Obituaries

Pulaski County

It is with great sadness that the family of JOHN ALBERT BECK, 56, announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, February

6, 2018 in Little

Rock. Brother, son, uncle and friend, John was born December

8, 1961 to Janet and Joseph C.

Beck. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Janet Garbacz Beck. He is survived by his father, Joseph C. Beck, four siblings, Mary Beck Clerget (Harry), Paula Beck Holmes (John), Dr. J. Thad Beck (Melanie), and Janet Beck Cravens (Will), and 10 nieces and nephews.

He was a graduate of Catholic High School and University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he double majored in History and Political Science. He served as a student council member at UALR and was an advocate for students with disabilities. He was formerly employed with Union Camp Corporation, Conway and Dillard’s Department Store in Little Rock. John made many friends over the years and was a lover of life and dedicated to his family. His smile and fun loving nature will be missed. John was an avid movie goer and liked to attend the opening night of any new film. He and his father Joe would also regularly attend Sunday afternoon matinees together. John was a devout Catholic and a regular attendee of Mass at Christ the King Church.

Friends are invited to a visitation from 6-7 p.m. on February 9 followed by a rosary at 7 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street in Little Rock. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on February 10 at Christ the King Catholic Church followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that gifts be donated to Christ the King Catholic Church. Please visit www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com for the online guestbook.

–––––❖––––– CHRISTOPHER MATTHEW GREEN, 46, of Sherwood transitioned February 2, 2018. Survived by wife, Kathryn Green; father, Napolean Buford; children, Nathan, Nicholas Burd, Norah, Giada Green; brothers, Aaron Green, Linus, Ian Buford and Kenneth Campbell; cousin Dawnesha Green. Graveside Service, February 13, 2018, 12 noon, Veterans State Cemetery. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204.

–––––❖–––––

Mr. J. NOAL LAWHON II, resident of Sherwood and former resident of McCrory, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. He was 73 years of age.

Visitation will be Thursday night, February 8, from 5-8 p.m. at the North Little Rock Funeral Home. Mass will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock Friday afternoon, February 9, at 1 p.m. with Father John Wakube, officiating. Graveside services will be held at Fakes Cemetery in McCrory.

Mr. Lawhon was born in Batesville, Ark., on January 5, 1945, the son of J.N. (Jay) Lawhon and Lillian Swanson Lawhon. He was raised an only child and had the full attention of not only his parents but his grandmother, Elizabeth Swanson, who thought the sun rose and set in him.

Mr. Lawhon was a graduate of McCrory High School and the University of Arkansas where he received a Masters Degree in Business. In 1968 Mr. Lawhon married the former Joanna Jaworski and together they had three children, Sheree Stasia Winder, J. Noal Lawhon III and Thane Joal (T.J.) Lawhon. Before the children were born, he and his wife worked side by side at the family business, Lawhon Farm Services in McCrory. After Sheree was born, Joanna retired and Noal partnered with his dad and together they built the business into more than just a farm supply store. It became the hub of the agricultural services in Woodruff and surrounding counties through the hard work of his employees who he considered family. In 1988, his company earned, under Noal’s leadership, Arkansas’ business of the year award presented by then Governor Bill Clinton. In 1992 Noal launched the Delta Seed Company which became one of the largest seed companies in the Mid-South. His search for new opportunities in agriculture took him as far as Hawaii, Brazil, Russia, and Greece.

Noal had an illustrious career in the agriculture industry with more accomplishments than can be listed, but most important to him was his time as part of the Southern Seed Association where he served as president in 1992, Arkansas Seed Dealers Association where he served as president in 1977, and the Arkansas State Plant Board where he served as a member of the board of directors from 1998 to 2013. In 2010, he was awarded the Pioneer Award by the Arkansas Seed Dealers Association for his many years of outstanding service to the seed industry.

In 2013, Mr. Lawhon was presented the McCrory Citizen of the Year Award and he graciously accepted it with his family by his side. A man of character, a son, husband, father, and good friend to many, Mr. Noal answered the call of duty to be a good citizen and help those in need. He continued to oversee his businesses in McCrory, sometimes by phone but often in person. He was always just a phone call away. He was a man of many talents and one employee described him as “tall in stature and big in heart.” This proved to be true over and over during his lifetime.

