Obituaries
NOTICE OF PASSING NINA FRISBY
Nina Frisby, 89, passed away Friday, January 15, 2021 in El Dorado, Arkansas.
A funeral service will held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 at Green Grove Assembly of God Church with a visitation beginning one hour prior to service.
Arrangements will be under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
OBITUARIES DANNY LYNN ATKINSON
Danny Lynn Atkinson, 73, of El Dorado, passed away Thursday, January 14, 2021 at his residence.
He was born August 9, 1947 to J.C. and Verline Templeton Atkinson in El Dorado, AR. He retired from Monsanto Oil and Gas and was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Danny is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Pam Atkinson Rumsey.
Survivors include his wife, Diana Atkinson; son, Lance Lynn Atkinson; granddaughter, Brooklynn McIntyre (Chris); and two great granddaughters, Allie and Ella all of El Dorado.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences may be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
BUD BASS
Bud Bass, 62, of Smackover, passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at his residence. He was born September 4, 1958 to Wiley Mack Bass Jr. and Beulah Thornton Bass in El Dorado, AR.
He was a graduate of Smackover High School, a member of the Apostolic Church of Smackover, and was employed by Amercable. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching sports especially the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Smackover Buckaroos.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Joshua Walters.
Survivors include his sisters, Brenda Miller (Tim) of Louann, Sharon Schibler (Steve) of Smackover; brother, Robert Thornton (Vickie) of Smackover; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
A private service will be held by Young’s Funeral Directors and with Rev. Mikie Howell officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Union County Animal Protection Society, 1000 Sunset Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730 or to the Go Fund Me in the name of Miranda Walters.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
PRISCILLA LOUISE HOLLIDY
Priscilla Louise Hollidy was born March 14, 1937, in Junction City, Arkansas.
Priscilla Hollidy was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Gordie Hill, her husband, Prince Hollidy III, and her daughter, Karen E. Gill. Her sister, Claudia F. Alexander, and four brothers, Felton, Howard, James, and John Hill. Also, her first cousin, whom she considered a brother, Earl Williams.
Priscilla leaves her legacy and cherishable memories with three sons, Prince A. Hollidy IV (Senthynett) of Camden, AR; Darrell J. Hollidy (Vanessa) of Junction City, AR; Kendall A. Hollidy (Cazandra) of Lillie, LA. One son in law, Ricky Gill (Karen). One daughter, Kathye T. Hollidy (Chukwuma) of Arlington, TX.
She was a fun and loving grandmother of 21 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memories, one brother, Terry J. Hill (Gwendolyn) of Lafayette, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Pubic Visitation Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 11-12:00pm at New Mount Union Baptist Church in Junction City, Ark. Family hour 12:30-1:30 pm Graveside services Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Community Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com. Face mask are required.
JEAN TURNER BREWER
A memorial service for Mrs. William Chester Brewer, 95, following her death on Saturday, January 9th, 2021, will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, Mississippi on January 15th at 11:00 in the morning. Rev. Wiley Lowry, minister of pastoral care at First Presbyterian, Jackson; her nephew, John Trimble Mabray, pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Monroe, Louisiana and The Reverend Doctor Derek Thomas, Senior pastor, First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. For those who are unable to attend, the service will be available by livestream at www.fpcjackson.org/livestream Mrs. Brewer, the former Lillie Jean Trimble, was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on September 11, 1925. Her parents were Lena Goodwin and John Dyer Trimble, III. She attended Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, Virginia and graduated Cum Laude in 1946 from the University of Arkansas where she was president of Chi Omega, which was founded there. In December of 1946, she married Thomas Arnold Turner, Jr. and moved to Jackson in early 1947. They were married for 44 years until his death in 1991. In 1999, she married William Chester Brewer of Jackson, formerly of Clarksdale, Mississippi. They were married for six years until his death in 2005. They had homes in Jackson and Manchester, Vermont. They were faithful attendants at First Congregational Church in Woodstock, Vermont.
She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson since 1947, having been a cradle member of their denomination in El Dorado. She was honored by her church in Jackson as a lifetime member of the Women in the Church. She served as a Regent at the George Washington Foundation in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She was a past president of the Junior League of Jackson.
She was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America, a past board member of the Mississippi Arts Festival, a past president of the Jackson Opera Guild, and a life Member of the Chaminade
Club. She was a founding member of the Research Club, the Elsinore Garden Club, the Matrons, Southern and High Noon luncheon clubs, the Playreaders, the Americana Antiques Club, and the Gallery Guild.
She is survived by her son, Thomas Arnold Turner, III of Jackson, her daughter, Susan Turner McMillan and husband Tom of New Orleans, LA, her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Cox and her husband Kelly of Los Angeles, CA; four grandchildren, Emily Turner Moody and husband Bart Remington of Brandon, MS, Thomas Arnold, IV and wife Ellen of Jackson; Meg McMillan Hearding and husband Alex of Durango, CO, and Hunter Hockridge McMillan of Austin, TX; four great-grandchildren, Lillie Aline Moody, Roland Turner Moody, Haley Elizabeth Hearding, and Hannah Robinson Hearding. Also, surviving are precious friends Alex and Vickie Scaramucci and daughter Sophia of Norcross, GA.
