Pulaski County
TREMAYNE BRADLEY, 38, of Little Rock, passed Jan. 17, 2018. Loving memories left to daughter: Treunna Bradley; parents: Charles
Bond and Juanita (George)
Ford; grandmother: Frances Morning; siblings: Tanesha Bradley, Teresa
Bradley, Jennifer (Jerod) Turner, Deshay Hollis, Rashana Bond, Charlie (Willie Johnson) Bond, Christopher Reed, and Roderick Burns. Tremayne will lie in state Jan. 30, 2018, 1-5 p.m. Homegoing celebration Jan. 31, 2018, 11 a.m., both held at Superior Funeral Services, 5017 E. Broadway, North Little Rock, (501) 945-9922. Online guestbook www.superiorfuneralservices.com. Trudean Long Brown “Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”
––––– –––––
JACK D. CRAFT, 77, of Sherwood went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 25. He was born in Havana, Fla., to parents George and Virgie Craft. Jack transferred to Arkansas in 1978 while working for Murphy Oil and retired from the oil industry after 40 years of service. Jack was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved collecting antiques, watching NASCAR and rooting for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda McGee; brothers, James Craft and Jerome Craft; and his son, Joe Craft. Left to celebrate his memory are his wife of 59 years, Linda Craft; daughter Donna (Mike) Thomas; grandchildren Jackie Craft, Jessica Christman, Jason Thomas, Jamie Thomas and Joseph Craft; six great-grandchildren along with his sisters Julia Hatcher and Sue (Dennis) Johnson and brother Jerry Craft.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock with burial immediately following in Rest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will begin one hour prior to the service. Online guestbook at www.griffinleggettresthills. com.
––––– ––––– MELVIN LEE DAVIDSON, 93, passed away at home, surrounded by his family. He was a kind and caring man who never met a stranger. His loved his family and gardening. Mel was active in the community and a member of St. James United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Regina, two daughters, three granddaughters, and one great-grandson.
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan.
29, 2018, in the
Chapel of Griffin
Leggett Healey
& Roth, 5800
12th Street, Little Rock, with funeral service following at 10 a.m.
Please share your memories of Melvin with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
––––– ––––– JOHNNIE R. DUDLEY, 90, of North Little Rock, passed away Thursday, Jan.
25, 2018. He was born Aug.
24, 1927, in Bigelow, Ark., to
David and Ellen Dudley. He was a member of Levy Baptist
Church.
He is survived by his children,
Robert Dudley (Jane), Rita Brown (Rick), Terry Dudley and Debbie Worthington (Bob); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Fallen Dudley.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 505 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, with a visitation prior to service at 10 a.m. at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. A private burial will be held in Rest Hills Memorial Park at a later date.
Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
––––– ––––– RUTHANN GRAY, 69, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away on Tuesday, Jan.
23, 2018 in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family.
Ruthann was a longtime friend of Bill W.
She sponsored many women during this time. Her Sobriety was very important to her and, with the help of God, was her guiding force in life. She was very loving and understanding to her family and many friends. Her generosity was beyond compare, especially around the holidays. Her door was always open to listen to others, provide shelter and to give advice to anyone in need. She will be missed dearly.
Ruthann is preceded in death by husband, Ferrell Gray and her
parents, Faye and Bob Douglas. She is survived by her sister, Jeanie Ford; brother, Bobby Douglas; son, Rick Gray; daughters Kelli Schluter (Mike) and Kim Inmon; niece, Tiffany Loar as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to Dixie Hardin and the wonderful care team from Baptist Hospice.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock with burial immediately following at Rest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the service. Please share your memories of Ruthann with her family at www.griffinleggettresthills. com.
––––– ––––– JOHN L. HALL, 73, of Little Rock, Ark., transitioned on Jan. 26, 2018. He was proceeded in death by: father, Johnny
Hall; mother,
Sarah Hall; siblings, Joe Hall, Christian Hall and Anthony
Hall.
John leaves to cherish memory: loving wife, Debra L. Hall; children, Kamesha D. Lewis, Jarrod Payne, Tia Johnson; siblings, Bonnie (Frances) Hall, Shirley Hall, Norman (Peter) Rogers, Alfred (Rainey) Hall, Stephen Johnson, Willie C. Lewis, Frances Matthews, Acquenetta Doyle, Katherine (James) Nathaniel; grandchildren, Kason and Rhys Payne; a host of aunts, uncles, family and friends.
Visitation: Thursday, noon to 6 p.m., at Robinson Mortuary-LR. Funeral: Friday, 11 a.m., at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 12715 Upper Steele Bend Road, Scott, Ark. Pastor Donnell Montgomery, officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, AR (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
––––– ––––– KATRINA RENA HAMPTON, 34, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2018. Katrina was a beautiful compassionate soul and will be greatly missed. She is survived by her sons: DaMarcus, Bralon, DeAndre, and Deshunn; daughter, Al’lah; mother, Helen Hampton; sisters, Star Houze and Teala Hampton; brother, Sharoy Hampton. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.at Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St. Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 at The Mercy Church, 8705 Scott Hamilton Dr. Little Rock, AR 72209. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home.
––––– ––––– ALBERTA DANIEL HIGGINS, 88, of Little Rock, Ark., passed peacefully from this world on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018. She was born in Grady, Ark., on March 25, 1929. Alberta Higgins was a
wonderful wife, mother, sister, and a dear friend to many. Her proudest accomplishments included raising five sons and five daughters.
Her Christian faith guided her throughout her life. She was a faithful lifelong member of New
Hope Baptist
Church at 1851 Howard Street, Little Rock, Ark. Educated in the Grady School District in Grady, Ark. Member of the Unique Social Club since 2002 until her death, Founder and President of The Golden Links Club at New Hope Baptist Church.
Alberta loved all that life had to offer. She enjoyed hosting parties at her home. She was very fashionable and sociable with family and friends. Alberta especially loved playing “biz whiz” cards and loved to watch basketball games, she would say “I Love This Games!’
Alberta is preceded in death by her parents George and Pearlie Rainey Daniel; husband, Calvin Higgins Jr.; two sons, Alvin and Malvin Higgins; two brothers, George and Jerry Daniel.
