Pulaski County

BARRON ANDREY ADAMS, 51, of Little Rock, was granted his angel wings on

July 3, 2019. He leaves to cherish his memory brothers, Freddie Adams, Raymond Adams, Henry Adams, Dennis Adams, Ricky Adams and Orson Adams; sisters, Ruth McDaniel, Wilma Marshall, Odessa Adams and Rosie Boyd; a host of nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral Service 11 a.m. Friday at Greater Trinity COGIC, 2400 Wright Ave LR. Visitation one hour prior to service. Services entrusted to Paradise Funeral Home of Little Rock 206 S. Cross St. LR, AR (501)372-2200 www.paradisefhlittlerock.com. “Because There Is A Difference”

–––––❖––––– SANDRA ANN BANKS-YOUNG, 73, of Little Rock, went to join her Lord and Savior on July 3, 2019. She leaves to mourn and cherish her memories: her loving husband, Clarence; daughters, Mechelle (Jason) Bonnick and Nakia Young; grandchildren, Jason Bonnick Jr.,

Latoya Bonnick and Terrica (David) Gordon; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Betty Braswell, Mildred Bealer and Shirley Guest; brothers, Ulysses (Dorothy) Banks, Lawrence (Irene) Banks, Arthur (Lawanna) Banks and Donald (Carmen) Banks; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation will be held July 11, 2019, 2-4 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305. There will also be a visitation at 10 a.m. at the church, before the Funeral Service, which will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019, at Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, 600 East 24th Street, Little Rock, Ark. Burial will be at the Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, Ark.

–––––❖––––– ALBERTA DELORES BLANKS, 70, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life July 9, 2019. She was preceded in death by her parents: Rev. Leroy and Leola Thompson Kelly. She leaves to cherish her memory; her loving husband John Wesley Blanks; children:

Gary Blanks (Cassandra), Vickie Winder (James Reginald), Sandra Nichols (Gregory), Angela Blanks, Tonya Kelly (Darwin), Faye Harris and Jackie Harris; siblings: Clyde (Shapan) Kelly, Kenneth (Sheila) Kelly, Elizabeth Beasley, Jeanette (Ernest) Leverett, Joyce (Robert) Lewis, Fredia Cummings, Gwendolyn Jones; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, and other relatives and friends.

Life Celebration: Saturday, 11 a.m. at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church 3725 Highway 161 North Little Rock, Rev. Delton Boyd officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, LR, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”

–––––❖––––– TONY JEROME BRASWELL SR., 35, of Little Rock, Funeral Services, 6 p.m., Friday, July 12, 2019,

Hubble Memorial Chapel. Visitation 1-5 p.m.,

Friday. Funeral Services entrusted to Hubble Funeral Home (501) 374-3134. “Serving you with professional care since 1900” www.hubblefuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– NORMA JEAN HARVEY, age 87, of North Little Rock, passed away July 9, 2019.

She was born September 11, 1931, in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, to Walter and Flossie Cummings. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray C. Harvey Sr.; and three brothers, Norman Cummings, Wesley Cummings and Herman Cummings. Norma was an accountant and enjoyed hiking. She was a member of Levy Baptist Church.

She is survived by two sons, Ray C. Harvey Jr. and wife, Julia, of North Little Rock and Joseph P. Harvey and wife, Beverly, of North Carolina; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, July 12, at 9 a.m. with services at 10 a.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. To share a memory of Norma with her family visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

–––––❖––––– NANCY LYNN STRALEY LEDBETTER, age 61, left this life June 24, 2019, at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born September 2, 1957, in Quincy,

Illinois, to Keith Randolph Straley and Helen Cudney Straley. She graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville with a B.A. in English in 1979 and earned a M.B.A. from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1983.

Nancy devoted her career to public service, working as an instructor, researcher, and administrator at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. She later became Chief of Communications at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, at the time the highest position ever occupied by a woman in the agency. She spearheaded the AGFC license plate project and the AGFC 100th Anniversary project before retiring in 2017. She was incredibly proud of that award winning team and the impactful work they did together.

Nancy was committed to the community and served on the board of the Hillcrest Resident’s Association, in support of her beloved neighborhood. She was involved in countless political issues and campaigns through the years. She was proud to be one of the founders of Little Rock’s first dog park and the annual dog swim at War Memorial. She was a faithful friend to the animals - she’d always turn around to pick up a dog on the side of the road, no matter where she was headed.

