Obituaries

OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

Pulaski County

LYDA SUE BOWIE (Good) fell asleep in death on the morning of December 15, 2019, in the company of loved ones.

All who knew her believe she lived true to her name.

Born on December 1, 1932, in England, Arkansas, to the late Frances Louise Galloway and Henry Harrison Good, Lyda was the third of four siblings, and exceptionally close to her sister or “chis” Frances as she grew. At 18, she married Lindy Bowie and quickly embarked on motherhood after moving to Little Rock. With a house full of babies she made time to study the Bible and in 1959 was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, thus beginning a 60-year journey of complete faith that held strong through the ups and downs of a lifetime, including the loss of a son to cancer.

Family and friends knew her affection uncomplicated by many words. She was a contented and practical woman with countless friends, full of simple wisdom and wit. Many recall that for most of her driving life, Lyda determinedly avoided all left turns, making service and her commute to and from the business offices of Doctor’s Hospital (later St. Vincent’s) where she worked for over thirty years, a cautious adventure. She is remembered for her appreciation of beautiful things: cherry blossoms, yellow roses, and drives to Petit Jean to see the autumn leaves. At age 86, only two months before her death, Lyda made a two-mile hike in the Shenandoah Mountains with her grandchildren helping her along the way. She was someone who kept her word and forgave those who didn’t.

She is survived by children Sara, Michael, Suzanne (Tom), and Beth; by the grandchildren she so loved: Brooke (Mike), Michael (Lizy), Justin (Leah), Andrew, Summer, Lauren (Rob); and the great grandchildren of whom she was so proud: Jack, Jude, Hailey, Drake, Aidan, Madelyn and Brooks. She is predeceased by son Lindy and son-inlaw Phillip.

Lyda’s belief in a resurrection for the dead is well expressed in Job 14: 7,14,15 : For there is hope even for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again … If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.

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ROLAND THOMAS “TOM” BRANCHEAU of Sherwood passed away Saturday, January 11, 2020.

He was born August 31, 1937, in Newport, Michigan, to LaVerne and Mildred Brancheau and was a 1955 graduate of Belleville, Arkansas High school.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn Brancheau; son, Patrick Brancheau; daughter, Rebecca Brancheau; and his brother, George Brancheau. He is survived by his wife, Faith Marie Thorp Brancheau; son, Thomas Brancheau of Jacksonville; daughter, Debra Jose and husband Robert of Cabot, and son, Paul Brancheau of Jacksonville; grandchildren, Trevor and Raquel Brancheau and Luke and Madelyn Jose; and brother, Charles J. Brancheau.

Tom was a Vietnam War Veteran and served 20 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He was an Aircraft Mechanic/Supervisor and retired from Dassault Falcon Jet in 2002 after 23 years.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, NLR. Rosary will follow at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Immaculate Conception Church, 7000 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock. Interment with Military honors will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Ave in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or an animal shelter of your choice. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

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MARTHA JANETTE FULLER, nee Simpson, passed away on January 7, 2020, in Geneva, Ohio, at age 81. She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and raised in nearby Mount Ida.

She is survived by her son James Hugh Fuller and his wife Kathleen Marie Fuller of Cabot, Arkansas, and their children Mathew Fuller, Sydney Sanchez, and Zoie Fuller; her son Mark Allen Fuller and his son Mark Allen Jr. of Steuben, Maine, along with her brother, Joe Dale Simpson of Mount Ida. She was predeceased by her son Mathew Lewis Fuller, her husband Horace, brother Lee Otis Simpson and parents James and Ruby Simpson. Her emphasis was on her family, belief in Christ, a love for arts and crafts, travel and interior decorating.

Services will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Home located at 7401 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander, Ark., on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 12 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Rae Ann Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation: Activities, 839 W. Main St., Geneva, Ohio, or Nivalis Health (Hospice) at 837 Crocker Rd., Westlake, Ohio. Online condolences at www.PinecrestFH.com.

