Obituaries
Pulaski County
ETNA MARIE (VINES) AHART, of North Little Rock, was blessed with a rare and fulfilling life of 102 years and has now joined her husband, Silva, the love of her life, in heaven on February 6, 2018.
She was born on October 31, 1915, the only daughter to the late Tom and Ruth Vines in Grubbs. She had seven brothers, all of whom preceded her in death. Etna is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Silva Ahart; four sons, Rev. Cliff Ahart, Hillos “Melvin” Ahart, Dean Ahart, and Dale Ahart, and one son-in-law, Ronald Freeman.
When Etna was a young teenager, she met Silva Huon “S.H.” Ahart, whom she would marry and the two would produce nine awesome children: eight boys, with each having a wonderful sister. Etna loved her family: her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was a faithful Sunday School teacher at First Church of God, and then Eagle Point Church of God in Little Rock.
Etna is survived by four sons: Tom Ahart of North Little Rock, Wayne Ahart of Austin, Texas, Bill Ahart, of Cabot, Bob Ahart and wife Paula of Holiday Island; her precious daughter and care giver, Eunice Freeman of North Little Rock; two beautiful and loyal daughters-in-law, Jean (Mrs. Cliff) Ahart, of Fort Smith, and Lorraine (Mrs. Dean) Ahart, of Austin, Texas; 25 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and 20 great-great-grandchildren. She was known as Mom, Grandma, or Mama by many extended family and friends.
Family will visit with friends immediately prior to the funeral service at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 9, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Bayou Meto Cemetery in Jacksonville. The Reverend Jerry Riddle will preside.
Pallbearers will be grandsons: Randy, Brian, Lance, Wade, Doug, Chris, Kevin, Paul (Ahart), Tim Freeman, and Mickey Roye. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Eagle Point Church of God, 11111 Geyer Springs Road, (P.O. Box 191115) Little Rock, Ark. 72219.
“Mom” was a competitive dominoes player and also took pride in hosting the last person to walk on the moon, Astronaut Eugene Cernan. The bedroom Captain Cernan slept in was from that day forward referred by Mom as her “Astronaut’s Room.” Her memory of everyone’s birthday was remarkable, as was her life. Mom, thank you for all the sacrifices you made to raise your family. Enjoy your new home and your reunion. Love, your Family. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ owens.
–––––❖––––– COLUMBUS BONE was born January 24, 1948, to the late Mr. Herman and Mrs.
Louvine Bone. He joined the United States Army in 1968 and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. He leaves to cherish his memory, wife, Mary Virginia Bone, and four children, Canisha Bone, Regina Phillips, Tawanna (Jarvis) Smith and Christopher Bone, six grandchildren, two brothers, Donald Lee Bone, and Rickey (Mary) Bone of Little Rock, Arkansas, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services, 1 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, First Baptist Church, 901 Calhoun Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, Family Hour 6-7 p.m. at the church on Thursday. “Serving you with professional care since 1900”, www.hubblefuneralhome.co.
–––––❖––––– Evangelist MARY E. ROBINSON CLINKSCALE, was born April 6, 1935. She made her heavenly transition on Sunday, January 28, 2018.
She was a retiree from Timex and an amazing woman of God.
Preceded in death by her husband, Orid Clinkscale Sr.; children Dwayne Banks and Donna Whitmore; parents, Ulysses Robinson Sr. and Carrie Robinson, and four siblings. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Jannie Cotton, Sheila Clinkscale, Cheryl Mack, Johnny Banks, Craig (Sheryl) Banks, Orid (Tonya) Clinkscale Jr, Keith Jarrett Clinkscale; siblings, Rev. Ulysses Robinson Jr., LeVesta Young, Melvin (Minnie) Robinson Sr.; 22 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Family hour: Friday, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Home-going, Saturday, 10 a.m., both New Zion Grove Baptist Church, NLR. Services are entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Drive (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– JOHNNY C. COOPER, 56, of Little Rock, Arkansas, departed this life Thursday, February 1, 2018.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte Cooper, one daughter, Felicia (Jose) Alvarado, step-son, Dale Clary, mother, Lorene (David) Davis, eight surviving siblings, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Funeral services, 10 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018, Davis Creek Baptist Church, 192 Grant County Road 447, Prattsville, Arkansas 72129. Visitation; 2-6 p.m. Friday, Hubble Chapel. Funeral Services entrusted to Hubble Funeral Home 501-374-3134, “Serving you with professional care since 1900” www.hubblefuneralhome.co.
