Pulaski County
JERALD MURPHY BARNETT, 85, passed away at 4 p.m. on August 4, 2019. He died peacefully with his children and his caregiver present after several years with dementia. Jerald was born in St. Joe, Arkansas to Jana and Carl Barnett in 1933.
He moved to Harrison in junior high school. He loved to hunt, fish and play sports. While in high school he played football, basketball and golf, as well as guided float trips on the Buffalo River. He was recruited to play basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks, where he was a 3 year captain, All Southwest Conference guard that led the Hogs in scoring two out of his three years. Sometime after 1970 Jerald would be inducted into the Arkansas Razorback Basketball Hall of Fame.
In 1956, he married his college sweetheart, Sonya Ann McClure. They moved to Little Rock and had four kids over the next seven years. Jerald began to shine in business during that period. He entered the insurance business and partnered with three others to start an insurance firm.
A few years later he became a partner in National Holding Company, which invested in sev-
eral successful ventures, including the waste disposal business with several locations around the country. They operated other businesses as well including Concrete Redi mix, Vocational Technical Education, Mobile Home manufacturing and operated some forty other businesses throughout the United States; with the help of his assistant of forty years, Suzette Goodman.
As an avid golfer at the Maroon Creek Club in Aspen, he formed a group of fellow golfers to purchase the club and create what it is today. Throughout his life, Jerald was honing his golf talents. In 1967, he would win the inaugural Arkansas State Match Play Championship. He loved to play Four Ball tournaments throughout the state and won many with various playing partners. He followed up his first win in the State Match Play Championship with another in 1969. He also was elected to the board of the Arkansas State Golf Association where served as President for two terms. In October of this year he will be inducted into the Arkansas Golf Hall of Fame.
Jerald began to travel in the 70’s and found a passion for the Rockies. He and a friend started with a house in Jackson Hole where he would take his kids to ski and ride snowmobiles. He truly loved the mountains and would eventually relocate to Aspen, which became his home away from Arkansas.
During this time he moved on to businesses with his children, Jerald Jr., Brett, Lacy, and Bart. He was a great teacher, was always caring and genuinely interested in their lives and he ventured into the ladies clothing business, the outdoor sports industry, more vocational technical schools, and the auto auction industry.
In the late 80’s and 90’s Jerald could be found in the summers in Aspen. In the winters he would be hunting quail in Texas with his good friends.
Most importantly, Jerald was a great father. He helped all of his kids get into business and provide for their families. Jerald Barnett had amazing charisma and people were drawn to him. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He never quit being happy while he was on this earth. He always found a way. His legacy will always be the love he gave to his children and his amazing resilience throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jana and Carl Barnett, and Sonya Gunn. He is survived by his children, Jerald Murphy Barnett, Jr. and wife, Barbara, Gary Bret Barnett, Lacy Ann Fyrwald and husband, Ernie, William Bartley Barnett and wife, Anne; his grandchildren, Ben Barnett, Blake Barnett, Colter Barnett, Gage Barnett, Wyatt Barnett, Ryder Fyrwald, Gentry Fyrwald, Murphy Fyrwald, Carly Fyrwald, Sonya Barnett, and Blu Barnett.
Special thanks to Bud Grisham, Mike McCoy, and Jay Lawrence, Marsha Leboy, Rico, Louis, and Queenie. Services will be Wednesday, August 7 at 10 a.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Jay Clark. A reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Ste 310, Wellesley Hills, Mass. 02481. Or donate online curealz.org.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Jerald’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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DAVID CRANFORD, 62, of Little Rock passed away Saturday, August 3, 2019. Services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Little Rock Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, August 6th at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Full obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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CANDACE HENDRIX, 66, of North Little Rock passed away on August 2, 2019. Memorial services will be on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at 1 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. Her online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
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MARY LUCILLE (EPPERSON) HOUSE, 92, of North Little Rock passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019. She was born October 16, 1926 to William and Josephine Cates. She grew up in England, Arkansas and spent her adult life in North Little Rock, retired from Chicopee, then went on to be a caregiver. Mary was a member of Cornerstone Assembly of God Church.
