Pulaski County
WALLACE NASH “BUSTER” ABRAMS departed earth to the great unknown on this date, Dec. 22,
2017. Born
Sept. 9, 1923, to Charles Williams Abrams and Sybil Nash Abrams, he was a lifelong Methodist, attending First United Methodist Church and then, St. James United Methodist Church.
Nash was educated in Little Rock public schools, Woodruff Elementary, Pulaski Heights Junior High and Little Rock Senior High. In high school, he was the first person, along with another wrestler, to win the Wrestling Championship for three straight years. He entered the Navy in January 1943 and served with the naval forces for three years during World War II, including two years in the South Pacific and the Philippines.
He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1951 with honors and served as President of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He was also a member of Blue Key Honorary Society, Alpha Kappa Psi, and a charter member of Beta Alpha Psi Accounting Society.
Nash worked for 37 years for the Frank Lyon Company, never missing a day of work for being sick or injured. He was honored many times for being the outstanding national distributor of RCA, Whirlpool-Litton, Jenn-Air, Carrier and Bryant. He held offices of Vice-President of Sales and Marketing and Vice-Chairman of the Board.
After enjoying successful sporting careers in golf and tennis, Nash took up running and competed in 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon races. In Arkansas Grand Prix racing format, he was usually able to win first in his age category. He completed two Dallas marathons and four Pike Peak ascents and one ascent and descent, finishing third in his age group. He was on his way to an age group record in 1994 when struck with altitude sickness. Nash also competed and won his age group in many triathlons and biathlons, and competed in many bike races around Lake Maumelle. After suffering a hip injury, he took up race walking and finished first in the National 5K Race walk championship in 1999 and third in the National Senior Olympics in Baton Rouge. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, he was the winner of the Little Rock Half-Marathon in his age division.
Nash served as the first President of Arkansas Senior Olympics (after taking over from AAAs) for three years and on the Board for eight years. He located Senior Olympics in Hot Springs and still holds some state records in the Senior Olympics, winning the coveted Glen Cunningham Award one year. He was selected as one of the 21 individuals to carry the Olympic torch through the city of Little Rock, en route to Atlanta in May 1996.
Nash was elected President of the Greater Little Rock Sales and Marketing Executives Association in 1972. The association’s achievements earned for the Little Rock Association three out of four national awards presented in Las Vegas that year. He was the first Association President to reach out and accept female members, taking in 10 the first year.
Nash had a great interest in encouraging people to stay healthy and enjoy life more fully. For a short time, he had a television program on Channel 7 called Senior Fitness. Almost since its inception, Nash has served on the Governor’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports. He also served as a member of Baptist Health 55, Arkansas for a Healthy Coalition.
Nash set out to help and pay back his city. He served on the City Beautiful Commission for six years and as chairman for two years. During his tenure, dramatic progress was achieved. He was selected as an executive on the Parks and Recreation Vision Team for two years.
Nash is survived by his wonderful wife, Marilyn, and two loving and giving children, Tony Abrams and his wife, Gayle, and Angela FiJo and her husband, Mark; daughter-in-law, Jenny Abrams. He is also survived by 12 wonderful, charming and brilliant grandchildren, Trevor Abrams, Trent Abrams, Ashley FiJo, Mark Allen FiJo, Alex Abrams, Bridget Strauss, Madison Hillman, Jack Hillman, Roxanne Chandler, J. P. Hopkins, Lorin Allison and John Murphy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sons, Randall Nash Abrams and Charles Steven Abrams; and grandsons, Forrest Abrams and Beau Abrams; sister, Sybil Smith; and brother, Charles “Mickey” Abrams.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 26, from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Dave Woodman.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Nash’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– NORMA VIOLA CHAPPELL, 94, of North Little Rock, passed away Monday,
Dec. 18, 2017.
She was born
July 9, 1923, in Augusta, Ark., to Arthur and Elizabeth Ford
Hestir.
She is survived by her husband of 73 years, Murel
James Chappell; daughters,
Carol Chappell, Mary (David) Taylor; granddaughters, Lauren Taylor, Lindsay (Mike) Fleisher; brother, Cliff (Shirley) Hestir; great-grandsons, Matthew and Samuel Fleisher; and many other friends and loved ones. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorials may be made to Easterseals of Arkansas.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– DOROTHY M. COBB-COLLINS, 90, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Dec. 21.
She is preceded in death by her spouse: Walter
Collins Sr., children: Shirley
Collins, Kevin Collins and
Richard Collins, parents: John
Cobb and Mary Montaque.