Mr. Lawhon is survived by his loyal wife, Joanna; one daughter, Sheree Winder of Bauxite; one son, T.J. Lawhon and wife Mandy of Little Rock; five grandchildren Katelyn, Kinsley and Carter Winder of Bauxite, and Evan Marie and Jay Lawhon of Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Elizabeth Swanson; parents, Jay and Lillian Swanson Lawhon; and one son, J. Noal (Trey) Lawhon III. Pallbearers are Steve Currie, Jim Newell, Randy Currier, Don Compton, Bobby Swanson, and Ken Wischkamper. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Crawford, Emmett Garner, Wayne Moffett, Randy Milligan, Dean Overstreet and Mitch Wood.

Memorials may be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org) or the World Christian Relief Fund, P.O. Box 970, McCrory, Ark. 72101. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– BETTY CHRONISTER MABREY was born to Beatrice and O.B. Chronister on May 31, 1928 in Russellville, Ark., and passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 in Little Rock. She grew up on Park Hill in NLR, graduating from North Little Rock High. She attended the U of A at Fayetteville for two years before marrying Thomas A. Mabrey.

She was the proud and loving mother of two boys, Berlin Davis and William Thomas Mabrey, for whom she was a tireless teacher, coach and cheerleader.

Betty and Tom where founding members of Lakewood

United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school for their boys through the 6th grade. She was active in their schools serving the PTA for Lakewood Elementary, Hall High, and Catholic High schools.

Betty loved North Little Rock and the North Little Rock Junior League, serving as president for two years. She hounded Mayor Casey Laman into giving the League a house in the Argenta region of NLR for their functions. Her, and her many friends, had a Garden Club and Bridge Club.

She was preceded in death by her father O.B. Chronister and mother, Beatrice Chronister. She is survived by her two sons Beau (wife Fara) and Bill Mabrey. The grandchildren she loved so much, Anna Mabrey (Beau), Beatrice Robeson and Anthony (Beau and Fara), William Jr. and wife Kara, John and Matthew (Bill). She has two great-grandchildren, Josephine Rose (Beatrice and Bryan) and William Thomas III (William and Kara).

Special thanks are owed to the wonderful people who did such a great job of loving and caring for Betty in the last year of her life, Diane, Henry, and Andrea Smith, all of whom Betty loved and laughed with, Kay, Janet, Janie and all the Synergy people who loved and gave so much of themselves, Dr. Ron Hardin and his angelic nurse, Denise, who did so much for Betty in a loving and joyful fashion, Dr. Laura Otter, who worked so patiently with Betty, who really didn’t like going to the doctor or taking medicines.

For the past six months, Andrea Smith would read to Betty from “Jesus Calling” or from The Bible. This brought Betty great joy as she struggled to read for herself. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arkansas Enterprises for The Developmentally Disabled or the Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center.

Memorial Mass will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church. A visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018, followed by a rosary service at 7 p.m., at the church. Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– TERESIA MARSHALL, 54, of North Little Rock, passed away Thursday February 1, 2018.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son

Robert Marshall; grandson,

Robert Marshall

Jr.; siblings,

Robert Marshall (Sharon), Keith Marshall (Patsy), Antonio Sims and Angela Sims; an aunt, Sarah Houston; uncle, Wade Franklin (Linda) and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday February 10, 2018, 11 a.m., Morning Start Baptist Church, 105 No. Smothers Street. Family will receive friends tomorrow from 6-7 p.m. at the church. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street. (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

–––––❖––––– JOHN GARY PEELER, age 69, passed away on February 7, 2018. He was born to the late

John Amos Peeler and Anna Bell Johnson Peeler on October 1,

1948 in Little

Rock, Ark.

He is survived by one son, Christopher Peeler; one daughter, Maria Atwater; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother, Bill Peeler; and one nephew, Jason Paul Peeler. He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Aimee Filbeck.

A Funeral Service to honor the life of John Peeler will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock (501) 791-7400. With a Visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Carlisle Cemetery, Carlisle, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

Arkansas

ALEXANDER — Jonathon Elias Staton, 26, went to be with the Lord, February

4, 2018. He was born on July 15,

1991 in Little

Rock, Arkansas, to Jon and Michelle Staton. Eli graduated from

Bryant High

School in 2009, he owned Staco Construction Company, was a member of East Union Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the North Little Rock Fire Department and served as a firefighter-paramedic. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking at the Fire House. Eli was a people person and loved making everyone laugh.

