Pulaski County
MEREDITH ROSE WEINSTEIN BASKIN, age 34, died peacefully on Wednesday,
Aug. 9, 2018 after a long battle with opioid addiction. She was born on
Dec. 1, 1983 in
Little Rock, Ark., the daughter of
Susan Weinstein and the late Jeffrey Baskin. After graduation from Central High School, she began her studies at UALR, ultimately graduating as a registered nurse with honors from UAMS in 2008. She went on to practice as a nurse at UAMS and several private clinics in the Central Arkansas area. She loved her work and was a caring, committed health professional who was universally loved by her patients.
In 2010 she had a snow sledding accident that resulted in a painful fracture of her back. Thus began her use of opioids, first for her back pain, then needing more and more as she became addicted, ending in the use of heroin. After repeated rehab locally to recover, she moved to Los Angeles in 2017 and entered a long-term Jewish residential rehabilitation center in an earnest attempt to rid herself of her addiction. She worked exceptionally hard to become clean over the course of 16 months. She found new work, new friends, renewed faith, and a loving, supportive community in Los Angeles that honored her desire to remain clean.
Addiction, hidden or not, remains a serious disease in this country. She was only 34 and should have had a long joyous life ahead of her. We write this not to dishonor Meredith’s memory. Rather, it is to once again shine a personal light on the epidemic that is ravaging so many young lives. More often than not, opioid addiction is misunderstood and stigmatized. It does not stem from a lack of personal conviction to overcome it. It is not borne of laziness. Rather, it is a disease of the brain that lurks within addicts (reformed and current) for as long as they live. Meredith was unconditionally loved by her family. We are proud of the sincere struggle she put up to overcome this disease, and heartbroken by her untimely death. Meredith was filled with kindness and giving, while struggling silently within. She had a heart of gold and a warmth that radiated. Now she is free of the demons inside her.
Meredith is preceded in death by her father, Jeffrey Baskin. She is survived by her loving mother, Susan Weinstein; her brothers Bernie Baskin (Yvonne Quek) and Danny Baskin (Ashley Byers); as well as a large extended family.
Funeral arrangements are being made by Griffin Leggett. Burial will be at Oakland Jewish Cemetery in Little Rock with a private, graveside service. Donations may be made to Beit T’Shuvah (Los Angeles, Calif.), The Oasis (Little Rock, Ark.), Synagogue Agudath Achim (Little Rock, Ark.) or to your favorite charity.
–––––❖––––– DAVID GENE BURTON, 85, of North Little Rock danced his way into heaven on Wednesday,
Aug. 8, 2018, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. He was born in Little
Rock, Ark., to
Melvin and Helen Burton. He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Boyd, and his first wife Nancy Sylvester Burton.
He attended Forest Park Grammar School, Pulaski Heights Junior High, and Little Rock High School (class of 1951). He graduated from University of New Mexico with a degree in civil engineering. After traveling the world with the United States Navy, he then settled at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In response to a family emergency, David returned to Arkansas to run the family furniture store. His varied and fulfilling career was capped at Entergy working at Arkansas Nuclear One.
As a volunteer, David changed the course of soccer in Arkansas and throughout the South. His skilled leadership as state president, Southern Regional Director, and board member of United States Soccer Federation earned his induction into the United States Youth Soccer Southern Regional Hall of Fame. David was also a lifetime member of the Optimist Club, a board member of Lakewood Property Owners’ Association, and an enthusiastic member of the Progressive League Dinner Club.
David wore many hats and embodied seemingly contradictory traits, but pulled it all off with his irrepressible spark and zeal for life. He was kind, firm, serious, playful, truthful, and full of malarkey. He was marathon runner, ponytail and motorcycle, engineer, tickler-in-chief, sailor, father, dancer and lover. He was not to be trusted at card games. He brought joy to others with his infectious laughter and jokes and was and will remain loved by all.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Burton; daughters, Jill Burton (Denise Dowd), Kendal Leeson (Derrick); son Ben Burton; step-daughter Maggie Tarbox (Brian); step-sons Christophe, Peter (Jamie Tribo), Joseph (Emily Crawford-Block), and John Block; his sisters, Fran White and Judy Chreist (Steve); and his brother, Marion Burton. Others who will miss him include his five grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank the all staff of Memory Care at Good Shepherd, especially David’s running partner, Linda Mays, LPN, and DeeDee Cato, wonderwoman, for loving David where he was each day and
for embracing his playful spirit. Thanks also to those at Hospice Home Care Inpatient Center for traveling with us on a difficult portion of David’s journey.
Friends are invited to join David’s family in celebrating his life and final send-off to heaven. The event will take place at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home’s reception hall, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, Ark. 72114, from 4-7 p.m., on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018. A private service will be held at a later time.
The family requests that, rather than flowers, his life be honored by kicking a soccer ball with a child, cheering on a team at the local pub, or joining in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Memorials may be made to https://act.alz.org.
Online obituary at www. smithfamilycares.com.
–––––❖––––– THADA DELL CARR, 81, passed away on Aug. 7, 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thada Carr’s memory to Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene soup kitchen. Services have been entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Family hour will be held Monday, Aug. 13 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service held at 10 a.m., Tuesday Aug. 14, 2018 at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116 S. Pine, North Little Rock, Ark. 72114.
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BOB CROOK, born Oct. 6, 1938, slipped into a restful sleep Aug. 10, 2018.
He was the son of Ms. Bill Crenshaw and Clarence Crook.
Bob, a veteran of the US Navy, also worked at Cummins Diesel and Ryder
Truck. Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia and children, Sharon, Stephen, Michael, Brenda, Amy and Franklin, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Please visit www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com for the online guest book.
–––––❖––––– MAKI YOSHIDA DENNIS, 89, of Maumelle passed away Friday, Aug. 10, 2018.