Mary is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Jergins and Pam France; grandchildren, Nikki Smith, Chris Spradlin (Catherine), Jeff Smith (Courtnie), and Brad Spradlin (Melanie); great-grandchildren, Justin McMahan, Jarah Goff, Jhase Goff, Taylor Erickson, Delaney Smith, Hudson Smith, Asher Smith, Bradley Spradlin, Landen Spradlin, Phoebe Spradlin and Caden Voss; and a sister, Syble Caple. She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings.
A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, August 8th at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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ELIZABETH BARNES LAING, 103, went to be with her heavenly Father on July 31, 2019. Born June 13, 1916 in Jamestown, Arkansas to the late Bert and Ida Nothern Barnes, she moved to Little Rock at age 4 and has been a lifelong resident of Little Rock. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral for many years, and began attending First Baptist Church after her husband’s death.
She married Nelson Laing, the love of her life, September 30, 1933. They had been married 68 years when he passed away in 2001. In 1955, she and Nelson founded Laing Sales and Service where she worked for many years.
Our beautiful Mother’s devotion to her family always took first place in her life. She was affectionately known as MawMaw to the entire family. Her values and advice will be passed down to all her children and grandchildren. She was loved so very much and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
She was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers, and grandson, Steven Todd Laing. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Laing Landfair and husband, Tommy Landfair, of Little Rock; son, Nelson “Buddy” Laing and wife, Sybil, of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Mark Landfair, Carolyn and Matt Harrison, Greg and Karen Laing and Laurie Laing, all of Little Rock; former granddaughter-in-law, Lee Ann Landfair Forbes; great-grandchildren, Kelsey and Micah Osborne, Hutch Landfair, Nelson Laing, Justin and Christopher Laing, and Hunter Harrison and Megan Harrison; great-great-grandchildren, Abigail and Judah Osborne; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services will be Thursday, August 8 at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, with Dr. Jonathan Curtis officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Holly Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Laing’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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HELEN LOUISE MAHAN passed away peacefully at her home on August 4, 2019, as a result of pancreatic cancer. She was born December 7, 1927, to the late Jessie McCubbin and Monroe Surguine in England, Arkansas.
In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by brothers J.L., J.B., and Eugene Surguine and two sisters, Aline Harvey and Hazel Bright.
Louise was married to her lifelong love Orby Mahan for 62 years prior to his death in June 2010. Together they raised three children: Jerry Mahan, Patricia Berry (Kevin) and Brenda Wyrick (Phil). Surviving grandchildren include three granddaughters, Dr. Theresa O. Wyrick (David), Natalie Louise Wyrick and Miriam A. Spence (Charlie); two grandsons, Jordan W. Alexander (fiance Emily Willis), Brett P. Alexander and four great-grandchildren, Matthew and Sarann Spence, Olivia Maxine and Lillian Parker Glover. Louise is also survived by her brother Melvin Surguine (Morag) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Everyone that knew Louise loved her. She was fun-loving and had a bright smile and an easy laugh that reflected her genuine and kind heart. She was a lifelong and devout Christian and a proud member of Life Line Baptist Church. She loved her family unconditionally and truly enjoyed their company. Louise loved to eat which made her a great Southern-style comfort food cook. She had an insatiable sweet tooth which made her an expert at scratch pies and her famous fudge. More than Razorback football, Louise loved watching the Miss Arkansas Pageants. Her daughter, Patricia, was a contestant in the pageant twice and those were especially proud times for her and the family.
The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice, Favor Caregivers, Dr. Dean Kumpuris and Pam Bynum for their excellent care during her brief illness.
Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Riverwood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Life Line Baptist Church. Please sign the online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.