Nancy was a “bon vivant” who celebrated life every day and loved to travel, always planning the next adventure, in meticulous detail. She took great pleasure in sharing her books, her recipes, starts from her garden, a favorite wine or new restaurant. A competitive swimmer in high school, she was in or on the water throughout her entire life: windsurfing, sailing, skiing, paddling or just enjoying her “Life on the Lake.” Whether she was biking, hiking, in the yoga studio, or on her daily walks, she crafted her life carefully, she lived it deliberately, and she purposefully spent her time with the people she loved most.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents and her uncle, Louis Clark Straley of Los Angles, Calif. She is survived by her partner, Dr. Douglas Layman, of Lynchburg, Tennessee; his family; many cousins; and Hank, her loyal rescue puppy. Nancy is also survived by her family of devoted friends, along with their children and grandchildren, many of whom knew her as “Aunt Nancy” or “Little Nancy.”

She loved not only by word, but in deed and if Nancy loved you, you knew it! She will be dearly missed by all in Little Rock, Lynchburg and elsewhere.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 13, 2019 from 2-3 p.m., at Hillcrest Hall, 1501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock. A gathering will follow at So Restaurant, 3610 Kavanaugh from 3-5 p.m. Memorials can be made to Out of the Woods Animal Rescue, the Arkansas Public Policy Panel, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear.” — Helen Keller.

–––––❖––––– WILLADEAN “DEAN” BRANDON MACKEY, aka Gram, 87, of Little Rock, passed away on July 7th, 2019 following a short illness. She was born to Joseph

Henry Brandon and Grace Viola Brandon of Campbell, Mo. on May 22, 1932.

She was married for 67 years to

Marcus “Gene” Mackey, who passed away on January 8, 2019. Living in multiple states during Gene’s military career, they settled in Little Rock in 1961. They resided primarily in Cammack Village, where she owned a beauty shop behind their Englewood home, retiring at age 78.

She is survived by her children Terryl Mackey, M.D., of Johnstown, Pa. and Mark Mackey of Little Rock, Ark. as well as her grandchildren (great grandchildren), Lauren Licatino (Owen, Henry, Cora Rose – due to arrive next week) of Rochester, Minn., P. Logan Weygandt of Baltimore, Md., Terryn Lawrence (Evelyn, Clara) of Minneapolis, Minn., Nicole Mackey Fijman of Utica, Miss. and Jared Mackey of Little Rock, Ark.

Her greatest joy in life was being with her family. When family and friends were asked about her most endearing qualities, they offered the following: “Constantly exhibited an exuberant smile.” “When she smiled, you could almost feel her wrapping her arms around you!” “No matter the situation, her demeanor was always upbeat and witty.” “She never met a stranger in or out of her beautician’s chair.” “She was a woman of quiet faith and dignity and loved all people for who they were.” “She was soft of skin, soft in demeanor, but incredibly strong of character.” “It really sums it up that she lived in Grace.”

A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72204. The family hopes to meet and greet her friends. Attire is casual. Griffin Leggett provides an opportunity to share memories, condolences, support or humor on their website https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/little-rock-ar/willadean-mackey-8771376.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in her name to Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (website: http://www.alzark.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (website: https://www.alz.org/).

–––––❖––––– LILLIAN MERLE MADDEN, 93, of Little Rock, passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019. She was born October 24, 1925, in Ulm, Arkansas, the daughter of the late, Henry Franklin and Bertha Marie Brechtel. She is preceded in death by her husband, Eddley Madden and her parents. A Graveside Service will be held, 10 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2019 at Upper Spring Creek Cemetery at Danville, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 11, at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 I 30, Little Rock, Ark., 72209. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

–––––❖––––– STEVEN RAY SANDEN, 57, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed from this life on July 8, 2019. He was born in Van Nuys, California on November 6, 1961 to the late Ronald and Rita Sanden. Steven served proudly in the United States Army, enjoyed building things, playing games but most of all he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 18 years Laura Sanden; children William Craton (Denise), Aaron Craton (Joann), Jennifer Nieves (Harry); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings Gary Sanden (Susan), Bobby Sanden (Kathy), Dennis Sanden (Kim), Ronnie Sanden (Lisa), Leslie Shanklin (Carol); mother-in-law Alberta Manning and a host of other family and friends. Steve is also preceded in death by his father-in-law Stanley Manning and sister-in-law Trisha Manning.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 11:00am at First Baptist Church in Cabot, Arkansas. His online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– ROBERT HARRY SMITH, 88 of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed from this life on July 9, 2019. He was born on February 21, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Harry B and Ella Anna Smith.

