Obituaries

Pulaski County

JARMARQUES BOWERS, 25,

of North Little Rock passed July 22, 2018. Loving memories left to parents: Stella Louise Bowers and Conrad

Proctor, brother:

Everitte Travon

McGee and other siblings, grandparents: Porter and Earnestine

Bowers and Mrs.

Aretha. Homegoing celebration July 27, 2018, 1 p.m. at Rose City Church Of Christ, 5601 Lynch Drive, North Little Rock. Superior Funeral Services, 5017 E. Broadway, North Little Rock (501) 945-9922. Online guestbook www.superiorfuneralservices. com. Trudean Long Brown “Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”

–––––❖––––– MITCHELL BUCHANAN, 66, of Little Rock. Passed away Thursday July 19, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his siblings; Sanford Buchanan (Cheryl), Jean Shavers,

Barbara Woodson (Howard),

Marilyn Johnson

(Joel), Phyllis Buchanan, Sonya

Rowe and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, July 26, 10 a.m., at Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street. The family will receive friends today from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

–––––❖––––– LINDA SUE BURNETT, 51 of North Little Rock, Arkansas departed this life, Tuesday, July

17, 2018. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband,

Robert Burnett, two sons, Alfred

(Kessa) Gurley,

Steven (Latoyia) Gurley, two step-children,

Robert Burnett,

Jr., Carey (Fred) White, two adopted daughters, Geneviva Gurley, Keke Gurley, mother, Safornia Martin, five sisters, Aileen (Gray) Gilliam, Lisa (Shantel) Handley, Mary (Ronnie) Sanders, Debra Lewis, Kaisha Gilliam, seven brothers, Greg (Latoya), Lorrenzo, Eddie, Danny, Matthew, Alonzo, Michael Gilliam, 12 grandchildren, two special friends, Shariah McKinny, Teniesha Buford, two special nephews, Martin Gurley, Lontzell Gilliam, two aunts, Daisy (Ellis) Martin, Ida Morris, other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services, 11 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018, Grace Inter-City Spiritual House of Prayer Baptist Church, 1800 West 16th Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114. Family Hour 6-7 p.m., Friday, Hubble Memorial Chapel. Funeral Services entrusted to Hubble Funeral Home, 501-374-3134. “Serving you with professional care since 1900.” www.hubblefuneralhome.co.

–––––❖––––– LINNIE VICTORIA DeCLERK, 94, of Little Rock passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2018. Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 26th at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 5520 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Victoria’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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LENA DOYLE, 78, of Little Rock, died Friday, January 5, 2018. Survivors: sons, Rocky Don and Earnest Keith McIntosh; sisters, Buddie Jean Everett, Ginger Paula Martin; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; several nephews. Memorial Graveside Service: 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 27 at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

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JOAN CAROLYN DUNN, age 78, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Friday,

July 20, 2018.

She was born on February 22,

1940, in Marianna, Arkansas to her late parents,

William Edward and Donnie Lee Williams Jelks.

Joan was retired from Dassault

Falcon Jet after many years as an Administrative Assistant.

Joan was best described by her family and friends as the sweetest and most loving person. Her greatest enjoyment in life was knowing that her kids and grandkids were happy. She was of the Christian faith.

Survivors include her three children; Raymond Scott McClenney and Mitchell Allen McClenney both of Little Rock, Ark. and Pamela Sue Henard of Jacksonville, Ark.; three grandchildren; Gage Webb, Alexa Webb and Benjamin McClenney; three sisters, Billye Human of Crawfordsville, Ark., Connie Sue Hickmon of Nobelsville, Ind., and Kay Clark of Jacksonville, Ark. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, 2018 in the chapel of Roller Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 I-30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209, (501) 455-5800. Pastor Thom Walker will officiate.

–––––❖––––– DONALD RAY GILBERT, 63, of North Little Rock, Ark., departed this life July 22.