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WESLEY LEE MOODY, age 89, passed from this life on August 4, 2019 in North Little Rock. He was born January 1, 1930 in Jacksonville to the late John and Lila Moody. Wesley was preceded in death by his brother, Baker; sisters, Clara Bell and Lear Mae; son– in–law, Terry Wilkerson; grandson, Nicky Moody; and granddaughter, Stacy Moody.
Wesley met Jeanette Morris when she was six–years–old and they married when she was 14–years–old. They were married for 68 years and 10 months. They were blessed with three children, Nick, Pam, and Scharlene; seven grandchildren, Nicky, Stacy, Larry, Shan, Jordan, Sabrina, and Tabitha; and three great–grandchildren, Kirbie, Haisley, and Wesley.
Wesley was an ironworker for 34 years. After retirement from ironworking, he drove for the Pulaski County School District for 13 years.
Funeral services are 2 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Cabot Apostolic Church with Pastor Tony Moody officiating. Interment will follow at Concord Cemetery in Lonoke. Visitation will be 6–8 p.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982–2136. www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
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AMBROSSIAAL D. ROSE, 39, of Little Rock passed July 28, 2019. Loving memories left to wife: Andrea Rose, father: James Rose (Anita), son: Ambrossiaal Rose Jr., two step-daughters and three step-grandchildren, great-grandmother: Della Mae Turner, siblings: Jarrod Turner, Broderick Jackson, Isaac Patton, Michael Fuller, James Rose Jr., Theressa Turner, Stefanie Thompson, Special Turner, Nicole Washington, Ebony Rose, Toni Rose, and Tahzyier Rose. Visitation August 7, 201, 6-7 p.m. at Superior. Homegoing celebration August 8, 2019, 11 a.m. at Scope Ministries, 9400 Hilaro Springs Rd, 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.”
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ROBERT LOUIS SHELTON passed away on Friday, August 2, 2019 at his home in North Little Rock at the age of 78. He loved fishing, gardening and going to Oaklawn. He worked for Brown Construction Company for 40 years.
He is survived by his best friend and partner for 37 years, Missie Chambers and her son, Logan Kaplon (Barbie) of Burlington, Wisconsin; son, John Wambaugh (Nancy) of Muskegon, Michigan; daughter, Andrea VanVleet of Ashland City, Tennessee; sister, Nell Schafer of Carlisle, Arkansas; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and friends.
A visitation will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 7, 2019, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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MARY KATHERINE (STONE) SIBERT, of North Little Rock, died on Sunday, August 4, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Vera Cox Stone and Raymond Henderson Stone. She grew up in Little Rock, graduating from Little Rock High School and attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Stuart Highfill; brothers, Robert H. Stone, and Duke Vernon Stone; and her step-father, Harry E. Brown. She is survived by her beloved husband, Orvalle Wayne Sibert; adored son by a previous marriage, Mark Douglas Highfill; three step-sons, David Wayne Sibert (Marion) of Greenbriar, Michael Gene Sibert of North Little Rock, and Ralph Collier (Cathie) of Philadelphia, PA; and sister, Patricia Ann Frawley.
She was an Elder at the Park Hill Presbyterian Church where she had been a member for many years. She served on the Women’s Coordinating Committee, and did volunteer work for the Stew Pot and Hospice. She loved her church and her church family.
She was an avid reader, reading at least two books every month, mostly historic novels and poetry. One of the greatest joys of her life was travel, having traveled through all of Western Europe, parts of Eastern Europe and Morocco. She was an amateur historian and loved learning about other parts of the world and their history. Due to her fondness for languages, she studied the French language at UALR for four years and was able to navigate as she and her husband drove through Western Europe.
As a lover of poetry, one of her favorites that she tried to live by was: “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” – Hamlet, Shakespeare
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Entombment will be private at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Park Hill Presbyterian Church, 3520 John F. Kennedy Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116.
Memorial may be made to Park Hill Presbyterian Church and Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.