Robert retired from the United States Air Force; retired from the State of Arkansas as a purchasing agent; volunteered ten years with Care Channel; helped with mission work building homes in Mexico and was a founding member of the ASMBA Insurance Company for pilots.

Robert is also preceded in death by his sisters Melba Smith and Helen Woerheide and his step-son Drew Krehbiel. He leaves behind his loving wife of over 60 years, Treva Smith; children Rhonda Phillips and Todd Krehbiel (Terri); grandchildren, Koy Phillips, Branden Phillips, Cody Krehbiel (Sarah); great-grandchildren Kaiden Krehbiel, Kaci Krehbiel, Charlie Phillips and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas with funeral services to follow on Friday, July, 12, 2019 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Vilonia Cemetery in Vilonia, Arkansas. His online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– EDNA MAY THIRION nee Davis, 94, of North Little Rock, died peacefully Monday, July 8, 2019, with family at her side. Edna was born in Los Angeles, California, to Edgar and May Davis. She was married to Emile “Booster” Thirion for 64 years. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, her brothers Roy and Leo Davis and sister Phyllis Kettner and great-granddaughter Braylee Michelle.

Edna is survived by her ten children: Linda Gatewood, Mary Johnson, Jean Hughes, Doris McAllister (Robby), Michael Thirion (Michawn), Mark Thirion (Liz), Emily Thirion-Lacy, Theresa Johnson (Craig), Leah Williams (Larry), and Jane Nolan (Brian). She has 25 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Edna attended Los Angeles City College and later nursing school in San Diego. At an American Legion Dance with her family, she met a young U.S. Marine, married and moved to North Little Rock. In addition to being a wife, she was a homemaker and Mother. She loved caring for her children and grandchildren. Edna loved to read and ingrained this desire to read in her children. While making dinner she encouraged her children to read out loud at the kitchen table. She was active in their education; assisting with spelling words, science fair projects and shuttling her children to sports activities, dance and music lessons, scouts and a variety of other activities. It was important to her for her children to be well rounded. Edna enjoyed swimming and passed that love on to her children. The family spent many summer days at the lake swimming and fishing. She had a passion for sewing, knitting and crochet. She found comfort in being outdoors and you could find her sitting in the backyard swing her husband built for her. She enjoyed time gardening and passed those skills on as a legacy, watching her children and grandchildren build beautiful vegetable gardens and landscapes. She loved watching and listening to the songbirds; robins and cardinals were her favorite.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Easter Seals of Arkansas. Visitation will be Saturday, July 13, at 9 am with Memorial Services at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. To share a memory of Edna with the family visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

–––––❖––––– OLETA THOMPSON, 94, of Little Rock, died July 3, 2019 in Portland, Texas.

She was born December 6, 1924 in Greenbrier, Arkansas, the daughter of Sampson and Lavada Smith Grimmett. She was a member of Mabelvale Church of Christ and was a graduate of North Little Rock High School class of 1942.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Glen M. Thompson; her parents; brothers, Lloyd Grimmett and Farrell Grimmett; grandson, Jake H. Thompson; niece Brenda Grimmett. She is survived by her sons, Gary G. Thompson (Ann) of Portland, Texas, and Wendell C. Thompson (Missy) of Little Rock; grandchildren: Heather Thompson of McAllen, Texas, Garrison Thompson (Cassidy) of Little Rock, Callie Sullivan (Kyle) of Little Rock, Caleb Thompson (Abby) of Little Rock; nieces: Marilyn Leopard (Bill) of Sherwood, Arkansas, and Barbara Blount (Tom).

Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday, July 12, 2019 at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Little Rock, Arkansas with Dennis Gulledge officiating. Memorials may be made to Southern Christian Home, Morrilton, Arkansas or Children’s Homes, Inc., Paragould, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook, click “Add A Memory” at: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.