Pulaski County

LEE E. BAZZLE, 78, of Little Rock, died Thursday, March 22, 2018. He was born July 2, 1939.

Funeral 1:30 pm, Friday, March 30, Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, visitation at 12:30 pm. Burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park.

Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with Lee’s family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

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AXIE LURENE BRYANT, 89, passed away March 22, 2018. Born in DeWitt, Arkansas to the late Minnie Markham and William Homer Clark, she was also predeceased by her husband, Archie Bryant, son and daughter-in-law, William (Billy) and Polly Anne Bryant, brother, W.H. (Buddy) Clark and son-in-law, Tony Doshier. She is survived by her daughters, Nancy Doshier of Bee Branch and Melinda Martin (Eddie) of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Brianne Bryant, David Hocut, Susan Hocut (Quincy), Sarah Bryant (Melissa), Marlee Martin and Trip Martin; eleven great-grandchildren; nephews, Chuck Clark (Shari) and Michael Clark (Sandy); and many special nieces, nephews and friends.

Lurene graduated from Little Rock High School (Central High) in 1947. She retired from the Little Rock School District as a bookkeeper at Horace Mann Junior High. Mimi, as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, loved spoiling her kids. She was kindhearted to all she met. She loved travelling and especially enjoyed the outings organized by Pleasant Hills/ Brookdale.

Special thanks go to Kindred Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Lurene and her family.

Visitation will be Monday, March 26 from 5-7 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). The graveside service will be Tuesday, March 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park, with Rev. Pat Greer officiating. Memorials may be made to Kaley Hill Missionary Baptist Church of Bee Branch or First United Methodist Church of Little Rock.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Bryant’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– RAYMOND DIXON SR., 81, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life March 22, 2018.

He is preceded in death by his wife Viola Dixon. He leaves to cherish his memories with his children: Anna Idowu, Raymond Dixon Jr., Valarie House and SFC Charles Dixon, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Family Hour: Friday 6:00-7:00 p.m. and Funeral: Saturday 11:00 a.m. both at New Life Christian Covenant Church 2924 Ware Little Rock, Ark., 72209. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark., (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”

––––– ––––– DOROTHY EASTMAN, 86, of Jacksonville passed away peacefully on March 23, 2018.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Sign online guestbook at www. moo res jacksonville funeral home.

––––– ––––– CHARLES B. HARRIS, JR., 47, of North Little Rock, Ark., was taken from this world by a senseless drive by shooting on March

17, 2018. We are thankful, however, that he is now with his

Lord and Savior

Jesus Christ.

He has left behind his loving mother Rachel Lassiter Gray, sister Michele Harris and other cousins, family and friends, including his beloved church family, The Gathering of Love.

He was one of the most loving and caring people you would ever meet and will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 31, 2018 at The Gathering of Love, 901 Parker Street, North Little Rock, Ark., (The Old Baring Cross Elementary School). Services will be conducted by his Pastor/ Uncle Buz Lassiter.

Any donations please mark Soup Kitchen/The Gathering of Love 1301 West 8th Street, North Little Rock, Ark., 72114.

Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 8821 Colonel Glenn, Little Rock, Ark. 501-565-1800 www.larrygacklinfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– JEANNE RAINWATER KELLEY the daughter of Cloud Night and Lula (Dump)

Burrow Rainwater died

Wednesday,

March 21, 2018.

Jeanne was born in Little

Rock on February 4, 1920. She was the great niece of Isham Lafayette Burrow who founded Central Collegiate Institute in Altus, Arkansas which became Hendrix College when it was moved to Conway, Arkansas. Jeanne attended Little Rock public schools, Hendrix College, and the University of Arkansas and was affiliated with Chi Omega sorority. She was a former member of the Junior League of Little Rock.

Jeanne was a talented artist and free hand potter. She received her early art training from Hendrix College art professor, Louis Freund formerly of Eureka Springs. Later in life Jeanne became close friends with Louis and his wife, Elsa, a renowned watercolorist and jeweler. In the early 1970s, Jeanne’s love of art took her to the Arkansas Arts Center as a volunteer in its new gift shop. After the gift shop manager retired, Jeanne was hired by Townsend Wolfe, director of the Arts Center, as the shop manager. Among the items that Jeanne was interested in featuring in the shop were quality handmade American crafts. American crafts were just emerging as collectible gift items, and Jeanne traveled to markets in Texas, North Carolina, Maryland, and Pennsylvania to find objects for sale in the Arts Center shop. Jeanne also began featuring Arkansas crafts in the Arts Center gift shop, and encouraged Arkansas’s most well known potter, Rosemary Fisher, to sell her craft through the gift shop.

In the 1980s Jeanne learned the art of hand crafted pottery from Rosemary Fisher and Gayle Batson, instructors at the Arts Center. She created a series of hand crafted houses, circa early 1800s, that were replicas of the structures located at the Arkansas Territorial Restoration. Jeanne later donated the entire original series to the Historic Arkansas Museum. She also sketched pictures of churches she saw while traveling and later created detailed, foot-high ceramic constructions. She was drawn to churches—especially small ones in humble surroundings—because of their “humanness”. She would say that “a little church tells all about what has gone on in that wee section of the world, the births, the christenings, the weddings and funerals—-it’s all there”.