She was born
Dec. 16, 1928 in Port Haney,
B.C., to Ginzo and Sato Yoshida. Maki was a member of the First United Methodist
Church, Jacksonville. She was an accomplished seamstress and had served in leadership with the Boy and Girl Scouts. Before retiring she was employed by Chambers Drug Store. She touched the lives of all who knew her and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald Anderson Dennis; daughter, Martha Ann Dennis; sons, David Allan Dennis (Janet) and James Alexander Dennis (Carla); seven grandchildren, William, Luke,
and Catherine Dennis, Christina and Jason Gonzalez, Amanda and David Andrew Dennis; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and eight siblings of the Yoshida family. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her son, Jackie Eugene Dennis.
A visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cato Cemetery.
Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– FREDDIE LEE FORTE, 77, of Little Rock, passed away on Sunday Aug. 5, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Master Sergeant
Edward Forte Sr.
She is survived by her daughter,
Cheryl Barber of Little Rock; son, Edward
Forte Jr.; and her brother, Wayne George of Arizona; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. For more information please visit our website: www.grffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
–––––❖––––– WILLIE JEAN HAWKINS, 85, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Aug. 8. She was preceded in death by: daughter Levonne “Bonnie” Hawkins and her parents:
Robert and Annie Fielder.
She leaves to cherish her memory: children: Neomia Hawkins, Pamela Hawkins-Price, Terry Hawkins, Alfred Hawkins, Willie Evans and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Family Hour: Friday 6:157:15 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary LR and Funeral: Saturday 11 a.m. at Second Baptist, 6111 W 83rd, Little Rock, Ark. 72209.
Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– CLAUDY R. JONES, 70, of North Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Aug. 8. She was preceded in death by her husband of 27 years Henry L.
Jones, her second husband
James L. Wells, and her parents:
Herman and Jessie Prostell.
She leaves to cherish her memory: children: Carlos Jones and Quameshia Jones-Watson (Luther); a brother: James Prostell; two sisters Shirley Harris and Rosella Prostell; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.
Family Hour: Saturday, 11 a.m.noon, with Life Celebration starting at noon, both at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church Winnfield, La. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– EMMIT “WOODY” KEELING, 79, of Maumelle passed away Thursday, Aug.
9, 2018. He was born Oct. 16,
1938 in Marianna, Ark., to Louis and Mildred
Keeling.
He graduated from Marianna High School, worked in sales, nursing home administration and owned an import, export packaging business. He lived in Indianapolis for 42 years and returned to Arkansas in 2012, where he retired in Maumelle. After retirement Woody worked at Dillard’s part time. He worked 30 hours the week before he entered the hospital on June 4, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Monroe Keeling; and sister, Judith Webb. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Norma J. Keeling; and sisters, Virginia Jones, Brenda Wilson and Vivian Bryant.
Woody was a true southern gentleman. He was gentle, kind, gracious and always thinking about others. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.
Memorials may be made to Baptist Health Transplant Institute Program, 9601 Baptist Health Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, Ark. 72114.
Online registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– MARY ANN BUDDE NICHOLS, age 95, passed into eternal rest on Aug. 9, 2018.
Beloved wife of the late James
Burke Nichols. Predeceased by her loving parents, Joseph
Budde and Regina Timmerman
Budde; dear mother of Pat (Richard) Sahr,
Peggy Stringer,
Pam (the late Tom) Herrington, Jim (Sandy) Nichols, the late Janet Harknett (Peter), Kathy (Bob) Judson, Bill (Maria) Nichols, and Mike (Kelley) Nichols; dear grandmother of Aaron, Ben, Dorothy, Ruth, Jamie, TJ, Michael, Robert, Allison, Jay, Amy, Nick, Shannon, Max, Matt, Eric, Alex, Maggie, Janet, Sam, Emma, and Lila; dear sister of Joseph Budde, the late Thomas Budde, the late Sr. Gertrude Budde, and Jane Budde Wuesthoff; and longtime, devoted friend of Margie Payne and Bobbie Fazio.
After Jim’s death, Mary Ann became active in many civic projects and was also a generous donor of time and money to several causes. Among them are Meals on Wheels, Our House, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, CARTI, and Christ the King Catholic Church.
Accomplished in most areas of needlework, Mary Ann sewed many of her children’s clothes, stitched blankets for new grandchildren, crocheted afghans for everyone in the family, and knitted hundreds of caps for infants in NICU.
Mary Ann was an avid, lifelong reader who learned to use an iPad when her eyes deteriorated. She was famously known to say: “Don’t say you’re bored if there’s a book in the house.”
Mary Ann was a sports enthusiast all her life. She rooted for the St. Louis Cardinals from the time she was a member of the Knot Hole Gang in the 1930s, right through most of the 2018 season. Throughout her life, she was interested in sports both as a player and a spectator.
Mary Ann was most proud of her eight children’s, 22 grandchildren’s and 15 great-grandchildren’s accomplishments. She never forgot what anyone was doing at any given time, and was especially proud of all their educational achievements.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018 from 4-6 p.m. in the chapel of Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, with a rosary starting at 5:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham Road, with Father Harvey officiating. Please share your memories of Mary Ann at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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A.J. “JERRY” PAYNE, age 84, of Little Rock, died on Aug. 4, 2018. He and his wife,
Chere Lile Payne, age 71, had operated a photographic studio in downtown Little
Rock for more than 20 years.
Earlier, he was the first full-time
Public Information Officer for the Arkansas National Guard and the first editor of its newspaper.
He was an officer on the Division
Staff of Major
General Sherman
T. Clinger, the Adjutant General of Arkansas, when the Guard was place on active duty in 1957 during the Little Rock school crisis.
He was born in Little Rock, but spent his early school years living in San Francisco at the Golden Gate Apartments on Golden Gate Avenue, on the same block as the Golden Gate Theater downtown. Returning to Little Rock, he spent two years at North Little Rock High School, before graduating from Little Rock High School in 1951.
He worked at the old Arkansas Gazette as a reporter, while attending Little Rock Junior College before entering the Army. After his Army service, Payne joined the National Guard but switched to the Army Reserve, when he attended Oklahoma State University.
Following OSU, he joined Capitol Records in Tulsa and was later transferred to Houston, which was the fourth largest record market in the United States. He enjoyed his two years of sales promotion work delivering new record releases to about 20 radio stations and escorting artists appearing in the area to interviews with the deejays. But his newspaper experience and college journalism courses drew him back to writing and photography in Little Rock, where he joined the Arkansas Democrat.