He was preceded in death by: parents, Robert and Mary

Ann Gilbert; sister, Shirley Higgins. Don leaves to cherish his memory: wife,

Flossie Gilbert; children, Daniel (Gretchen) Jackson, Tiffany (Corey) Cooksey, Rafael (Chasity) Parham; siblings, Lawrence Gilbert, Robert Gilbert, Kinnis (Carolyn) Gilbert, Billy (Paula) Gilbert, Belinda (Charles) Johnson, Laura (Eli) Esau, Michael Gilbert, Ronald Gilbert, James Randolph, George Woods, Craig Gilbert; host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation: Friday, 12 noon-6 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, LR. Life Celebration: Saturday, 11 a.m. at Greater Second Baptist Church, 5615 Geyer Springs Road, LR, Ark. Pastor David Featherstone, officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”

–––––❖––––– SHIRLEY HILL-MOORE, 75, passed away

Monday, July 23,

2018. Her funeral service will be Saturday, 11 a.m., at Liberty Hill

Baptist Church,

1215 S. Schiller. Interment will be at Rest In

Peace Cemetery,

Hensley, Ark. The family hour for

Shirley will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock. (501) 372-1305. The family will receive friends at 25 Serenity Drive, Little Rock. Please check Ruffin & Jarrett’s Facebook Page at Facebook.com/RJFuneralHome. –––––❖––––– MARDELL “MARTY” ANN JOHNSTON, 76, of Little Rock passed away July 22, 2018. She was born on January 17, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana. She married Jack Johnston of Buchanan, Michigan, on August 25, 1962, in South Bend, Indiana.

Marty was preceded in death by her parents, John and Gertrude Ivankovics of South Bend,

Indiana, and her husband, Jack Johnston. She is survived by her four children,

Robert (Melanie), Ronald,

William (Jennifer), and Andrea

(Brett); granddaughter, Haley (Justin); and her sister, Roberta Silvey, of South Bend, Indiana. Marty has numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends. Marty also has one Shih Tzu, Sugar Bear, whom Marty adored.

Marty graduated from Holy Cross School of Nursing in South Bend, Indiana, in 1962, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Healthcare Administration from Ottawa University in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1989. Marty’s nursing career spanned four decades, and included Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana; Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas; Indian Community Health Service in Phoenix, Arizona; and CareLink in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She retired from nursing in 2011. Marty was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock, and she was also a member of Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 26, with a Rosary beginning at 7 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501-224-8300). Catholic Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 27, at Christ the King Catholic Church. Inurnment will be at Christ the King Catholic Church Columbarium, Little Rock, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to either Baptist Health System, Corky Keys Nursing Scholarship Fund, 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205; or Healthwin Nursing Home, 20531 Darden Road, South Bend, Indiana 46637. Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

–––––❖––––– BENEDETTO “BENNY” RENDA, 62, of Little Rock died July 23, 2018 in Springfield, Missouri. Born

July 21, 1956 in

Little Rock, he was the son of

James Peter and Bobbie Zell

Prather Renda.

Benny graduated from Catholic High School in 1974 and the University of Arkansas in 1978. An avid Razorback fan, he loved his grandchildren, his family and Karaoke. He had two spider monkeys growing up and he frequently told stories about them. He was the life of the party and enjoyed good music, good friends, and good drinks. His career with K Mart, Best Buy and K B Toys took him around the country.

He is survived by his daughters, Cassie Renda (Matt Fowler) of Springfield, Missouri and Chelsea Seely (Jason) of Holland, Michigan; sister, Elaine Renda of Little Rock; grandchildren, Luca Salvadore Renda and Izy Fowler; and many cousins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 6219 Baseline Rd., Little Rock 72209 with Father Mark Wood, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be 5 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. this evening, (Wednesday) in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock (501) 661-9111. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic High School for Boys foundation. To sign the online guestbook, go to www. griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖––––– CHARLES ALLEN ROBINSON, 70, of Little Rock, died July 10, 2018. His survivors include: siblings, Henry

C. Robinson Jr. (Constance), Nathaniel Robinson,

Billy Ray Robinson (Wanda),

Marcus Robinson, and Dorothy

Withers (Albert).