She is survived by one sister, Luberta (Jacob) Profit; three sons, Jameel Mahdi Little Rock, Dr. Abuwi Mahdi and Adib (Donna) Mahdi, San Diego, Calif.; and five daughters, Fatimah Akbar-Baird, Carolyn Yancy, Darlene (Leonard) Jones, Rasheedah Madinah, San Diego, Calif., and Allene Higgins; 20 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren as well as a host of cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
A celebration of her life will be Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, 11 a.m. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018, 1-4 p.m., both services at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., Little Rock, AR (501) 372-1305.
––––– ––––– MILDRED LORICE JENSEN, age 81, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Thursday, Jan. 25,
2018, at Hospice
Home Care.
She was born on Feb. 3, 1936, in Little Rock to her late parents, James B.
Pifer and Viola
E. Walburg. Mildred worked for Siemans Allis Company in Little Rock for more than 25 years before retiring as a homemaker.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Charles R. Jensen, four brothers and five sisters. She is survived by her children, James F. Jensen of Colorado, Andy Jensen (Wanda) of Rose Bud, Ark., Tom Jensen of Benton, Ark., Mike Jensen of Little Rock, Billie Morrison of Little Rock and Lewis Jensen (Terri) of Alexander, Ark.; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at Ironton Assembly of God with Pastor Doris Kaufman officiating. A visitation will begin at 2 p.m. prior to services. Burial will follow at Ivy Chapel cemetery.
To sign the online guest book, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.
––––– ––––– JESSE N. MASTERS of Sherwood passed away on January 25. He was born Feb. 10, 1926 in Newport, Ark., the son of Norma Smith Masters and Jesse N. Masters Sr. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Virginia Harvey Masters, his mother, his father, his sister Gladys Sanford and step father, Dr. A.L. Best. He is survived by a son, Mark Harvey Masters, his wife Lorraine of Sherwood and their daughters Bailey Dietrich [Blake] and Casey Masters and her partner Jon Hill, and great-grandson Brewer Dietrich; a daughter Jan Masters Yon [Stephen] of Lexington, Ky., and their son and daughter Jesse and Isabel Yon, a cousin Mary Masters and niece, Judith Long.
Mr. Masters was a graduate of Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA). He served with the U.S. Navy Seabees in the South Pacific during WW II and was recalled to active duty during the Korean conflict. He retired from Little Rock District Corps of Engineers after 32 years of service. He was an ardent hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. At his request he will be cremated, with private burial. In lieu of flowers, he asked that you please donate to your favorite charity; or maybe take a kid fishing. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
––––– ––––– ALFRED MARINUS MAY was born Aug. 11, 1931, to his late parents, Al and
Mayme May. He passed away peacefully on
Dec. 25, 2017.
We will miss the most his great big hugs, his laugh, and his love. We take consolation in knowing that we have warm memories of him to carry with us until we meet again.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, at Ruebel Funeral Home located at 6313 W. Markham St. in Little Rock. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
––––– ––––– ALLEN RAY McGUIRE, 58, of North Little Rock, Ark., transitioned on
Jan. 19. Family
Hour: Tuesday,
9-10:30 a.m. Funeral: Tuesday,
10:30 a.m., both at Robinson Mortuary-NLR.
Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 E. Broadway, North Little Rock, AR. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
––––– ––––– EARNEST LEMORRIS NEAL, 55, of Little Rock, Ark., transitioned on Jan. 20. He was preceded in death by his father, Earnest
Neal. Earnest leaves to cherish memories with his mother, Mary J. Neal; daughter, Loria
Neal; siblings,
Elvin Neal and
Tammy Thomas; a host of uncles, aunts, family and friends.
Funeral: Friday, 10:30 am at Robinson Mortuary-LR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, AR (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
––––– ––––– JOHN WILLIAM OWENS, 93, of Little Rock passed away on Friday, Jan. 26,
2018. He was born Sept. 16,
1924 in Little
Rock to Bernard and Rose Foulkes Owens. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 67 years Marjorie Owens as well as two sisters, Julie Winget and Mary Russell and two brothers Raymond Owens and Dr. Bernard Owens. He is survived by his nephews John R. Owens of Little Rock, Richard Winget (Dalores) of Pennsylvania and Jimmy Winget (Jodie) of Florida and his nieces Rose Mary Brenner of Virginia and Julia Dennis of Tennessee as well as extended family and friends.
He was a drummer early in life and traveled often playing in bands which is how he met his beloved wife “Marge” they spent many happy years together traveling, visiting lakes in Arkansas and National Parks across the country; he was also an avid hunter and enjoyed the outdoors. He served his country in the Army during WWII and was a long time member of the Optimist Club. He was of Episcopalian faith.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018 at 9 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10 a.m., at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street in Little Rock. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Online guestbook at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
––––– ––––– BETH MULLINS PAULSON, 96 of Little Rock, Ark., went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on
Wednesday,
Jan. 24, 2018.
Beth was born in Center Valley,
Ark., on Dec. 3,
1921 to Ethel
Faye Weir and
Lester Ira Mullins.
Visitation and viewing will be at Ruebel Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 2 from 4-6 p.m. There will be a private family graveside service on Saturday morning. A memorial service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., followed by a reception for friends and family.
In lieu of flowers donations in her honor may be made to her church: Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225 or to Hospice Austin, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, TX 787149030. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
––––– ––––– WC PEPPER, 71, of North Little Rock passed away on the morning of Jan.
25, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, WC
Pepper Sr. and
Edith G. Pepper of North Little
Rock. He proudly served his country in the
United States
Air Force from
1964 to 1969. He was stationed in Turkey and Vietnam, and was honorably discharged in February 1969.
He enjoyed a long career with the Arkansas Gazette, and truly loved the newspaper business. After their demise, he worked at the Arkansas-Democrat and other outside sales jobs until the effects of agent orange ended his working career in January, 2010.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and is survived by his wife Debbie Pepper of North Little Rock, his children and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. First and foremost, he loved the Lord. He was a brave soldier throughout the past eight years, as he endured constant pain from many health issues.
Visitation will be held at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street from 9-10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
The suffering is over, may he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus.
Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
––––– ––––– RUTH DELORES JACKSON PRUITT, 93, of Little Rock passed away on Wednesday, January 24,
2018. She was born September
19, 1924 in Little
Rock, Ark., to
John A. and Lillian Scott Jackson. Ruth was predeceased by her parents; three sisters,
Lillian, Helen,
Mary Elizabeth; three brothers,
John, Arron, and Nathan; husband of 77 years, Benny
Pruitt; three sons, Charles
Edward Pruitt,
John Nathan
Pruitt, and Benjamin Leon Pruitt.
Mrs. Pruitt was educated in the Little Rock Public schools at Bush Elementary School, Dunbar
Junior/Senior High School and Dunbar Junior College. She continued her education by enrolling in Philander Smith College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Additionally, Mrs. Pruitt received a Master of Education degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She didn’t stop there. She enrolled in Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Ark., and graduated with a Master of Science in Education (with emphasis in reading). Mrs. Pruitt taught school at Carver Elementary School, Forest Heights Junior High School, Philander Smith College Upward Bound, and Central High School. She was a Certified Reading Specialist, K-12. In 1990, she retired, after 36 years of service in the public schools.
Survivors include her loving daughter, Lillian Pruitt Rutter (William) of Little Rock; eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, two devoted daughtersin-law, Caroline Pruitt and Judy Pruitt; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank Baptist Home Health Network, Baptist Emergency Services, as well as Dr. Jasmine Brathwaite.
Mrs. Pruitt will be available for viewing Thursday, February 1, 2018, between 2-6 p.m., at the Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester Street, Little Rock, and on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at 10-10:30 a.m., at Greater Archview Baptist Church, 1720 W. 23rd Street, Little Rock.The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 10:30 a.m.
Interment will be immediately following at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
––––– ––––– BETTY LOU RAY, 82, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Jan. 23, 2018. She was born in North Little Rock on Feb. 4, 1935 to John Joseph Ray and Mary Dorine Carder Ray.
Those who knew Betty would describe her as a vibrant, caring, and active lady. Her smile and outgoing personality are what attributed to the many friendships she accumulated throughout her lifetime.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her support and love will be cherished in our memories.
Betty graduated from Little Rock High School in 1953. She met Middleton in Pulaski Heights Baptist Church where they were married in 1954. They soon started a family and raised three children in Little Rock. During that time, she worked at the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for 30 years.
At the age of 40, she began her hobby of running. It became a passion for her. She ran in several marathons as well as joining a group to run across Costa Rica.
After her retirement, she was probably just as busy as when she was working. Her love of gardening led her to join two Garden Clubs where she was not only a member but served in officer positions as well. She was active in her church by serving on several committees. For many years, she continued to meet for lunch with her special high school friends, friends from work, and attended events with her friends that she enjoyed running with.
Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by her husband of 63 years, Middleton Pinckney Ray Jr.; children, Cynthia Modlin (Tommy) of Little Rock, Middleton P. Ray III (Kim) of Perryville and Mary Melissa Vines (Richard) of Fayetteville; siblings, Jean Pike of North Little Rock, Judy Clark of Conway, Steve Ray of Parsons, Kan., and Johnny Ray of Conway; grandchildren, Holly King (Chance) of Benton, Sarah Gallardo (Josue) of San Antonio, Texas, Claire Vines of Memphis, Tenn., Lauren Ray (Michael) and Mack Ray, both of McKinney, Texas, and Richard Vines III of Rogers; and great-grandchildren, Whitlee, Kace, Camryn, and Hannah.
There will be a Service at Second Presbyterian Church on Feb. 1, 2018 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72227. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 2242200. Betty’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
––––– ––––– EARTHA LEE THOMAS ROUSE, 90, of Little Rock, Ark., passed Sunday, Jan.
21, 2018. Survivors: one son, Odester Wade
Jr.; three grandchildren, Aaron Thomas and Otis Wade, both of Kent, Wash., and Tracie Williams of Texarkana, Texas; six great-grandchildren; and one niece, Leola Sims of Pine Bluff, Ark., and a host of other relatives.
Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, 10 a.m. at Gaines Street Baptist Church, Rev. James Clanton, officiating. Interment will follow at Little Rock National Cemetery. Family Visitation: Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, 6-7 p.m. at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., Little Rock, Ark., (501) 372-1305.
––––– ––––– FIONA EVERALL SHERWOOD, 83, of Little Rock passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock. She was born in Whales, England, Jan. 27, 1934. She came to the United States in 1959 after marrying her late husband, Frantisek Marian Samela. She was a retired registered nurse. Her passion in life was raising Rottweilers.
Survivors include one daughter, Janine Stickley of Benton, Ark.; two sons, Peter and Paul Samela of California; one granddaughter, and three grandsons.
She will be truly missed. Fly high with the angels Momma!
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
––––– ––––– BILLY CHARLES SMITH, 85, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed from this life unexpectedly, due to a fall, on Jan. 20, 2018. He was born July 13, 1932, in Del Rio, Texas, to William Joslin Smith and Martha Clementine Thomas Smith. For 33 years, Mr. Smith proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command, achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He served in multiple locations including: Korea, Okinawa, Arizona, Florida, Germany, Maine, Colorado, California, North Dakota & Arkansas, where he retired in 1985. He was utterly devoted to his country, family and friends. Billy was known for his integrity and dry sense of humor. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of over 55 years, Peggy Charlene Hendricks Smith, and his beloved miniature dachshund, Casey.
One of Billy’s most treasured possessions was a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia he purchased in 1971. He often discussed restoring the car with his grandsons.
Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Kay Kyle, and husband, Jerry, of Austin, Texas; sister, Patricia Smith Sams, of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Carter Clementine Kyle, Dillon Samuel Kyle, and twins, James Van Kyle and Judson Van Kyle, all of Austin, Texas. Other survivors include his niece, Ann Hunter, of Houston, Texas, and nephew, David Sills, of Friendswood, Texas, along with a host of extended family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 2, 2018, at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ark., with full military honors. A viewing will be held at Moore’s Funeral Home in Jacksonville, Ark., on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 6-8 p.m.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Smith’s neighbors, Linda, Kevin and Stephanie Mathews, for their love and kindness toward Billy.
Arrangements entrusted to Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust.