His feature stories and photographs led to an offer to be editor of the newspaper of the Arkansas Poultry Federation. After a year, he was hired as a reporter with a national poultry publication headquartered in New Jersey.
Payne also continued with his Army Reserve duties and was assigned to the Civil Affairs — Military Government unit in nearby Philadelphia. In less than a year, he received a job offer from an ad agency in Hartford, Conn., where he stayed for five years doing publicity work for several businesses owned by the Rockefeller Brothers Holding Company, and for the Connecticut Opera Association.
He returned to Little Rock where he became field editor of Construction News magazine covering highway, bridge and commercial construction. Payne subsequently partnered with Ben H. Hogan in the state’s first advertising production company making television commercials and providing audio-visual services for ad agencies. His face and voice became familiar to television viewers during this time, when Payne appeared weekly as spokesman for Safeway grocery stores and for financial institutions in the Little Rock and Memphis markets.
He also bought the Camera Center, a retail photo store in downtown Little Rock, which he and his wife operated, in conjunction with their photo studio that also included a stock photo agency and a gallery of their travel photographs which have appeared on calendars, greeting cards and in various publications. Their prints are in private collections in the U.S. and Europe.
Among his many jobs, Payne said that the ones he enjoyed most were the part-time teaching during his younger years of ballroom pleasure dancing (that most people could do) and the writing of a series of detective stories for a national magazine. He also enjoyed traveling as he lived in nine states and visited 26 other states and four foreign countries, mostly in his work.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Chere Lile Payne, and two daughters by previous marriages, Julia Hunt (Bruce) of Redmond, Ore., and Penelope Payne of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Also two brothersin-law, Greer (Skip) Lile Jr. and Brett Lile Sr., and his two sons, Drs. Brett Lile Jr. (Kristen) and Brendan Lile, all of Little Rock, as well as his uncle by marriage, Maury Riegler of Little Rock.
Our grateful appreciation of our VA Home Based Care Team and Arkansas Hospice for their care and compassion. He has donated his body to the University of Arkansas for Medical Science to be used for education and research. His wife will be at home where she can be contacted at (501) 554-3103.
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SAM WILLIAM PORTER, 71, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Aug. 7.
Family Hour:
Monday 5-6 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, LR. Funeral: Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at Pleasant
Hill C.M.E. Church
College Station,
Ark. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary,
1201 Dr. MLK Jr.
Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 3710111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– DENA RAE JONES REYNOLDS, 99 years young, passed away July 29, 2018, surrounded by family at home in North Little Rock. She was born Oct. 19, 1918 near Choctaw in Van Buren County to Cora Duncan and Samuel Oather Jones.
Dena was a loving mother with a caring heart and a generous giving spirit. Her witty, fun-loving sense of humor endeared her to everyone. She cherished large family gatherings and enjoyed
many close friendships. She was gracious and refined, a lady with a confident (sometimes spunky) demeanor, a flair for style and elegance, and a legendary “Lady
Esther” creamy complexion.
She is missed by family and friends for her unconditional love and devotion, her advice and counsel, and an occasional unsolicited grammar lesson. She is remembered for leadership to the arts community in Arkansas, and a passion for reading, current affairs, attending theatre and symphony concerts, and daily commitment to exercise.
She was crowned “Dancing Queen” by her family for her lifelong love of ballroom dancing and pursuit of competitive ballroom dancing into her 70’s and 80’s.
Dena grew up in Biscoe and Conway, graduating from Conway High School (1935) and from Arkansas State Teachers College with a B.S.E. degree (1939).
In 1939, she married her husband of 36 years, Thomas L. Reynolds of El Dorado. While raising a family of five children in El Dorado, Dena‘s leadership began to nurture the arts throughout the state.
Her love for the arts began with her service to the South Arkansas Arts Center (1964-68) and the South Arkansas Fine Arts Association (1964) in El Dorado, where she was a founding board member and held executive offices of both organizations.
She was instrumental in establishing the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra in El Dorado and served on the Board (1964-1974) in numerous capacities including volunteer Executive Director and Orchestra Manager of the Symphony; and helped found the South Arkansas Symphony Guild.
After her husband’s death in 1975, Dena relocated to Little Rock in 1985 to be closer to her children.
She assumed Tom’s position on the boards of El Dorado & Wesson Railway Company, Natural Resources, and Triangle Industries.
After her move, her arts activities expanded. She was appointed to the Arkansas Arts Council by Governor David Pryor (1977) and Governor Frank White (1981). She also joined the Arkansas Community Foundation Board.
A friendship with Cliff Baker, founding artistic director, stirred her passion for The Arkansas Repertory Theatre. She joined the Board of Advisors, served on the State Board executive committee (1985-92), and helped raise $750,000 as State Development Campaign Chairman. She was featured in High Profile (1990) and received the Arts and Humanities Association Award (1992) as “most valuable nonprofessional arts supporter in Little Rock.”
She was a member of the Country Club of Little Rock and Lakewood United Methodist Church, NLR.
Dena was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Edra Faye Jones DiMassimo (Nick) and brothers, Samuel Oather Jones Jr. (Betty) and Orland D. “Buddy” Jones.
Dena is survived by her brother Stanley H. Jones (Catherine) of Little Rock; five children, Dina (Jeff) Nash of Maumelle, Margaret (Eddie) Powell of North Little Rock, Martha (Jim) Parks of Dallas, Becky (Trent) Felton of Felton, and John Reynolds of Little Rock.
She was lovingly known as DeeDee and Grandmother Dee to ten grandchildren: Allison Williams of Fayetteville; Laura (David) Marsh, Christopher (Tiffany) Haas, and Jennifer Haas of Fayetteville; James (Ashley) Parks III and Valerie (Tucker) Thomas of Dallas, Texas; Trent (Mendy) Felton and Jason (Laura Beth) Felton of Felton; Elizabeth (Christian) Chamblee of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; and Rebecca (Matt) Willis of Little Rock. Step-grandchildren include: Shannon (Tom) Smiatek of North Little Rock; and Brent (Misty) Powell of Birmingham, Ala. Other survivors include nieces and nephews: Lisa Griffith of Little Rock; Greg (Shirley) Jones of Little Rock; Doug Jones of Lexington, Va.; Jill Jones of New York, N.Y.; Tom (Stacie) Jones of Little Rock and Eugenia Jones of Little Rock, Jan ( Jeff) Fite of Oakland, Tenn.; and Cathy (Anthony) Strong, Eads, Tenn.