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RICHARD LONG, 77, of Little Rock passed away January 11, 2020. Visitation is 11 a.m. and Funeral Service will follow at noon Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will follow at Landmark Cemetery. Guestbook and full obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

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WILBURN CLIFTON MERIWEATHER passed away January 12, 2020. He was born September 23, 1923. He was an Army Veteran of WWII and a Baptist minister during a long and successful life. He is survived by his son Michael, six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Services will be Friday, January 17, at 1 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, North Little Rock. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

Arkansas

BIGELOW — Kaylynn Renee Maness, infant daughter of Chancah Maness, of Bigelow, went to be with the Lord in the arms of her loving family, Wednesday, January 8, 2020. Graveside service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, at Volman Cemetery. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

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BONO — Thelma O’Connor, 92, of Bono, Arkansas, passed away Monday, January 13, 2020. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Jonesboro with Father Mike Sinkler officiating. All services are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Jonesboro.

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BROOKLAND — Mr. Billy Dean Couch, 80, of Brookland, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. January 16, 2020, at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 West Washington Avenue, Jonesboro, Ark. 72401 with Brother Breck Freeman officiating. Burial will be in Pine Log Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Jonesboro.

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BRYANT — Bobbie Lacewell, 79, of Bryant, entered the gates of Heaven on January 11th, 2020, peacefully and surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 10th, 1940, in Fordyce, Arkansas.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Doshia and Everett Wilson, and sisters, Patricia Jennings, Bessie Hicks, Betty Marchant, Eloise Wilson, Lois Mosley and Margaret Scott. She is survived by her husband of 60 years and the love of her life, Kenny Lacewell, son, Keith Lacewell (Michelle), grandsons Chase and Cole and daughter, Karen Hughes, and granddaughter Haven. She is also survived by her loving sister Mary House and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews and was loved by many as a second mom.

Bobbie was raised in Thornton Arkansas, graduated from Thornton High School, and attended Henderson State University. She was a graduate of Draughon’s College. She had a passion for life, especially spending time with her three grandchildren, whom she loved with all of her heart! She also traveled extensively with her husband, and saw many places in the U.S. and around the world.

A visitation and service will be held on Tuesday, January 14th, at Pinecrest Funeral Home and Memorial Park starting at 1 p.m. with visitation, followed by her funeral at 2 p.m.

The family would like to thank the staff of Saline Memorial Hospice House, and a special thanks to her caregivers Patricia Thomas, Tracy Price, and Betty Wilkerson. To sign the online guestbook go to www.pinecrestmemorialpark.com.

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CAVE CITY — Jannie “Sue” Williams Ford, 86, of Cave City died Sunday, January 12, 2020. Funeral services, Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 2 p.m. at the Qualls Funeral Home Chapel in Cave City. Burial in the Cave City Cemetery. Visitation, Tuesday, January 14, 2020, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

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CLARENDON — Harold Smith, 74 of Clarendon died January 12, 2020. He is survived by: sisters, Linda Conrad, Sandra Tarter, and Sarah Hayes, grandchildren, Drew and Joe Ryan Williams, great-grandchild Eleanor Williams. Visitation: Wednesday, 1 p.m., Bob Neal & Sons Clarendon. Services: Wednesday, 2 p.m., Bob Neal & Sons Clarendon. Guestbook/obit/www.bobnealandsons.com.

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CONWAY — Gary M. Greene, 72, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020, from complications due to pneumonia and pancreatic cancer. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Greene; son, Scott (Dollie) Greene; daughter, Karen (Steven) Peterson; grandchildren, Brett Walsh, Tyler Greene, Reese Peterson and Allie Grace Greene; sister, Tammi (Rick) Stevenson; niece, Kaylen (Doug) Welter; nephew, Miles Stevenson; and a vast multitude of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gina Irene and G.M. Greene.