––––– ––––– BERNICE MERRIWEATHER STEWART, 88, of Little Rock transitioned peacefully into eternity in her home Jan. 23, 2018, embraced in the love of her family. She was a stalwart Christian, lifelong member of New Hebron MBC, wife for 57 years to the late Eddie Stewart, and mother of 10, three of whom preceded her in death. She worked in her home to make it a place of comfort and beauty for her family, and she worked outside the home to help provide for their large family. She leaves cherished memories with her son, Ronnie Stewart (Juanita); daughters, Doris Proctor, Bettye Tappin, Sheryl Merriweather, Regina Stewart-Hampton (Rev. Reginald), Rhonda Kay Stewart, and Sandra Stewart; 22 grandchildren; and 33 great-grandchildren.
Obsequies for Mrs. Stewart will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, Holy Cross MBC, 4800 W. 12th Street. Family hour will be 6-7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, also at Holy Cross. Arrangements entrusted to Walton GateWay Funeral Chapel, “Where Caring and Quality Come First”, 2405 S. Gaines. Open visitation 12:304:30 p.m., Monday at the funeral home, (501) 376-7188.
––––– ––––– SAMUEL P. WILKERSON “SP” passed away on Jan. 26, 2018. He was born Sept. 6, 1944 to the late Henry and Pauline Wilkerson in Sardis, Ark. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Charlotte (Lewallen) Wilkerson, and his brothers, Dean and Eugene.
He is survived by two sons, Samuel “Bo” Wilkerson Jr. (Donna) and Jeff Wilkerson (Michelle); three grandchildren, Brittney Renfro (Phillip), Breanna Tatum (Jon) and Tanner Wilkerson; four great-grandchildren, Rory, Randi, and Ryann Renfro and Landen Pelkey; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
For many years, he owned Wilkerson Diesel Inc., in North Little Rock with his father and brothers. They sold the company in 1986 to United Engines and he continued to work there. In 1988, Sammy went to work for Golden Eagle, where he retired in late 2015.
For over 40 years, SP was at the center of Arkansas Softball. As a player, coach and sponsor, he was well known and loved. He earned the title “Mr. Softball” in 1997. He was inducted into the first class of the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in June 1999. He was an avid Razorback fan. He shared his love of sports with his two sons. They spent many weekends in the family den watching football, basketball, baseball and NASCAR. He was Dale Earnhardt JR’s #1 fan.
Visitation will be 5–7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018 at the funeral home, followed by burial in Salem Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, 10411 West Markham, Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Online guest book at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
––––– ––––– ASHLYNNE CHEYANNE WILSON, 23, was born in North Little Rock, Ark., on Sept. 8, 1994. She passed away Jan. 23, 2018 at her home in Little Rock.
Ashlynne was an alumni of North Little Rock High West Campus. She was a manager at Zazas Pizzeria and a bartender at The Hillcrest Fountain where she quickly found her work family. She loved her friends and family with all of her heart and would do anything for them. You could not be around Ashlynne without falling in love with her.
She is survived by her father, Johnny Wilson of North Little Rock, Ark., and her mother, Lynne Wilson of Conway, Ark.; grandmothers Connie Wilson and Jenny McCrary both of North Little Rock, Ark.; sisters Kristi Cooper and Brooke Wilson; brother Derek Jackson; nephews Jackson Cooper and Beau Richards; beloved cousin Tanner Wilkerson; and a host of other friends and family members.
She was preceded in death by two grandfathers, John McCrary and Johnny Rand Wilson.
Visitation will be held Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home and funeral services will be held Tuesday Jan. 30, 2018 at 3 p.m. at Ruebel Funeral Home with a reception to immediately follow.
Honorary pallbearers are close friends Kelsey Seiter, Sara Nesbit, Tiffany Stewart, Georgie Launet, Teron Reed and Michael Libby.
Donations can me made to the substance abuse program run by the Dorcas House at 823 South Park Street, Little Rock, AR 72202 or Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, P.O.Box 2222 Little Rock, AR 72203.
Ashlynne will be greatly missed and will forever be in our hearts.
Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
––––– ––––– TOMMY WRIGHT, 59, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Jan. 21. Service: Monday, 11 a.m., at Gaines Street Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Little Rock. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
Arkansas
ARKADELPHIA — Larry Dwight Dodson, age 80, of Arkadelphia, died Jan. 25, 2018. Memorial services are 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at the Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Memorials to the Saline County Humane Society, 7600 Highway 183, in Bauxite, Ark. Sign Larry’s Tribute Wall at www. ruggleswilcox.com.
––––– ––––– BRYANT — Callie (Lyndylyn) Ruth Johnson, 74 years young, went to be with the Lord Jan.
22, 2018. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Hollis; mother, Linnie
(Dunn) Hollis; brother, Rodger
Delane Hollis; brother, Brook
Hollis; sister,
Nancy Durns; daughter, Mary Bacha; and son, John Mathew Roy Bacha. She is survived by husband of 47 years, Jerry E. Johnson; daughter, Marcella Johnson and husband Marc; granddaughters: Stephanie Noland, Isabel Carter, and Ellie Johnson. Callie loved to sing and was heartbroken when her first stroke took that ability away. She is now singing with the angels for the one true God she loves. Callie is a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church with a great church family who loves her. Her family invites all those who wish to an open house at 1095 Aspen Acres in Bryant, Ark., on Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. until … Callie is now forever well. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
––––– ––––– CAMDEN — Estelle Thomason Stroope, age 97, of Camden, died Jan. 26, 2018, at her daughter’s home. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Sweet Home Church near Amity, Ark., under the direction of Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home. Burial will be at Sweet
Home Cemetery.
––––– ––––– CHARLESTON
— Arvel “Buddy”
Leo Acoach Jr., who resided in Charleston, Ark., passed away
Monday, Jan. 22,
2018, in Oklahoma City, Okla.
He was born Aug. 19, 1946, in West Helena, Ark., to the late Arvel Leo Acoach Sr. and Marguerite Mae (Schieffler) Acoach. He was 71 years old.
Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at Community Bible Church, 9201 Dallas St., Fort Smith, Arkansas. Burial of cremains, with full military honors and Arkansas State Police Honor Guard, will be at noon at Fort Smith National Cemetery in Fort Smith, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.