–––––❖––––– WILLIE FARR, JR., age 42, of North Little Rock, died, Friday, February 2, 2018. He was a Christian, accepting Christ as his personal savior at a very young age. Willie was born February 12, 1975, in Helena, Arkansas to Willie C & Emmie Lee Farr.
He was preceded in death by his father, brother, Earl Pirtle III, and nephew, Kyran Pirtle. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Melissa Farr; his mother, Emmie Lee Pirtle; sisters, Diane Farr, Debbie Shelmon (Charles), Beverly Farr; brothers German, Donnie, Timothy, Raymond, Matthew, Lemark (Edna); three children Keyshawn Farr, Laquisha Farr, Willie Farr III, and their mother Reba Farr; son, Antonio Robinson; stepchildren Maegan Johnson (Chase) Cody Ware. Three grandchildren; CJ, Dallas and Carsyn; and a host of nieces and nephews; a father figure to Xavier Mills and Angelic Johnson and many others.
For arrangements and to sign the online guestbook, visit www. griffinleggettresthills.com.
–––––❖––––– JOHN S. HEFFERNAN, 77, of North Little Rock passed away January 31, 2018.
He was a member of North Hills Baptist Church and retired from the Arkansas Army National Guard serving for over 27 years, and he served as a volunteer and Director of Retiree Archive Office at the Little Rock Air Force Base for 15 years. He was born in Little Rock September 12, 1940, to the late John L. Heffernan and Lillian Dillaha Heffernan.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Robert L. Heffernan. He is survived by his son, Kevin Heffernan of North Little Rock, his brother, Thomas L. Heffernan of Rockport, Texas, and his sister, Patricia K. Kelly of Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer’s Arkansas or Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery Beautification Foundation.
A memorial service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, at North Hills Baptist Church in North Little Rock. Interment will follow in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– SAMMIE J. HENSON, 65, of Jacksonville departed this life Sunday, January 21, 2018.
She is survived by her children, John (Tippannee) Henson, Uyi Edogun, Yvetta Henson Block, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services, 2 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018, Northpoint Dixie Church of Christ, 916 H Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114. Visitation: 2-6 p.m. Friday, Hubble Memorial Chapel. Funeral Services entrusted to Hubble Funeral Home, 501-374-3134. “Serving you with professional care since 1900”, www.hubblefuneralhome.co.
–––––❖––––– ROBERT HILL SR., 65, departed this life February 3. Born to Rosa Kelley and James Roosevelt Hill in Leeds, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by: parents, siblings James Ray, Jerry (Jurlean) Lake, Louise Lake, Robert Lake, Tommie Lake, Brice (Brenda) Hill Sr., and Faye Rose Hill.
Robert’s heart can best be shown through the number of children he leaves behind to cherish his memory. While in California with Sandra he raised John, Nathaniel, James, Tina, Tonya, Jimmy, Anthony, Little Lewis and fathered Tammy Hill. He would later move to Arkansas after meeting Pamela Webster-Turner. During their union he raised Brittney Webster-Owens, and fathered Ashley Webster, Amber Webster and Darius Hill. He purchased his home across the street from her mother and grandmother to have them close to the children. He would later join Georgia Graham in raising Janay, Twanisha, Makeba and father Robert Earl Hill Jr.
Family Hour: Thursday, 5-6 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary. Friday, 11 a.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 6th and Kimble, LR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive (501) 3710111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– ROBERT EUGENE LUSK, 62, of Little Rock, died February 2, 2018. He was born in Brinkley on May 2, 1955. He was an Industrial and Electrical Sales Professional for Irby Electric Company. He was a devoted assistant Scout Leader of Troop 30, a member of the Choir at St. Paul United Methodist Church and a Charter member of The Roads End Hunting Club of Fordyce.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Lusk of Little Rock; children, Martha Joan Lusk, Mary Katherine Lusk and James Robert Lusk all of Little Rock; mother, Mary Louise Lusk Reynolds; mother-inlaw, Joan Bechtel of Florida; father and mother-in-law, Guy and Mary Jane Bradford; brother-in-law, Matt Bradford (Stacy); nephew, Jackson Bradford, all of Louisiana; sister-in-law, Vicki Elkins (Phil) of Florida. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Lusk, his step-father-in-law, Elliott Bechtel and his step-father, Ray Reynolds.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Friday, February 9th at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Durwood Rd. with Reverend Rich Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, February 8th from 5-7 p.m. at the Church. Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, or to the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 30, c/o of St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2223 Durwood Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72207. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 2242200. Robert’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– DOROTHY J. MORGAN, 76, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away
Friday, February 2, 2018. She will be missed and mourned by many. Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, February 8, 2018, at New Hope Baptist Church, 1812 Edmonds Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72117. Visitation will be held Wednesday (today), February 7, 2018, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Watson Northcrest Funeral Home, 1801 Maple Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Brown’s Christian Funeral Service, 501-244-8000.