Gary worked at the University of Arkansas Winthrop Rockefeller Institute as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Director of Finance and Administration since its inception in 2005. He began working at the site that is now the institute in 1979, holding various accounting and finance positions over the years now known simply as Winrock International. Among Gary’s endeavors outside Winrock International and the Winrock Rockefeller Institute were 18 years of service on the Conway School Board and 30 years of service on the board of the Student Loan Guarantee Foundation of Arkansas and also as Treasurer of the Rockefeller Family Charitable Trust. Upon his retirement in 2016, he enjoyed his grandkids, watching old westerns, going to the cabin and spending time with his family. He was a very devout, generous and loving husband, father, brother, son and papaw.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway with visitation one hour prior, entombment to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.

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CONWAY — Suzanne R. Hicks, 80, of Conway, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2020.

Born in Illinois to Clarence and Ella Mae Rounds, she was a member of Western Hills United Methodist Church, Bendemeer Grotto and Eastern Star.

She is survived by her children, James D. Hicks, Jr. (Karen) of Little Rock and Pam Hicks of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Autumn Dudley (Nick) and Danielle Brooks, of Little Rock, Abby Hicks and Hayley Hobbs (Zach) of Jonesboro; great-grandchildren, Jackson Dudley, Henry Dudley, Claire Brooks, Graham Hobbs and one on the way; and other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 58 years, James D. Hicks Sr., and her siblings, Don, Jack and Robert Rounds.

Services will be held on Thursday, January 16 at 2 p.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 1 p.m., at Western Hills United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. David Hoffman. Interment will be private. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Hicks’ online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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EL DORADO — Beloved mother of three Diane Chowning Delone, 72, of El Dorado, passed away January 8, 2020, surrounded by her loving family who witnessed her passage to heaven.

She was an Arkansan, born in Wynne, raised in Magnolia, and who lived in El Dorado for the majority of her life. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Robert and Katie Chowning, and her brother, Doug Chowning, all of Magnolia.

She is survived by her three children, Mary Carol Pederson (Jason) of Little Rock, Christopher James Spencer (Christa) of Fayetteville and Elizabeth Anne Spencer of Little Rock; grandchildren, Spencer Pederson, Shelby Pederson, Chloe Gorbet, and Madison Gorbet; bonus grandson, Jason Blangy (Terra); bonus great-grandson, Eli Blangy; and a host of other family and friends.

At a young age, Diane displayed a passion for writing at the Magnolia Banner News where her father Robert Chowning was Managing Editor. She graduated from Magnolia High School in 1965, and was a former Miss Magnolia. She graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy.

She worked as a communications liaison alongside then-Governor Winthrop Rockefeller in the late 1960s until marrying and moving to El Dorado. In her new community, she became a homemaker, mother and dedicated servant to several El Dorado organizations such as Service League, Junior League, YWCA, South Arkansas Arts Center, Campfire Girls and served as children’s ministry director at First United Methodist Church in El Dorado.

In the 1980s, Diane was host of a popular local television show on KTVE called “Midday” where she would bring stories of the day to those who lived in the broadcast area, 18 counties and parishes between Arkansas and Louisiana.

She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church in El Dorado and most recently attended Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.

A memorial is planned for 11 a.m. to noon, Friday, January 17, at the Fellowship Bible Church Chapel, 1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock. Memorials may be made to: The CALL, P.O. Box 25524, Little Rock, Ark., 72221-5524 (TheCALLinArkansas.org). Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 501.224.2200. Diane’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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FAIRFIELD BAY — Ellen Marie Flynn Enochs passed away on January 11, 2020. Visitation was Monday, January 13, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Clinton Funeral Service. For full obituary, please go to www.clintonfuneralservice.com.

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GASSVILLE — Merle Dean Meisinger, 87, of Gassville, Arkansas, will have services at a later date. Merle died on January 3, 2020. Merle is survived by his daughter Karla (Chuck) Tyler of Gassville, Ark., and daughter Sue Hulsebus of Bellingham, Wash. Arrangements by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily.com.