He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Lois (Oxford) Acoach; his children, John Acoach and wife Melinda of Fayetteville, Sarah Anne Fritschie and husband Eric of North Little Rock, Autumn Moore of Fort Smith, Leah Acoach of Rogers, Dusty Smith and husband Bryan of Charleston and Wendi Curtis and husband Daniel of Charleston; 11 grandchildren, Rebekah Fritschie, Emma Fritschie, Jordan Moore, Allie Moore, Ike Moore, Christopher Smith and wife Mindy, Kayla Smith, Danielle Curtis, Dalton Curtis, and Matthew Curtis; two great-grandchildren, Caynen Smith and Ellie Smith; six cherished dogs, Flash, Shorty, Lilly, Bonnie, Bandit and Sparky.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Ebbing Air National Guard Base 188th Wing, Arkansas State Police, and Exchange Club.
In lieu of flowers, memorials and contributions can be made to Hamilton House Child Safety Center, 2713 S. 74th St.-Suite 103, Fort Smith, Ark. 72903. To pay an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.
––––– ––––– CLARENDON — John Robert Benton, 66, of Clarendon, died Jan. 20, 2018. Survivors, wife: Margaret Baxter Benton; brother-in-law, Bobby Baxter (Debbie), Cedar Rapids, Iowa; special nieces, Shawna, Annie, and Maggie Baxter, Brook Baxter Fazzio (Steven), Ava Hayes; nephews, Nick Hayes, Asa Fazzio, all of Jonesboro. Private family memorial. Guestbook/obit www.bobnealandsons.com.
––––– ––––– COLUMBUS — Funeral services for Mrs. Cora Clendenin, age 72, of Columbus, Ark., will be 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home with Roderick Trotter to officiate. Burial will follow in Columbus Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brazzel/Oakcrest, The Funeral Home of Hope. Online guestbook; www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.
––––– ––––– CONWAY — Michael Joseph Borengasser, 73, of Conway, passed away on Wednesday, January 24, 2018. He was born on December 16, 1944, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Charles and Margaret Borengasser.
M ichae l worked for over
30 years as a hydrologist for Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and was the first State Climatologist for Arkansas. He was a former Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Central Arkansas. Michael was a promoter of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Marylynn Borengasser; four sons, Matthew Borengasser (Peng Li), David Borengasser (Tiffany), Stephen Borengasser (Sarah), and Daniel Borengasser (Tomoko); daughter Angela Williams (Bart); two grandchildren, Fraedrich Williams and Olivia Borengasser; and brother, Tom Borengasser.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, January 29, 2018, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at St. Joseph Chapel in Conway. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
––––– ––––– DeWITT — Redmond Gregsby “Chip” Stewart, V, age 45, passed away, Thursday,
January 25. He was the son of
Greg and Cindy Stewart of
DeWitt. Born in Memphis, Tenn., he grew up at Wheatley, Arkansas, and became a graduate of Wheatley-Palestine High School. Chip was a freelance writer, publishing articles about hunting, for the local papers and several hunting magazines. At the time of his death he was working on his second book entitled
The Scarlet Worm. He supported and worked with the Ted Nugent’s Camp for Kids and was a regional director for Eastern Arkansas for The Ted Nugent United Sportsmen of America. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the Ted Nugent World Bow Hunters. He enjoyed listening to all kinds of music, visiting with friends and collected stamps and coins.
He is survived by his parents, Greg & Cindy Stewart, and his sister, Tammy Downey (Rob) of Germantown, Tenn., two nephews, Luke and Brock Downey. He was preceded in death by his sister, April Stewart.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Sunday, January 28th at the Wheatley United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Johnson Cemetery at Wheatley. Immediately after the burial, the family will gather at the Wheatley United Methodist Church fellowship hall to visit with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to: DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home, 1641 S. Whitehead Drive, DeWitt, Ark. 72042. Bob Neal & Sons Funeral-Brinkley is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook at www. bobnealandsons.com.
––––– ––––– FAYETTEVILLE — Barbara Carole Laing Lucas, age 76, passed from this earth into heaven on January 24, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jessee and her son David
Lucas. Barbara and Jessee Lucas were business owners in Little
Rock for years prior to retiring. After retirement Barbara continued to work part-time for the Little Rock Police Department and H & R Block, during tax season.
Barbara is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Jack and Cathe Laing of Louisville, Kentucky, and her son and daughter-in-law Jay Lucas and Pam Prince of Little Rock. Barbara was lovingly known as Nanny to her four grandchildren whom she adored, and they adored her — Lindsey Alvarez and husband Alex, Kelsey Roemer and husband Casey, Jeremy Lucas and Zach Lucas. Nanny also was blessed with six great-grandchildren — Alissa, Evan and Corbin Alvarez, Maddox and Carsyn Roemer and Oliver Lucas. They were the light of her life and her Legacy.
A private memorial service for immediate family to be held at a later time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. To place an online tribute visit www. mooresfuneralchapel.com.
––––– ––––– GOULD — Lloyd Jett Snider, 75, of Gould, formerly of Stuttgart, passed away Friday, Jan. 26, at
UAMS after an extended illness.
Lloyd was born Jan. 15,
1943, to Billie and
Buddy Snider.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 50 years, Shirley Bramlett Snider, and his sister, Norma Snider.
He is survived by his two sons, Keith and wife Tracie of Lexington, Tenn., and Gary and wife Gail of Harrison, Ark. His grandchildren are Lauren, Sydney, Taylor and Drew. He is also survived by his twin sister, Leta Snider Garrison of Searcy, Ark.
Funeral services will be held at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Humnoke, Ark., on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at noon with burial to follow at Hamilton Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Ark.
––––– ––––– HEBER SPRINGS — Vance Murphey Jones, Jr., 80, of Heber Springs, Ark., passed away Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. He was born in Texarkana, Texas, on Dec. 2, 1937. He was preceded by his parents, Vance Murphey Jones Sr. and Bonnie Katherine Vann Jones, and his brother, George Awtrey Jones of Texarkana, Texas.
Vance is survived by his wife, Joyce Rae Timmons, formerly of Houston, Texas; daughter, Sunita Kumari Jones of Alameda, Calif.; and a son, Vance Murphey Jones, III of Heber Springs, Ark. Other survivors include his sisters: Sandra Gail (John Robert) Rea of Wake Village, Texas, and Bonnie Kaye (Dennis) Coats of Atlanta, Texas; brother-in-law, Charles Boyd (Marinelle) Timmons of Dickinson, Texas; special friends Harpo and Fiona at the home; and many nieces and nephews.