She leaves to cherish memories with her children: Walter Jr., (Doris), Kenneth (Clara), Johnny (Jacqueline), Reginald Collins, Corinthia Collins-Scales, Cassandra (Webber) Scales, and Rhonda (Elijah) Allen; a sister: Lola Jean Wells; 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Family Hour: Friday, Dec. 29, 6-7 p.m. at Allen Chapel, Sweet Home, Ark.; Service: Saturday Dec. 30, 11 a.m. at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Sandra Eldridge officiating and Rev. Phillip Pointer, pastor. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Dr., Little Rock, Ark., 72202. (501) 371-0111. “A service you can trust.”
–––––❖––––– TRAVIS MICHAEL COULTER, 41, passed away Dec. 15, 2017. The Memorial
Service will be Tuesday, Dec.
26, at 10 a.m. at Little Rock
Funeral Home,
8801 Knoedl
Ct. (NW corner I-630 and
Barrow Rd.), (501)224-2200.
Travis’ online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– COLTON LEE DOBBINS, 11 days, of North Little Rock, died Dec. 21, 2017. He was born Dec. 10, 2017 to Benjamin and Amber Dobbins. Colton is survived by his parents; brother, Chevy; grandparents, Benjamin, Lois Dobbins, Betty Thomas and Rick Johnson. Funeral Service will be Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017.www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
–––––❖––––– DONA MAE “MIMI” ELLER, after 93 years of the fullest life, crossed the bar the morning of
Dec. 20.
Spelled the Spanish way for “lady,” Dona lived up to her name teaching her five children faith and compassion by example. Despite growing infirmity, Dona insisted on attending churches in Little Rock, Cabot and Marshall, Ark., whose pastors and congregations loved and revered her for her bright spirit. Her natural optimism and compassionate soul led Dona to hold all peoples in high regard. She carried this esteem into her missionary work, day care work, and everyday interactions. Perhaps Dona’s greatest gift was with children, thousands of whom she touched with her compassionate care.
Dona Mae was preceded in death by her husband Edward Eller and her daughter Donna Dungey. Dona Mae is survived by her two brothers, Charles McDaniel and Dick Malory of Calif.; her sons, Gene Eller of Marshall, Ark., David Eller of Baton Rouge, La., Randall Eller of Sherwood, Ark.; and daughter, Cheryl Carney of Little Rock, Ark., their spouses, along with 11 grand and 14 great-grandchildren.
Come join us in a celebration of her life and spirit. The visitation is at Moore’s Funeral Home at 1504 N JP Wright Loop Road in Jacksonville, Ark., from 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017. Graveside services will be held at the
Little Rock National Cemetery at noon on Thursday, Dec. 28, and will be followed by services at Second Baptist, 222 E Eighth St., Little Rock, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Dona’s honor to the children’s ministry of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home and Crematory, (501) 9822136. Online guestbook: www. mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome. com.
–––––❖––––– TRUMAN ARVIL GRAY, 97, of Little Rock went to be with the Lord on Dec. 22,
2017. He was born in Little
Rock on Oct. 20,
1920 to William
Floyd and Ollie
Mae (Graham)
Gray. He is a retired Veteran with the United States Navy and was a fleet manager with Coleman Dairy. Truman was a member of the Calvary Church of the Nazarene.
He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl Smith of Alexander, Ark.; granddaughter, Shannon Ramer (Doug) of Little Rock; grandson, Josh Smith (Danica) of Conway; great-grandchildren, Landon Ramer of Little Rock, Marlee Grayce Smith and Jude Michael Smith of Conway; sister, Patricia Eller of North Little Rock and sister-inlaw, Erma Thomas of Little Rock. He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Margaret Gray, sonin-law, Michael Smith and several other siblings.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28 at Calvary Church of the Nazarene with Josh Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27th at Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Calvary Church of the Nazarene, 10325 W. 36th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72204
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Truman’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– SANDRA HALL, 71, of Little Rock by way of Gaffney, S.C., transitioned peacefully into eternity Friday,
Dec. 22, 2017.
Her remaining family members include two sons, Nigel
Hall (Rhonda) and Christopher
Hall (Kimberly); seven grandchildren; and siblings, Joe L. and Augustine Littlejohn, both of Gaffney. Perpetual care entrusted to Walton GateWay Funeral Chapel, “Where Caring and Quality Come First”, 2405 S. Gaines, (501) 3767188.