Eli was preceded in death by his grandfather, Bob Staton. He is survived by his wife, Allie Staton; parents, Jon and Michelle Staton; sister, Abby; brother, Luke; grandparents, Pat Staton-Matlock and Bill and Sue James.

A Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2018, at East Union Missionary Baptist Church, 20422 North Springlake Road, Hensley, Ark. 72065. A Celebration of Life will follow at the church, Friday, February 9, 2018, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Eli’s name to Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Association, ar fallen firefighters. org. Please share your memories of Eli at www.dignitymemorial.com/pinecrest-funeral-home-memorial-park.

–––––❖––––– BAUXITE — Zachary Ryan Turner, 21, of Bauxite, went to be with his Lord due to an auto accident in Pottsville on February 5, 2018. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home, Friday, February 9, 2018, at 4 p.m. To sign the online guest-book, please visit www. dialanduduleyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– BEEBE — Leonila (Leonor) Girdler, 73, of Beebe went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 30th while visiting with her family in the Philippines. Leonor was a wonderful homemaker who dearly loved her family and her church

One of nine children, she is preceded in death by her parents, Anastacio and Asuncion Lesano, three brothers and one sister. Leonor is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jeffrey (Jeff) Girdler; daughter, Mary (Jerry) Davis; sons, Freman (Gloria) Girdler and Ricardo (Shirley) Llona; four grandsons, a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter, along with three brothers and a sister.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10th at 9 a.m. at Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Rd., North Little Rock. A Visitation will be held from 6–8 p.m. on Friday, February 9th at the Funeral Home and one hour prior to the funeral service. Memorials may be made to “The Soles for Souls” at 1st Baptist Church of Beebe. Online register atwww. griffin leg gett rest hills. com.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Margaret M. Ramsey, 78, of Benton passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Baptist Church on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at 2 p.m. A time of visitation is scheduled at the Church one hour prior to the service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — William “Sonny” Swayze, 85, Benton, Arkansas, died February 6, 2018. He was born June 8, 1932, in Landers, Arkansas. Reception visitation, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 8, Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market, Benton. Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday, February 9, Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– BUTTERFIELD — Wensil Allene Lowery Smith, age 82, of Butterfield, passed away February

5, 2018. She was born on March

11, 1935, in Cooper to the late Granville Allen

Lowery and the late Clara Anita

James Lowery.

She graduated from Magnet

Cove High School where she met her husband of 63 years, David Smith. Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by three of her siblings, sister, Delores Lowery Lawrence, brothers, Hulon and Donnie Lowery, and brothers-in-law, A.J. Lawrence and Clyde Smith, and sistersin-law, Hilda Ann Lowery, Laurie Smith Crawford and Emma Garland Smith Wilson.

She is survived by her spouse, David Smith of Butterfield; children, Debra Smith (Jerry) Segers of Canton, Ga., Philip/Fritz (Cathleen) Smith of Kennesaw, Ga.; sisters, Jannis Lowery Smith of Hot Springs and Reta Lowery (Clarence) Woosley of Malvern; grandchildren, Anita (Trevor) Carson, Tuesday Smith, Catherine (Justin) White, and Morgan Smith; great-grandson, Colin White; brother-in-law, Howard Wilson of Tuscaloosa, Ala., sisters-in-law, Eva Jean Hathcock Lowery of Malvern, Rosalind Crawford of Houston, Texas, and Frances (Van) Wells of Ruston, La.; step-grandchildren, Christa Segers, Jerry Segers Jr., and Debbie Hayes; step-great-grandsons, Galen Bragg and Brennan Whaley; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Genealogy was one of her favorite pastimes and she gathered a wealth of family information for more than 60 years.

