Harris, Jessie Robinson, Jacqueline Jones and Donna Jones. Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Chapel at Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc.

DUMAS — Andrea Blevins, 63, of Dumas, died November 12, 2017. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Griffin Funeral Home. Funeral, 2 p.m. November 15, 2017, Hopedale Missionary Baptist Church, with Rev. Chad Haynes officiating, burial in Hopedale Cemetery. Memorials: Hopedale Missionary Baptist Church. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas guestbook at www.griffinfh.com.

FOREMAN — Mr. Ronald Wayne Morgan, age 58, a resident of Foreman, Arkansas, died Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at his home. He was born to Lynville and Thelma Dean Morgan on November 24, 1958. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and helping others, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by one son, Bradley Morgan and his fiance’ Andrea of Little Rock, Arkansas, one daughter, Monica Morgan of Carlisle, Arkansas, his grandchildren, Kendall Morgan and J.R. Morgan, both of New Boston, Texas, and Isabella Morgan and Tyler Morgan, both of Carlisle, Arkansas. A brother, Bruce Selvog, of Conway, Arkansas, three sisters, Laura Morgan and Anita Morgan-Conner both of Stuttgart, Arkansas, Vicky Smith and her husband Jack of Haskel, Oklahoma, and number of other relatives and friends.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen. You may send an online sympathy message at www.chandlerfuneral.com. MAGNOLIA — Terry Brasher Teutsch, 66, of Magnolia went to be with her Lord on Saturday, November 11. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at First Baptist

Church in McNeil with Bro. Ken Williams officiating. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia. Visitation with the family will be Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church in McNeil, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook or share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz. MALVERN — Rosemary B. Cuffman, age 95, of Malvern, died Friday, November 3, 2017, in Hot Springs. She was born on February 20, 1922, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to the late Joseph Albert Parks and Margaret Cecilia McWilliams Parks. Reared and receiving her early education in parochial schools in Pittsburg, she was a 1943 graduate of St. Joseph School of Nursing in Kansas City, Missouri. Rosemary joined the United States Army in 1944, and was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army Nurse Corps with the rank of First Lieutenant. On December 7, 1946, she married J. Carroll Cuffman. He preceded her in death in 1987. Rosemary was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Malvern. She loved to cook for her family, enjoyed needlework, and working in her yard.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn French of Buena Vista, Colorado, Phillip Cuffman and his wife, Marilyn, of Maumelle, and Stephen Cuffman and his wife, Jet, of Little Rock; by a sister, Rita Massman of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; by six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Rosemary was also preceded in death by a son, John Mack Cuffman, and siblings Kay Palmer, Pat Walker, Margaret Gragg, Larry Parks, Joseph Parks, and Jim Parks.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, November 17, 2017, at 1 p m. in the afternoon at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Malvern, with Father Alan Rosenau as celebrant. Her ashes will be interred in Rockport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may take the form of contributions to Arkansas Hospice, 628 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901, or Malvern Animal Shelter, 2625 Canine Road, Malvern, Ark. 72104. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

MALVERN — Howard Cranford, 86, of Malvern, died Sunday, November 12, 2017. Visitation Wednesday, November 15, 2017, 1-2 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home Chapel with funeral at 2 p.m. Burial Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements Regency Funeral Home. Sign guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.

MALVERN — Clyda Joyce (Blevins) Franks, 77, of Malvern, passed November 12, 2017. Visitation will be November 15, 2017, 6-8 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home. Funeral Service November 16, 2017, 10 a.m. Third Baptist Church, Malvern. Burial at Rockport Cemetery. Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home.

You may sign the guestbook at regencyfuneralhome.com.

MAYFLOWER — Judy Ann Wilkerson, 59, of Mayflower, Ark., went to be with the Lord Sunday, November 12, 2017. She was born February 21, 1958, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Jack, Sr. and Minnie (Davis) Wilson. Judy was also preceded in death by her brother, Lewis Wilson.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving family, children, Robert Wilkerson, Jr. (Stacy), Stacey Pope (Charles), and

Kristerpher Wilkerson (Carrie); 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, sister, Jacquelyn Long (Ronald), brother, Jack Wilson (Barbara).