Her 99 year legacy includes 23 great-grandchildren: Jordan Marsh, Alex Marsh, Wesley Marsh, and David Marsh of Fayetteville; Maggie Haas, Joshua Haas, Jake Haas, Luke Haas, and Ella Grace Haas of Fayetteville; Madison Parks, Emily Thomas and Natalie Thomas of Dallas, Texas; Trent Felton III, Will Felton, and Lee Kathryn Felton, and Margaret Felton, Jane Felton and Benjamin Felton all of Felton; Morris Chamblee, Clare Chamblee and Thomas Chamblee of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; and Felton Willis and Henry Willis of Little Rock; step-great-grandchildren, Jarrod Smiatek (Xaida-daughter) and Morgan Smiatek of North Little Rock, Gracie Powell, Cy Powell, Lydia Powell, Amelia Powell and Alice Powell of Birmingham, Ala.
Dena wished to express gratitude to her closest friends who blessed and enriched her life including “adopted daughter” Celia Thompson, Dr. Daniel Felton with Little Rock Family Practice and Dr. Jeanne Wei, Director, UAMS Institute on Aging, for extraordinary and loving medical care, Celli Flores, Eleanor’s Care Giving Service, and Arkansas Hospice.
Memorials may be made to: Arkansas Rep Theatre (Save the Rep Campaign), UAMS Institute on Aging (specify UAMS Foundation Fund for Longevity Issues) in honor of Dr. Wei, South Arkansas Symphony and South Arkansas Arts Center, Lakewood United Methodist Church or Freedom 5One Ministries.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018 at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 with A Memorial Service celebrating her life to follow at 11 a.m.
Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
–––––❖––––– ROBERT WILLIAM SCROGGIN, 89, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018 in Tampa at home of natural causes. He was born April 5, 1929, in Little Rock. His parents were William Paul and Maggie Mae Howe Scroggin.
He was married 69 years to Barbara Moss Scroggin who now resides in an assisted living facility in Tampa, Fla. Their marriage was the true meaning of commitment and love. Robert served his country during the Korean War and received a Purple Heart. After fighting in the war, he returned to Arkansas to continue his employment with Southwestern Bell and was a wellknown custom homebuilder in Little Rock. In 1986 Bob retired from Southwestern Bell with over 36 years of employment.
He is survived by his son Robert William Scroggin Jr. and wife Jenny; daughter Paula Delage and husband John; seven grandchildren; sister Rosemary Martin; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his daughter, Ann Beaver. Graveside service with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Pinecrest Memorial Park and Garden in the Veterans Annex section of the park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of his wife. To sign the online guest book go to www.pinecrestmemorialpark.com.
–––––❖––––– LANCE ERIC THOMPSON (born Sgroi), age 39, of Little Rock, passed away Aug. 7, 2018 after a lengthy and intense battle with cancer.
Lance, a program analyst at FedEx, had many talents. He was known for his artistic ability, at one point producing several works of art in Memphis which sold to various art collectors. He was also known for his wry sense of humor and for his excellence in multiple areas, from managing his fish tanks, cooking from scratch, and crafting furniture as a thoughtful and productive woodworker.
Born in Louisville, Ky., in 1978, Lance grew up in Fairview Heights, Ill., and spent his high school years in Arkansas graduating from Bauxite High School, in Bauxite, Ark. Lance attended the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, for a time, then moved on to the Art Institute of Phoenix, Ariz., where he worked on computer programming, graphic design, animation, and gaming.
He returned to Arkansas to be close to his beloved son, Brady. The two of them worked on art and robotic projects, played computer games, and constructed several woodworking projects together.
Lance is survived by one son, Brady Vickers; his mother, Carol Lynn Thompson; sister, Marceline Thompson-Hayes and husband Steven C. Hayes; and brother, Andre Lloyd Thompson.
A memorial service is 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Little Rock Church, 10701 Baseline Road, Little Rock, 72209. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lance’s honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73123. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
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On August 6, 2018, the Spirit of Life departed the body of DOROTHY LOUISE ZALAKER WILLMUTH of Little Rock. She was the last survivor of the immediate family of Mary and John
Zalaker who had emigrated from Vienna, Austria, in the late 1890s.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, John Jr., Frank, twins, Paul and Peter, and Mary (Mamie), as well as her husband, Homer Neal Willmuth to whom she was married 43 years. She was also preceded in death by Punkin, her beloved golden-haired cat who was her constant companion for 15 years, and the inspiration for her award-winning love story, “The Widow and the One-Eyed Tom Cat,” acknowledged by the Massachusetts Cultural Council writing competition.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her daughter, Mary Willmuth of Little Rock, with whom she had shared her home the past 13 years, having lived in Walnut Ridge, Ark., for over 70 years before moving to Massachusetts for Mary’s care and companionship. In 2013, they moved to Little Rock to make their home after Mary retired from MassMutual Life Insurance Company.
Dorothy attended and graduated from the Walnut Ridge school system, achieving numerous honors, awards and medals, before graduating in 1942. She immediately began work as an administrative assistant with the engineers constructing the Walnut Ridge Army Base, a career spanning the war years and on, into over 45 years at the airfield with various phases of commercial activities, finally retiring in 1988 from Frit Industries. After retirement, she enjoyed hobbies of fishing, gardening, antique furniture restoration, and sewing beautiful dresses of her own design.
Private inurnment will take place at Lawrence Memorial Park, Walnut Ridge, at a later date. She had much interest in the Wings of Honor Museum at the Walnut Ridge airfield, and also the Arkansas Wine Museum in Paris, Ark. It is suggested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be considered for these museums, or Best Friends Animal Society, Box 567, Kanab, Utah 84741. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 501-224-2200. Dorothy’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Arkansas
ALEXANDER — Teddy “Ted” Mac Crews, age 62, of Alexander passed away Aug. 10, 2018.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday Aug. 15, 2018 with visitation starting at 1 p.m. at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign the online guest book and view the full obituary go to Dial & Dudley Funeral Home: Bryant, Arkansas.