Wensil joked about her unusual name telling people, “It sounds like ‘pencil’ but starts with a W.” Remembered for her wit, kindness, and generosity, she loved her God and her church. A preacher’s wife much of her adult life, she had a quiet way of supporting behind the scenes. She was active in Girl Scout leadership and her local PEO. She was an exceptional bookkeeper, working for Sears, Millsaps College, Capps Funeral Home and was Deputy Tax Collector for Walthall County in Mississippi. She highly valued education and provided “Nana Scholarships” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Wensil credited her creativity to growing up in the post-Depression years saying, “We always had to ‘make something out of nothing.’” She enjoyed life and preparing special tea parties for her grandchildren. She loved butterflies, and was a marathon shopper and inquisitive world traveler. She claimed her greatest accomplishment was raising her two children to become caring, productive adults.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 8 from 5-7 p.m., J.A. Funk Funeral Home, 318 Ash Street, Malvern, Ark. 72104. Services will be Friday, February 9 at 10 a.m., J.A. Funk Funeral Home. Graveside service follows at Cooper Cemetery.

A luncheon meal will be served for the family at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 1310 East Mill Street, Malvern, Ark. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the church or charity of your choice in memory of Wensil Smith.

–––––❖––––– CABOT — Lewis Monroe Holt Jr. (Papa), 90, of Cabot, peacefully passed February

6th at his home.

Lewis was born

October 31, 1927 in Alexandria, LA to Lewis Holt Sr. and Ruby Burdick

Holt.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lilly; his children Peggy Herndon of Cabot, Lewis Holt III (Tim) of Cabot, Terry Major of Sherwood, Katerina and Jeff Kassel of Cabot; his sister Pepper Crisp of Midtholian, Texas; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren some of blood and all of love, many cousins, and friends. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Alida Holt; son-in-law, Jac Major; and his sister, Dorothy Whilden.

Lewis had a few great loves in his life. First and for most was Lilly, the love of his life, followed by his family, his country, and the USAF, which he proudly served 22 years and retired as MSGT. He enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his life and did so in every country he lived. He introduced Lilly to fishing and quickly had a fishing partner for life. They enjoyed camping and fishing throughout their 66 years together and enjoyed sharing those times with their family and their friends, many of who were fellow members of the Arkansas Retired Military Association (ARMA). Along with being a lifetime member of ARMA, Lewis was also a proud, supportive, and lifetime member of the NRA.

Lewis and Lilly had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe and the United States over their years together, making friends wherever they went, which was quite evident during the 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations when each time they had over a hundred people travel from coast to coast to take part. They hosted parties and entertained often, filling their home with love and laughter.

Services will be at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, 700 North Second Street, Cabot, Ark., with visitation Thursday, February 8th from 6-8 p.m. and funeral service Friday at 1 p.m. followed by burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Family asks any donations be made to the military charity of your choosing. Online guestbook: www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– CARLISLE — Joseph Edward Coyle, 95, passed away on February 6th 2018. He was born in Carlisle on October 21st 1922 to the late Roy and Ida Coyle. Those remaining to cherish his memory are children James Coyle and Jeanette (Lavoye) Castleberry; grandson, Bradley (Alissa) Coyle; great-grandsons, Donavon and Eli Coyle and sister, Faye Kennedy. Preceding in death are his loving wife, Naomi Coyle; parents; brother, Doyle Coyle; sisters, Thelma Brown and Myrtle Cochran. Funeral service will be held at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, February 10th at 11 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Hickory Plains Cemetery. Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. www.boydfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– CROSSETT — Billy M. Clanton, 86, of Crossett, died Sunday, February 4, 2018.

He was born September 17,

1931, in Ingalls,

Ark., the son of the late William

Ruben Clanton and Juanita Hargraves Clanton.

He retired in

1996, after 41 years of service with Georgia Pacific Crossett Paper Operations and was a U.S. Air Force Korean War Veteran. In March of 2017, Mr. Clanton was recognized for 50 years of service in the Grand Lodge of Arkansas. He was a lifelong member of South Crossett Missionary Baptist Church and the widower of Lexie Phillips Clanton, who died on October 30, 2016. They were united in marriage on Nov. 22, 1955.

Also preceding him in death are his brother, Dan M. Clanton; and sister, Nettie Clanton Rainey. Survivors include one son, Billy M. Clanton Jr.; and one daughter, Pamala D. Clanton, both of Crossett; along with a host of other relatives.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 8th at the South Crossett Missionary Baptist Church, 2201 South Main St., Crossett with Bro. Don Justice officiating, followed by an interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Caleb Walsh, Mathew Clanton, Jon Hayden, Paul Hayden, Greg Sivils and Greg Kelley. Visitation will be from 1–2 p.m., at the church, prior to the service.