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Northside Apostolic Church in Mayflower with visitation one hour prior. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.

MENA — Bettie Jean “Dommie” Montgomery, 87, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away November 13, 2017, in Mena, Arkansas. Memorial will be Friday, November 17, 2017, 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Visitation: November 15, 2017, 5-7 p.m., at Beasley Wood.

PINE BLUFF — Judge Lawrence E. Dawson of Pine Bluff transitioned from Trinity Village Medical Center to Heaven on the 11th day of November, 2017, at the age of 94.

He joins his parents, Allie Banks Dawson and Lawrence E. Dawson, Sr.; his beloved daughter, Laura Dawson Chamberlin; brothers, Banks (Louise) Dawson and John (Nelle Jane) Dawson, Sr.; and John’s son, Johnny Dawson, Jr.; in-laws, Henry and Cecil Dial; brother-in-law, Dr. Bud Dial; sister-in-law, Pat Henry.

He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Margaret Ann Dial Dawson, and adored daughters, Dana Dawson McLellan (Mac) and Robin Banks Dawson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Sterling Henry; son-in-law, Greg Chamberlin; nephews, Martin Henry, Jeff Turner, Alex Dawson, Bruce Dawson, Allen Dawson and Miguel Mendoza; nieces, Linda Dawson Ferstl, Leslie Henry, Betty Ann Hurt, Jacque Dial, and Valerie Dial; and many great-nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Judge Dawson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, October 9, 1923, and was raised during the depression in Buena Vista, Arkansas. His father owned and operated an oil company and was a Justice of the Peace. His mother was a teacher and social worker. He had many fond memories of his childhood. He attended Magnolia A&M College (now SAU) for two years, where he received many recognitions including Student Body President, Most Popular, Friendliest, and Boy with the Best Personality. He was co-captain of the baseball team. In 2006, he received The Distinguished Golden Rider Alumni Award. He then attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he attained a Juris Doctorate in 1948. During his time there, he joined the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and served as Chaplain, earning him the nickname “Deacon.” He was also Vice-President of the Young Democrats. Following graduation from law school, he moved to Pine Bluff where his mother and brother were living and where he was in private practice for 10 years. While in private practice, he taught Business Law at the Modern School of Business in Pine Bluff and later taught an extension course in Business Law through Monticello A&M.

Judge Dawson was always interested in politics and service to his State and community. He served as a United States Commissioner and in the Arkansas State House of Representatives from Jefferson County. In 1954, he ran successfully for Municipal Judge. Four years later, he ran for Chancery and Probate Judge against Pat Mullis. Mr. Mullis won but passed away shortly thereafter. The attorneys in Pine Bluff unanimously endorsed Judge Dawson to be appointed by then Gov. Faubus to fill the remaining term. He served honorably and ran without opposition and remained Judge for Jefferson, Arkansas, Lincoln and Cleveland counties. In 1968, he mounted an unsuccessful run for the Arkansas Supreme Court. Following that race, he continued as Probate and Chancery Judge. In 1992, following a lawsuit challenging redistricting, Judge Dawson was honored for his years of service by creating a Chancellor at Large position where he tried cases throughout the State.

A voracious reader, Judge Dawson devoted his time to write “50 Years as a Judge and Counting” which was both an autobiography and a treatise on the law. He loved classic movies, music, sports and was a passionately devoted Razorback fan.

There is perhaps no activity in his life he cherished more than his service to the Lord in the First Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff, where was a Deacon and Elder. He was a Lay Minister at many other Presbyterian churches in South Arkansas. He was an honorary Charter member of the Belair Presbyterian Church and taught adult Sunday School for 22 years. He was a Moderator of the Presbytery of East Arkansas. He was on the Board of Trustees at Stillman College, a Presbyterian school at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and later served as Trustee Emeritus.