Jeanne was a wonderful world traveler and loved to learn about different cultures. She was as comfortable in a small house in San Miguel, Mexico as she was in an apartment in Santa Fe or in a small town in Italy or a hotel room in England or Portugal or in a little riverfront cabin in Scott, Arkansas. Her favorite traveling companion was her long time friend, Cissy Brandon (Mrs. Walter N.).

Jeanne was a member of Bill’s Club. She volunteered at the Wolfe Street Center and helped start the Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s Dorm. She was a close friend of Joe McQueeny. She was a member of the Ecumenical Buddhist Society. She was a graduate of Carl Jung’s Centerpoint Program. She was a member of Dharma Friends. She was among the founding families of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church.

Jeanne was a friend to all. She treated everyone with grace and dignity. She had an incredible love of life, a naughty sense of humor, and was wise and worldly at the same time. She was very optimistic and brought enthusiasm to those who knew her. She was a library patron and a voracious reader, reading books, eight magazines and two newspaper subscriptions a week.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Marjorie Rainwater Keyes Thalheimer Smith, and her former husband, G. Larry Kelley. She is survived by her daughters, Eileen Coe and husband Gary of Rogers, Arkansas, Susan Schallhorn and husband, Tom of Bentonville and Little Rock, and their daughters, Caroline Clarke and her husband John of Bentonville and their children, Laura Katherine, Elizabeth and Jackson Clarke of Bentonville, and Susan B. Schallhorn and children, Andrew and Madeline Coke of Dallas, Texas. Her beloved nephews, Cloud Keyes and wife, Nancy and their children and grandchildren, and Griff Keyes and wife, Kenan and their children and grandchildren of Little Rock. She is also survived by her longtime caregiver and friend, Shawnda Washington and her sisters and care team.

A very special thank you to Arkansas Hospice for their compassionate care of Jeanne.

A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 4 to 6 p.m. A private graveside will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third St., Little Rock, Ark., 72201 or Arkansas Arts Center, P.O. Box 2137, Little Rock, Ark., 72203. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– WALTRAUD “OMI” MONTGOMERY, 95, of Sherwood passed away Thursday, March 22,2018. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 26th at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Rd., NLR. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Online guestbook at www.griffinleggettresthills.

––––– ––––– DAVID RAYNOR, 71, of Jacksonville passed away March 21, 2018. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 27, 2018, 6:00-8:00 P.M., A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. Funeral service will be Wednesday, March 28 at 10:00 A.M. at A Natural State Funeral Service. Online guestbook is available www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

––––– ––––– CAPTAIN FELICIA DENISE ANDERSON ROWE, 41, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away

March 19, 2018.

Felicia was born in Little

Rock, Arkansas, to Morris and

Mary Woods on

March 28, 1976.

She graduated High School in Little Rock,

Ark., and attended University of Arkansas in Little Rock where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in 2005, Master of Public Administration in 2016, and was working to achieve her Doctorate degree. She served in the U.S. Army for 18 years.

She is preceded in death by her son, Ryan Washington. She leaves her mother Mary Ann Woods-Rowe and father Morris Woods, sisters Angela Matthews-Rowe, LaTonya Woods-Parham and Krista Woods-Calvin (Terrance), all of Little Rock, Nicole Woods-Stephens of Newport, brothers Freddrick Rowe and Deshawn Woods of Little Rock. Former husband Mark Anderson and numerous Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Services: Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Premier Funeral home at 11:00 a.m. Burial: Roselawn Memorial Park, 2801 Asher Ave.

––––– ––––– ARTIS RAY SAPP 65, of Little Rock, Ark., gained his wings to glory on March

21, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory: son, Keenan

Sapp (Christi); and one grandchild, Zoey

Sapp; siblings,

Bertha Hoskins

(Ivory), Sandy

Smith, Jr. (Susan), Janie Allen (Andrew), Leroy Smith, Dorothy Johnson (Paul), McKinley Sapp (Vivian), Charles Sapp, Betty Rich (Larry) and Rayeful Evans (Fannie).

Family hour will be 2 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018, followed by the funeral service at 3 p.m. at Colonel Glenn Church of Christ, 7001 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, 72204. Arrangements by: Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.

––––– ––––– ALLEAN FREEMAN SHOCK, 82, of Sherwood passed away Friday March 23, 2018.

She was born in North Little

Rock, Arkansas on May 28th,

1935 to the late

Samuel Andrew and Hamie

Joslin Hatfield Freeman. Allean was employed by M.M. Cohn for 50 years in the Employee Relations Department before her retirement and was a life-long member of the Assembly of God faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years Wendell Shock, her brother Elbert Freeman, and her Mother, Hamie Joslin Hatfield Thompson. Allean was survived by her nieces and great-nieces and great-nephew that she raised as her own children; Cheryl Simmons (Stewart) of Warren, Ark., Brenda Logsdon (Harry) of Alexander, Holly Reed (Chris) of White Hall, Jennifer Lindsey (Isaac) of Cabot, and Chris Roberson (Kala) of Mayflower; her sister, Nadine Tanner (Danny) of Alexander, and a host of great-great-nieces and nephews that will miss her.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Friday, March 30th, 2018 at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home, 7700 Hwy 107, with visitation on Thursday, March 29, from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Marcus Hill Cemetery in Enola, Ark. Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com to sign the online guest register.