–––––❖––––– GARY JOE MORPHEW, 64, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018. Joe is survived by his loving wife Ellen Morphew. Joe was a member at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. A memorial service for Joe will be held in the chapel at Ruebel Funeral Home on Sunday, February 18th, 2018, at 2 p.m., there will be a visitation one hour prior to the service. A full obituary will be published at a later date. Sign the online condolence book at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– BRUCE NORWOOD, 66, of Little Rock passed February 2, 2018. Family hour Wednesday, February 7,
2018, 6-7 p.m. Homegoing celebration Thursday, February 8, 2018,
11 a.m. both held at St. Paul
United Methodist Church, 9721 Pinnacle Valley
Road, Little Rock.
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.”
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CARL OWEN “PETE” PETERSON passed away peacefully at his home Monday, February 5, 2018. He was born on August 1, 1938, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Carl Oscar and Emily Marie Peterson.
On November 1, 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary Loeser whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage with this year. He attended the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville. In 1973 he founded Arkansas Packaging Products, which he owned and operated for over 34 years. He was a longtime board member of the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce and supporter of Friendly Chapel Ministries. He was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. He enjoyed traveling, cooking, spending time at the lake and driving his tractor.
His pride and joy was his family. He is survived by his wife, Mary Loeser Peterson and his four daughters, Deborah Freeland (Rob Danecki), Laura Schaefer (Mark), Carla Owens, and Beth Price. He had six grandchildren — Brooke Schaefer Hayes (Jonathan), Blaine Schaefer (Robyn Danecki), Shelby Owens (David Fray), Wesley Freeland (Sarah Jo), Kaden Price and Abby Schaefer and three great-grandchildren, Paisley, Schaefer & Wyatt Hayes. Pete was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Bryant.
His second family were his friends who he loved dearly and prayed for often. He will be remembered for his love for the Lord, his charming personality, his encouragement, his delicious barbeque cooking, PawPaw pancakes and his handsome good looks (he would want us to say that!).
Memorials may be made to Park Hill Baptist Church or Friendly Chapel. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 8th, 2018, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street. Celebration of his Life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, at Park Hill Baptist Church, 201 East C Ave., North Little Rock. Online obituary at www.SmithFamiyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– RUTH ELIZABETH REBSAMEN REMMEL passed away in her home on February 5, 2018. Predeceased by her parents, Raymond Rebsamen and Elizabeth Demarius Purcell Rebsamen; her husband, Roland
Rowe Remmel; her brother, Frederick Raymond Rebsamen and his wife, Floride Dortch Rebsamen; her eldest daughter, Ruth Ellen Remmel, and most of her Remmel in-laws. Survivors include her daughter,
Mary Remmel Wohlleb and husband, Jim; daughter, Karen Remmel Lowry and husband, Steve; son, Dr. Raymond Roland Remmel and wife, Dr. Margarita Garcia; eight grandchildren, Beth Wohlleb Adel and partner Vanessa Adel, Sara Wohlleb and husband Salvador Vergara, Joshua Neal Lowry, Justin Cates Lowry, Jared Jennings Lowry, Ariana Maria Remmel, Carina Elizabeth Remmel, and Remington Rebsamen Remmel; as well as six great-grandchildren, Dunia Jasiri Adel, Robert Khalil Barfield Adel, Aquari Zahra Adel, Alia Adel, Santiago Vergara and Andrea Vergara and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Born January 19, 1924, she attended schools in Little Rock, graduating from Little Rock High School. Her education continued for two years at Chevy Chase Junior College and then the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), where she was a Pi Phi and majored in psychology and philosophy.
