OBITUARIES Dorothy Fern Johnson
Dorothy Fern Johnson, 86, of Paron, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2024, in her home. Fern was born to the late Monroe Alexander Johnson and Cornelia “Neely” Ann Lewis Johnson.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Rodney Burton Johnson; her parents, siblings, Clarence “Dick” Johnson, Ralph “Yankup” Johnson, Fleetie “Mutt” Drennan, Florence Summerville; and several nieces and nephews.
Fern is survived by daughters Debbie (Mark) Modlin and Donna (Rob) Eckman; sons Bart Johnson and Rocky (Teresa) Johnson; grandchildren Chrystal (Adam) Baker, Lee (Penny) Modlin, Nicole Hobbs, Derrell Johnson and Samantha Talley; nine greatgrandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Fern was of the Baptist faith. She was a homemaker. She enjoyed being outside, working in her yard, taking care of her flowers and her pets.
She was a talented seamstress and quilter. She was adamant that traveling with her best friend of 72 years, Nell Yates, was some of the best times of her life. She had fond memories of their adventures across the United States.
Together, Rodney and Fern liked to visit estate sales and auctions collecting treasures to enjoy and sell at a local flea market.
Her family will miss Fern’s tasty meals, words of wisdom, funny stories, quick wit, cooking and gardening tips, and motherly love.
Visitation was held at Ashby’s Funeral Home on Monday, April 22.
Fern was laid to rest at Walnut Bottoms Cemetery in Paron. A graveside service was held on Tuesday, April 23, officiated by Pete Taylor.
Pallbearers were Clint Vocque, Kevin Waddell, Clay Johnson, Adam Baker, Darrell Drennan and Donnie Odle. Honorary pallbearer: Charlie Feldman.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Linda Hunter Daniels
Linda Hunter Daniels, born on April 3, 1943, in the Township of Manchester, Ark., passed away on April 25, 2024. She was a woman of many talents and passions whose life touched the hearts of those around her.
Linda’s professional journey was marked by dedication and versatility. While she predominantly worked in secretarial roles, she showcased her skills at various establishments including UAMS and
Timex. Even after retiring, Linda continued to contribute part-time, a testament to her strong work ethic and commitment.
Beyond her professional successes,
Linda’s true joys were found in her family and interests. A fervent supporter of the
Razorbacks, she found even greater joy in cheering for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events—an expression of her unwavering love and support for them.
Cooking held a special place in Linda’s heart; she delighted in preparing meals not only for her family but also for her cherished chihuahua Coco. Her memberships at Saline Independent Methodist Church, and the Eastern Star spoke to her deep-rooted faith and sense of community.
Preceding Linda in death are her loving husband of 62 years, Glen “Duck” Daniels; her parents, Robert and Elzie Hunter; and siblings, Ruth Smith, Martha King, Carolyn Hunter, Genny Chaney, and Kenneth Hunter.
Linda is survived by her loving daughters, Karen Calaway of Benton, and Sharon Hopkins and husband Wade of Fayetteville. She will be dearly missed by her six grandchildren, Taylor Doan (Justin) of Benton, Brittany Garrigus (Zach) of Benton, Adam Calaway of Benton, Connor Calaway (Brittany) of Ann Arbor, Mich., Natalie Jobe (Kaleb) of Fayetteville, Nick Hopkins (Madison) of Fayetteville; as well as her 10 great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Garrigus, Cali Doan, Jackson Garrigus, Brayleigh Garrigus, Henry Jobe, Easton Jobe, Adalynn Garrigus, Blakely Jobe, Griffin Calaway, and Glen Calaway.
Linda is also survived by her sisters, Bobbi Sheets of Little Rock and Betsy Sharp of Washington State; along with a multitude of other relatives and friends who held a special place in her heart. Her legacy lives on in the memories shared by those who knew and loved her. Linda’s presence will be deeply missed but forever treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
In remembrance of Linda Daniels, a visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, with funeral service following at 1 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton. Burial following at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.
Memorials may be made to Saline Independent Methodist Church, 5838 Salt Creek Rd., Benton, AR 72019.
Services entrusted to Smith Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.smithfamilycares.com.