–––––❖––––– ATKINS — Jackaline “Jackie” Casto, 88, of Atkins, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Lemley Chapel. Burial is in Union Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Monday, at Lemley Chapel. Online obituary and condolences are available at www. lemleyfuneral.com.
–––––❖––––– ATKINS — Charlotte Joyce Watts, 63, of Atkins, passed away Friday in Russellville. She was born April 11, 1955 in Jonesboro to Sanford and Joyce Tate.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Roller-Farmers Union. Burial is at Trinity Cemetery. Visitation is Monday 6–8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Jonesboro.
–––––❖––––– BATESVILLE — William Elvis Dugger, 95, of Batesville died Friday, Aug. 10, 2018.
Funeral services, Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Moorefield United Methodist Church. Burial, Tunstall Cemetery, Sulphur Rock. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service. Visitation, Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
–––––❖––––– BENTON — Jerry Baker, 85, of Benton, Ark., passed away on Aug. 8, 2018. He was born to Jerome and Madge Baker on April 8, 1933 in Memphis, Tenn. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Margaret Baker. Private services will be at a later date. Online guestbook: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome. com.
–––––❖––––– BRYANT — J.P. “Jasper” Bass Jr., 89, of Bryant passed away Friday, Aug. 10, 2018. He was born Oct.
7, 1928 in Pine
Bluff, Ark. where he was educated and raised by his parents
John “Preston”
Bass Sr. and Ola
Mae Millhollen
Bass who predeceased him.
He was a 1946 graduate of Pine Bluff High school where he earned a football scholarship to Arkansas A & M College (now University of Arkansas at Monticello). After sailing abroad as a crewman in the United States Merchant Marines he went on to become a UAM standout and played alongside his long-time friend and legendary coach the late Red Parker. He was chosen as the All-AIC Captain of the 1953 Boll Weevils and led them to their first ever conference Championship playing true ironman football every game. He most notably stepped up during the game as a lineman to kick an at the time record setting field goal to beat Delta State in the closing seconds propelling the Boll Weevils to the Championship game. Honoring the 1953 team’s conference Championship victory, the then-governor Francis Cherry directed the 1954 Arkansas license plate to be green and white for the only time in state history. In 2003 he was recognized at halftime of the UAM homecoming game marking the 50th Anniversary of that team’s milestone achievement in school history.
In 1957 he met and went on to marry his wife Betty and together raised two children. He went to work for the Cotton Belt Railroad in 1965 where he was an engineer. While working for the Cotton Belt he also opened the Muffler King muffler shop which he owned for over 40 years until closing for retirement. He and Betty also owned and operated Banks Jewelry Store which was a downtown Pine Bluff landmark business for many years.
Though encased by a solid and powerful exterior, he carried a very soft and special place in his heart for kids. He coached Little Pig football for many years at the Seabrook Youth Center (Boys Club) impacting the lives and opening his home to hundreds of boys. He and Betty opened their home to a number of foster children for several years. He was a lifelong contributor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff and recently renewed his faith in God.
He is survived by his devoted wife Betty of Bryant, daughter Lisa of Bryant, son Preston of Little Rock and four grandchildren Beth, Thomas, Presleigh and John Preston whom he lived daily for.
There is no specified time for visitation but viewing will be arranged by Fuller Hale South Funeral Home in Pine Bluff. Graveside services will be open to all at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Pine Bluff.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The Bass family owes an immeasurable amount of heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Omar Atiq and staff of the Arkansas Cancer Institute in Pine Bluff, Arkansas Hospice in-home staff and the ladies at the Arkansas Hospice Ottenheimer In-Patient Center for whom each lengthened and gave quality to his life.
Online condolences: www.fullerfunerals.com.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Roland Robinson, 98, of Cabot, Ark., went to be with the Lord on Aug. 8, 2018. He was born on April 15, 1920, in Floyd, Arkansas, and later moved to Beebe.
He married Ida Mae Helderman in 1939, before shipping off to serve with the Army in WWII. Roland served in China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. He was awarded four Bronze Combat Stars for actions against Japanese forces in Burma.
After returning to the States, Roland found work with USPS and later with the General Services Administration. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing.
Roland is preceded in death by his wife Ida; parents, Hobert and Pearly Jewel Robinson; two sons, Curtis and Wendell Earl; five brothers, Douglas, James, Horace, Dewey, Bobby; and one sister, Velma Bostic.
He is survived by son Dale (Angie) Robinson of Bryant; grandson Tony (Mary) Robinson of Conway; two great-grandchildren Cade and Cole; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock, Ark. 72203. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Antioch Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.smithfamilycares.com.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Jerline C. Weidemann (Jerri) of Cabot, Ark., went home to the Lord on
Friday, Aug. 10,
2018.
She was preceded in death by her parents,
Faris and Grace
Utley, two sisters,
Jewell Seymore and Doris Davis.
She is survived by her daughter,
Robin Lancaster (Trey Garwick) and grandson, Kaine Lancaster. Her brothers, Bob Utley (Annette), Ben Utley (Barbara), Bernie Utley and sister, Gail Wilson (Jerry). A host of nieces and nephews and her Yorkie, Sassy.
Jerri moved to Cabot from Little Rock in 1995 after working at JC Penney for 26 years. She never met a stranger and enjoyed working at The Furniture Store where she was employed for the past 23 years. Jerri would often say, “Going to work at The Furniture Store was the best thing I ever did.” It was there she met her best friend, Cyndi McElmurry.
She loved shopping and fishing and in her younger years it would have been a toss-up as to which one she loved more.
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So, He put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to me.” A golden heart stopped beating hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main St., Jacksonville, Ark.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 301 Pine St., Cabot, Ark., with burial to follow at Dunkard Cemetery, Austin, Ark.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Ark.
Her online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– COLLINS — Elmer David Paris, age 64, of Collins passed away Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018 at his home. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Rash Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Sunday night at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman. com.