Vance had a profound common sense combined with a strong analytical mind, a deep commitment to racial equality, a clean environment, and an abiding sense of fairness. He enjoyed being with family and life’s simple pleasures of fishing, reading science fiction and writing. A dedicated public servant, Vance served in both the Marine Corps and the Peace Corps. He worked in state and local government and public education. He served in leadership positions in the administrations of Arkansas Governors Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, and Bill Clinton. During his state government career, he headed the Office of Governmental Efficiency, Department of Finance and Administration, and the Public Service Commission. He also served one term on the Board of the Little Rock School District, and he worked as Director of Finance and Interim School Superintendent for the LRSD. In addition, he served as the Director of Finance for the Alexandria, Virginia, public schools. Perhaps his greatest public service contribution was mentoring numerous young professional public administrators and educators.
Vance attended public schools in Texarkana, Texas, and Lon Morris Junior College. He received a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Texas at Arlington. After college, he and his family returned to Texarkana, Ark., where he played a leadership role in the Model Cities Program before moving to Little Rock to join the Bumpers administration. A memorial and celebration of his life will be held 3 p.m. Feb. 17 at the residence of Ralph and Gayle Hoffman, 16 Pointe Clear Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Heber Springs or to a charity of your choice. www. heberspringsfuneralhome.com.
––––– –––––
HOT SPRINGS — Alvin Faulkner, 86, of Hot Springs, transitioned Jan. 24, 2018. Survived by children: Paula Faulkner, Annita Cooper, and Curtis Faulkner (Ruby), three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren. Arrangements will be announced by the family at a later date. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark., 72204, (501) 660-4323.
––––– ––––– LESLIE — Jack Simpkins, 92, of Leslie, died Friday. Jack was a WWII US Navy
Veteran. Survivors: wife, Tollie, children, Steve,
Randy & Jeff Mc
Callister & Karen Treadwell, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one greatgreat-grandchild. Services: 2 p.m.
Sunday, Marshall Assembly of God. Visitation: 1 p.m. preceding service. Burial: Red Hill. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ marshall.
––––– ––––– MARSHALL — Ruth Garrison Shaw, age 92, of Marshall, Ark., died on Jan. 25, 2018, in Ozark Health
Medical Center,
Clinton, Ark. She was born on Oct.
10, 1925, in Prue,
Osage County,
Okla., to parents
Elic Washington and Chloe Hester
West Garrison.
She married Gus Cleveland “Dick” Shaw in 1942.
Ruth is survived by her sons, Dick (Nita) Shaw of Cabot, Ark., and Tom (JoBeth) Shaw of Clinton, Ark.; six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; her sister-inlaw, Mary Langston Garrison of Marshall, Ark.; and numerous nieces, and nephews. Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her two brothers and three sisters; her grandson, and her great-grandson.
Funeral service is Jan. 29, 2018, at Marshall Assembly of God Church, at 2 p.m. with visitation at 1 p.m., interment at East Lawn Cemetery in Marshall. Pastor Phillip C. Clark will officiate. Services by Thomas Funeral Service, 501-941-7888, www.thomasfuneralservice.com.
––––– ––––– MELBOURNE — Ida Mae Engles Frazier, 79, of Melbourne died Friday. Survivors: sons, Jerry Frazier (Teresa) of Melbourne, Kennith Frazier (Phyllis) of Mount Pleasant; daughter, Barbara Gay (Steve) of Concord; 11 grandchildren. Funeral service: 3 p.m., Monday at Roller-Crouch Chapel, Melbourne. Burial: Campbell Cemetery. Visitation: 1-3 p.m., Monday, prior to service. www.rollerfuneralhomes. com/melbourne.
––––– ––––– MORO — Billy Key, 80, of Moro, Ark., passed away Jan. 25. Services for Billy will be held Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna, Ark. Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 28, from 4-6 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna.
––––– ––––– MORRILTON — Jeanetta Francis Turner, 91, of Morrilton, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.
30, at Morrilton
First Assembly of
God. Burial: Elmwood Cemetery by Harris Funeral
Home of Morrilton. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, at the funeral home. Online Guestbook: www. HarrisFuneralHomes.net.
––––– ––––– PANGBURN — Francis Anita Eason, 68, of Pangburn, Ark., passed away Jan. 24, 2018 at her residence. She will forever be missed and always loved. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2018 at Heber Springs Funeral Home, 1199 Wilburn Road, Heber Springs, AR 72543. www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.
––––– ––––– PARON — Larry Allen Garrett, 70, of Paron, Ark., transitioned Jan. 20, 2018. He is survived by son Chad (Tanya) Garrett; brothers, Steve Garrett, Danny Garrett and Randy Garrett. He worked for Union Pacific Railroad and Central Flying Service. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W 29th, Little Rock, AR 72204, (501) 660-4323.
––––– ––––– PERRYVILLE — Ruby L Leslie, age 99, of Perryville, Ark., went to be with the Lord on Friday, Jan. 26,
2018. She was born May 20,
1918 in England,
Ark., to Thomas Alexander Tanner and Mary Ann Benefield Tanner.
Ruby was a faithful member of the First Baptist
Church of Perryville. She taught Sunday School for over 50 years and enjoyed singing. She was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, quilting, bingo and spending time with her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Virtus Leslie, one son, Joe Tom Tipton, three brothers and three sisters. Ruby is survived by her daughter, Frances (Karl) Leslie of Paron, Ark., six grandchildren, eight great-children and six great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, Ark.
For full on line obituary and to sign the guestbook see chenal@ rollerfuneralhomes.com.
––––– –––––
PINE BLUFF — Arthur Karlin, 78, died Jan. 25, 2018 after a short illness, with his wife at his bedside.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two cousins. He leaves his wife in Pine Bluff, Ark., a sister in West Palm Beach, and cousins in California, Virginia, Georgia, New York and Boca Raton behind.
All his life he was an educator imparting his knowledge unstintingly to his students. He taught accounting and taxation at UAPB in Pine Bluff, AR for almost 21 years. His BA was from NYU, Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, law degree from University of Akron, and advanced law degree from NYU again.