Judge Dawson felt a deep obligation to serve his community and did so in many ways through several organizations. He was actively involved in the Kiwanis Club, serving as Lieutenant Governor, President of the Pine Bluff Chapter, and was honored in 1972 as Kiwanis Layman Of The Year. He was a member of the Arkansas and Jefferson County Bar Associations, a Fellow of the Arkansas Bar Foundation, the American Judicature Society, President of the Judicial Council, a Mason and a Shriner. He was Vice-President on the board of the Community Chest (which evolved into United Way of Southeast Arkansas) and was on the advisory board of the Salvation Army. In 2004, the Daughters of the American Revolution awarded him with the Community Service Award.

He loved to laugh and his honor and integrity were guiding forces of goodness in his life. He always had a positive attitude and kept smiling until the end. The family wants to thank Trinity Village Medical Center and Hospice Angels for their loving care.

A visitation will be held at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors Wednesday, November 15, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. The service honoring his life will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at the First Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.

The family asks that donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 717 West 32nd Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603 or in his memory to the charity of your choice. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

QUITMAN — Donald Ray Linn, 57, of Quitman, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2017. Visitation is Tuesday, November 14th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Howard General Baptist Church in Quitman. Services are Wednesday, November 15th, at 10 a.m. at Howard General Baptist Church. Arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service of Clinton. www.clintonfuneralservice.com.

REDFIELD — Florence Bowling of Redfield, Arkansas, age 92, born October 7, 1925, in Bayou Meto, Arkansas, to Gentry and Minnie Tipton, passed away on November 12, 2017. She had previously resided in Sweet Home and North Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a true believer of the Christian faith and a longtime member of the Church of Christ.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clevis, and two sons, Jerry and Danny Bowling. She is survived by a daughter, Kathy (Bill) Morrow of Pine Bluff and son, David (Martha) Bowling of Redfield.

Mom lived a long and fulfilled life. Growing up on a farm with a family of 10 brothers and one sister, she spent many days working on the farm, foregoing luxuries afforded to most people to help the family make it through the tough times. The most cherished time of her life was when she met her husband Clevis, had children and moved to the Sweet Home community. After her husband passed away, she moved to the Rose City area of North Little Rock and finally to Redfield.

Life lessons made her a humble person. Life for mom was enjoying the outdoors, working in the yard, her flowerbeds and garden. She had a gift of identifying plants, mom could dig up what most would think was a weed and it would grow into a beautiful flowering plant. She loved nature and what it offered, including all the birds and animals alike.

Above all, she loved spending time with her children and family. Mom’s house and especially the kitchen was always open for anything desired. She was an excellent cook and always made sure sweets were available for all the kids.

Mom is survived by nine grandchildren: Chris Bowling, Sheila Bennett, Michelle Downie, Karla Roberts, Sherry Willis and Billy, Steven, Marcus and Josh Morrow; 13 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Marvin Tipton, RC Tipton, Lonnie Tipton and Edna Tompkins.

Mom always put others first, in her lifetime she gave away more to others than she ever acquired. Our family has been so blessed to have her for as long as we have.

Graveside service is 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, November 15, at Pine Grove Cemetery with Bro. Tony Jones, officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 14, 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

STUTTGART — Phyllis Ann Moten, 60, passed November 9, 2017. Funeral: Wednesday, November 15, 2017, at Integrity Funeral Home chapel, 206 W. Washington St., Stuttgart, Ark., at 11 a.m. entrusted to: Integrity Funeral Home staff 870-672-7221 owner: Al & Philomena Allen. Website: integrityfuneralhomestuttgart.com. “family focused and quality driven.”

TRASKWOOD — Florence “Cookie” Virginia Billings, 68, of Traskwood, passed away Saturday November 11, 2017. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 16th, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at Smith-Benton Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery. Guests may register at www.smithfamilycares.com.