Obituaries

a Granddaughter get married, and her youngest Granddaughter graduate from High School. These are the things that she had set as her goals. Once those things were accomplished, God decided he needed this most devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to come to Heaven to join him as his newest angel on the Streets of Gold.

As a complication of her disease, she would succumb to it while trying to fight her way back into remission, with family and friends at her side at UAMS Hospital on Father’s Day. God knows the time and the hour for us all, and there is comfort in knowing that it was His decision that He now needed his precious child and loyal servant at his side for all of eternity. The Heavenly Father loved her and she loved Him, and on Father’s Day, she got to see Him in all of His glory. It is certain that she is having a joyous time singing her favorite song, “Love Lifted Me”, with the angelic congregation. And it is even more certain that she is now at peace and in comfort.

Barbara Ann Martin was born in Monticello, Ark. in Drew County where she resided her entire life until her death. She was the middle daughter of the late John Sykes Griffin and Josephine Sawyer Griffin also from Monticello. She was a graduate of Monticello High School and as a teenager loved to go to local dances with her family, where she perfected The Two Step, The Waltz, and The Jitterbug. It was at a dance in Dermott, Ark. where she would meet her husband of 55 years, Robert H. Martin, from Wilmar, Ark. When he saw her Jitterbug and how pretty she was, he had to dance with her. When she saw his clear, blue eyes, she decided right then and there she was going to marry him. That first dance would lead to marriage on February 16, 1962 and a lifetime of love, happiness, and family. They would dance and travel all over the USA in the pipeline construction industry until their retirement in 2011. Barbara was a devoted housewife and was known as an excellent cook. She loved her husband, her life, her home, and her family.

She was a Southern Baptist, saved by God’s grace and baptized into the faith by the late Brother Joe Worbington. She would later become a charter member of Calvary Baptist Church, which was begun in her home in The Enon Community on September 25, 1985 under the guidance of the late Reverend Charles E. “Buddy” Carter. That church would eventually grow and require a new building at its current location in Monticello on Highway 425. She was proud of that church, was a dedicated member, loved her church family, and served as a Sunday School Teacher. Her illness was the only thing that could keep her from attending church “whenever the doors were open”. But once she regained her strength in remission, she made sure she was back at church on Sundays to hear God’s Word preached by her Pastor, Brother Gary Carter. Not to be “defeated by The Devil” she was proud to say to everyone in her last days that she taught her Sunday School Class once again two weeks before her death.

The walking definition of being a Christian, Barbara Ann was a charitable, selfless, and a giving person. She had a heart that had enough love for everyone she met. She would do anything for anyone to help them, even those who were not related to her. But most of all, and more than anything on this earth, she loved her husband and her two sons. She devoted her whole life to loving and caring for them. She was the wife and mother that everyone dreams of having in their life. As a wife she was devoted, loyal, in love, and committed. In regards to being a mother she was unwavering, caring, nurturing, protective, encouraging, steadfast, and strong. Her family home at 1464 South 16th Section Road in the Enon Community was her pride and joy, and she had an “Open Door Policy” to all that stepped foot on her front porch. She wanted everyone who came to her home to feel welcome no matter who they were or where they came from. No matter what, she opened her home, her heart, and her arms to all. Outside the doors of her home in her community, town, home state of Arkansas, and across the nation in her travels as a pipeliner’s wife, she touched many lives with her smile and cheerful disposition. She believed in “Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you” and “To love thy neighbor as thyself”, practicing it faithfully in words and deeds.

To try and count the number of good things she did, or the lives she touched in her 74 years, would be as impossible as counting the number of stars in the heavens. And to be honest, she would never want them to be counted in the first place. That is because all of the good things she did for people was to give “God all the glory” and to not take any credit for herself. Besides being a homemaker, she was a former Enon Community 4-H Leader, a cafeteria worker at Monticello Junior High School, a Monticello School District Bus Driver, a member of The Teamsters Pipeline Union, and Committee Member and longtime Chairman for The Annual Pipeliner’s Reunion. Due to her devotion as a pipeliner’s wife, and her work later in life on the pipeline as a Teamster, she was inducted into The Pipeliner’s Hall of Fame in 2006.

