Pulaski County
RAYMOND BOYD BIRD SR., 64, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life December 23, 2019. He is preceded in death by his parents: Harold Bird and Blonzia Vinson.
He leaves to cherish his memory: children, Andrea Armstrong,
Angela Byrd-Poindexter, Raina Wilkins, Raymond Byrd Jr., and Raymond Bird; 7 siblings, 7 grandchildren, and a host of other family and friends.
Life Celebration: Friday, noon at Robinson Mortuary Little Rock, Pastor Bobby Armstrong, officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, LR, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
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Dr. GEORGE BLEVINS JR., born February 2, 1949 to the late George and Ira Blevins in Chicago, Ill. He transitioned from this earthy realm on December 22, 2019. He was the second of 10 children. A graduate of UAPB and UAMS. Survived by his wife Paulette Mackey Blevins; children; Rhonda Jeffries, Felisha Conner, Ebony Blevins, and George Blevins III; grandchildren: Cleea, Saed, E’Nyra, George IV and Jordyn; great-grandchild, Mariah. He will be missed by all and loved by his family.
His life celebration will be held at Mosaic Temple on Saturday, January 4 at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Dr. George Blevins to the OK (Our Kids) Program Sgt. Willie Davis. https://okprogram.org/donate/chapters and select the Little Rock, Ark. Chapter option. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home.
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JUDY BRANTLEY, 76, of Sherwood, passed away December 26, 2019. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and friend whose absence will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Edith Holfeld and brother, Garth Holfeld. Judy is survived by her brother Rick (Bev) Holfeld of Regina, Saskatchewan, son, Doug (Linda) Brantley of Sherwood, Ark., daughter Diana (Chris) Raines and grandson, Noah Raines, of Mansfield, Texas and sister-in-law, Marilyn Holfeld of White Rock, BC Canada and her loyal dog, Maddie Mae.
Funeral will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at First United Methodist Church, 6701 JFK Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. Flowers are gratefully declined. Online guest register www.smithsherwoodfuneralhome.com.
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BARRY LEE FISHER, 68, of North Little Rock passed away Thursday, December 26, 2019. He was born October 4, 1951 in Little Rock, Ark., to Johnny and Jewell Fisher. He was Manager/Director for the North Little Rock Boys and Girls Club and in the Boys Club Hall of Fame.
Barry is survived by his siblings, Frances Ward, Larry Fisher (Lilly), Gerald Fisher (Debbie), Judy Curtis (Wayne McGuire), Beverly Jarrett (Terry), and Mike Fisher (Nedra); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Charles and Sonny Fisher.
Memorials may be made to North Little Rock Boys and Girls Club, 1212 Jim Wetherington Place, North Little Rock, Ark., 72114.
Visitation will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home.
Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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JOAN JEWEL FRANKLIN 79, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away December 24, 2019. Survivors include her son, Mike Franklin (Tina) of Jacksonville and other family and friends.
Visitation is Saturday, January 4 at 1 p.m., with the service at 2 p.m., at Baldwin Lee Funeral Home in Pearl, Miss., with burial at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Local arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 2242200. Joan’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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MAXCYLENA GOVAN, 77, of North Little Rock, previously of Hickory Plains, retired nurse at Arkansas State Hospital, departed this life December 25, 2019. Preceded in death by parents, Marion and Vergie Govan, most recently niece, who was raised like a daughter, Peggy Johnson – Bryant.
She leaves to cherish her memories, son Randall Branch, and daughter LaKeisha Branch-Lofton. Siblings, Evelyn (John) Hendrix, and a devoted sister Mattie Govan. Special niece, who was raised like a daughter, Ollie “Faye” Jackson Parker, nephews like sons, Dr. Dieterick Govan, LaMott (Mechell) Johnson, Reggional (Renita) Johnson, special nephew Danny Bryant, Grandsons, Jaylen Lofton, Demaria Smith, Broderick (LaShunda) Parker, Bentron (Tanisha) Parker, Burkwin Parker, Dustin Bryant, and DeShawn (JaToria) Bryant. Two special great-granddaughters, Brooklynn Parker and Baylea Parker, nieces, Sabrina Hood, Kathy Govan, Kim Govan, Kiana Turnage, uncle Elvernia (Barbara) McGee, aunt Rosetta Williams, devoted cousin Christine (Deotis) Hickman.