–––––❖––––– CROSSETT — William “Bill” Murphy, 76, of Crossett, died February 4. Celebration of Life Service 10 a.m., February 10 at South Main Baptist Church, Crossett. Visitation 6-8 p.m., February 9 at the church. For full obituary go to meddersfuneralhome.com or call (870) 364-6171. “Celebrating Life.”

–––––❖––––– EMMET — Funeral for Mrs. Nina Baker, age 70 of Emmet, Ark., 2 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home with Bro. Mark Crawley officiating. Burial, Ayers Cemetery, Hope. Visitation, Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 to 8 p.m. at Brazzel/ Oakcrest. Arrangements Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Complete obituary: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– HASKELL — Helen Jones, 75, of Haskell, Ark. passed away February 5, 2018 at home. She was born October 23, 1942. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Garland and Georgie Pierce; her husband, Vernon Jones; three brothers, John,

W.D. and Charlie-Ray Pierce; and three sisters, Marjorie Clark, Daisy Ward and Margaret George.

She is survived by four daughters, Cindy Lawrence (Alan), Wendy Roberts (Andy), Teresa Bradshaw (Jesse), and Susan Leos (Saul); seven grandchildren, Brad Wheeler, Dusty Farr, Renee Brown, David Roberts, Jessica Bradshaw, Frank Roberts and Cory Leos and 21 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Ashby’s with burial at Quattlebaum Cemetery. Bro. Brent Kinnaman will be officiating. Online guest book at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– HOPE — Ronda Lee-Ann Willis, 57, of Hope, Ark., passed away Monday, February 5, 2018, in Hope, Ark. Visitation is 6–8 p.m., Friday, February 9, 2018, at Herndon Fuqua Funeral Home in Hope. Funeral is 1 p.m., Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Herndon Fuqua Funeral Home in Hope, Ark.

–––––❖––––– JUDSONIA — Dennis Rodney Gillam, age 68 of Judsonia, died Tuesday, February 6. He was born September

12, 1949 in Judsonia, Ark., to

Sam and Estel

Gillam. He was of Baptist faith.

Dennis served in the United

States Air Force (1967-1971, Technical Sergeant) and was a Vietnam Veteran. He served as Craighead County Judge from 1977 to 1981. Dennis was the retired owner of Gillam Railroad Services and Gillam Farms.

He is survived by his wife, Eva Gillam; two sons, Jeremy Gillam and wife Carissa, Doug Gillam and wife Marcene; two grandsons, Alexander and Jaxon; one brother, James Gillam (Lisa); two sisters, Alta Coombe, Margaret Justus; and numerous extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings.

He was loved and respected by many. Visitation will be Friday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, 1601 East Moore St., in Searcy. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 .p.m at White County Central School Auditorium, 3259 Highway 157, Judsonia. Burial following at Providence Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Dennis Gillam Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o First Community Bank, 159 US 167, Bald Knob, Ark. 72010. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– LONOKE — Doretta Malone an avid sports fan skipped the Super Bowl on Feb.

4, 2018 to dance in heaven with the love of her life Jim Malone.

Doretta departed this earthly world at 6:57 a.m. Sunday morning to see a host of family and friends that had gone on the journey to eternal life with her loving God and Savoir.

Doretta was born unto Luchin Howard “Pete” and Ruby McDaniel Williams on July 27, 1930 in Rogers, Ark. After growing up in Northwest Arkansas she decided to be the master of her own destiny and moved to Little Rock to attend Arkansas Baptist School of Nursing. She was in the Thirty First class graduating June 1st 1952 as an RN. During this time in school she met a young man and fell madly in love with him. With her by his side Jim Malone was already in heaven on earth. Together along with Jim’s father they started a fee fishing lake and began buying the swampy ground around it. Progress begets change, and as the fishing lake began to fail due to an overgrowth of aquatic vegetation the surrounding acres were put into fish production ponds. To fuel the family needs Doretta moved up in the nursing world to become Director of Nursing at Cabot Manor Nursing Home. She later received her Nursing home administers license and became the Administrator there as well. With the family fish farm growing Doretta saw a need for her involvement on a daily basis and retired from nursing in 1974.