The funeral service: will be on Saturday, July 28, 2018, 11 a.m., at Longley Baptist Church, 9900 Geyer Springs Road. The family hour will be held: Friday, July 27, 2018, 6-7 p.m. at Ruffin & Jarrett Chapel, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock. (501) 372-1305. The Interment will be at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, on Monday, July 30, 2018, at 11 a.m.

–––––❖––––– DERRICK D’ANDRA SMITH, 23, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life July 21. He was preceded in death by: grandfather, Ezekiel

Smith; grandmother, Anna

Brooks; brother,

Wesley Smith Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory: fiance’, Kendra Ann Moody; children, Daelyn D’Andra Smith, Loyal Ann Mo’nae Smith, Uriah Lee James (step-son); parents, Wesley Allen Smith and Earlyonna Monique Smith; siblings, Keyonna Harvey; Dameake Harvey, Natyia Anae Smith; grandmother, Josephine Smith, grandparents, Melvin (Edwina) Gardner ; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Family Hour: Friday, 6:15-7:15 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, LR. Funeral: Saturday, 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 800 Page Mill Road, NLR, Ark. Interment: Clay Baylor Cemetery, Natural Steps, Ark. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”

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“I am nearer than you think” was the opening phrase of the devotional

IRENE McNEESE

STARKS read with a smile on her face, 18 July

2018, the day her Heavenly Father commanded his angels, “Go get her.” Her body was 78 years old, but her spirit belonged to that of someone significantly younger. She passed sooner than expected, though exactly as she wanted; peacefully from her home on “G” Street. Part of her heavenly welcoming party would have been her parents, Robert Thomas McNeese and Nellie Loraine King McNeese, to whom she was born 1 February, 1940 in Walnut Ridge. Her devoted husband, companion, and friend of 53½ years, Bill Starks Sr., was undoubtedly waiting for her, front and center. Irene’s four older and two younger siblings would have rounded out this party: Frank, Thomas, and Billy Joe McNeese, Barbara Ward, Richard “Sonny” McNeese, and Carolyn Bentley.

Remaining to carry on her legacy hallmarked by love, courage, industriousness, integrity, and optimism are her well-loved children: Vicki Starks Feliu (Jose) of Dunn, N.C., Billy Starks, Jr. (Brigetta) of North Little Rock, and Jeffery Starks (Stacy) of Sherwood. Additionally, Nanny had five of the most cherished grandkids that ever were: Brandie Feliu Slagle (Todd) of Cary, N.C., Stephanie Starks Hale (Brian) of Sherwood, Braden Starks of North Little Rock, Taylor Starks and Jonathan Starks, both of Sherwood. Besides these, Irene had a host of nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends who loved her dearly. Notably, Anne Starks Thompson and Stacy Cheek, nieces loved like daughters, and decades long family friend, Frankie Campbell, a third son. The current 4-legged love and constant companion in Irene’s life was a goateed little Shih Tzu named Toby Keith, who has his master’s knack for making all he encounters feel like family.