––––– ––––– DONALD EDWIN SMITH, 73 of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on March 20, 2018. He was born April 19, 1944 in Marshall, Arkansas. A celebration of life will be held at Mabelvale United Methodist Church on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 10 a.m. To sign the online guestbook, visit www. dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– JOHN TOMOSIESKI, III, of North Little Rock passed away Friday, March

23, 2018. He was born June

21, 1966 to Anna “Nancy” and the late John Tomosieski, Jr.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception

Catholic Church.

He loved to hunt and work on cars with his dad. Although disabled while serving as an EMT and fire fighter, he still maintained many relationships with his friends in police and fire service and was still consulted for training. He enjoyed taking care of people and considered himself the neighborhood guardian.

He is survived by his mother, Anna “Nancy” Tomosieski; daughters, Kayla Rae, Misty Joy, and Olivia Marie Tomosieski; sisters, Joann Peters and husband David, Diane Smith and husband Dennis, and Katherine “Kathy” Jones and husband Wayne; and numerous extended family and friends.

Family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 27, 2018 followed by a vigil service and Rosary at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street. Mass of Christian burial will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Guest register at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– ––––– LAVELL TYLER, 45 of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on March 18, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his brother Michael Tyler. He was a dedicated worker at Taco

Bell for over 27 years. He was survived by his wife Katorry F.

Tyler; son Keylon Darnell Tyler; step-children Dacimber Towsend and Markus Burse Jr., his Father Paul Tyler; mother Laura Tyler; brother Donald Tyler; Sisters Casarine Temple (Wilsie) Pauletta Bryant (Courtney); and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, and cousins.

Family hour will be held at the Brown-Calhoun Chapel on March 26th from 5-6 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday March 27, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Moody Chapel AME, 5630 Mabelvale Pike, Little Rock, Ark., 72209. Services entrusted to Brown-Calhoun Funeral Service, 7117 Geyer Springs Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72209. 501904-6982. www.bandcfuneral.com

––––– ––––– NATHAN MITCHELL WARD, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life March 19, 2018. Nathan leaves to cherish his memory: Parents Kenneth Ward and Shanika Ward. Graveside service: Monday, March 26, 2018, 10:00, Arkansas Memorial Garden. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 3710111. “Service You Can Trust.”

––––– ––––– BRUCE KENNETH WINTER, 78 of Little Rock, Arkansas passed from this life on March

20, 2018. He was born on October

5, 1939 in Bell, California. Bruce was a life member of the American Legion, VFW,

USS Bremerton

Reunion Club and a member of the Am Vets. He also loved traveling, his family and spending time with his grandkids most of all.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Jack and Adleine Winter, siblings; Don Winter, Denny Fetzer, Ronny Fezter and Linda Garner. Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Jean Winter, four children; Tracy Winter, Joe Walker, Noel Walker, Richard Walker; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; siblings, Jackie Rogers, Linda Craig, Betsy Chism, Carol Fetzer, Larry Fetzer; step-mother, Marge Winter and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of his life will be held at the North Little Rock VFW 11474 on Wednesday, March 28 from 5-7 p.m. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. His online guestbook is available at www. anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

Arkansas

BATESVILLE — James Branscum Sr., 67, of Batesville died Thursday, March 22, 2018. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018, at the Maple Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Maple Springs Cemetery. Visitation: 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2018, at

the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

––––– ––––– BATESVILLE — Wilma Chrisco, 102, of Batesville died Thursday. Survivors: daughter, Betty Long; three grandchildren; sister, Lois Maggard.

Services: 11 a.m. Monday, Cornerstone First United Methodist Church, Pleasant Plains. Burial: Putman Cemetery, Pleasant Plains, by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, Batesville. Visitation: 1011 a.m. Monday at the church.

Memorials: Putman Cemetery, c/o Debbie Pearson, P.O. Box 312, Pleasant Plains, Ark. 72568. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ batesville.

––––– ––––– BENTON — Ruby D. Holland, 89, Benton, made her entrance into God’s presence Saturday, March 24, 2018, at Amberwood Nursing Home, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia. She was born August 20, 1928, in Jenny, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Elmer Edward and Myrtle Annie Lewis Turner.

Ruby was a member of Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Ark.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband of forty-three years, Hardin Holland on her 64th Birthday. She is also preceded in death by her sisters: Marie Skowronski, Eunice Parrott and Margaret York; two brothers: Joe and John Turner. She is survived by her son: Eddie Holland (Karen) of Antioch; one daughter: Sandra Clark (Stan) of Benton; grandsons: Andrew Holland (Traci) and Bryan Holland all of Cabot; granddaughters: Marcy Fason and Amy Waychoff (Tim) of Benton; one great-grandson: Austin Fason; two great-granddaughters: Alyssa Fason and Katelyn Waychoff; one brother: Jacob Turner of Naples, Fla.; and many nieces and nephews who loved her and will miss her greatly.