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GREENBRIER — Retired Navy, Master Chief Petty Officer, James Wylie Blue, 75, of Greenbrier, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2020. He was preceded in death by James Flenoy Blue (father), Veda Lavelle (Cruce) (mother), Floyd Wheeler (brother-in-law), all from Mineral Wells, Texas, and Roland Lyon (brother-in-law) of Cedar Bluff, Mississippi.

JW had 35 years of military service. His duty stations included numerous sea and shore commands but he found his passion in recruiting young men and women into the United States Navy. Professional success followed him at each and every duty station.

JW is survived by his wife, Lydia, of 37 years; two sisters, Bettie June Lyon of Cedar Bluff, Mississippi, and Francis Kay Wheeler of Mineral Wells, Texas. Left to cherish his memory are daughters Jami Elizabeth (Chad) Miller, Demetria “Buffy” Meadows and Keri Denise (Chris) Keis, and son Garrett Wade Blue. His grandchildren were loved beyond measure: Taylor Reynolds (Greenbrier, Arkansas), Lane Alan Crawford (Mineral Wells, Texas), Cameron Bryce Miller (Tyler, Texas), Anna Grace Blue (Greenbrier, Arkansas), Ella Faith Blue (Greenbrier, Arkansas), Kylie Elizabeth Keis (Millsap, Texas), Bailee Ashton Miller (Mineral Wells, Texas) and Kenidy Denise Keis (Millsap, Texas); and numerous nieces and nephews.

JW embraced and loved the Greenbrier community and never met a stranger. He frequented the Wagon Wheel restaurant daily and offered wisdom at the Table of Knowledge. He was a golf fanatic and worked hard to promote the game. He was very interested in young people and offered encouragement to fulfill their future dreams.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Lifesong Baptist Church in Greenbrier, Arkansas, with interment at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock, Arkansas at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Lifesong Baptist Church, 56th South Broadview Street, Greenbrier, Arkansas 72058.

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HAMBURG — JD Higginbotham, 84, of Hamburg, died Saturday, January 11, 2020. Memorial services are 10 a.m. Friday, Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel. A private burial will be in the Hamburg Cemetery. Visitation will be after the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg, Arkansas. Online guestbook www.joneshartshorn.com.

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HATFIELD — Wanda Jean Davis Tilley, age 80, of Hatfield went home to be with her Lord on Friday, January 10th, 2020, in Mena, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held at Beasley-Wood Chapel on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at 10 a.m. Visitation: Tuesday, January 14, 2020, from 5-7 p.m. at Beasley-Wood.

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HAZEN — Roy M. Greenwalt, 89, of Hazen, passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020. Roy was a member of the Center Point Missionary Baptist Church, a farmer, and a volunteer member of the Sheriff’s patrol for 33 years.

He was preceded in death by his son, Doug; his parents, Charles and Ruby Greenwalt; two brothers, Morris and Harold Greenwalt; and a sister, Velma Holmes. Roy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Leda Slaughter Greenwalt; two brothers, Dale and Dorris Greenwalt; two sisters, Joyce Taylor and Dorothy Fisher; and several nieces and nephews and friends.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at the Center Point Missionary Baptist Church in Hazen. Burial will be in the Center Point Cemetery. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.

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HENSLEY — John Nosal Jr., age 72, of Hensley, Arkansas, passed away January 12, 2020. He was born May 4, 1947. Cremation arrangements entrusted to www.ArkansasCremation.com.

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HOPE — Bradley Ryan Hollis, 28, Hope, Arkansas, died Sunday, January 12, 2020, in Texarkana, Texas. Graveside Service at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home Hope. In lieu of flowers, visit our website at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com.

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HOPE — Charles Noble, age 74, of Hope, Arkansas, passed away Friday, January 10, 2020, at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Hope, Ark. Honored Services Provider: McFadden & Hitchye Funeral Enterprises. www.mandhfuneral.com.

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MENA — Jimmy Eugene Hicks, 83, of Mena, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2020, in Mena. Funeral Friday, January 17, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Beasley Wood Chapel. Interment in Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Visitation: Thursday, January 16th from 6 to 8 p.m.