As a teenager, she learned to fly small planes and regaled her family with flying stories including her intention to join the WAFs during WWII, only to be told that they had stopped taking in participants….
She married Rollie Remmel in 1948 and began a family as she volunteered in many capacities in her community. She was a former member of the Junior League, former member of the Board of Visitors for UALR, and perhaps most significantly of the Aviation Historical Society while it pursued its dreams related to the Aerospace Education Center. She was the last living, founding member of the Arkansas Unit of The Herb Society of America (on whose national and local boards she served for decades), a former member emeritus of the Little Rock Garden Club, and a trustee emeritus for Ducks Unlimited, and supporter of Nature Conservancy.
She and Rollie shared a love of nature that caused them to take on many conservation-related causes. Ducks Unlimited and the Nature Conservancy honored them for their dedication. They also served as volunteer national fundraising co-chairs for the National Herb Garden, which now sits on the grounds of the U. S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. For this effort, they received a joint Certificate of Appreciation from The Herb Society of America, sharing the honor with Mary and Booker Worthen, who played an equally important role in watching over the campaign’s finances, as co-treasurers.
Ruth never “got” what one of her children’s friends called “the four pet rule”. She happily took in multiple pets, from cats and dogs to birds, fish, snakes and various amphibians, various rodents and even a Shetland pony. More often than not, there were more pets in the home than family members, which provided much entertainment and numerous great stories. The quasi-pet wild raccoons that frequented the Edgehill balcony to be fed each night were a draw for many neighborhood children.
Ruth served as Chair of the Board of Rebsamen Companies for several decades until its sale in
2001. Until her death, she served as an officer on the boards of Rebsamen Management and the Rebsamen Fund.
Ruth exemplified the adage that from those to whom much is given, much is expected and she gave her time, talents and funds to many worthy causes. Never one to seek recognition for such gifts, she avoided having projects or spaces named for her. With the same humility, she sometimes chose not to take tax deductions on charitable gifts, so that the gift was truly 100% from her.
In the 60s and 70s, she and her family were known in some circles for the wonderful multi-generational popcorn parties they hosted near Christmas time.
Her curiosity about and acute observation of the world around her caused her to pursue art classes, excel in photography, and to read many science and technology journals. She once did an extensive study of different varieties of thyme and gave fun programs on herbal subjects, including Ophelia’s Herbs in Hamlet.
An avid reader, and until recently, an avid and capable needle-worker, she also enjoyed traveling around the world to experience different cultures and happily entertained Rotarian and other exchange students on many occasions, opening the world to her children in this way, too. In later years, she delighted in watching nature outside her glass garden room and in spending time as often as possible with her family.
Ruth was probably one of the first 60ish year old grandmothers to adopt technology, computers, laptops, and finally whatever was the most recent iteration of the iPhone, often ahead of her children and grandchildren. When the iWatch came out, she thought long and hard about whether she needed one and determined that the 6 Plus phone was sufficient for her then 91 year old needs.
Ruth’s family would like to extend its sincere thanks to her longtime (recently deceased) housekeeper, cook, and friend, Dorothy Morgan; to Douglas Sorensen, who took care of Rollie in his last years and continued on caring for her in many ways and driving her wherever she needed to go; to her loving and supportive home healthcare assistants, Joyce Britton, Kathy Winfrey, Denise Tenpenny, Cheryl Smith, and Melanie Smith; and to her Arkansas Hospice team for the wonderful care they all provided.
Ruebel Funeral Home will be in charge of arrangements, which will include a Celebration of Life where the family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Ruth’s home at 8 Broadview Terrace, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the The Herb Society of America’s National Herb Garden Fund, the Remmel Wohlleb Scholarship Fund at the Gertrude Remmel Butler Child Development Center of First United Methodist Church in Little Rock, to Arkansas Nature Conservancy, to Arkansas Hospice or to your favorite charity. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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Our beautiful beloved mother JUANITA SCALES, 87, of Little Rock, Ark., transitioned on February 2. Family Hour: Friday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at RMLR. Service: Saturday 11 a.m. Prairie Chapel, 411 East Washington St., Hazen, Ark. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– SHAWN C. TAVORN, 54, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away on January 29, 2018. His survivors include: son, Shawn P. Tavorn-Spencer; brothers, Lamont Tavorn, Michael Tavorn and Eric Tavorn; sister, Velda Harris; fiancee, Donna Spencer and Maracia Williams who he loved as a daughter. Home going services will be Saturday, February 10, 2018, 11 a.m., at House of Refuge Church, 911 S. Oak Street, Jacksonville, Ark. Interment will follow at Moore’s Cemetery. Viewing: Friday, February 9, 2018, 12-4 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.