Visitation will be held Monday from 12 noon-1 p.m. at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, with funeral services directly following with Dr. Terry B. Parrish officiating. A private family burial will take place at Dark Corner Cemetery in Gould, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, you can make donations in Ruby’s honor to Spring Creek Baptist Church Children’s Ministries, 19200 I-30, Benton, Ark., 72019, or to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark., 72116.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guest registry at www.smithfamilycares.com.

––––– ––––– BENTON — Peggy Lee Bell Newsam, 71, of Benton, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord March 18, 2018. She was born December 2, 1946, in Bryant, Arkansas, to the late Ross Henry and Vera (Duvall) Bell. Peggy was of the Baptist faith. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– ––––– CABOT — Mrs. Rheta Sue Hill passed away on March 22, 2018, in Little Rock, Ark. She was born July 18, 1949, to Raymond Louis Morgan and Mary Ellen Sutherland Morgan of Little Rock, Arkansas. Preceding her in death: Sister, Melissa Jo Maiorelli. Survivors are: Husband, David G. Hill of Cabot, Ark.; Her two sons: David M. Hill of Cabot, Ark., Stephen E. Hill of Cabot, Ark.; Sister, Paula Maines (Alan); Brother, Buddy Sutherland: one grandchild, Morgan Glymp; and a host of Nieces and Nephews. Memorial service to be held at 3232 Overcup Drive, Sherwood, Ark., on March 27, 2018, at 6 p.m.

––––– ––––– CABOT — Edna Viola Ellington Jones, 88, of Cabot, Arkansas, departed this life on Thursday, March 22,

2018, in Cabot.

She was born

April 25, 1929, in McGehee, Arkansas, to the late Marion

Albert and Stella James Ellington. Edna was a Christian and member of First Baptist Church in Cabot.

Living most of her life in Cabot, Edna and her late husband, Raymond L. Jones, retired to the area after many years of travel with the United States Army. Four children were born to the Jones’ on Army bases in Fort Gordon (Augusta), Georgia and Fort Hanford (Richland), Washington. Edna was a quiet, often reclusive neighbor, who was an excellent seamstress and cook. Her love for babies led her to many, many Sunday’s working in her church nursery.

In addition to her parents and husband, Edna was preceded in death by her siblings, Marion Parker, May Alice Harmon, Robert and Oliver Ellington, and Louise Stanton. Those left to mourn her loss include her youngest brother, Bill (Daniella) Ellington of Spain; daughters, Janet (Lee) Rollins of Letona, Arkansas, and Rebecca (Mike) Smith of Lonoke, Arkansas; sons, Raymond L. (Evon) Jones, Jr. of Lonoke, Arkansas, and Jim (Gwen) Jones of Cabot, Arkansas; grandchildren, Shelly (Chris) Rollins Sass, Lori Rollins Green, Kristin (Tom) Smith Crowder, Lindsay (Jess) Smith Daniel, Sarah and Nathan Jones; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Chandler and Carlie Sass, Emily (Zack) Rollins Tabor, Gracie, Logan and Shane Green, Camille and Louise Crowder, and Grayson and Noah Jones.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Dermott Cemetery in Dermott, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2018, at Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot. The family suggests donations be made, in the name of Edna V. Jones, to Cabot First Baptist Church Nursery or Arkansas Hospice. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service, 501941-7888, www.thomasfuneralservice.com.

––––– ––––– CLARENDON — Thomas G. Martin, 73, died Thursday. Survivors, sons, Ronald Martin, Benjamin Martin; daughters, Jill Clifton (Derek), Jennifer Simpson; grandchildren, Jordan Simpson, Ashley Martin, Jillian Clifton, Colbie Clifton; sisters, Loretta Green and Jan Hodge. Visitation 2 p.m. Memorial Services 3 p.m. Sunday, Bob Neal and Son’s Funeral Home Chapel, Clarendon. Guestbook/obit www.bobnealandsons. com.

––––– ––––– CLINTON — Jodie Mitchell Robinson, Sr., 77, of Clinton, passed away March 23, 2018. Visitation is Sunday, March 25, at 1 p.m. at Lexington Baptist Church in Clinton. Services are at 2 p.m. at Lexington Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Lexington Cemetery. Arrangements by Clinton Funeral Service of Clinton. For full obituary, www. clintonfuneralservice.com.

––––– ––––– CONWAY — Bill R. Pate passed into eternal life on March 21, 2018. He was born on January

6, 1927, to Andy and Vena Pate of Marshall, Arkansas. He was an only child but enjoyed a close relationship with many cousins which extended and enriched his early years.