–––––❖––––– PEARL MARTIN HAMMONS, 87, of Sherwood, passed away Wednesday,
Dec. 20, 2017.
She was born
March 26, 1930, in Pulaski County, Ark., to Grover and Buna
Martin.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years,
Winfred Hammons; her parents and her siblings, Bishop Carroll Martin, Louise Carmichael, Dean Martin and Adriel Dale Martin. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra (Bob) Tubbs and Connie (Michael) Stout; grandsons, Phillip (Pam) and Mark (Brenda); great-grandchildren, Aaron and Allison; and many other family members, friends and loved ones.
Pearl and her late husband Winfred worked tirelessly in the early days of Berea Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Ark., and were longtime members at Central Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Ark. She was a current member of Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church.
As a 45-year breast cancer survivor, Pearl would encourage others undergoing treatment. Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen, 904 Autumn Rd., Ste. 500, Little Rock, Ark., 72211.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m., at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park.
Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– WILLIAM C. HARREL, age 92, of Mabelvale, passed away Friday, Dec. 22, 2017.Survivors: wife, Evelyn Harrel; son, William “Bill” Cecil Harrel Jr.; daughter, Linda Epple Mann and grandchildren, Lee Aundra Keany and William Cecil Harrel III.Memorial services will be held at a later date. Online guestbook at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– SARAH GEORGIA HAWKINS, 54, of Jacksonville, passed away Monday, Dec.18, 2017. She was born Jan. 13, 1963, in Philadelphia, Pa., to the late Walter Man Hawkins and Mildred Shannon Hawkins. She attended New Zion Christian Church in Jacksonville and worked at many dry cleaners including Moose and Comet. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hawkins was preceded in death by a sister, Zondra Bryant.
Mrs. Hawkins is survived by her daughter, Bettina Evans, grandson, Carl Beasley Jr., siblings; Cookie Eubanks, Iris Hawkins, Carolyn Peebles, Kathy Bryant, Herbert Bosman and Reginald Hawkins and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are by Cremation Services of Arkansas, (501) 313-5431. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cremationservicesofarkansas.com.
–––––❖––––– GERALD LLOYD HENRY, age 73, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at UAMS in Little Rock, Ark. Gerald was born on Jan. 16, 1944 in Little Rock, Ark., the son of Luke and Eva Lois Henry. In addition to his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by his son Michael Shane Henry, his sister Carolyn Henry.
He is survived by his wife Judy Bolls Henry, one daughter, Merideth Henry (Eddie McMinn); one son, Alan Henry (Susan); two stepsons, Tucker Clyburn and Lindsey Clyburn (Chia); nine grandchildren, Zoe and Rachel McMinn, Mackenzie and Briggs Clyburn, Parker and Devin Strom, Malia Clyburn, and Abby Grace and Allison Henry; two brothers, “Bully” Henry (Joyce) and Alfred Henry; one sister, Shirley Elmore (L.H.); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and very dear friends.
Gerald was born into a large, loving family in Lonoke, Ark. He was educated in the Lonoke School System. Gerald was a talented carpenter with his own business, Quality Custom Trims in Lonoke. He went on to do contracting jobs in the central Arkansas area. Gerald served his country in the Army National Guard. Anyone who knew Gerald knew that he knew a lot about a lot of things. He had a very quick wit and a keen sense of humor. His passions were his family and friends. He loved horse racing and enjoyed betting on his own racehorse in later years. He loved his motorcycle days with his brothers and rode cross country with them on his Harley. His Monday night “Boys Night Out” was an activity he looked forward to with his friends and did not miss many, even when he was really too ill to go. He loved to cook for his friends and family and they all certainly looked forward to his meats that he brought to gatherings. He and Judy were blessed to be able to travel in their later years with many special friends. He enjoyed the years he and Judy spent living on the lake in Hot Springs. He had many happy memories with his boating friends. He also had great stories to tell about great times with his fishing and hunting buddies. Gerald was a strong man who had a soft side that not everyone got to know. He also loved old westerns and Hallmark movies. Gerald wore many hats in his lifetime — he would answer to Henny, Brother, Uncle Gerald, Gerald Henry, Honey Bunny, Pap-pa, Daddy, or Baby Bull. He was resolved in his Christian faith.
Memorial service will be Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Boyd Funeral Home Chapel. Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.net.