She is also survived by four-stepchildren, William Chester Brewer, Jr. (Libbie Delosh) of N. Palm Beach, FL; Elizabeth Brewer Schaffenburg (Karl) of Laurel, MS, Dr. Paul Brewer of Beaufort, SC, and J. Lyons Brewer (Kate) of Atlanta. GA. There are also five step-grandchildren, Dr. William C. Schaffenburg (Erin), Lila Schaffenburg Caves (Risher), Cage T. Brewer, Robert W. Brewer, Ramsey Lyons Brewer, four step great-grandchildren, Brewer G. Caves, Eva G. Schaffenburg, Sarah Frances Caves and Virginia Elizabeth Caves.
Other survivors are many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Goodwin Turner of Jackson; sisters Betty Trimble
Mabray of Monroe, LA and her husband Jack P, Mabray , Mary Trimble Maier of Fayetteville, AR, and Manchester, VT, and her husband John L. Maier, Jr., and their daughter Nancy Maier, nephew, John D. Trimble V of El Dorado, AR, and her brother John D. Trimble of El Dorado, AR and his wife Robin Berry Trimble. The family wishes to give special thanks to Danyale Ball Sinclair.
Memorials may be sent to French Camp Academy, Reformed Theological Seminary, First Presbyterian Church, First Congregational Church of Woodstock, VT, or a charity of one’s choice.
A private burial will be held following the service at the family cemetery at Somerset Plantation in Newellton, LA.
JOHN C. JERRY JR.
John C. Jerry Jr., 71, of El Dorado, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 10, 2021 after a three, year battle with cancer.
He was born on May 23, 1949 in El Dorado to the late Betty Jane Stephens Jerry and John C. Jerry Sr.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Jerry.
Survivors include his daughter, Brandi Hall (Matt), and grandchildren Max and Marley Hall; a son, Bryan Garriga, and grandson Hunter Garriga; former wife and special friend Mary Jerry.
Interment will be under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado. Due to the pandemic, there will be no visitation, and a private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be sent to: Berean Children’s Home, 1180 Berea Trail SE, Bogue Chitto, MS 39629.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
MELISSA DIANE GOODWIN
Melissa Diane Goodwin, age 51, of El Dorado passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was born on September 21, 1969 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Charles Wesley Slaughter and Diana Rae Miller (Mason).
Melissa is survived by her husband, Eric Goodwin, a daughter, Lauren Greer (Matt) of Monroe, LA. a son, Dustin Goodwin (Jennifer) of El Dorado, a sister, Trayc Parker (Eddie) of Fouke, AR and a half-sister, Sandi Ford of Clipper Mills, CA. Also surviving are her father, Charles Wesley Slaughter (Bodwin) and mother, Diana Rae Mason (Jim) all of El Dorado, along with grandchildren, Nataleh Goodwin, age 11, Tobias Goodwin, age 2 and John Montgomery Greer, 1 month.
Melissa was a homemaker and had a passion for cooking. But more than that, she had a heart for people and enjoyed cooking for others. She was an avid cookbook collector and amazing cook. She was a member of Bible Baptist Church. She will truly be missed by all.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, at Bible Baptist Church with CDC regulations being followed by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.
A celebration of Melissa’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 15th at Bible Baptist Church with Bro. J. D. Weido officiating with interment to follow in Rehobeth Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.
The family wants to thank the staff, nurses and doctors at Baptist Medical Center who gave compassionate and loving care and prayers to Melissa and Eric while there.
The family requests that there be no flowers or food prepared but that donations for funeral expenses may be made to Young’s Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
RICHARD KEITH DAVIS, SR., M.D.
Richard Keith Davis, Sr., M.D., 63 of Smackover went to his eternal home on Monday, January 11, 2021 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.
Born March 20, 1957 he was the son of James Robert and Sylvia Columbus Davis in Little Rock. Dr. Davis was a member of Maple Avenue Baptist Church in Smackover, along with Mallard Bayou Duck Club, 3D Deer Camp, Oaklawn Jockey Club, Board of Smackover State Bank, American Chemistry Council and Phosgene Medical Task Force in Washington D.C.
Dr. Davis was the company doctor for many years to Clean Harbors, El Dorado Chemical, Lanxess Corporation and multiple small companies. He was the Medical Director for Elite Home Health.