Bill grew up in Searcy County where he was known for his love of sports. He entered the Navy out of high school and attended basic training in San Diego, Calif. He completed Landing Craft School and he was assigned to the USS Randal during WWII. He made a number of south sea island assignments earning the Seaman First Class Medal, the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon, and the Medal of Good Conduct. Two of his most memorable military experiences include going through typhoons and losing five other small ships during the campaign. Following his military service, Bill attended the University of Central Arkansas (then ASTC) on the G.I. Bill. He would later continue his education earning a Specialist degree from the University of Arkansas. Bill always enjoyed the school business. Some of his first teaching and coaching opportunities included: Marshall, Searcy, Clinton, and Conway. In 1966 he accepted his first job assignment at UCA as Director of Placement. His final area of commitment was as interim President at UCA in 1986. Bill’s Professional legacy was one of support and encouragement to the students, faculty and the community he served.

Bill was married to the former Betty Shumate Pate of Conway for 63 years. They were married at First Methodist Church in Conway by Dr. C.N. Reves. Together they dedicated their lives in service to education, both within and beyond the walls of the traditional schoolhouse.

Bill was also known as a highly respected community leader. He served on numerous boards and actively committed to many civic groups throughout his lifetime.

Over the years, Bill remained active in sports and athletics. He refereed ballgames throughout the county and state. He was an avid golfer and equally enjoyed attending the sporting events and activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bill is survived by two daughters: Dr. Toran Isom (James), and Kerry Stitch (Mark). His grandchildren include: Brandon (Danyelle) Lupkey of Kingwood, Texas, Bo Stitch of Georgetown, Texas, Daria Bailey (Brent), and great-grandchildren, Loral, Caelyn, Alivia, Blake and Pate Bailey of Conway. His parents; his wife, Betty; and his grandson, Cabe Isom, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 25th, from 5-7 p.m. and a service honoring his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 26th, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to First United Methodist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, Lifeword Media Ministries, or a charity of your choice.

––––– ––––– GASSVILLE — Funeral Service for Gerald Creeger, 61, Gassville, was March 20 at Kirby & Family Funeral Home. Military Honors were provided. Jerry died March 14, in St. Louis, Missouri. Survived by wife, Jan Creeger; daughter, Melissa Graham; son, Matthew Creeger. Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services www.kirbyandfamily.com.

––––– ––––– GASSVILLE — A Private Funeral for Mirtyce Ruth Middleton of Gassville. Mirtyce died March 15, 2018, in Gassville, Arkansas, at the age of 82. Survived by her son, Stephen Temple, daughter, Sherry Havard, son, Brian Temple. Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily.com.

––––– ––––– HAMBURG — Margie Evon Pamplin, age 69, of Hamburg, died Friday, March 23, 2018. She was survived by her husband James H. Pamplin, six sons, two daughters, two step-sons, and one-step daughter. Services will be Monday at 11 a.m. at Level Ground Fellowship Ministry. Burial will be at Carlock Cemetery under the direction of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg.

––––– ––––– HOPE — Graveside service for Mrs. Treva H. Harper, 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. Visitation, 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 25, 2018, at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, 1001 South Main, Hope. Arrangements are with Brazzel/ Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online registry: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– JONESBORO — Dr. Charlott Ann Jones, 90, passed away peacefully on

March 22 at the Flo and Phil

Jones Hospice

House in Jonesboro.

A graduate of Holy Angels Academy, she entered Holy

Angels Convent in 1946, joining the Olivetan Benedictine community as Sister Mary Roberta O.S.B. in 1951. She was an active member of the Holy Angels Convent until 1972.

While in the convent she was both an instructor and principal at St. Andrews and Holy Souls Schools in Little Rock.

She graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in 1962 with a B.A. degree, earned a M.S. in Education from North Texas State University, and Ph.D in art education from Penn State University.

She established the Charlott Jones School of Art in Jonesboro in 1971, and remained active in its operation for the next four decades.

Her long tenure at Arkansas State University began in 1972 as an adjunct instructor; part-time and full-time tenured professorships followed. Later she served as Director of the ASU Museum part-time, becoming full-time Director in 1990, retiring in 1999.

In 2007 Dr. Jones was awarded the prestigious Peg Newton Smith Lifetime Achievement Award by the Arkansas Museums Association, in recognition of significant and ongoing contributions to the preservation of Arkansas Heritage.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Lillian Jones; brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Flo Jones; and sister and brother-in-law, Lillian Louise Jones Peterson and Col. Robert D. “Pete” Peterson, Sr.

Services are under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro. www.emersonfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– MALVERN — Bobby “Bob” Griffith, 71, of Malvern, Ark., passed on Wednesday, March 21, 2018. Cremation services were under the Professional Auspices of Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors of Malvern. (501) 3370100 “The Epitome of Service” www.samuellvanceandsons. com.

––––– ––––– MARIANNA — Jannette Wells Jaco, 78, of Marianna, Ark., passed away Thursday,

March 22, 2018 in Little Rock.