Under her direction the fish farm underwent modernization by creating standards the farm and industry still use today. Those include building a fish analyzation lab that is the standard for testing triploidy in fish and was instrumental in creating the testing protocols used by USFW today when testing the sterility in grass carp. She managed the sales, inflow and care of fish for market and oversaw all office operations until her retirement at the age of 70.

Doretta was a loving and involved mother to her daughter, Beverly and son Jim. She participated in all aspects of their lives. She was talented in every way! Doretta was a seasoned camper, wedding dress maker, homecoming float decorator, nativity scene builder, painter and part time carpenter. She was an excellent cook as well. She mastered the art of wild game preparation to accommodate the results of many hunts made by her son, son-in-law, grandchildren and many friends. Her grandchildren were a constant source of pleasure. She so enjoyed their journey from birth to adulthood and participated every chance she could. For them she was every kid’s dream. To get to go to Grandmo’s house meant access to the whole farm, fried egg sandwiches, cheese toast, lunches, dinners, hunting and swimming!

Doretta’s life evolved and revolved around family. The love of her husband and her love for him is the stuff legends are made of. Even a movie could not portray the depth of her devotion to him. “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” will never have to be apart again!!

She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Jones (Bobby); grandchildren, Jade Jones, Casey Jones (Courtney); and her son, Jim B. Malone (Louise); grandchildren, Lauren Thomson (Rob), Raychel Pendergist (Amon) and a soon to be born, highly anticipated great-grandson!

The family wants to extend their appreciation to Rita Matlock. Her kindness and devotion allowed our parents to extend their life at home and have a quality of life after home care was not possible. She was our mother’s partner in crime, friend and confidant. Something every elderly person needs. We are forever grateful for the care she gave to our parents and family.

There will be a private family service. Memorials can be made to Hospice Home Care of Little Rock, England First Baptist Church Youth Fund, Lonoke County Casa and prayers can go directly to God for those in need.

–––––❖––––– MAGNET COVE — Ronald “Ron” Ashcraft, 57, Magnet Cove passed Thursday, February 1, 2018. Visitation Friday, February 9, 2018, noon-1 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home. Graveside Service Friday, February 9, 2018, 1:30 p.m. Pleasant Valley Cemetery with Bro. Darryle Sulton officiating. Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– MALVERN — Steve A. Walker, age 90, of Malvern, died Monday, February 5,

2018 at Encore Healthcare.

He was born in Donaldson, Arkansas on

October 7, 1927 to the late John

Walker and Ethel Taylor Walker.

Reared and educated in Donaldson, he was a lifetime resident of Hot Spring County. Steve served in the United States Navy toward the end of World War II. Beginning in 1951, Steve worked in the appliance service industry in Malvern, and retired in 2005 after 55 years in the business. He was a founding member of the Mid South Boys Gospel Quartet, entertaining many people during his time with the group. For over 15 years, Steve was director/producer of the radio show Gospel Music Southern Style on local station KBOK. He was a longtime member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Francis Walker, to whom he was married on June 10, 1976 in Hot Springs; his sons, Steve Walker and his wife Martha of Royal; Curtis Gober and his wife LaNeita of Malvern; Alan Gober and his wife Dewana of El Dorado; his daughters, Ann Wooldridge and her husband Mike of Little Rock; Ann and her husband Gary Page of Pine Bluff; five grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Steve was also preceded in death by four brothers, Calvin, Pete, Dewitt, and Conway Walker, and a sister Johnnie Mae Walker.

His funeral will be at two o’clock Friday afternoon, February 9, 2018 in the sanctuary of Emmanuel Baptist Church with Brother Eli Maynard officiating. A visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery under the direction of J.A. Funk Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are: Kale Gober, Kirk Gober, John Oliver Albright, David Chaloupka, David Wooldridge, and Brian Wooldridge. Honorary pallbearers are the staff of Encore Healthcare and the Gideons.