Irene worked her entire life to help support her family, beginning with her mother and several siblings in her early life and progressing later to her family with Bill. From cotton fields at the age of 9 to seamstressing at Ottenheimers to finally retiring as a Wal-Mart associate after 34 years, Irene learned well how to make the most of whatever resources she had, be they emotional, physical, or financial. This quality stood her in great stead her entire life. She was the ultimate confidante, a trusted and safe place those close to her knew they could go with no fear of judgment, recrimination, or breaches of confidence. Irene was a natural optimist, someone who perpetually viewed the glass as half full, not empty, and the day partly sunny, not cloudy. This propensity allowed her to feel genuine contentment and kept her in a state of gratefulness, making possible the always ready laugh and “can do” spirit those who knew and loved her would tell you were infectious. In what turned out to be her last day with us in this life, Irene was asked by palliative care staff what her understanding of her situation was to which she unwaveringly replied, “Well, what I understand is that I’m gonna die… but so are you and so are you. The way I look at it, I’m gonna live my life as best I can until the Good Lord takes me.” Her words bear out the unshakeable faith at the core of her being, her absolute certainty of her place in eternity, and her acknowledgement of God as the holder of her, and of all of our, days. Her absence from us here, who knew and unavoidably then loved her, leaves a gaping void but…Heaven has never been so entertained.

A Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, July 27, 2018 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock. With a visitation at 10:30 a.m. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

–––––❖––––– JUDITH SUTTER (nee Judith Ursula Gall) died peacefully in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 7, 2018.

A funeral Mass will be held at

Christ the King

Catholic Church in Little Rock on Monday, July 30,

2018 at 10 a.m.

Judy was born to Lucille White and William Gall in the midst of a raging snowstorm on December 11, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, establishing her flair for the dramatic entrance early on. She moved to California in childhood, eventually settling in her beloved San Francisco where she attended Convent of the Sacred Heart High School and San Francisco College for Women. She married Nicholas Sutter there and started her family. She found herself in Arkansas in the early 1980s, but San Francisco never left her heart. Judy was a consummate storyteller, and she often shared her adventures with old and new friends. She never wanted to be seen without her signature red lipstick or in white after Labor Day. There was a twinkle in her eye that always let you know that she was up to something, but she was known most for her incredibly generous heart.

She is preceded in death by her father, William Gall; her mother, Lucille Glover; her stepfather, Larry Glover; and her husband, Nicholas Sutter. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Murphy; son-in-law, Patrick; and grandchildren, Brendan and Morgan of Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her honor made to Hospice Home Care would be appreciated by her family. An online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA — Nell Kuhn Everett, age 83, of Arkadelphia, passed away Monday, July 23, 2018, in Arkadelphia. She was born February 27, 1935, to the late Clinton and Winnie High Kuhn. Nell taught kindergarten for three decades, was on the local and state School Boards, and was instrumental in helping starting Arkadelphia Promise. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, where she was active in the library, media center, nursery and Sunday School.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur Wayne Everett; her son, Keith Everett; and nine siblings. She is survived by her son, Greg Everett and three grandchildren.

A visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Friday, July 27th, at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Online guestbook available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Juanita Marie Crump Donahue, 71, of Benton, Ark., departed this life

July 19. She leaves to cherish her memory with her husband of

54 years Theopalis Donahue: children: Angela Donahue, Bridgitte

Benton, Suzanne Donahue Davis (Andre); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends. Public Viewing Thursday 10-11 a.m. and Service 11 a.m. both at First Baptist Church Highland Park. Pastor Willis Walker officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark., (501) 3710111. “Service You Can Trust.”

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Terry Lee Mullinax Sr., 58, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018. He was born on Thursday, September 3, 1959, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Celebration of life will be held at Fellowship of the Cross on Thursday, July 26, 2018, at 12 noon. Online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– BENTON — Mildred (Cech) Taylor, 95, passed away peacefully into the hands of our Lord on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Amberwood

Health & Rehabilitation, Benton.

She was a member of Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church. She retired after 45 years from Target/Woolworth.