She was born Tuesday, February 6, 1940 to

John Sterling

Wells and Jesse Alia Muskrat

Wells. She is survived by two daughters, Carla Jaco Ripper, of Cabot, Dana Parten (Dave), of West Fork; grandchildren, Kelli Gray (Jacob), Garrett Frost; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Annette Oswald, Peggy Smith, Chulita Hughes, of Marianna, Sharron French, of McGehee, and Vicki Holzhauer, of Wynne; and one brother, Paul Wells, of North Little Rock. Ms. Jaco was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Elizabeth Wells, Sterlene Oswald. Services for Ms. Jaco will be held Monday, March 26, 2018 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Marianna. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will follow services at Marianna Memorial Park. Family and friends may view and sign online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna.

––––– ––––– MARSHALL — Vardry “Red” McElroy, 77 of Marshall died Friday. Red was a retired reserve deputy with Searcy County Sheriff’s Office. Survivors: wife, Johnnie Ruenelle; daughter, Nancy Pasley; aunts, Lessie Morrison and Juanita Young. Services: 2 p.m. Sunday, Roller- Coffman/ Marshall. Visitation: 6-8 Saturday in Chapel. Burial: Dongola Cemetery/Marshall.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/marshall.

––––– ––––– McGEHEE — A Life Celebration for John Stephen Rogers is scheduled for 1 p.m., Monday, April 2, 2018 at Victory Covenant Church, 200 County Line Rd., McGehee, Ark. Pastor Jason Martin will serve as officiant for the service.

Berthral Hugh and Betty Birchfield Rogers welcomed John Stephen into this world on March, 23, 1947 in the small town of Dermott, Ark. John was an avid outdoorsman who would take every opportunity to go hunting or fishing with his friends. He was both a master plumber and a master electrician, and the head of facilities at McGehee Hospital for over 30 years. His favorite job, however, was father and grandfather to his family whom he loved so much. His presence will most certainly be missed. Mr. Rogers passed peacefully on March 21, 2018 at the age of 70.

Preceding John in death are his parents and his sister, Judy Azlin. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, William “Bill” Rogers (Kim) and John Rogers, Jr. (Lizette); brother, Mike Rogers (Becky); grandchildren, Keegan, Trevor, Liam, Brandon and Sean Rogers; and numerous other nieces, nephews, other family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation to The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (http://www.pulmonaryfibrosis. org) be made in his honor.

The family would like to offer sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at Cornerstone Hospital in Bossier City, La., for their kind and compassionate care.

––––– ––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Funeral Service for Helen Irene Maki, 89, of Mountain Home, Ark., Kirby Funeral Home. Helen died March 16, 2018. Survived by her sons, Martin Maki, and Robert Maki. Burial will be in the Kirby’s Tucker Memorial Cemetery, Mountain Home, Ark.

Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily. com.

––––– ––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Funeral Service for Kayla Marie McCullough, 37, of Mountain Home, Ark., was 4 p.m., March 18, 2018. Kayla died March 13, 2018. Survived by her parents, Jim and Shelley Poffinbarger; boyfriend, James Lyons. Burial was at Kirby’s Tucker Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily. com.

––––– ––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Lauren Elaine Sunday, 53, of Mountain Home, Ark., passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018 in Mountain Home, Ark. Arrangements are by Conner Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center. A memorial family gathering is pending. www.connerfamilyfuneralhome. com.

––––– ––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Funeral for David Yount, 66, of Mountain Home, Ark., at Kirby Funeral Home Chapel, March 24 at 10 a.m. Died March 13, in Mountain Home, Ark. Survived by wife, Lisa Yount; daughters, Tanya Dillinger and Stacy Gross; son, Billy Yount. Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily.com.

––––– ––––– ROGERS — Rev. Rita Kaye Hammett Evans, age 70, of Rogers passed away at home March

19, 2018.

Rev. Evans was born March

2, 1948 in Beebe, Ark., to Rev.

Gerald and Mrs.

Norma Jean

(West) Hammett. She was a graduate of

Beebe High School, Hendrix College, and Perkins School of Theology at SMU. A lifetime active United Methodist, she retired in 2013 after 27 years serving as a United Methodist pastor in Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her father, and the father of her children, Rev. T. Nichols (Nick) Evans.

Kaye is survived by her mother, and her children, Rev. Hammett N. Evans (Michelle Pounds) of Bryant, Brice Evans of Little Rock, and Eleanor Evans of Rogers.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., Monday, March 26 in the Family Life Center of First United Methodist Church of Bryant, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. with Pete Weber and Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder officiating. A brief graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens cemetery in Beebe.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heifer International. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– ––––– RUSSELLVILLE — Cleo Imogene “Jean May” Francis, 76, of Russellville, died Thursday. Funeral service 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at Shinn Chapel. Burial: Phoenix Cemetery and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online obituary/guestbook available at www.shinnfuneral. com.

––––– ––––– SEARCY — Opal Ova Bradley, 90, passed away March 23, 2018. She was born on October 31, 1927, to the late Lonnie and Gladys Melton in Meigs County, Tenn.

Opal is survived by one son, Timothy D. Bradley; one daughter, Angela Stark; one brother, Wayne Melton; three grandchildren, Donald Bradley Hodges, Candace Riner, and Jacob Simonson; two great-granddaughters, Hailey Hodges and Brittney Hodges.