Visitation January 3, 2020 6-7 p.m. Homegoing celebration January 4, 2020 11 a.m. Both held at Morning Star Baptist Church 105 N. Smothers 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.”
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Mr. JIM B. HASTINGS SR., age 76, of Little Rock, Ark., entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, December 21, 2019. He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Gloria “Susie” Hastings, who was his best friend, hunting and fishing buddy; one son, Richard Lynn Hastings; one grandson, Tyler James Atherton; his parents, Lewis and Myrtle Steeley Hastings; two brothers, Lloyd and Floyd Hastings; and two sisters, Edith Hunter and Christine Sutton.
He is survived by his three children: Jim B. Hastings, Jr. (Cindy), Cynthia L. Rodgers (Buddy), Timothy S. Hastings (Jonell); five grandchildren, Jason & Jeffery Hastings, Taylor Atherton, Alyssa & Austin Hastings; a brother, James Hastings (Martha) and two sisters, Alvlene Lewis and Shirley Nicholson; and a host of extended family members and life-long friends.
Dad liked working. He was the owner of Hastings Drywall for over 50 years, working well into his 70s. He loved family, hunting, fishing and was happiest when he could combine those. He lived a simple life, never aspired to flashy or expensive material items, but instead enjoyed coffee and conversation on the back porch, snacks in the boat or deer stand, supper by the campfire and visits from family and friends.
The Hastings Family would like to send a special thanks to Dr. Jonathan Reding, Dr. Ryan Hall, Presbyterian Village and Baptist Hospital for the outstanding, compassionate, and loving care he received during his illness. Doctors, nurses, staff and administration of these facilities have our deepest gratitude for Dad’s care.
Visitation will be held at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, 2019. Funeral service will follow the visitation at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmy Bobo officiating. Burial will follow in New Salem Cemetery in Laneburg, Ark. Arrangements are with Brazzel/ Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online registry: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.
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DEMOND DSHAUN HUBBARD, 27, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life December 23, 2019. He is preceded in death by a brother: Desmond Hubbard, grandparents: Edna McElroy and Cleaster Summons Sr., and an uncle Wiley Carr.
He leaves to cherish his memory: parents: Cleaster Hubbard (Tammy) and Vicki Ashford, siblings: Marika Collins and Daviland Ashford, grandparents: Wiley Carr Jr., and Joann Summons and a host of uncles, aunts and other family and friends.
Visitation: Friday, 2 p.m., with Service beginning at 3 p.m., all at Robinson Mortuary Chapel South. Service entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 6400 Mabelvale Pike, LR, Ark., (501) 565-0110. “Service You Can Trust.”
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BARNARD LEON HUDSON, 52, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Tuesday, December 24, 2019. He is preceded in death by: Father, Harvey Hudson; Mother, Claretha Hamilton; Mother, Helen Bradley; brothers: Leon Hudson, Jack Hudson, Charles Bradley; Grandmother, Grace Hudson; Mother in love, Agnes Harris. He leaves to cherish his memory: spouse, Edith Harris-Hudson; Children: Angela Aaron, Rayle Hudson and Chris “Bear” Brown; Siblings: Isaac Hudson Sr., Betty Hudson, Angie Wilburd; God children: Andrew Harris, Iyuana Jones, Angel Wilber, Sophie Wilber; and a host of other family and friends.
Visitation: Sunday, 2-4 p.m., at Robinson Mortuary, LR. Life Celebration: Monday, 10 a.m., at St. Luke Baptist Church, 8205 Hwy 161, NLR, Ark. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, LR, Ark. (501) 3710111. “Service You Can Trust.”
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LARRY BILL HULSEY, 74, of Little Rock died on December 25, 2019 at his home. Larry was born on June 8, 1945 in Little Rock and was the son of Bill C. Hulsey and Lucille McKinley Hulsey. He was married to Jo Ann Hulsey and together they created a beautiful family. Larry was a loving father to Kyle Hulsey of Little Rock, Sean Hulsey and David Burks of Conway and loving grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren, Christian, Grayson, Maddox and Eli. He also leaves a brother, Rodney Hulsey of Little Rock, and sister, Sharon Hulsey of Minnesota.