–––––❖––––– VELMA LILLIAN TAYLOR, age 94, of Little Rock went to join her Lord and Savior on February 4, 2018.
She was born January 19, 1924 in Moline, Texas, to the late David Milton and Effie Mae Hairston.
Velma was a devoted Christian and homemaker and was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock for over 48 years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 71 years, O.B. Taylor, and 12 brothers and sisters: Claudine Newton, Virgil Hairston, Willie Dell “Bill” Berry, Lilla V. “Jack” Munday, Robert Hairston, Jessie Alice Munday, Sandy Hairston, Mae Ford, Milt Hairston, Ernie Hairston, Bonnie Rainwater, and Susie Moore. She is survived by her sons, Doug (Phyllis) Taylor of Benton, Ark., and Chris (Autumn) Taylor of San Antonio, Texas; daughter, Connie (Danny) Smith of North Little Rock, Ark.; grandchildren, Tracy (Scott) Lipsett of Newbury Park, Calif., Daniel Taylor of Boston, Mass., Kathleen Taylor of Austin, Texas, Jacob Taylor of Dallas, Texas, Beth Smith of North Little Rock, Ark., John (Allie) Smith of Conway, Ark.; great-grandson, Alex Lipsett of Ventura, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018 in the chapel at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock with Dr. Rex Horne officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72211. A special thank you goes to Arkansas Hospice and to the staff at Alcoa Pines Health and Rehabilitation Center in Benton, Ark., for their loving care. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
–––––❖––––– BRYAN KEITH TEBBETTS, 52, of Sherwood, entered into glory after a battle with Leukemia on February 6, 2018. He was born on August 10, 1965 in Wichita, Kan., to Richard and Phyllis Tebbetts. He excelled in basketball and he was a true lover of the sport. While attending Union University, Bryan accepted Jesus as his personal savior. He later followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Air Force.
Bryan was an ordained minister, and a mentor to many youth over the years. He served as the Youth Pastor at several churches including Marshall Road and North Hills Baptist Churches. His greatest passion was sharing his love for Jesus and helping others.
Bryan will be forever remembered by his best friend and wife of 31 years, Renee and his precious daughter, Mandy; his brothers Dennis, Roger and Rodney; sisters Pat Houston, Sharon Littlepage and Marlena Ryder. Bryan leaves behind to cherish his memories by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.
A visitation will be on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10 a.m. at North Hills Baptist Church, Sherwood. A memorial service will be held following the visitation at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Hills Baptist Church building fund.
Arrangements have been made with A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Ark. An online guestbook is available at www. anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– BETTY J. UDELL, 66, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life February 1. Family Hour Friday 7:308:30 p.m. and Funeral: Saturday, 11 a.m. both at Southside Church of Christ. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Drive LR. (501) 3710111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– Resting peacefully now and without continued pain, TRUDY M. WHITNEY, 56, passed on to eternal paradise in her sleep on January 27, 2018. She is survived by her daughter, Danielle Townsend, and her former husband and best friend, Al Townsend. She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth
Kelly Whitney, her father, Stephen Douglas
Whitney Sr., and her sister, Ruthie Whitney Hassell. Trudy was a resident of North Little Rock, Ark., since 2009 and a life-long native of Houma, La. Please visit www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
Arkansas
BRYANT — Gerald Dee Henson Jr., age 60 of Bryant, passed away on February 6, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at Indian Springs Baptist Church on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 1 p.m. with visitation the evening prior from 6-9 p.m. at the church. To sign online guest book visit www.dialandudleyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Rubye Elizabeth Hastings Gerst, born January 13, 1924, New Market, Alabama, died February 4, 2018. She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Gene Gerst, a 2 year old son, Jimmy, her parents, Robert and Luellia Hastings, four brothers, two sisters. She is survived by two sons, Rob and Deb Gerst of Cabot, Arkansas, and Ron and Judy Gerst of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren all the joy of her life.
She worked in the aerospace industry in California. Rubye and Gene’s home was filled with love and hospitality. They were faithful members of the Church of Christ. Rubye always enjoyed shopping and travel.