Opal was involved in the Little Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was a generous person and would do anything for anyone. Opal will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Edgar Doyle Bradley; one daughter, Sandra Hodges, and four brothers.

The service for Ms. Bradley will be Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at 2 p.m. at the Searcy McEuen chapel. All services entrusted to Searcy McEuen Funeral Home.

––––– ––––– SPRINGDALE — William Graham “Bill” Brandon, 97, passed away on Friday, March 23, 2018. He was born August 24, 1920, in Jonesboro, Ark., to William Graham Brandon and Marie White Brandon.

Upon graduation from the University of Arkansas, Mr. Brandon was accepted into the United States Navy. He served during World War II in the Pacific, being honorably discharged at the rank of Lieutenant. He returned to Arkansas to work for the Arkansas Gazette. He then moved to Shreveport, La., where he worked for Southwestern Electric Power Company both in Shreveport and Fayetteville, Ark. At the time of his retirement, he was Louisiana Division Manager. He served the company as Vice President and was a member of the Board of SWEPCO. (Bill actually coined the phrase SWEPCO)

He is predeceased by his parents; his sister Nancy Brandon Roleson; his wife, Frances Ann (Missy) Lee Brandon; his granddaughter Dorothy Lee Pugh; and his grandson Dennis Kibler.

He is survived by his son, William G. Brandon, Jr., (Judy) Blytheville, Ark.; and three daughters, Shelley Pugh (Jim), West Memphis, Ark., Nancy Barry, Tulsa, Okla., and Ann Porta, Johnson, Ark.

He is also survived by his grandsons Jamie Pugh (Erika) of West Memphis, Ark., Brandon Pugh of Proctor, Ark.; and granddaughters Heather Brandon Parrish (Jason), Springfield, Mo., Dawn Kibler Williams, Blytheville, Ark., and Madeline Porta, Brooklyn, N.Y. He will also be missed by several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

The family will always be grateful to Jennifer Palma and associates for providing our father with excellent care in his last months.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 26, 10 a.m., at Springdale Presbyterian Church, followed by a celebration of Bill’s life at 11. Per his wishes, Bill’s body was donated to the University of Arkansas Medical Center. In lieu of flowers Bill requested memorials to any of the following: Springdale Presbyterian Church 100 S. Gutensohn Road Springdale, Ark. 72726; Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road Springdale, Ark. 72762; Forever Young Senior Veterans, 185 S. Center Ste #110 Collierville, Tenn. 38017

To sign the online guest book visit www.nelsonberna.com.

––––– ––––– STUTTGART — Floyd Berg, 88, died Thursday. Survivors are daughters, Debbie Berg and Dana (Richard) Washam; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; sisters, Dora Inman and Kathy Stiers. Funeral is 2 p.m. Monday at Trinity Assembly of God Church with burial in Lone Tree Cemetery. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Turpin Funeral Home. www.turpin-co.com.

––––– –––––

VAN BUREN — Maurice Almond Sagely, 91 of Van Buren passed away Friday, March 23, 2018 in his home. He was a retired school superintendent for Lonoke School District in Lonoke, Ark. He was a World War II Army Veteran and the former owner and manager of the Cedars Country Club in Van Buren. He was preceded in death by two sisters Edith Opal Sagely and Jewel Ridenour, and two brothers, J.C. and Kenneth Sagely.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2018 at Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren with cremation to follow the service.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years Nancy Sagely of the home; two daughters Stephanie McCullar and her husband Joe of Chesterfield, Mo., and Scarlett Perry and her husband Randall of Statesville, North Carolina; one brother Floyd Sagely and his wife Jimmie of Fort Smith; four grandchildren Jeff and Sage McCullar, Ashlee and Scott Perry; two great-grandchildren Jake and Connor McCullar.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Lansdell, Benton Cone, R.W. Ocker, Earl Robinson, Bill Wyatt, Mike Hurst and Oscar Parrish.

The family will visit with relatives and friends Monday, March 26, 2018 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ocker Funeral Home 700 Jefferson Street Van Buren.

Online tributes: www.ockerfuneralhome.com.

Out-of-state

INDIANAPOLIS — Funeral Service for Simon Lee Dabney, Jr., 2:00 pm, March 27, at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Simon died March 21, 2018, in Indianapolis. Survived by his father, Simon Lee Dabney, Sr., sister, Theresa Marie Hobbs, nephew, Tristan Hobbs. Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily.com.

––––– ––––– PARK HILLS, Mo. — Bill Nelson, 76, of Park Hills, passed away, March 23, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born May 13, 1941, in El Dorado, Ark., to the late William “Dude” and Sophia Camilla (Sinclair) Nelson, Sr. Bill was a chemistry teacher with the Potosi School District for over 25 years, where he started the Science Club. This resulted in numerous college scholarships for students. He received his Bachelor’s in chemistry from Arkansas A&M and his Master’s at the University of Wisconsin. Bill loved spending time fishing at his cabin, Cloud 9 in Felsenthal, Ark. He also loved bowling and was an avid Cardinals fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dinah Leigh Anderson, and daughterin-law, Maryellen Anderson.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Hazel Ann (Province) Nelson; six children, Barbie Duhon and husband Mike, Joanie Hill, Kay Hackworth, Andy Anderson, Beth Haferkamp and husband Mike, Susan Spears and husband Mark; sixteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 3:00 PM until service time at 7:00 PM with Chaplain Bill Skaggs officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

View tribute and share your memories and condolences at czboyer.com.