She was preceded by her husband of 64 years, Chauncey Taylor who was retired Air Force and a veteran of WWII and Korean War along with five brothers, one sister and one granddaughter, Paula Marr. Mildred is survived by one son and three daughters, Chauncey Nick and Angelia Taylor, Little Rock, Jackie and Tom Sannes, Bauxite, Judy and Ken Gilchrist, Dillon, Montana and Linda and Mike Whitney, DeSoto, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Jessica Taylor, Madison Rial, Tracy Sannes Barach, Anthony Sannes, Connie Gilchrist Horning, Martin Gilchrist, Benjamin Whitney, Andrew Whitney and Melessa Whitney; seven great-grandchildren, Zane Rohr, Grayson Rohr, Vinson Marr, Evrett Marr, Max Barach, Ada Barach, Elle Mae Sannes, Jessica Gilchrist, Orrin Gilchrist and Reagan Gilchrist; and one great-great-granddaughter, McKenna.

Family wishes to express their appreciation to Alcoa Pines, Amberwood Health & Rehabilitation and Arkansas Hospice for their wonderful and loving care. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.

–––––❖––––– CAMDEN — Octavia Lee Donnell Taylor, 91, of Camden, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, July 23, 2018. Graveside services will be Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at 11 a.m. at The Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway, Ark. Online guestbook www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/Conway.

–––––❖––––– DAMASCUS — Thelma G. Dean, 76, of Damascus, Ark., departed this life on Sunday, July 22, 2018.

She was born on

April 29, 1942, in Shoffner, Ark., to the late Nelson Moreland and Lisha Lee Clark.

She is preceded in death by her husband,

Major Dean; children Rita Dean, Jeff Dean, and Hirman Dean; and siblings Frank Moreland, Charles Moreland, Eudora Moreland Rhodes, Ollie Mae Moreland, Bobby Moreland, Emma Moreland and Emmitt Moreland. She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Diane (Patrick) Ealy of Damascus, Ark.; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 28, 2018, at Solomon Groves Missionary Baptist Church, 273 Solomon Grove Rd, Twin Groves, Ark. Visitation 1 p.m.6 p.m. Friday, July 27, 2018, at the funeral home. Interment Mt. Zion Cemetery in Shoffner, Ark. Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, 910 Walnut Street, Conway, Ark. 501-327-1124. www.larrygacklinfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– ELIZABETH — Rector Jones, 66, of Elizabeth, Ark., passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at his residence. He was born on October 16, 1951, in Wideman, Ark., to the late Rector and Doris (White) Jones. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Online guestbook and obituary are available at www.connerfamilyfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– FAYETTEVILLE — LTC (Ret.) James “Jim” L. Buckner, died in Fayetteville, Ark. on July 22, 2018 at the age of 81.

James is survived by his wife of 60 years Linda Ridgeway Buckner, son James

L. Buckner, Jr. and wife Freda of

Sand Springs, OK and son Matthew

D. Buckner and wife Amy of Fayetteville, AR, seven grandchildren, two great grandsons, brothers Luther Buckner and Wordy Buckner and his sister Dottie Clark. He is preceded in death by his daughter Cindy Buckner Thomas, grandson Micah Thomas and sister Martha Arrington.

Jim was born on May 29, 1937 in Many, Louisiana to John and Dorothy Buckner. He graduated from Crossett High School in 1955, Ouachita Baptist in 1959 and later during his military career earned a Master’s degree at LSU.

He married his Ouachita cheerleading partner, Linda, in 1957 and after graduation was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant Infantry Officer and began his 24-year

military career. After serving several stateside and overseas assignments, he went to Viet Nam 1966-67 with the 1st Cavalry Division. He returned to Viet Nam in 1969 where he served with the US Army 5th Special Forces Group. He again returned to Southeast Asia in 1973-74 as Deputy Commander Special Forces Thailand. Upon returning home he served in Intelligence at Fort Meade Maryland with his final assignment as Professor of Military Science at the University of Arkansas from 1978 until his retirement from the Army in 1982.

During his active service Jim received numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze Star with “V” with five Oak Clusters, the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and several other decorations. He proudly wore his Combat Infantryman’s badge, Airborne Wings, Ranger and Special Forces Tabs.