–––––❖––––– CONWAY — John W. Ratliff passed away on Friday, Aug. 10, 2018 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on Oct.
30, 1927 in Alicia,
Ark., and grew up in Strawberry, Ark. He is survived by his wife of 71 years,
Sue; two sons,
Danny Ratliff
(Sherry) and Mark Ratliff (Melissa); four grandchildren, Natalie Rawls (Chad), Stephanie Johnston (Steve), Blake Ratliff (Anna), and Katelyn Digby (Beau); five great-grandchildren, Audrey and Collier Rawls, Kale and Cameron Johnston, and Sutton Ratliff; one brother, Wes Ratliff (Clara); one sister, Freedia Coke; and lots of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents C.W. and Myrtle Ratliff; one brother, Roland; and three sisters, Ruth, Vera and Jean.
John worked as a Store Manager for Sterling Stores for 49 years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Conway. The family would like to thank Reba Owens; caregivers, Sherri DeLong and Nikki Sutton; as well as all the staff of Kindred Hospice in Conway.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018 at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Conway.
The Ratliff family request that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church Youth Ministry or Kindred Hospice.
–––––❖––––– CROSSETT — Joseph “Joey” Parks, 38, of Crossett, died Aug. 9, at home. Funeral Service 3 p.m., Aug. 12, Rolfe Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, Crossett. Visitation 2-3 p.m., at the church, prior to the service. For full obituary, go to meddersfuneralhome.com or call (870) 364-6171. “Celebrating Life.”
–––––❖––––– DeWITT — Gabrielle Maier, 11, died Aug. 9. She is survived by her parents Dwain and Tammy Maier and siblings. Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Aug. 12 at Essex Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Aug. 13 at the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn with burial in Thompson Cemetery. www.essexfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– FLIPPIN — Funeral services for Melba “Gay” Ruth Bidwell, 91, of Flippin, Ark., were Aug. 3, at the First Baptist Church of Flippin, Ark. Gay died July 31, 2018. Survived by husband, John. Burial was in the Flippin Cemetery. Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral Home - Bull Shoals, Ark. www.kirbyandfamily.com.
–––––❖–––––
FORT SMITH — Johnnie Mack Ragains, 77, of Fort Smith, Ark., passed away on Thursday, Aug. 9,
2018 at his home.
He is survived by his wife, Gail, of the home, and his dog, Pepper; his four daughters, Jennifer and husband, Kip Ledbetter, Kellee Ragains and husband, Mike Werthmuller of Fort Smith, Calli and husband Chris Landes, of Edmond, Okla., Priscilla and husband, Dustin Gober of Benton, Ark.; one son, Blake Ragains and wife, Mary Ellen of Chester, Utah; and one step-son Jayme Wooden and wife, Erin of Fort Smith. He is also survived by his brother, Don Ragains and wife, Darlene; sisterin-law, Judy Ragains; sister-in-law, Coleen Ragains; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Wayne and Linda Phillips; and brother-in-law, John Mask. He was a wonderful Papa to his 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank Edward and Alta Lucille (Gatewood) Ragains, and two brothers, James Ragains and Jack Ragains.
John has accomplishments too numerous to list. He was an entrepreneur, innovator, and truly a self-made man. John worked his way up from shoe salesman to owner of Paul’s Pawn Shop, which eventually expanded to a second location. He established Rooster’s Blues Bar, one of the original night life destinations on Garrison Ave. He was a proud lifetime member of both the NRA and the Fort Smith Gun Club. When he finally “retired” to the small community of Cecil, Ark., it wasn’t long until he was on to the next big project, Johnny Mac’s Rockin’ Rooster, which he established with his wife, Gail. John was a visionary and had a talent for seeing the possibilities and the hidden potential in places and in people. He was absolutely a successful and accomplished businessman, but this is not his legacy. He is so much more.
“Big John” was larger than life and his magnetic personality would draw people into his orbit. He never judged anyone based on their station in life. He treated everyone equally and with respect. He lived life his own way and to the absolute fullest. If you were lucky enough to be this man’s friend then you know how loyal, funny, and generous he could be.
He could not have been a greater example to his children. He was fearless and confident in every venture he pursued. He never doubted his own success and relentlessly worked to overcome any challenge life presented. He was adored by so many people. His love for his family was all encompassing and you felt every bit of his warmth when his light was shining on you. We, his friends and family, must keep that light alive through our mutual love for this amazing man. He is irreplaceable and there will never be another.
John’s Committal service will be 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2018 at St. John’s Episcopal Church Columbarium with Inurnment to follow. His Celebration of Life Service will follow the Committal service at the Fort Smith River Park at 121 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Fentress Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Diabetes Association – Northwest/River Valley, 1732 Moberly Lane Suite B, Bentonville, Ark. 72712, or online at www.diabetes.org; Hope Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Hwy, Fort Smith, Ark. 72904, or online at https://hopehumanesociety.com/; or the charity of your choice.
To sign the online guestbook please visit www.fentressmortuary.com.
–––––❖––––– FULTON — Funeral for Danny Gilbert, age 68 of Fulton, 2 p.m. Sunday, August 12, 2018 at Old Liberty Church in Fulton, visitation one hour before service with Bro. Charles Hawley officiating. Burial Westmoreland Cemetery. Arrangements Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online registry: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– HAVANA — Lige William Benson, 85, of Havana, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Aug.
7, 2018. He was born Aug. 19,
1932, in Roland,
Ark., to Robert and Bertha Benson. He is survived by his wife, Samantha Benson; son, Buddy
Benson (Monika); daughter, Lynn
Ghidotti (Charles); three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018, at Kennerly Cemetery in Roland, Ark. Online registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
––––– –––––
HOT SPRINGS — Sharon Kay McCuan passed❖away peacefully at the age of 60 on Friday, August
10, 2018 at National Park Medical Center in Hot
Springs. She was born September
15, 1957 to Melville and Lucille
Kinney.