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JOY MARIE LEWIS departed this life Dec. 21, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory: parents, Trenton Lewis and LaKenya Campbell. Graveside: Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Arkansas Memorial Gardens. “Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 E. Broadway, North Little Rock, Ark. (501) 374-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– GLORIA GENE MANCE, 68, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Dec. 16. She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Edward Mance and father Roosevelt Terry.
She leaves to cherish her memory children Richard Mance Sr., Connie Thorbs, and Ebony Russ; mother Josephine Arrington; siblings Tonya Williams, Naomi Clarke, Vernon Houston, and Calvin Houston; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to American Council for the Blind.
Go to www.acb. org and make an honorary memorial donation on behalf of
Gloria Mance.
Funeral: Wednesday, 10 a.m. New Hope Baptist Church, 1851 Howard. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive Little Rock, AR 72202 “A Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– JOHNNIE ANDREW OSBURN JR., born Jan. 2, 1938 to Johnnie A. Osburn Sr. and Ada Perry.
He died Dec.
21, 2017, at his home.
Johnnie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn
Sue Davis; his daughter, Pam Berryman (Delbert); sons, Mike Osburn (Mindy) and Terry Osburn (Shirley); granddaughter, Joni Carpenter (Patrick); grandson, Jack Osburn; great-grandchildren, Gunther Wilkerson and Ava Osburn; step-mother, Lula Osburn; a brother, Oliver Osburn and his sister, Birta Grimmett.
Johnnie was a member of Martindale Baptist Church and a member of Teamsters local 878. He retired from Roadway Express having driven for almost 30 years. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting and the love of his family.
A visitation for Johnnie will be held Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017, at 11:30 a.m. at Martindale Baptist Church with funeral service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Ida Mission.
“The legacy of a man is not what he leaves with you — but what he leaves within you.”
Arrangements are under the direction of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with his family at www. griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
–––––❖––––– PATRICIA A. (SIVEWRIGHT) PARKER, 85, of North Little Rock, passed away
Dec. 16, 2017, in
Little Rock. She was born in Little
Rock on Nov. 20,
1932, to Roy and
Virginia (Rowland) Sivewright.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth Parker; sister, Juanita Moran and brother, Bill Boyle. Patricia is survived by her four children, Cheryl Yoakum of Bryant, Kay Heath of North Little Rock, Greg (Amy) Parker of College Station, Texas, and Alec (Melissa) Parker of Sherwood; and brother, Tony Sivewright, of Little Rock. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Billy, Chris, Jason, Brandie, Cory, Michael, Scott, Kristin, Davis, Cate, Karson, Cole and Riley, 15 great-grandchildren and her beloved fur baby, Brownie.
Patricia graduated from Little Rock High School in 1950. She spent most of her working life as a bookkeeper until her retirement. She soon realized that retirement wasn’t for her and began a second career in retail and retired again at 83 years of age. Patricia was a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 9095 and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 2 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home,
8801 Knoedl Court (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), (501)2242200. Patsy’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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RITA JANE RAMOS, 66, passed away Dec. 18, 2017. A visitation will be held Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017, at 11 a.m. A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main, Jacksonville, Ark. Funeral services at 1 p.m. with interment following at Forest Hills Memorial Park, Alexander, Ark. Online guestbook is available www. anaturalstatefuneralservice. com.
–––––❖––––– CLEMENTINE STUART, 92, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly body on the evening of Dec. 18, 2017. Clementine was born July 8, 1925, to the late General and Mammie Staggers. Those awaiting her arrival are her husband, Severe
Stuart Jr.; two sons, Willie and Severe Stuart III; one grandson, Steven Brown; one great-grandson, DaJuan Ward; six brothers, and one sister.
She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age, and united with Antioch Baptist Church, where she served dutifully on the Usher Board until her health declined. She was also a member of the Eastern Star.
The legacy of Clementine will be remembered by her son, Minister Otis Stuart of Little Rock, Ark.; daughters, Mary Ann (Billy) Ward of Muncie, Ind., Stella (Harold) Thomas, Charlotte (Lee) Johnson, Bobbette Marbley, and Toni Fonzo, all of Little Rock, Ark.; sisters, Verna Staggers of Tacoma, Wash., and Mildred Brent of Flint, Mich.; 34 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 22 great-great-grandchildren, and a cadre of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends, Friday, Dec. 29, 2017, from 6-7 p.m. and The Celebration of Life will conclude on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, at 10 a.m., both services held at Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church, 3824 Antioch Blvd., College Station, Ark. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Dr., Little Rock, Ark., 72202. “A Service You Can Trust.”