To bring an Obituary to a close is as difficult as it is to let go of someone who was, and will forever more, be loved by her family and so many. How can one ever sum up the life of anyone in just a

few paragraphs? It is very hard to do. But, I will try in one single sentence: “Barbara Ann Martin was, as far as her family is concerned, the greatest wife and mother who ever walked on this earth.” And because of the way she conducted her life, her memory will live on through her remaining family and others by what she showed them in the example she set for them. She believed in “Never giving up and never giving in”. And that is what she would want for all that mourn her passing. Barbara Ann would want everyone to remember her well, and to do it with a smile. She would want us all to live our lives to the fullest and cherish all the precious memories. Barbara Ann Martin lived her life that way and she fought for her life that way until the very end surrounded by her family. And while we are so saddened that she is no longer with us, we can find comfort in that she is in Heaven having the time of her eternal life. She is rejoicing, and she would expect us to rejoice for her. And knowing her the way we do, there is one thing for certain, that if The Good Lord allows dancing on The Streets of Gold, the angels are in for one heck of a jitterbug the likes The Pearly Gates have never seen.

Barbara Ann Martin was preceded in death by her father and mother, John Sykes Griffin and Josephine Sawyer Griffin; her eldest sister, Sylvia Griffin Forrest; and two twin boys who did not survive birth in 1969. Survivors include her husband, Robert H. Martin of Monticello; two sons, Dr. Robert H. Martin Jr., MD of Monticello and Roger Dale Martin and wife Carole also of Monticello; one sister, Linda Griffin Heath, of Deer Park, Texas; grandchildren, Brittney Ann Martin-Norsworthy and husband Seth Norsworthy, Austin Sykes Martin, Madeline Grace Martin, Meredith Jewel Martin, John Michael Efird, Max Hyatt Efird, Lexie Alexie Nichols; loving nephew, Michael Leon Griffith, Jr, and niece, Melissa Jo Griffith; and many other nieces and nephews way too numerous to list here, but rest assured, loved just as much in her heart. She especially enjoyed her relationship with her sister-in-law, Margaret Tucker, of Star City. Also of mention is a daughter-in-law, Angila Benson Martin. She is also survived by others she considered her family: Mary Thompson of Monticello as her other sister, Herbert Bradley of Monticello as the brother she never had, and Teresa Griffith of Ozone as like her own daughter. She also loved, cared, and appreciated Diane Marie Hof.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. Gary Carter and Rev. Michael Griffith Jr. officiating. Active Pallbearers will be Jeff Harrison, Chad Russell, Eddie Montgomery, Jay Boyd, Eddie Kelly, Drew Merrell, J.R. Jackson and Billy Collins. Honorary Pallbearers will be Herbert Bradley, George Harris, Jeff Patton and Seth Norsworthy. Soloist will be Jeff Harrison from Tillar. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery in Rye. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be given in her name to Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 35, Monticello, Ark. 71657 or The UAMS Multiple Myeloma Institute, 4301 W. Markham, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Online guestbook at www. stephensondearman.com.

–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN VIEW — Frances Ann Hatley of Mountain View died Thursday, June 14, 2018 at White River Medical Center in Batesville at the age of 86. Fran was born on March 1, 1932 in San Saba, Texas to Dr. William and Blake (McLeod) Bickham. In 1954 Fran married the love of her life, Jack Aubrey Hatley.

Fran was a retired teacher, a talented artist, and an excellent cook. She loved to travel, read, and knit. She had a passion for animals and a love for Christ. Fran was baptized in the Jordan River during one of her many travels.

Fran and Jack were active members of the First United Methodist Church of Mountain View for many years. For the last several years Fran enjoyed her membership and time of fellowship with her friends at Grace Lutheran Church of Mountain View.