She graduated from North Little
Rock Northeast High School in 1975, and earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Arkansas Tech University in 1979. In 1982 she began working as a driver at UPS in Searcy, one of only a few women in the company to do so at the time. She would go on to become a Center Manager, loved and respected by those she worked with, and retired in 2012. Kay loved to travel, loved to cook, and loved to laugh. She could always find the humor when it was hardest to. To her nieces and nephews she was Aunt Kay, to her employees “Momma,” and to everyone who knew her, a fun, loving, strong woman.
She is survived by her husband Rodger, son Colton, brother Reggie, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe on Saturday, August 18 at 2 p.m.
The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.
–––––❖–––––
HOT SPRINGS — Kyle Edgar Ming of Hot Springs, passed away at the age of 25.
Son of Les and
Shellie Ming, born on Dec.
30, 1992 in Little
Rock. Celebration of life will be held at Centerpoint
Church, 20383
1-30 Benton, Ark.
72015, Aug. 14,
2018 at 10 a.m.
Online guestbook, visit www. dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– JONESBORO — Gertie Imogene Bearden, of Jonesboro, passed away Friday, August 10, 2018.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Sunday at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Interment will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. until time of service.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Jonesboro.
–––––❖––––– JUDSONIA — Jimmy Dewayne McLaughlin of Judsonia, Ark., passed away Aug. 10, 2018, in Searcy at the age of 83.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, at 2 p.m., at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home Chapel in Searcy, with interment at White County Memorial Gardens. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy.
–––––❖––––– McRAE — Donna Novarese, 70, of McRae, Ark., passed away Aug. 10, 2018. Family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Tuesday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe, with funeral to follow at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Weir Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.smithfamilycares.com.
–––––❖––––– McRAE — Tina Marie Owens, 61, of McRae, Ark., went to be with the Lord Aug. 10,
2018. Survivors include her husband, Charles; two daughters,
Kelly and Brenda; one son, Chuckie; three brothers; seven grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. Her ashes will be entombed in Meadowbrook Mausoleum. Westbrook@SmthFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– MIDWAY — Services for Robbie Dean Terry of Midway, Ark., will be private. Robbie died July 29, 2018, at his residence, in Midway, at the age of 54. Survived by his mother, Syble Johnson; children, Misty Walker, Waylon Terry and Robbie Terry. Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily.com.
–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — A memorial service for Barbara Joan Mavis, 95, of Mountain Home, Ark., was Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018, at Mountain Home Bible Church. Barbara died July 29, 2018. Survived by daughters, Heather Fitzmaurice and Joyce Beth Courtney. Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily.com.
–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Graveside services for Barbara Tennison, 75, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, will be 11 a.m. August 15, at Park Lawn Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri. Barbara passed away August 9, 2018. Barbara is survived by her husband, Gary; daughters; and extended family. Kirby and Family Funeral Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas www.kirbyandfamily. com.
–––––❖–––––
PINE BLUFF — Benny Lee Clark, age 77, of Pine Bluff died in peace on Aug. 5, 2018. A memorial gathering will be Tuesday Aug. 14, 2018, beginning at 6 p.m., at Fuller HaleSouth Funeral Chapel. Memorials may take the form of contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
–––––❖–––––
PINE BLUFF — Dr. Douglas Wayne Divine, age 88, of Pine Bluff, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, August 8, 2018.
Born July 15, 1930, in the Sulphur Springs Community, he was the son of Fred Douglas Divine and Winnie Watson Divine.
A graduate of Pine Bluff High School, Wayne attended Arkansas A&M before joining the Unit-
ed States Navy during the Korean Conflict. After his discharge from the military he went on to finish his bachelor’s degree, graduating in 1957 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.
He worked in the petroleum industry for a while before accepting the position of Mathematics instructor and assistant basketball coach for the Watson Chapel School District.
Wayne was a true believer in the importance of education, practiced what he preached and through hard work and determination eventually earning a Doctorate in Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 1972.
He served as Assistant Superintendent for the Watson Chapel School District from 1974 to 1979, when he became the Dean of Continuing Education at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
He retired in 1993 after 32 years in education.
He was a proud member of First Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon and taught the Median Adult Men’s Class for over 20 years.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Jo Ann Harper Divine; and a sister, Maureen Divine Work.
Dr. Divine is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Becky Granderson Divine; daughters, Joye Lynn Divine (Jack), and Kellye Maureen Divine; stepdaughters, Amber Thompson (Kevin) and Jennifer Nail (Rick); grandchildren, Jade Cooper, Kaleigh Horton, Joye Miller, Allison Morphew and Leah Thompson; great-grandchildren, Harper, Thomas and Josie; and many other loving family and friends.
Memorial services will be Monday, August 13th, two o’clock in the afternoon at First Baptist Church with Reverend Kenneth Thornton and Brother Steve Monk officiating.
Interment will follow in Fitzhugh Cemetery by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services.
Visitation will precede services at the church beginning at 1 p.m.
Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
–––––❖––––– POTTSVILLE — John Midwell, 69, Pottsville, died Friday. He was born on Sept. 1, 1948, in Lepanto, to Coy and Verlie Wolf Midwell. All services are private with arrangements by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.
Burial will be private in Pisgah Cemetery.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
–––––❖––––– PRESCOTT — Mary Margaret Ellis, 84, formerly of Emmet, died Aug. 10, 2018, in Prescott, Ark.
Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12 at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home in Prescott, Ark.
Services are 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 at Harmony United Methodist Church.
Burial in Harmony Cemetery under direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Prescott.
–––––❖––––– SCOTT — Jerry Wayne Nugent, 69, of Scott, passed away peacefully on Aug. 6, 2018. He is survived by his wife Mildred of the home, and his daughter, Sarita Carver (Jim) of Keo. Funeral service will be Monday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m., at Wilson Robison Funeral Home of England, who will also be in charge of the arrangements.
–––––❖––––– SNYDER — A.B. Nelms, 79, of Snyder, died Friday, Aug. 10, 2018. Funeral service: 10 a.m. Monday, Fellowship Baptist Church with burial in Greene Cemetery. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg, Ark. Online guestbook at www.jones-hartshorn.com.
–––––❖–––––
STAR CITY — Helen Marie Martin, 104, of Star City died Friday. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calvary Assembly of God Church. Bro. Jim Babcock and Farrell Kendrick officiating. Visitation is 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Burial at Trinity Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.