Jim’s civilian life included positions at the AIDC, TCBY, University of Arkansas, Abilities Unlimited and Shakes Frozen Custard. He was active in Fayetteville Downtown Rotary for many years, serving as President and receiving the Paul Harris Fellow. He volunteered at the Fayetteville VA and was Commander of the Military Order of Purple Heart Chapter 460. Jim and Linda were fund raisers for the ALS association and Casa Aleluya in Guatemala.

Jim loved his church and music. He attended Cross Church, Springdale, taught Sunday school, sang in a quartet and enjoyed leading choir at Butterfield Trail Village.

A funeral is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Friday July 27 at Nelson Berna Funeral Home with visitation at 11:30 a.m. Burial at Fayetteville National Cemetery with full military honors following service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Casa Aleluya in Guatemala (www.casaaleluya.org). To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.

––––– ––––– FORDYCE — Joyce Dean Williams, 86, of Fordyce, passed from this life on

July 23, 2018, at

St. John’s Place, after a short illness. She was born July 8, 1932 in Bunn, Arkansas the daughter of the late Leonard and Julia

Ann Garlington McMahan and the granddaughter of the late Sil and Mary Bell Wright Garlington. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Laudell, her beloved daughter, Linda Gayle Davis and her sisters, Betty Sue Parker and Lois Raney, of Fordyce.

Joyce is survived by her two sons, Rickey Williams (Nicole) of Hot Springs, and Larry Williams (Scarlett) of Fordyce, a niece, Brenda Billings (W.M.) of Fordyce, and a bonus daughter, Sherrie Buddenberg Langley, of Deer Park, Texas; eight grandchildren, Michael Davis, of New Orleans, La., Jason Williams, of Arlington, Wash., Danielle Williams, of Marysville, Wash., Eli Williams, of Marysville, Wash., Kacie Perez, of San Diego, Calif., and Samuel, Wyatt, and Carson Williams, of Fordyce. Five great-grandchildren, Bailey and Bryson Davis of New Orleans, La., and Rowan, Annabelle, and Ruthie Williams, of Arlington, Wash.

Born during the Great Depression, in Bunn, Arkansas, Joyce came by her grit and determination honestly. She worked many different jobs during her lifetime, in the quest of making the lives of her family the best it could be. Most importantly, Joyce was an extraordinary nurse with a gift for caring, working many years for the Dallas County Hospital & Dallas County Nursing Home as well. She, fortunately, trained many of the nurses that cared for her during her recent illness. Each nurse had a special memory of the “Joyce training” they had received. The most important of these — “Care for everyone as if they were the only patient you have” — was evident in the care she received. Joyce will be greatly missed for her chocolate cake, her yeast rolls, but mostly for her gritty spirit.

The family would like to thank the staff of Dallas County Hospital, St. John’s Place and Dr. Hugh Nutt and staff. The care and compassion shown to her and the family will never be forgotten.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 28, 2018 at Wright Cemetery with Bro Mark Wheeler officiating. No visitation will be held. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the guestbook.

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NEW EDINBURG — Gene O. Briant, age 79, of New Edinburg, Ark. died Sunday, July 22nd at his home. Funeral services 10 a.m. Friday, July 27th at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Moseley Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation: 9 p.m. till service time on Friday, July 27th at Frazer’s. Online guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome. com.

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PINE BLUFF — James Henry Lee, 94, of Pine Bluff departed this life on Tuesday, July

17, 2018. Funeral Services will be held Thursday,

July 26, 2018 at

Old St. James

M.B. Church,

Pine Bluff, Ark. at 10 a.m. Interment will be at

1 p.m., at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, Ark. Family hour will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Ark. from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The family wishes to express special thanks to Col. Nate Todd and the Staff of the Arkansas State Veterans Home.

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PINE BLUFF — Helen Fay McCrary Moustakas, 94, of Pine Bluff, passed away Monday, July 23, 2018. Graveside services will be Thursday July 26th, 10 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Cranford Funeral of White Hall. Online Condolences: www.cranfordfh.com.