––––– ––––– WASHBURN, Mo. — Tim Wallace, 54, of Washburn, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, March 21 in Joplin, Missouri.

Tim was born in Newport, Arkansas to Bill Wallace and Celia Lowe Wallace. He married DiAnna (Williams) Wallace June 17, 1989. He graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas in December 1996. For the past twenty-one years, Tim was a church planter, pastoring three churches in Northwest Arkansas: New Life Fellowship in Pea Ridge, Cross Brand Cowboy Church in Bentonville and Corner Post Cowboy Church in Siloam Springs. He also helped start sixteen Cowboy Churchs across the state of Arkansas. Tim enjoyed horseback riding, kayaking, laughing, leading people into a relationship with Jesus, and spending time with his family and friends. He is preceded in death by an unborn child.

Survivors are his wife, DiAnna Wallace of the home; a daughter, Bailey Wallace of the home; his father, Bill Wallace of Conway; his mother Celia Wallace of Bella Vista; two brothers, Tommy Wallace and wife Paula of Conway, Arkansas, Jonathan Wallace and wife Kelly of Maumelle, Arkansas.

Service is set for 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 28 at Cross Church Pinnacle Hills in Rogers. Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge. Burial will be in Fox Cemetery in Powell, Missouri. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 27 at First Baptist Church in Pea Ridge.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to: Cornerpost Cowboy Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 991, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, 72761. Online condolences may be made at siscofuneralhome.net.

––––– ––––– STERLING, Neb. — Rev. Elmer J. Whitbeck, 92, of Sterling, NE, passed away March 21, 2018. Born January 1, 1926, in Underwood, PA, to Frank Arthur & Elizabeth (Coates) Whitbeck. Rev. Whitbeck was a minister at Back to the Bible, retiring in 1988. Member of Lincoln Berean Church; a WWII U.S. Marine Corps veteran serving in the Marine Air Warning Squadron #11; THB – Nyack College; Ordained as a conservative Baptist.

Family members include his wife, Mary Ruth Whitbeck; sons & spouses, Gordon (Bonnie Sue) Whitbeck, Robert (Wei) Whitbeck; daughters & spouses, Bonnie Ruth (Rev. Dean) Patterson, Robyn (Ed) Milligan, Esther (Matt) Stolz; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sisterinJeanne Whitbeck; nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by parents and two brothers, Frank and Merle.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday 3/27/18 at Roper & Sons South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Dr. (40th & Yankee Hill Rd).

Memorials to Mark Penner c/o Avant Ministries, 10000 North Oak Trafficway Kansas City, MO 64155

Visitation: Monday 3/26/18 with family present from 5-7 p.m. at Roper and Sons South Lincoln Chapel.

Graveside Service: 2:00pm Tuesday, 3/27/18 Omaha National Cemetery.

Condolences online at roperandsons.com.

––––– –––––

SAN ANTONIO — David Morse Kersh, age 70, completed his life on this earth Sunday, March 18, 2018 and joined his relatives and friends in the

Lord’s celestial mansions. David was born in Dermott, AR and raised in McGehee, AR.

He graduated from McGehee High School and Ouachita Baptist University. He taught English and History to public school students for 4 years in AR and 22 years in San Antonio, TX. He taught English to pilots and officers for Raytheon in Saudi Arabia for 14 years. In retirement he continued to teach part-time. Also, he was a singer, song-writer, guitarist, playwright, and entertainer. David was preceded in death by his parents, James David and Myrtle Kersh, and his precious little 9-year-old daughter, Jamie Lee Kersh. He is survived by his daughter, Lakey Kersh of Nashville, AR, his son, Steven Valdez Kersh of San Antonio, his sister, Rebecca Kersh Hyatt, brother-in-law, Ross W. Hyatt, nephew, Perrin Peacock and children Sophia, Ciel, and Jake of Columbus, OH, David’s niece, Desha Peacock, husband Matt Neikirk and daughter, Iyla of Brattleboro, VT., an aunt, Virginia Ann Edwards of N. Little Rock, and many, many cousins. In 1985 the Texas House of Representatives passed a resolution commending David Kersh for his exemplary service to the city and state by writing 2 highly acclaimed musicals, “Chalk” and “Oh Heavenly San Antonio” which promoted the city by musical productions. In 1995 David Kersh was named Regional Teacher of the Year for the San Antonio Region, a prestigious award for energy and dedication on the road to excellence in education. David was loved and revered by his students, family, and friends. He was intelligent, talented, professional, determined, devoted, detailed, kind, sensitive, funny, loving, giving, artistic, productive, considerate, and a true friend. We were blessed to have him with us for 70 years! A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 2:00 with visitation at 1:00 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Rd., N. Little Rock, AR 72117. www.griffinleggettresthills.com.