Visitation will be Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., and the funeral will be Thursday, 9 a.m. (Both at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, 700 N. Second Street) with interment at the Little Rock National Cemetery at noon.
Memorials to Friends House, Cabot Church of Christ, 500 N. Second Street, and Southern Christian Home, 100 West Harding Street, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Roy Hefner, 76, of Cabot, Arkansas, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018. He was born June 4,
1941, to Landon and Ala Mae (Burnett) Hefner in Beebe, Arkansas. Roy was a
U.S. Air Force veteran and was a truck driver for Roadway Express for 40 years before his retirement. He was a member of Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church.
He was a good ole boy who lived his life with honor and integrity. He lived his life loving God and loving his neighbor. Roy was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He had his own great sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Diana Hefner; son Mike Hefner; daughter Julie Hefner; grandchildren Tracer and Alicia Austin and Claire Allison Austin; great-grandchildren Brylee Grace Austin and soon-to-be born Aria Alece Austin; brother, Max and Dee Hefner; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, family, friends and his dogs Squirelly and Happy. Roy was preceded in death by his parents Landon and Ala Mae Hefner and grandparents Roy Penn and Nina Hefner.
Memorials may be made to International Fellowship of Christians & Jews http://www.ifcj.org/. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– CLINTON — Quaita Ethridge Hibner, 92, of Clinton, Ark., passed away February 4, 2018. Her husband, William Melvin Hibner, preceded her in death in 2008. Survivors include children: Melva Heavin, Sparta, Mo.; Kyle (Anna) Hibner, Waco, Texas; Dane Hibner, Conway, Ark.; Debbie (Kyle) Wolfe, Clinton, Ark.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation: February 7, 6-7 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton. Service: February 8, 11 a.m., Choctaw Church of Christ. For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Veaundella Hendricks, 82, of Conway, Ark., passed away February 4, 2018. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 7th, at Roller-McNutt in Conway. Funeral service will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at Roller-McNutt with entombment to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway. Online guest book available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.
–––––❖––––– COVE — Mr. Lanny E. Tooker, age 64 of Cove, Arkansas, passed away Monday, February 5, 2018 in Bentonville, Arkansas. Memorial service will be Saturday, February 10, 2018, 5 p.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
–––––❖––––– DUMAS — Mr. Joseph Ingoll, 54, of Dumas, Ark., passed Wednesday, January 3, 2018. A Graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2018, in Forrest Lawn Cemetery, Pine Bluff, Ark. by the Rev. Aaron Johnson. Service entrusted toBrown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, Ark. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.
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EL DORADO — Dr. Donald Harper Barrow Sr. passed away on the morning of Sunday, February 4,
2018 at the age of 83. Known to friends and family as Don or Grandaddy, he was born in El Dorado,
Ark. on May 22nd,
1934 to his father
Rex Austin Barrow and mother
Theresa “Tet” Harper Barrow.
He was well known to his community as a leader in service organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. He worked as a local dentist for more than 50 years. His office was a gallery of local children smiling after their first visit to his office and they remained a memento to many when they returned as adults to retrieve their childhood photo after his retirement.
A hunter and fisherman, he traveled around the globe with friends and family enjoying time in the outdoors. He was always quick with a smile, wielded a mean spatula on the grill and always one for a drink with friends followed by an evening of conversation. He will be missed by many.
He was predeceased by his wife, Melinda Richardson Barrow and son Donald “Donnie” Harper Barrow Jr. He leaves behind his son, David Austin Barrow and wife Peggy, grandchildren, Rex Austin Barrow III and wife Laura; Lindsey Barrow Perry and husband Andy; David Samuel Barrow, Andrew William Barrow and Sela Barrow Hanna and husband Trey, and great grandchildren Maximus, Jason, Harper and Olivia.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018 at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors with Father Charles Chapman officiating. In lieu of flowers the families ask that memorials be sent to St. Mary’s Episcopal church of El Dorado. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– ENGLAND — Nicole Hutchison, 36, of England passed January 31, 2018. She was preceded in death by her mother: Gloria Hutchison. Loving memories left to children: Jamarcus Hutchison and Glorian Hutchison; father, Min. Freddie Epperson Sr.; siblings: Stacey Stepps, Freddie Epperson Jr., Timothy Cornice, Corey Epperson, Jerri Stewart Larry), and Jennifer Epperson. Visitation: February 9, 2018, 6-7 p.m. Homegoing celebration February 10, 2018, 11 a.m. both held at Eudora Baptist Church, 115 N. Washington Ave., England. 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.”