Ruebel Funeral Home will arrange the transfer of his body from Little Rock to DeVol Funeral Home in Washington, D.C., where he will be buried in Rock Creek Cemetery.
Donations may be made to St. Vincent’s Neurological Unit in Little Rock, Ark. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome. com.
––––– –––––
PINE BLUFF — Mrs. Velma Rainey Weaver, 93, of Pine Bluff, Ark., passed Monday, Jan. 22, 2018. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at Greater Mt. Calvary M.B. Church. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, Ark. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.
––––– –––––
POCAHONTAS — Shirley Jean Meyer, 83, of Pocahontas, died Jan. 26, 2018. She is survived by nine children; a brother; four sisters; 33 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29, in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home at Highland, Ark. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m.
––––– –––––
RISON — Kaye Phillips, 74, of Rison, died Jan. 25, 2018. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Rison Baptist Church in Rison, with burial at Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation is prior to the service at the church, beginning at 10 a.m. Funeral arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison. www.buiefuneralhome.com.
––––– –––––
RUSSELLVILLE — Edward Lee Parks, 80, of Russellville, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. Visitation: Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be private in Pisgah Cemetery in Pottsville. Arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Online obituary/guestbook available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
––––– –––––
SEARCY — Willard Gene Enloe, 54, of Searcy, died Tuesday. Survivors: Wife, Lola; children, Kevin, Keith, Lillian, Calvin and Savannah Enloe; seven siblings. Funeral services: Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018, 2 p.m., Powell Funeral Chapel. Visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m. Interment: Fredonia Cemetery by Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
––––– –––––
VILONIA — Lovetta Mae Janski, 93, of Vilonia, Ark., went to be with the Lord Friday, Jan. 26, 2018.
She was born April 18, 1924, in Enola, Ark., to the late Virgil and Della (McCaig) Jones. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Clarence Janski; brother, Hulon Jones; and sisters, Jaunita Paul and Vera Jones.
Lovetta was a faithful member of the Woodrow Church of Christ in Vilonia. She devoted her life to the Lord and her family. She enjoyed helping others and working outside in her garden. Lovetta was known as a loving, selfless, kind-hearted woman. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving family, son, Harold Janski (Paulette); grandchildren, Todd Janski and Lisa Fisher (Tom); great-grandchildren, Haley Janski, Madison Janski, and Chase Fisher; sister, Priscilla Maddox (Herman); and a host of nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Salem Place Nursing and Rehabilitation for their love and care.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, with visitation one hour prior at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home with interment to follow at Vilonia Cemetery. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.
––––– ––––– WATSON — Herman Dean Shields Sr., 81, of Watson, Ark., died Jan. 26, 2018. Visitation 2-5 p.m., Jan. 28, 2018, at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service, McGehee, Ark. Funeral services 11 a.m. Jan. 29, 2018, at the funeral home. Burial Watson Cemetery, Watson, Ark., Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service, McGehee, Ark. Online guest book www.griffinculpepper.com.
––––– –––––
WHITE HALL — Reverend Homer L. Mattox, 91, of White Hall, went to be with the Lord, Jan. 25, 2018. Services will be Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2 p.m. at Cranford Funeral Chapel in White Hall. Burial will follow in Ramick Cemetery. Visitation: Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
Out-of-state
NEW CASTLE, Del. — Beverly Black Lewis, 71, of New Castle, Del., passed peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, in New Castle, Del.
Beverly is survived by her husband of 47 years: Glenn; son: Christopher (Heather); daughter: Kimberly (Reginald); and eight grandchildren: Christopher Jr., Devon, Anthony, Brianna, Gabrielle, Reginald Jr., Alycia, Malachi; and her sister: Yulonda (Leon).
She was born to the late Luther and Novella Black of Little Rock, Ark., and graduated from Foster High School of Lewisville, Ark., in 1964. She attended Philander Smith College where she pledged Zeta Phi Beta Sorority in
1965. She graduated from University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Nursing. Beverly taught nursing at University of Central Arkansas for four years. She had the opportunity to work with the team that opened the first Coronary Care Unit at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark. She continued her nursing career serving at five VA Medical Facilities, retiring after 30 years of service.
Beverly was called into the ministry and received her Masters of Divinity Degree at Eastern Baptist Seminary in 2001. She was an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church. While in Cecil County, she received the Pastor of the Year Award from the State of Maryland for her Domestic Violence Awareness Ministry while serving at St. John’s United Methodist Church.
Beverly invited the National Interfaith Hospitality Network of New Jersey to make the initial presentation to the faith leaders in Delaware. This step was critical in setting up the Northern New Castle Family Promise Commitment. She retired after 15 years of service in the United Methodist Church Peninsula Delaware Conference.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Beverly’s life. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church, New Castle, Del., on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, from 10-11 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Tracey Mooney officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Family Promise of Northern New Castle County, in care of Crouch Funeral Home, 127 S. Main St., North East, Md., 21901.
For condolences, please visit www.crouchfuneralhome.com.
––––– –––––
DECATUR , Ga. — Dorothy Mae Ringo, 88, of Decatur, Georgia passed away Friday Jan. 19, 2018.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Oliver Milton and Mary Johnson, and a sister, Susie Simbler. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Jacqueline Simbler, Neely Simbler, Eunice Simbler and Tony Simbler; 16 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m., in the Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street. (501) 372- 4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.
––––– –––––
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kimberly Brazeal, 57, of Topeka, Kansas, 12/28/17, Peterson Nursing Home, Osage City, Kansas.
Born Kimberly Kathleen Conway, May 16, 1960, El Dorado, Arkansas to Grover Hugh and JoAnn Hintz Conway. Active member of First Church of God El Dorado, graduated El Dorado HS 1978, BSE Southern Arkansas University 1985. Employed: Caddo Parrish School Board Shreveport, Louisiana, Ferris Independent School District, Texas. Married Joe Brazeal, 8/1/1987. Lived Lancaster, Texas, moved El Dorado for several years, three children, moved Little Rock; Brandon, Mississippi; Carmel, Indiana; Topeka, Member First United Methodist Church. Beloved Girl Scout Leader and political advocate.