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MOUNTAIN HOME — Emma Jean Palmertree, 77, of Mountain Home, Arkansas will have Funeral Services at a later date. Emma died on January 5, 2020. Survived by her sons, Ken Talbert, Michael Palmertree; daughters, Kendall Palmertree, Danielle Palmertree and Heather Palmertree. Arrangements by Kirby & family Funeral and Cremation Services. www.kirbyandfamily.com.

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NEW EDINBURG — Mrs. Mattie Elizabeth Marks 87, of New Edinburg, Arkansas, passed January 8, 2020. Visitation: 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, January 14th, 2020, Mt. Olive UMC Fordyce. Funeral service 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 15th, at Mt. Olive UMC Fordyce by Elder Kent Broughton. Interment in St. Francis Cemetery New Edinburg by Brown-Williams Funeral Home. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

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OKOLONA — Sue White, 93, of Okolona passed away January 12, 2020. A devoted homemaker and member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Sue was preceded in death by her loving husband Leon “Cotton” White and one brother Dale Burton.

She is survived by her son, Galen White and wife Becky of Arkadelphia, and one daughter, Victoria “Vicki” Ann White of Bryant; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Alene Morris Bumgardner of Maumelle.

Graveside service 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2020; visitation will be prior to the service at 10 a.m. at Dobyville Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home; visit our online guestbook at www.ruggleswilcox.com. Memorials can be made to Dobyville Cemetery Fund c/o Frances McGill, 14300 Chenal Parkway #7001 Little Rock, Ark. 72211.

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PINE BLUFF — Andrew Theodore “Andy” Sears (United States Army, Retired), 82, of Pine Bluff, died Thursday, January 9, 2020. Funeral services: Wednesday, January 15, 2019, 1:30 p.m. at Fuller Hale-South Chapel. Burial with full military honors will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin Wednesday at 1 p.m. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.

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ROGERS — James Kelley Cradduck, age 49, of Rogers passed away Sunday January 5, 2020. He was born October 3, 1970 in Aurora, Colorado the son of James and Bobbi Fisher Cradduck. He was preceded in death by his father.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving during Operation Just Cause. He was a police officer for Rogers Police Department for over a decade holding many different ranks and positions during that time then going on to become the Benton County Sheriff from 20122016. Kelley had a servant’s heart, was loving and forgiving and he displayed that during his time in law enforcement and his everyday life. Halloween was his favorite holiday and was a co-owner of a Halloween Store, he was an avid Broncos fan and loved the cold weather and snow. He aspired to move back to Colorado. His favorite movie was Tombstone and was inspired by what King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans accomplished.

He is survived by his wife Sabrina; three sons, Logan, Landon and Mason; three daughters, Taelyn, Mackenzie, and Piper; his mother, Bobbi Cradduck; a brother, David Cradduck and several other family members and friends.

Funeral Service will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday January 16, 2020 at Christian Life Cathedral with the burial to follow at 1 p.m. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery with military honors. To sign the online guest book visit www.nelsonberna.com.

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SEARCY — Fannie Beth Stark, 81, of Searcy, Arkansas passed from this life on January 11, 2020. She was born in Gainesboro Township, Arkansas. She is survived by her children Regina Rhodes (Danny), Michael Page and a host of grandchildren and other family and friends. Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Her online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

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SEARCY — Jack Lawrence Stevens of Searcy passed away January 11, 2020. Services are scheduled with Visitation on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 from 5-7 p.m. and Funeral Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 2 p.m. Services will be at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home Chapel. Services under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, Searcy. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy.

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ST. JOE — It is with great sadness that the family of Jonnie Belle Smith announces her passing on January 10, 2020 at the age of 93.

Jonnie was born on May 27, 1926 in Leslie, Arkansas to Benjamin and Grace (Coleman) Treece, one of thirteen kids. Always a force to be reckoned with, Jonnie grew into a star athlete, and served as “Team Captain” of her High School basketball team. After graduation she traveled the country making it as far as San Diego, California, before returning to her home, where she met and married the love of her life, Benny Smith on September 21, 1946.