–––––❖––––– FORREST CITY — Aldis Jerrell Boudra, age 91, of Forrest City, Arkansas, died Saturday, February 3, 2018. Funeral: 2 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at the Harris Chapel. Burial: Friendship Cemetery in Solgohachia. Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online Guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.
–––––❖––––– GILBERT — Dorothy Virginia (Gifford) Neff, 95 of Gilbert died Sunday. She was wife of the late Merle Neff. Survivors: sons, Merle and Ron Neff, eight grandchildren, many great-grandchildren. Arrangements: Roller-Coffman/ Marshall. Graveside services: 10 a.m. Friday, Osborne Cemetery/ St. Joe. Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/marshall.
–––––❖––––– HARRISON — William McCurley, 86, died Sunday. Survivors: three children, Billy McCurley, Barbara Windle and Janice Butuso; three siblings, Larry McCurley, Carolyn Fowler, and Hazel Creekmore; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren. Visitation: 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7, Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home-Brinkley. Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, Church of Christ-Brinkley, McCurley Cemetery Obit/guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com.
–––––❖––––– HATFIELD — Barbara A. Rice, age 67, of Hatfield, Arkansas passed away Monday, February 5, 2018 in Mena, Arkansas. Graveside service will be Thursday, February 8, 2018, 10 a.m. at Pine Ridge, Cemetery in Pine Ridge, Arkansas under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
–––––❖––––– HENSLEY — Michael J. Knight, Sr., 61, of Hensley went to be with the Lord, February 2, 2018.
He was born
August 13, 1956 to Henry and
Evelyn Knight. Affectionately known as “Big
Mike”, he had a generous heart and a kind soul.
He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Bob Knight and Willie Knight. He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Jeff) Fugatt; son, Michael (Kristen) Knight, Jr., two grandchildren, Lane and Ryan; two great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Knight, and many friends that will miss him dearly.
A Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Crystal Hill Assembly of God Church, 6722 Mountain Pine Rd., North Little Rock. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www. ArkansasCremation.com.
–––––❖––––– HOPE — Dave Hawthorne, 71, of Hope went to be with his heavenly father on January 24, 2018. Dave was born August 3, 1946 in Hempstead County to Clyde and Mittie Wheat Hawthorne. A private memorial will be held at a later date.
–––––❖––––– HOPE — Funeral for Lori Rook Jones, 10 a.m., Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Larry Byers officiating. Burial, Memory Gardens Cemetery, Hope. Visitation, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, 1001 South Main. Arrangements Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Complete Obituary: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– JUDSONIA — Archie Louis Genovese, 61, of Judsonia passed away February 3, 2018 in Searcy. He was born to late Michael Genovese and Anna Stoia Genovese in Newark, New Jersey on October 1, 1956. A private visitation will be held by the family. For online guest book, www.rollerfuneral homes.com.
–––––❖––––– LANGLEY — LaVanda Golden, age 83, of Langley, died Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. Services will be 2 p.m., Friday, in the Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church with interment in Langley Hall Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Visitation will be Thursday, 6-8 p.m. Guest registry: www.davis-smith.com.
–––––❖––––– MELBOURNE — James Patterson, 71, of Melbourne died Sunday, February 4, 2018. Funeral services, Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville. Burial, Bethel Cemetery located near Pfeiffer. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
–––––❖––––– MONTICELLO — Gladys Piper Owens, age 69, of Monticello, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial in Rash Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
–––––❖––––– MOSCOW — Mr. Charlie Ventress, Sr., 96, of Moscow, Ark., passed Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at Cherry Hill Baptist Church-Moscow, Ark., by Rev. David L. Marks Sr. Interment will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Ark. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.
–––––❖––––– NEWPORT — Mrs. Earlene (Eaton) Galbraith, 86, of Newport, died Tuesday. Survivors: daughter, Teresa Gonzales; grandchildren, Gina Morales, Ricky Morales, Leah Gonzales Phillips, Bethany Ciesieski, and Isaac Gonzales; seven great-grandchildren; special nieces and nephews. Visitation: Thursday, 1-2 p.m. Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Watson Cemetery. www.jacksonsfh.com.