Memorials are requested to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1427 Jefferson Street, Malvern, Arkansas 72104. Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– MENA — Fokke (Dutch) Devries, age 65, of Mena, Arkansas passed away February 5, 2018 in Mena. Memorial service will be Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Beasley Wood Chapel. Arrangements were made under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

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OIL TROUGH — Gerald Tucker, 91, of Oil Trough, died Monday, February 5, 2018. Survivors: daughter, Jennifer Richardson; brothers, Clarence Tucker and Mack Tucker. Funeral Service: 2 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018 in the Roller-Crouch Chapel in Batesville. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 10201 W Markham St., Suite 100, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

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PINE BLUFF — Mr. Garry Thomas Sr., 65, of Pine Bluff, Ark. passed Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2018, at Pilgrim Baptist Church by Rev. Kelvin Crumpton Sr. Interment will be in Forrest Lawn C em et ery.www. brown funeral home and mortuary. com.

–––––❖––––– PRESCOTT — John W. Gierth Jr., 90, of Prescott, Ark. passed away at his home, Tuesday, February 6, 2018. Visitation: Thursday, 6-8 p.m., February 8, 2018 at Herndon Fuqua Funeral Home in Hope. Graveside services Friday, February 9, 2018, 2 p.m. in Memory Gardens Cemetery, Hope with Bro. Lee Little Jr.

–––––❖––––– QUITMAN — Lonnie Doss Holland Sr., 81, of Quitman passed from this life on Tuesday, February 6, 2018. Daddy was preceded in death by Mama, Veda Ann Holland, after 54 years of marriage.

He was a member of Salem Primitive Baptist Church. They have four children, Kim Holland, Connie and husband Denny Edwards, Mary and husband Ray McCrary, and Lonnie and wife Brandy Holland all of Quitman; 18 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Daddy was a lifelong carpenter, and after retiring raised a truck patch every year. He was no stranger to hard work, and figured if you want it done, do it yourself. He made sure his children learned that and provided a good example of it. Daddy enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren on ball fields and basketball courts, and having them close around him. He treated all he met fairly and respectfully, and will be missed by many.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m Friday, February 9, 2018 at Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Gravesville. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery.

–––––❖––––– ROGERS — Laura Jane Smith, 60, of Rogers, Arkansas went to be with her

Lord, Tuesday, February 6,

2018 at her residence. She was born December

8, 1957 in Benton, Arkansas the daughter of

Anna Mae Lovell and Bobby Ball.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Rogers, where she served with the Rogers First Baptist Youth Group and was a member of the Lisa George Life Group. She worked with newlyweds and youth in church for over 35 years, also she served on 7 international mission trips with her youth groups. She loved spending quality time with her family, especially with her grandchildren. She loved boating, swimming, shopping, and hosting people in her home.

She had lived in the Northwest Arkansas area since 2010 after moving from Jefferson City, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Laura is survived by: her husband Michael Smith, whom she married July 15, 1977; one son, Brandon Smith and his wife Ashlee, of Kansas City, Missouri; one daughter, Kristen Holland and her husband Ethan, of Austin, Texas; two sisters, Patricia Tinsley and her husband Stan, of Jackson, Tennessee, Karen Nelson and her husband Don, of Bismarck, Arkansas; and three grandchildren, Claire, Griffin, and Hudson.

Visitation will be Friday from 2-3 p.m. at First Baptist Church at the Pleasant Grove Campus. The funeral will begin at 3 p.m. following the visitation. Memorials may be sent to: First Baptist Church of Rogers, to the Youth Department. Pallbearers will be members of the 11th Grade Boys Life Group. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

–––––❖––––– RUSSELLVILLE — Shirley Nell Ames, 68, of Russellville, died Monday in Little Rock. She was born November 17, 1949. Service: is 10 a.m. Friday, at the Shinn Chapel, under direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville, with visitation to follow. Online obituary/guestbook available at www.shinnfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Bobby Wayne Stegall, 60, of Searcy, died Sunday in Searcy. Visitation will be Saturday from 12 until 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home with interment to follow at Crow Cemetery in Kensett. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– SHERIDAN — Dr. Major James R. Pollock, USAF (Ret.), 48, of Sheridan passed away on February 1, 2018. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018 at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan (870) 942-3231. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service. Interment will follow in Lost Creek Cemetery. Sign online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– SPRING HILL — Funeral for George Hudman age 85 of Spring Hill, Ark. 10 a.m., Friday, February 9, 2018 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Smith officiating. Burial, Hart’s Chapel Cemetery, Curtis, Arkansas. Visitation; one hour prior to service. Arrangements, Brazzel/ Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Complete obituary: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖–––––

STAR CITY — George “Pine Knot” Allen Bradshaw, 77, of Star City, passed away Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at his home. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Roselawn Funeral Service and Crematory in Pine Bluff. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

–––––❖––––– WYNNE — Frankie Cavaness, 68, of Wynne died Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Funeral services are 2: p.m., Saturday, February 10. 2018, at Thompson-Wilson Wynne Funeral Home. Visitation is 1 p.m. to service time.