–––––❖––––– WARD — Linda McCord, 62, passed away July 20, 2018. She is survived by her daughters, Tena

(Marc) Easter,

Shirley Vincent,

Debbie (Ricky)

Waller, Diane

(Matt) Bursott; brother, Muriel (Shirley) Hackler; ten grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. July 27, 2018, at Thomas Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Cabot. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service (501) 941-7888. www.thomasfuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– WARREN — Bobbie Jean Briant Saunders, age 71, of Warren, Ark., died Monday, July 23. Funeral service 2 p.m. Thursday, July 26, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial is in Wheeler Springs Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 26, until service time at Frazer’s. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome. com.

––––– ––––– WEST FORK — Fred Edward Townsend, 81, of West Fork, Ark., formerly of Stuttgart, Ark., passed away Saturday, July 21,

2018, in Springdale, Ark. He was born February 14, 1937, in

Pine Bluff, Ark., to Bas Edward Townsend and

Bonnie (Council) Townsend.

He was formerly a district manager for Farmer’s Insurance Group prior to opening his own insurance and real estate office, Townsend Real Estate. He was a former member and elder at First Presbyterian Church in Stuttgart, Ark.

He is survived by his wife of over 59 years, Mary Ann Townsend; three children, Dr. Michael Townsend of Port Orange, Fla., Tracie Snider of Lexington, Tenn., and Ginger Long of West Fork, Ark. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Tabitha, Jacob, Mitchell, Haley and Whitney Townsend, Lauren and Sydney Snider, and Camryn and Joshua Long.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 28th, at West Fork Cemetery with Reverend Tim Reeves officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 120 West Seventh Street, Stuttgart, Ark. 72160. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.

–––––❖––––– WHITE HALL — Gary Douglas Buckley Sr., 59, of White Hall, passed away Monday. Funeral services are 7 p.m. Friday at Griffin Funeral Chapel in Star City. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Roselawn Funeral Service and Crematory in Pine Bluff. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

––––– ––––– WILSON — Mack Davison, 87, of Wilson, passed away July 23, 2018. He was born February 16, 1931, to Arthur and Emma Davison. Mr. Davison came from Tuckerman at the age of 18 to teach Lee Wilson and Company farmers how to grow rice. He was a member of Wilson First United Methodist Church for 66 years and for 10 years he and his wife Etta were the Methodist Youth Leaders. He was a member of United States Marine Corps, as were all of the Davison Brothers were Military Men, and Marine Recruiter for South Mississippi County, Boy Scout Leader. He worked for Delta Valley and Southern Railway 61 years and with the Mississippi County Prison Systems. He managed Wilson Housing Authority for 56 years, recognized by NARO for years of service with Wilson Housing Authority as Outstanding Leadership, board member of Bancorp South, 3rd degree Mason, volunteer at the Wilson Fire Department for 40 years and a member of Wilson Lions Club for 40 years.

Survivors include his daughter: Connie Mack Davison Wiley of Houston, Ark.; son-in-law: Gary Wiley; brothers: N.B. Davison, Donald Davison, Marvin (Marjorie) Davison and Jerrold (Sue) Davison. He was preceded in death by his wife: Etta Davison; son: Mitchell Davison; his parents; and two brothers: Randolph Davison and Doyle Davison.

Family Visitation will be from 6-6:30 p.m. Public Visitation will be 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018, at Roller-Swift Funeral Home in Osceola. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2018, at Wilson First United Methodist Church. Burial will be at Mississippi County Memorial Gardens. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

Out-of-state

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — James “Jim” Lloyd Watts of Coffeyville, Kansas, age 79, passed away on July 21, 2018 peacefully with his family close by his side at Medicaloges of Coffeyville.

Jim was born on July 15, 1939 in Hanford, California to Isom and Jessie (Allen) Watts; he was one of ten living children. He grew up in mostly in California but the family did migrate to Arkansas for a number of years.