–––––❖––––– NEWPORT — Don E. Martin of Newport, 95, died Sunday. Survivors: brothers, Robert and Gary Martin; sisters, Mildred Johnston, Patsy Calkin, and Shirley Thrasher; several nieces, nephews. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Graveside services following, 11 a.m. at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.
–––––❖–––––
PINE BLUFF — Donald Glen “Donnie” Allred, 72, of Pine Bluff, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018. Funeral services will be Thursday, February 8th, 10 a.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
–––––❖–––––
PINE BLUFF — Willa Broyles Barnes, 64, of Pine Bluff, passed away, January 27, 2018. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 8th at Christian Way Funeral Home 5-7 p.m. Celebration Service will be held Friday, February 9th at St. Matthew COGIC in North Little Rock. Services by Christian Way Funeral Home Pine Bluff, www.christianwayfh.com.
–––––❖––––– PLUMERVILLE — Mary Alice (Hamby) Frazier, 79, of Plumerville, Arkansas, died peacefully Monday, February 5, 2018. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Harris Chapel. Burial at Plummerville Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, at funeral home. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.
–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Robert Vernon Slate, 72, of Searcy, passed away February 5, 2018, in Searcy. Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2018, at the Roller-Daniel Funeral home in Searcy. A Graveside Service and Interment will at Henderson Cemetery in Pangburn, 10 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– STRAWBERRY — Sonny Gene Polston, 64, of Strawberry, died Saturday, February 3, 2018. Graveside services will be Thursday, February 8, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Dry Creek Cemetery at Lynn with Danny Davis and Kenny Townsley officiating. Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City.
–––––❖––––– WEST MEMPHIS — Velma Jenkins Horton, 84, of West Memphis, Arkansas, passed away February 2. Services will be held February 9, at 2 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Marianna. Visitation will be held February 8, from 6-8 p.m. also at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home. Family and friends may view and sign online guestbook www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna.
Out-of-state
STILLWATER, Okla. — Algray LaVelle Pettus, 55, was born February 18, 1962 in Little Rock, Ark., to
the late James Pettus and Nannie (Petties) Pettus. He passed away on February 1,
2018 in Stillwater, Okla. Algray graduated from Parkview High
School in Little
Rock, Ark., in
1981. He attended Northeastern Oklahoma A&M
Junior College in Miami, Okla., on a football scholarship. After graduation from NEO, Algray received a football scholarship from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he obtained his Undergraduate Degree in Physical Education. He also obtained a Masters degree in Urban Education from Langston University. Algray always believed in bettering yourself by encouraging other to pursue education.
Algray was a Probation and Parole Officer for the State of Oklahoma. He had also served as Chief of Police for Langston University and was the Director of Public Safety for Prairie View A&M University. He was affectionately known as “Chief Pettus”.
Growing up in Little Rock, Ark., Algray was raised in the church and was a long time member of Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church in Scott, Ark. He continued his Christian walk at Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he became as associate minister under the direction of Rev. Oscar J. Adams. Upon his move to Texas, he was a member of Greater St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church. After returning to Stillwater, he rejoined the church family at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Algray’s hobbies included spending time with family: the Pettus Family Reunions were is favorite. He also loved his Pittsburgh Steelers Football. Algray was a Master of the grill and cooking anything in a big pot. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with his best friend, David Webb.
In addition to his parents, Algray was preceded in death by his siblings, Betsie Pettus, Almetra Wayne and Evonne Pettus; special friends, David Brown and David Webb. He leaves his memory to be cherished by his loving wife, Jeanne Pettus, his two sons, Algray “Ray” Pettus II (Delisa, Kennedy, Braxton) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Jay Pettus of Cypress, Texas; siblings, Janice Lee Murphy of Flint, Mich., Vernell Booth, Rosie Green, Dorothy Kelley, all of Little Rock, Ark., Ira Jean Lewis (William T.) of Scott, Ark., James Pettus, Jr. (Elgie) of North Little Rock, Ark., Shirley Williams (Tim), Maumelle, Ark., Joann Chatwood, Kenneth Pettus, Lawrence Pettus of Little Rock, Ark.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A wake service will be held 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018 and the Celebration of Life Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018, at the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 902 South Knoblock, Stillwater, Okla. Interment will be at Fair Lawn Cemetery, Stillwater, Okla.