In heaven worshipping. Lived her life to the fullest. Kim’s warm eyes and smile could light up any room she entered. Her charm and laugh melted the hardest of hearts. Kim loved her family, friends unconditionally. Kim will be missed tremendously; she left this world a better place.
Long battle: Alzheimer’s, lung cancer. Grateful: MidlandCare/ Pace, KANCARE, Peterson Nursing Home, Osage City, Kansas; Golden Gardens, Indianapolis; Cicoa Aging In-Home Solutions, Indianapolis; Region8, Brandon, Mississippi.
Preceded death by parents, infant child, BabyB. Survivors include husband, Joe Brazeal; daughter, Caroline Brazeal, Little Rock; sons, Joseph, John, of Brandon, Mississippi; three grandchildren. Sister, Carolyn Snider, El Dorado.
Life celebrations announced later in memory of Kim. In lieu of flowers, make memorial contributions: IOH, charity serving children/families affected by terminal illness: P.O. Box 90, Pisgah Forest, N.C., 28768; www.InheritanceOfHope.org.
––––– –––––
JOPLIN, Mo. — Melvin Eugene Cobbs Sr., 62, of Joplin, Mo., transitioned January 20, 2018. Survived by wife, Mary Cobbs; daughter, Jennifer Renee Cobbs; siblings, Odell Cobbs, Faye Cobbs, nine grandchildren. Family hour January 31, 2018, 6-7 p.m. Funeral February 1, 2018, 10 a.m. both at Gunn Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark., 72204.
––––– –––––
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Rev. Dr. William (“Bill”) Kimbro Hedrick of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died peacefully in his sleep on January 6, 2018, at the age of 78. Bill was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, on September 27, 1939. He graduated from Warren High School in Warren, Arkansas, in 1957, and was valedictorian of his class. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Davidson College in 1961, a Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Theology at the Graduate Theological Union in San Francisco, California.
Bill served as pastor of First Presbyterian in Natchitoches, Louisiana; St. Andrew Presbyterian in Longview, Texas; Trinity Presbyterian in Midland, Texas; and Second Presbyterian in St. Louis, Missouri. For 13 years, he was Vice President for Development at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. Passionate about ministries of social justice, he was often a leader in creating such ministries in the communities in which he served.
Bill is survived by his wife, Anna Catherine Robinson; his three children, Mark William Hedrick, Joy Elaine Maguire (Bill Maguire), and George Kimbro Hedrick. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Lily Elizabeth Maguire, Daniel William Hedrick, and Ryan William Maguire; his sisters, Ellen Kay Bacon (Tom) and Margaret Jane Beachboard (James). He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Causey and his parents, Kimbro Young and Joel Dean Hedrick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to: St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Avenue NE, Albuquerque, N.M., 87110; Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas; and Second Presbyterian Church, 4501 Westminster Place, Saint Louis, Mo., 63108.
––––– –––––
OKLAHOMA CITY — Nancy Snodgrass Plant passed from this life peacefully after a lengthy illness.
She was born in Little Rock, Ark., to William A. and Margaret Turner Snodgrass. After graduating from Little Rock High School in 1947, she married Charles Arthur Plant on March 30, 1948, in Benton, Ark. The couple made their home in Little Rock where they had two daughters, Terrie and Nancy Lynne. In 1955, the family moved to Oklahoma City. Nancy was self taught in many home keeping skills and enjoyed interior decorating and collecting antiques. She was an excellent cook and dressmaker. Her daughters benefited from her sewing skills with wonderful clothes made expressly for them. Nancy was an active volunteer; Girl Scout leader, county election board, sewing clubs, book clubs, Extension Homemakers and P.E.O. She was a charter member of the Garden Party Rose Garden Club.
A 50-year member of Crown Heights Christian Church, she served all offices of C.W.F. and later on staff as church hostess and wedding coordinator.
Nancy and Charles were active in bridge clubs, square danced and traveled extensively with friends and family. In semi-retirement, they owned several houseboats and were active in the U.S. Coast Guard Oklahoma City Power Squadron promoting power boat safety. After Charles’ death in 1997, Nancy toured France and Scandinavia.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 49 years; brothers Hugh and Paul Snodgrass; and son-in-law, Harold DeShazo.
She is survived by her sister-inlaw, Mary Ann Puckett, five nieces and two nephews; her daughters, Terrie A. DeShazo of Gold Canyon, Ariz., and Lynne Plant of Broken Arrow, Okla.; grandsons Andy DeShazo and Patrick Kinkeade; granddaughter Margaret Kinkeade-Truesdell and husband, Reese; and great-grandchildren Eleanor and Alden Kinkeade-Truesdell.
It was Nancy’s request to have no services. The family will gather later for interment at graveside.
The family wishes to thank Meadowlake Estates nursing in southwest Oklahoma City for the loving care Nancy received from them.
“Some people come into our lives and quietly go others stay for a while, leave footprints in our hearts and we are never the same.” ~Unknown.
––––– –––––
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Barbara Jean Whittaker, of Nashville, Tenn. Jan. 24, 2018. Barbara moved on to her heavenly home after a brave, hard fought battle with cancer. Preceded in death by her husband, Coach Bill Whittaker; her parents, James Kennedy Jennings and Carlene Bowers Jennings.
Survived by brother, James Kennedy (Debbie) Jennings Jr.; nephews, Jason & Brandon Jennings; niece, Kayla Ignatz; great-nephews, Jackson & Jacob; son, Derek Whittaker; her special friend, Paul M. Blume; long-time friend/caregiver, Diane (Joey) Journell; and George, her beloved ragdoll Kitty.
Barbara lived a very full passionate life. Barbara’s passion was her beautiful singing voice. She sang with the praise and worship team from Radnor Baptist Church & Sunset Hills Baptist Church for many years. Barbara’s real estate career and her love for the Lord were always intertwined.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 29, 2018, from 2-7 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Road, and Monday 10-11 a.m. at the church. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, Jan. 29, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Sunset Hills Baptist Church, 1635 Sunset Road, Brentwood, by Rev. Steve Durham & Rev. Greg Dunn. Interment: Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Barbara would like to have contributions made to Sunset Hills Baptist Church. Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel, Directors, (615) 331-1952.