Fran was preceded in death by her beloved Jack and her parents. She is survived by her son, Christopher Scott Hatley (Christie); granddaughter, Lindsey Brannon (Dustin); and great-grandchildren, Rylie and Aubrey.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of the usual remembrances the family requests memorials be given to the Stone County Humane Society. www.rollerfuneralhomes. com.

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MT. PLEASANT — Bobby Gene Johnson, 84, of Mt. Pleasant died on Monday, June 18, 2018. A funeral service will be held at Cornerstone Community Church in Cushman at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Burial will follow at Reeves Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2 p.m. prior to the service. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

–––––❖––––– MURFREESBORO — Judy Carolyn Jackson Goeldi, 66, passed away on June

16, 2018 at McKinney, Texas surrounded by her children and family. Funeral services will be 12 noon, Thursday, June

21, at Latimer

Funeral Home in Nashville with burial to follow at Ozan Cemetery in Bingen, Bro. Johnny Baker officiating. Online at www.latimerfuneralhome.com.

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PINE BLUFF — Rev. Frederick Don Goldsmith, 57, of Pine Bluff, Ark. passed Thursday, June 12, 2018. Funeral Service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Tabernacle COGIC by Elder Aaron Withers. Interment will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, Ark. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

–––––❖––––– ROSSTON — Mr. Malvin Henry, age 80, of Rosston, Ark., passed away Thursday June 14, 2018 at Hillcrest Care & Rehabilitation in Prescott, Ark. with family by his side. Honored service provider: McFadden & Hitchye Funeral Enterprises, Hope, Ark. www. mandhfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Dorothy Lorraine Nielsen, 94, of Searcy, died Monday, June 11, 2018. She was born November 18, 1923 in Berkeley, California, the daughter of David and Katherine Rodger.

Dorothy is survived by one son, William

Nielsen, Jr. and wife Grace; two daughters, Janice Brown and Lori Nielsen; one sister, Dee McAlister; one brother, Ed Rodger; five grandchildren, Stacey, Stephanie, Dean, Will and Amy; five great-grandchildren, Brian, JC, Ella, Ashley and Natalie; three great-great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Isabella, and Mila; several nieces, nephews and a special friend. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William Nielsen Sr., two brothers, Bud and Ray, and two sisters, Barbara and Patricia.

Memorial services will be Friday, June 22 at 2 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. Cremation arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www. powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — George Huston Oliver, 83, passed away on June 15, 2018 in Searcy, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 22, 2018 at the College Church of Christ. The family will receive guests after the service. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– TIMBO — Joyce Ann Stewart, 78 died June 18, 2018. Joyce is survived by husband Bobby Stewart. Visitation is Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Roller Coffman Chapel Mountain View, Arkansas from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services are Thursday, 2 p.m. at Timbo Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Timbo, Arkansas. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtview1.

–––––❖––––– WARREN — Christine Primm Jayne, age 96, of Warren, Ark., passed away Monday, June 18, 2018, at Chapel Woods. Christine, the youngest of five children, was born near Harrell, Ark., on May 14, 1922, to the late John Thomas Primm and Mourning Craven Primm.

She received her education in Warren, and after graduation she worked as district secretary for the Game and Fish Commission until her marriage. On February 10, 1943, Christine married Clinton E. Jayne in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was stationed as a medic in the U.S. Navy.

Christine was a homemaker and an avid bridge player. One of her special talents was needleworking, including beautiful cross-stitched wall hangings, needlepoint pillows, and crocheted afghans. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Warren.

Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband Clinton Jayne to whom she was married 74 years; two brothers, Doyle Primm and Lamar Primm; and two sisters, Thettye Primm Curry and Frances Primm Reep. Survivors include two sons, John Jayne (Becky) of Rancho Mirage, Calif. and Thomas Jayne (Rebecca) of Randall, Ark.; two grandchildren, Jennifer Afonin (Andy) and John Thomas Jayne (Crystal) of Oregon; and two great-grandchildren, Austin Jorgensen and Brody Jayne both of Oregon.

Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 25, at Oakland Cemetery in Warren by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation is 9:30 a.m. until service time Monday, June 25, at Oakland Cemetery. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorials preferred to the First United Methodist Church, 111 West Church, Warren, Ark. 71671, or the Bradley County Veterans’ Museum, 210 North Main Street, Warren, Ark. 71671. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– WIDEMAN — Dena Guiltner Morehead, 57, died June 18. Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock. Burial will be at Wideman Cemetery. Survivors: Leon Morehead (husband), Ethan Morehead and wife Kimberly, Joshua Morehead and wife Whitney (sons), Debbie Hoskinds (sister). Lord May 4, 2018. He passed away in his current home in Anderson, Mo. surrounded by his family. He graduated from North Little Rock High School in 2010. He was a lover of old time music and was an impersonator of Elvis Presley,

Conway Twitty and Buddy Holly among several others.

Preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Edna Cox and maternal grandmother Barbara Evans. Survived by his father, Mark Cox, his mother Stephanie Cox and brothers Mason and Andrew Cox, paternal grandfather Fred Cox, Maternal grandfather Larry Evans, and his beloved pot belly pig, Judy.

Memorial service for Cody will be held at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock on JFK Blvd.

–––––❖––––– SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. — John Henry Hall Jr. (Sonny) of Sevierville, Tennessee, formerly of Crumrod in Phillips County, Arkansas, passed away to Heaven on Monday, June 18, 2018, after a long and lengthy illness at home. Sonny was born July 22, 1930 to John Henry Hall, Sr. and Edna McDowell Hall at Indian Bay, Ark. The family later moved to Mosby in southern Phillips County where Sonny grew up. There was a great balance there of good people, farm land, and vast wilderness full of wildlife spread from the White River to the Mississippi River. Sonny was a Christian and member of Elaine United Methodist Church. He also attended school at Elaine, was a good student, played football, and made AllState. He drove the school bus when he was in high school. He later served on the Elaine School Board for 25 years. Sonny was a loyal fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and he was a member of the Arkansas Razorback Foundation. Sonny began farming at a young age. He was a very successful and well respected farmer for over 60 years. Sonny had a great love for the outdoors and wildlife. He served as President of Mozart Hunting Club for over 30 years. He exercised great diligence in preservation of wildlife and the environment. He assisted wildlife biologists from Arkansas and Mississippi in studies of the black bears. He was a member of the Arkansas Game and Wildlife Foundation and served on the Board of Directors. Sonny loved his family, friends, and all people. He was always there to help in any situation. Later in life, he came to love the Great Smoky Mountains and East Tennessee. He retired there with his wife, and lived at the base of Cove Mountain.

Sonny is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herman Hall; sisters, Lenore Moore and Carlene Ross; and stepdad, Lex Ellis. Sonny is survived by his wife, Carolyn Hall; sons, Johnny Hall (Sandra) and Danny Hall (Kathy) both of Crumrod, Ark.; daughter, Kathy Vansandt (Gene) of Fayetteville, Ark.; stepsons, Ed Daniel IV (Richelle) of Little Rock, Ark., Marc Smith of Sevierville, Tenn., Joe Smith of Mayflower, Ark.; stepdaughters, Dian Mustacci of Columbia, Tenn., C.J. Ottinger of Pahrump, Nev., and Denise Delgiorno (Gabby) of DeValls Bluff, Ark.; sisterin-law, Greta Hall of Lexa, Ark.; brother-in-law Gene Rowland of Sevierville, Tenn.; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.

Private burial in the historic Mattox Cemetery of Wears Valley. There will be a memorial service at Lambrook Baptist in Lambrook, Arkansas on Sunday June 24, at 3 p.m. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, Tenn. Online condolences can be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.