A Memorial Service will be held at 6 p.m., Wednesday, January 1, 2020 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock. (501) 224-8300. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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ROSS EDWARD JACKSON, 55 of Jacksonville, passed away on December 24, 2019 in Searcy. He was born on May 24, 1964 in Little Rock to the late Bill and Shirley Jackson. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of A Natural State Funeral Service. (501) 982-3400. Online guestbook is available at www. anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
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EXIE JUNE LEE, 77, of Sherwood passed away Friday, December 27, 2019. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, January 2, at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107) with Funeral Service there 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 3. Burial will follow at Little Rock National Cemetery. Please visit www.smithsherwoodfuneralhome.com for guest register.
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BETTY RUTH DORTCH RUSSELL McMATH passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019. She was born July 14, 1920, to Mabel Wittenberg and Thomas Steele Dortch. She was raised in Scott, Ark., where her grandparents had settled and built Marlsgate Plantation.
Betty attended Hendrix College and Washington University in St. Louis studying art. She became a well known portraitist, painting many prominent Arkansans including Governors and civic leaders. She especially enjoyed painting pictures of her childhood memories of Scott. She was the creator of the Sea Wall Mural in North Little Rock. In addition to her portraits, she did many paintings of the children selling daffodils at Cantrell and Kavanaugh and was known for her paintings of umbrellas in the rain.
Betty taught for 30 years at the Arkansas Art Center and was instrumental in starting the Artmobile Project that took art across the state to small communities. Betty won many awards regionally, including The Arts Council’s Governors Award. She was active in the Junior League, The Women’s Emergency Committee, The Committee of 100, Mid-Southern Water Colorists and a member of the Country Club of Little Rock and The Aesthetic Club. She was a lifelong member of the Christian Science Church.
For over 40 years she was married to Henry (Rusty) Wellington Russell, who died in 1983. They enjoyed world travel with close friends. She later was married to former Governor Sid McMath until his death in 2003.
She was predeceased by her sister, Judy Dortch Burrow. She is survived by her children, Diane Knight, Judy Phillips, Mary Russell, David Russell (Liz), Tom Russell (Vanessa), six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Elmcroft of Maumelle for the many years of loving care and support. There will be a reception at Ruebel Funeral Home from 12:30–2:30 on Sunday, December 29.
A private inurnment at Roselawn Cemetery will take place at a later date. In honor of their Mother, the family requests donations be made to Scott Connections supporting The Plantation Settlement. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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DONNA GWEN WICKOFF WALKER MOYER of North Little Rock died December 26, 2019. Survivors include son, Jon Walker (Liz) and grandchildren: Joshua and Zoe. Per her wishes, no visitation will be held. Service and Interment will be at 2 p.m., Monday, December 30 at Memorial Gardens, Hot Springs. Guestbook www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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JIMMY R. “JIM” NEWELL passed away on December 26, 2019 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. Jim was born on January 9, 1941, the only child of Howard William Newell and Naylon Clanton Newell.
Jim graduated from high school in Earle, Ark., and as a sophomore suffered a broken ankle in football that led him to learn guitar while he was healing. He quickly became a natural talent and by the end of his high school days he was playing gigs with one of his many bands, The Rhythm Ramblers. He was an accomplished guitar player, specializing in 50’s rock and roll, blues, and jazz. He played studio sessions in Memphis when rock and roll was being born.
He started college in Conway and finished at Little Rock University where he met his wife, Sandra Murphree, and made many lasting friendships that have endured. He was a longtime supporter of Little Rock University (UA Little Rock) serving on advisory boards and teaching insurance classes.
Jim started out in the insurance business and his talent was quickly realized as he became Vice President of American Foundation Life in his early 30’s. He soon started his own agency and became an icon in the life insurance and estate planning business in Central Arkansas. Jim was extremely respected by his clients and his industry peers.
His hobbies and interests over the years were numerous, which made him such an interesting man. They included metal detecting, Civil War artifact collecting, musician, guitar collector, duck hunting, duck call maker and collector, Peruvian Paso horses, trout fishing, and much more.
Jim was a student in everything he took on and had an undying thirst for knowledge.