She is survived by her daughter Lisa Sutton, and grandchildren, Misty Haynes (Jeff), and Bronson Kittler, all of Yellville; two brothers, Lealon R. Treece of Indianapolis, Ind. and Henry Treece of Little Rock, Ark.; and three sisters, Jo Ann Leonard of Oklahoma, Ann Victory of North Little Rock, Ark. and Patsy Dyer of Warsaw, Mo. Also surviving are her great-grandchildren, Anna and Jeffry Haynes, Dalton and Ashley Kittler. Jonnie now joins her husband, Benny and her daughter, Marina Brown, brothers, Carl, Danny, William, Jimmy and Connie Joe Treece and sisters, Louie Marie Treece and Hazel Henrickson.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 15 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Roller-Burns Funeral Home, located at 725 North Panther Ave., Yellville, Arkansas. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the Roller-Burns Funeral Home Chapel with Bryan Jefferson officiating with interment to follow in Nanney Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jeff Haynes, Jeffry Haynes, Ben, Wayne and Wesley Smith and Dalton Kittler. Donations can be made to Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72687. For online condolences go to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/yellville.

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WARREN — Billy Joe Thornton, age 80, of Warren, Ark. died Monday, January 13, at the Bradley County Medical Center. Funeral services 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 15th at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Moseley Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation: 12:30 p.m. till service time Wednesday, January 15th at Frazer’s. www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

Out-of-state

CARSON CITY, Nev. — Paula Jean Mixon Baker burst forth onto this Earth, at Jonesboro, Arkansas, just after midnight on August 22, 1955, her mother’s birthday. She left it peacefully on Sunday morning, December 29, 2019, while at her home in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband, Ron Baker, and her daughter, Virginia Jean “Ginna” Blair. Paula graduated from North Little Rock Northeast High School in 1973 after being a varsity cheerleader, speech and drama club officer, and member of the senior cabinet. She was five feet tall as were her grandmother, mother, and daughter. But that five feet contained a powerhouse of energy.

Paula worked as a bookkeeper, but her passions were dancing and car racing. Dancing came to her early as a star for LaWanda’s School of Dance in Jonesboro, her next-door neighbor, with her mother paying for lessons by making costumes. In 1959, she danced on stage and was named Little Miss Centennial for Jonesboro’s celebration. In recent years, dancing twirled her to co-ownership of All About Dance, a studio for children and adults in Carson City, where she taught dance and was a cheerleader for “her” girls. Dancing also spun off a love of music and theater. Paula was all smiles and tears when the star belting out the song on stage was her own diminutive dynamo Ginna.

Racing came to her through her father who raced Model A Fords in the 1940s. Paula founded RPM, R and P Motorsports, with her husband Ron. RPM owned and raced Mazda Miatas. Paula was a five-time Sports Car Club of America national champion and was named SCCA Driver of the Year in 2001. Throughout, Ron was her “pit boss” keeping cars safe and fast and Paula well loved. She reveled in being the center of his attention.

Paula is the namesake of and was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Betty Jean Mixon. She is survived by her husband Ron of the home, her daughter Ginna of Carrollton, Georgia, her older brothers Donn Mixon of Jonesboro and Bob Mixon of Pleasant Plains, and her six nieces and nephews. By any name, Miss Priss, Pete, PJ, Aunt Paula, or Paula Poppins, she will be remembered with smiles and laughter. She would want that.

A celebration of Paula’s life will be held on January 20, 2020, at 11 a.m. at LifePoint Church, 1095 Stephanie Way, Minden, Nevada. Paula hopes that, in lieu of flowers, people will consider donations to Impact Women at https://www.impactwomennv.com/story, the American Cancer Society, or the charity of one’s choice.

Acknowledgements may be sent to Ron Baker, 3390 Vista Grande Boulevard, Carson City, Nevada 89705.