Out-of-state
PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Deborah Kimberlain, 65, of Pikeville, Ky., died on Aug. 10, 2018. She is survived by her husband, Nathan Kimberlain; daughter, Jillian Kimberlain; grandson, Edward Kimberlain; and brother, Paul Damron. No local services scheduled.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Debbie’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Jennifer Denise Wyatt Glover, 37, passed away Aug. 4, 2018. She was born Feb. 14, 1981, to Don and Teresa Wyatt of Des Arc.
She is survived by her significant other William (Bill) Owens, Poplar Bluff, Mo.; daughter Alissa Doreen Glover, Elko, Minn.; son Hayden Blaine Owens, step-sons Nick and Billie Owens, all of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; parents Don Wyatt, Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Teresa (Chuck) Hanson, Des Arc; brothers Eddie (Judy) Kemp, Alamogordo, N.M., and Cory Wyatt, Des Arc; and a host of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 18, 2018, 2 p.m., at the Church of God of Prophecy, 10th and Curran, Des Arc, Ark.
–––––❖–––––
ST. LOUIS — James Blackmon, 35, of St. Louis, Missouri, departed this life July 31. He leaves to cherish his memory with his wife, parents and other relatives. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 East Broadway, North Little Rock, Ark. 72117, (501) 374-0111. “A Service You Can Trust”.
–––––❖––––– BELLVILLE, Texas — C.L. Roy, loving husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather passed away on
Aug. 8, 2018, at the age of 80.
C.L. was born in DeWitt, Ark., on March 2,
1938. He graduated as valedictorian from
DeWitt High
School and attended college at the University of Arkansas. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and was a member of Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society) and Theta Tau Fraternity. After graduation, he accepted an engineering position in Wrightsville Beach, N.C., where he would meet his soon to be wife of 53 years, Anne Roy. While in North Carolina, C.L. became a Freemason at St. John’s Lodge No.1 AF & AM in Wilmington and achieved the rank of Master Mason after 50+ years of active membership.
C.L. and Anne married in 1965 and moved to Houston, Texas, just 3 years later. They settled in the North Shore area, where they would live for 36 years and raise their family. C.L. began his career with Merichem Chemical Company in 1968 as a staff engineer and retired in 2003 as President of Merisol USA. C.L. and Anne spent their retirement years as residents of Bellville, Texas, and enjoyed their getaway spot on Lake Travis, in the Austin, Texas, area, as often as possible. C.L.’s desire to serve his community was paramount throughout his life with membership in numerous organizations such as:
• North Shore Rotary Club (President 1978 -1979)
• North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce (President 1983, Paul Harris Fellow Award 1982)
• East Harris County Manufacturers Association (Chairman 1987-1988)
• San Jacinto College Foundation, Board of Directors
• First State Bank & Trust, Board of Directors
• Harris County Water District No. 36, Board of Directors
• North Channel Emergency Medical Service (President 19841985, 1988)
• Bellville Lion’s Club (Lion of the Year 2009-2010)
• Bellville Economic Development Corporation, Board of Directors
C.L. always looked forward to lunches with Bellville’s ROMEOs (Retired Old Men Eating Out) group; as well as golf and travel. He was an avid reader of books about history, art, and science. He kept his dry wit sharp with a small library of joke books which he would mark and categorize so that he was sure to get just the right joke or pun for every occasion. C.L. led by his actions and deeds; seldom accused of being overly verbose. His life will be remembered by all as one built on a foundation of integrity, fairness and service to others.
C.L. is survived by his wife Anne; his daughter, Karla Lyde, and her husband, Glen Lyde; his son, Brett Roy and his wife, Stacey Roy; his grandchildren Dane Roy and Madison Lyde. C.L. is preceded in death by his parents Louis and Ida Belle Knowlton, and sister, Nye Meiner.
The family would like to extend special appreciation to the caregivers that gave so much to C.L.’s comfort during his illness. Those included are Sunday Kennedy, Sonya Cerda, Susie Lindberg, Mary Juarez, Tammy Reese and the College Station Hospice organization.
Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Bellville United Methodist Church, 234 S Masonic St., Bellville, Texas 77418.
In lieu of flowers, donations are respectfully requested to be made to Bellville United Methodist Church, P.O Box 188, Bellville, Texas 77418.
–––––❖––––– HUFFMAN, Texas — Funeral for Arlee Richard Taylor, 84, formerly of Blevins, Ark., 10 a.m. Monday Aug. 13, 2018, at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home with Bro. Ed Woods officiating. Burial Union Grove Cemetery. Visitation 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12, 2018, at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home. Arrangements Brazzel/ Cornish The Funeral Home. Online guest registry: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– LEESBURG, Va. — Ann Engelberger died in Leesburg, Va., on Aug. 8, 2018. She was a graduate of Havana (Yell) High School, Arkansas Tech with a biology degree, and Boston University with Master’s Degree in education. While at Arkansas Tech, she was member of Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities, and was invited to the Olympic basketball team tryouts.
After graduating from Arkansas Tech, Ann worked as a microbiologist for the Arkansas State Health Department, followed by 34 years as a microbiologist and environmental protection specialist with the Department of Defense in three states, Germany, and the National Capitol Region, where she worked at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the Pentagon.
Ann is survived by her husband, Chuck; two sons, Charles (Kara) of Atlanta, Ga., and John (Nancy) of Leesburg; four grandchildren, Karson, Logan, Clarie, and John Jr. (J.J.); one brother, Jeff Welch of Jacksonville; two sisters, Caroline (Rodney) Kestner of Fayetteville, and Becky (Rich) Doncer of North Little Rock. She was preceded in her death by her parents, J. D. and Evelyn Butler Welch.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Aug. 14, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Leesburg, Va. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 62 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105. –––––❖––––– WATERTOWN, Wis. — James “Tom” Glasgow, age 88, of Watertown, Wisconsin, died August 9.
Funeral service 2 p.m. Monday, August 13, at Union Hill Baptist Church. Burial Union Hill Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation is 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Monday, August 13, at Union Hill Baptist Church. Online guest register www. frazerfuneralhome.com.