He had a huge passion for duck hunting and was a great duck caller. His love for duck hunting led him to develop the Penn Bay duck call. His duck calls were featured in some hunting books and sold internationally. But one of his greatest pleasures was time spent at the “duck club” and enjoying the many cherished friendships that were developed from his love of hunting and the outdoors.
Over the years Jim served as President of the Little Rock School Board, was on the Arkansas Real Estate Commission, and served on numerous insurance industry and church boards. He possessed a calm demeanor and steady personality that enabled him to be very respected and liked with any civic service undertaking.
Jim was most of all a loving and devoted family man. For 50 years he was married to Sandra Murphree Newell, until her death in 2012, and was a wonderful father and mentor to his son, Chris, and daughter, Paige, and a loving grandfather to his three grandchildren. He was a steadfast husband to Sandra and was her ever-present caregiver as she herself battled cancer.
Jim emerged from that sad period of losing Sandra to find a new love, Sharon Flood Newell, and they were married in 2016. He was also a devoted husband to her and cherished stepfather to Sharon’s daughter, Cyleste, and Sharon’s granddaughters, Baylor and Berkley. Sharon was totally devoted to Jim and provided amazing care for him until the end.
Jim Newell will be greatly missed by his family and countless friends whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Naylon Newell, and his loving wife, Sandra. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, two children, Christopher Newell (Janey), and Paige Newell Bischof (Ben), as well as his three grandchildren, Rachel Newell, Laura Newell, and Brady Beavers.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1101 N. Mississippi St., Little Rock, Ark., 72207. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5-7 p.m., on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Jim Newell Scholarship Fund or The Sandra Murphree Newell Endowed Scholarship Fund at UA Little Rock, Office of Alumni and Development, 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock, Ark., 72204. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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JOY BEASLEY PRICE, age 87 of Jacksonville, passed away, Friday, December 27, 2019 in Jacksonville.
She was born August 16, 1932 in Cabot, Ark. Joy married Adolf Price who preceded her in death in 2005.
Mrs. Price was the office manager for Sunshine Biscuit Company until she retired. She was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Joy was a longtime volunteer at North Metro Medical Center. She was named Volunteer of the Year for the State of Arkansas. Mrs. Price was preceded in death by her parents, Hester and Carvel Bell; son, Joseph “Jody” Elder in 2009.
She is survived by her daughter, Jerry (Roger) Sundermeier of Jacksonville; son, John (Jennie) Elder of Euless, Texas; four grandchildren, Roger (Randi) Sundermeier Jr. of Jacksonville, Amy (Phil) Laney of San Antonio, Texas, Evan Elder of Dallas, Texas, Trey (Caty) Elder of Dallas, Texas; four great-granddaughters, Emily and Alyson Sundermeier, both of Jacksonville, Caroline and Hazel Joy Laney, both of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Priscilla (Tony) Melan of New Orleans, La.; two nephews.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Monday, December 30, 2019 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home with Reverend Charles Watt officiating. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service. Inurnment will be 11 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2020 at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home & Crematory. (501) 982-2136. www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– GLENN EARL ROBINSON, 71 of Little Rock passed December 25, 2019. He was preceded in death by parents: Ollie Robinson Jr., Pinkie Robinson-Evans and step-father John Evans. Loving memories left to wife: Mary Robinson; daughter: Joy Clary; siblings: Linda Couch (Reginald), Patricia Blackman (Hosea), Cathleen Benson, Susan Phillips, Linda (Don) Moses and Tommie Evans. Mr. Robinson will lie in state January 2, 2020 1-6 p.m., at Superior. Homegoing celebration January 3, 2020 9 a.m., at Eighth Street Baptist Church 901 S.A. Jones 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.”
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JAMES “SKIP” VINSON, 70, of Sherwood, Ark., passed from this life on December 26, 2019. He was born on July 31, 1949 to the late William E. and Joyce L. Vinson. Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Ark. Online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
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MARY WHITTAMORE, 74, of North Little Rock passed December 26, 2019. Loving memories left to daughters: Cindy Skaggs and Brenda (Doug) Ellison; seven grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and three siblings. Visitation January 2, 2020 1 p.m., with home going celebration immediately following at 2 p.m. Both held at 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.”