Out-of-state

DUBBERLY, La. — Kaden “Brylee” Duncan-Helms, 12, of Dubberly, La., died February 4 at home. Funeral Service 2 p.m. February 7 at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy. 52 W, Crossett. Visitation: 1-2 p.m. before the service. For full obituary go to meddersfuneralhome.com. (870) 364-6171. “Celebrating Life.”

–––––❖––––– GONZALES, La. — Eula Mae (Thomas) Stewart was born on November

19, 1942, in Napoleonville,

La., to Myrtle Robinson and

Tom Thomas.

Eula attended

W.H. Reed High

School graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1960.

She attended Dillard University in New Orleans, later receiving her Bachelor’s in Nursing degree from Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

From her first marriage, Eula’s beloved son, Brien, was born in 1959. In 1967, Eula re-married, finding her life-mate in Charlie Stewart. The couple settled in Little Rock, Ark., in 1975, welcoming a daughter, Taryn, 3 years later. They were married for 50 years.

A steadfast Christian, Eula was an active member of 2nd Baptist Church in Little Rock for 24 years, serving most notably with the Health Care Ministry.

Including her time at the Cleveland Clinic, Eula’s career spanned over 40 years, most notably at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where she worked from 1983 to 2007. Eula was an active member of the Little Rock Black Nurses Association, serving as President for 2 consecutive years. Eula was also a fierce civil servant, active in local and national politics.

Eula died on Saturday, February 3, 2018, in Gonzales, La. She was 75 years old. Eula is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Lydia, and her loving husband, Charlie. She is survived by her devoted children: son, Brien Keith (Sharleane), daughter, Taryn Lynn, two grandchildren: Bryce and Shayla, a nephew, Scott, and a host of nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, and friends from Arkansas, Ohio, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Viewing for Mrs. Stewart will be Friday, February 9, 2018, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Napoleonville, from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., with services to follow at 1 p.m. Rev. Marguerite Jenkins, officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wesley UMC Building Fund.

Arrangements by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 5414 Hwy. 1, Napoleonville, La. (985) 369-7231. To sign guest book or offer condolences, visit our website at www.williamsandsouthallfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– STILLWATER, Okla. — Algray “Ray” LaVelle Pettus was born February 18,

1962, in Little

Rock, Arkansas, to the late

James Pettus

& Nannie (Petties) Pettus. He passed away on February 1,

2018, in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

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 Master’s Degree in Urban Education from Langston University. Algray always believed in bettering yourself by encouraging others 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 Direc- tor of Public Safety for Prairie View A&M University. He was affectionately known as “Chief Pettus”.

Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, Algray was raised in the church and was a long-time member of Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church in Scott, Arkansas. He continued his Christian walk at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where he became an 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 his 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, Oklahoma; Jay Pettus of Cypress, Texas; siblings, Janice Lee Murphy of Flint Michigan, Vernell Booth, Rosie Green (Meso-Deceased), Dorothy Kelley, all of Little Rock, Arkansas, Ira Jean Lewis (William T.) of Scott, Arkansas, James Pettus Jr. (Elgie) of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Shirley Williams (Tim), Maumelle, Arkansas, Joann Chatwood, Roosevelt Pettus, Troy Pettus (Judie), Kenneth Pettus, Lawrence Pettus of Little Rock, Arkansas; 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.

–––––❖––––– MAGNOLIA, Texas — Mary Lee Watson, 93, of Magnolia, Texas, formerly of North Little

Rock, made her transition on January 29,

2018. A Celebration of Her

Life will be

Friday, February 9, 2018, 10 a.m., at Lewis

Street Church of

Christ, 2716 South Lewis Street, Little Rock, Ark. Interment: Little Rock National Cemetery. Visitation: today, February 8, 2018, 2-4 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.