At the young age of 18 he joined the US Air Force on January 17,

1957 at Paragould, Arkansas. He proudly served his country for 7 years receiving an honorable discharge in January of 1964. While in the service he traveled all over Europe, while there he had the opportunity to ski the Alps, attended the World Fair. After discharge he settled in the Hanford, California area and started a lifelong career in the refinery and oil business with Beacon/Ultimer Industries. Jim served as the VP of the Oil Workers Union. He traveled all over the US working as heavy equipment operator until his retirement from Scaltec USA Corporation in the Coffeyville Area.

On August 5, 1960 he married Clara Dallas in Corcoran, California of that union the family blended with two older sons, Tim and Ted that Jim loved as his own then 3 additional children were born, daughter, Donna; sons, Jim and Steve. The couple later divorced but his relationship with his children continued strong. Jim married Betty Duncan after relocating in Arkansas, they shared life together for over 30 years until their divorce. Upon relocating to Coffeyville he met and loved Sondra Oskison, they shared several happy years together, though life brought different paths for them they remained great friends.

Those to cherish great memories of Jim are, his daughter, Donna Watts of Florida, sons, Jim Watts (Tracy) of Arkansas, Steven Watts (Nikole) of Missouri, Tim Curtsinger (Nina) of Washington, Ted Curtsinger (Tamie) of Arkansas, daughter, Serena Taylor (Jeff) of Texas, son, Jimmy Hargus of Arkansas, son-in-law, David Templeton, sisters, Johnnie Mae Ruzicka, Barbara Martin both of California, 21 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, J.R. Lawless, daughter, Stephannie Templeton, sisters, Hazel Watts, Lola Routon, brothers, Isom Jr., Roy, Jesse, Leslie and Phillip.

The family has entrusted FordWulf-Bruns Chapel with following through with Jim’s wishes of cremation. They will hold a memorial service in Coffeyville at a late date to be announced. Jim’s inurement will take place in Corcoran Cemetery District in Corcoran, California in the near future. To leave a message of condolence visit www. fordwulfbrunschapel.com.

–––––❖––––– PONTOTOC, Miss. — Debra Rogers, 56, of Mississippi died Sunday. Survivors: son, Kerry Rogers, daughter, Shawnda Black, brothers: Jerry Popejoy, David and Eugene Swinford, sister, Darla Smith, sister-in-law, Linda Popejoy, seven grandchildren, and Aunt Jane Hudson. Visitation: Wednesday 1 p.m.~service time 3 p.m. Jackson’s Funeral Home. Interment: Harrisburg Memorial Park. Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.

–––––❖––––– KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Curtis Brown III, 84, died May 26, 2018 in Knoxville,

Tenn. Curtis is survived by his daughter, Laurie

Van Pelt, his son,

Curtis Brown IV, his granddaughter, Rachel Phillips, his great grandson, Evan

Phillips, his sister, Anne Webber, and his companion, Mary Irene Cechini. He is preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Geraldine “Jerri” Grissom; his sister, Jane Clements; and his parents.

Curtis was born May 13, 1934 in Cleveland, Miss., to parents Evelyn and Curtis Brown Jr. At 6’5”, he excelled at basketball in high school, playing center and averaging 22 points per game. Curtis served in the Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. In 1955 he married Jerri Grissom. In 1964 with a degree in business he accepted a position as Regional Sales Manager at General Mills, working with them until he retired in 1989 in Little Rock, Ark.

Curtis was a social, active man deeply involved in church activities. He and Jerri built a home in Heber Springs, Ark. where they attended the First United Methodist Church. They enjoyed participating in the cardboard boat races and spent many evenings on the lake with their friends watching the sunset. Later they embarked on traveling the country as RV Snow Birds. His family and friends will always remember him as a compassionate, caring person who never met a stranger.

Interment is at Woodlawn Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or Friends of the Animal Village in Little Rock, Ark.