Preceding him in death along with his father was one brother, James Thomas Davis.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years Sheila Davis, two sons, Dr. Richard Keith Davis, Jr and his wife Dr. Jennifer Davis of Smackover, and Steven Robert Davis and his wife Katie Davis of Smackover. Surviving grandchildren are 3 granddaughters, Courtney, Haley and Isabella “Izzy” and great grandson, Lennon Davis. Dr. Davis is also survived by a brother, Michael Steven Davis and his wife Denise of Sherwood, AR. and a sister, Lori Wallace and husband Robert of Leesville, LA. along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Davis did his undergraduate study at Hendrix College and University of Central Arkansas in Conway. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock in 1983. He completed his family practice residency at AHEC in El Dorado in 1986. He then began his 34 years of practice at Smackover Family Practice Clinic where he served our community as the epitome of a small town country doctor. He used his great intelligence along with his big heart and compassion to treat his patients like family. He saved numerous lives and touched thousands.
Doc was a lover of outdoors. Hunting and fishing with his family and friends was a big part of his life. He loved camping with his family, especially his granddaughters. He loved the art of thoroughbred horse racing. He raced, owned and bred horses at one time. He was also an excellent chef, who loved creating specialty dishes. However, his greatest love of all was his family. Nothing could compare to spending time with his sons, granddaughters and his new great grandson. His greatest accomplishment was accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. His family has the assurance that he is in the presence
of the Almighty Lord.
Public viewing for friends and family will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16, at Maple Avenue Baptist Church in Smackover. The Davis family asks that pandemic precautions be observed by wearing a mask and practicing social distancing for those that are well enough to attend.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021 Maple Avenue Baptist Church with Dr. Benji McCann officiating. Interment will follow in Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. We are honoring him with his favorite camo attire. Please dress however you are comfortable.
Memorials may be made to Baptist Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), 9601 Baptist Health Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205, Hanna Pregnancy Center, 101 W. Main St. Suite 201, El Dorado, AR 71730 or Samaritan’s Purse, %Immanuel Baptist Church, 3209 W. Hillsboro St., El Dorado, AR 71730.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
JOHN MEDFORD DUMAS
John Medford Dumas passed away at Baptist Hospital on Friday, January 8, 2021, following a brief illness. He was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on August 28, 1945, the son of Medford Lee & Ruth Jean Dumas. John was preceded in death by his parents and a beloved brother, Ronnie Dumas. Survivors include his devoted wife of 53 years, Carolyn Bailey Dumas; a loving daughter Kelly Wood
(David); his pride and joy, his two grandchildren - Bailey
Wood and John Harrison Wood all of Madison, Mississippi; one brother, Marty Dumas of
El Dorado and one sister, Pam
Hallman of Freeport, Florida; five nephews and three nieces.
John lived the first 54 years of his life in El Dorado. He was a member of the Class of 1963 at El Dorado High School and furthered his education at the University of Arkansas and Southern State College. Following active duty in the Arkansas National Guard, John joined Lion Oil Company in El Dorado where he worked in several positions before becoming Manager of Research and Development. In 1999, he came to Jackson, Mississippi with Ergon, the then parent company of Lion Oil, as Laboratory Director, Emulsions & Technical Coatings, and he and Carolyn made a home in Lake Caroline of Madison. Following a career of 46 years, John retired in October 2015, as Vice President of Paragon Technical Services, Inc. a subsidiary of Ergon. In retirement, he was able to fully enjoy his favorite hobbies of fishing, hunting and most recently, long distance rifle shooting competition at the Magnolia Rifle & Pistol Club, where he proved to be very proficient and gained many new friends. Although a man with many talents and hobbies, John loved nothing more than spending time with his family and especially, the lights of his life, his two precious grandchildren Bailey and John Harrison, affectionately known to many as “JayHay”. Over the last 5 years, John also enjoyed the companionship of his devoted fur baby, Gracie.
Services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home at 1161 Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland, MS on Tuesday, January 12. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. with memorial service beginning at 1:00 in the chapel at Parkway. Internment will immediately follow service in Parkway’s Memorial Park.
Serving as Pallbearers are Jamie Dumas, Sidney Burns, Terry Bolding, Ron Glenn, Gaylon Baumgardner, Danny Graves, Patrick Nolan and John Turbeville.
Honorary Pallbearer is John’s lifelong friend, Mike Meadows. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John’s honor to the charity of one’s choice.
NAOMI JOYCE ROWLAND
Naomi Joyce Rowland age 88 of Junction City passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at her residence. Naomi was born on August 26, 1932 in El Dorado to the late Ruby Helms Harris and Albert J. Harris. She formerly worked as a bank teller for First National Bank of El
Dorado, serving 33 plus years before her retirement in 1994.
She loved being outdoors, just sitting on her porch. She truly loved everyone and had a wonderful sense of humor.
She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of
Junction City and was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, whom will be sorely missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Max H. Rowland Sr.;three brothers, and two sisters.
Survivors include; one son, Ricky Rowland and wife Dina of Junction City; one daughter, Lydia Smith of Ruston, LA; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; one brother, James Harris and wife Maggie of Texarkana along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will begin at 1:30 pm, followed by graveside services at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Scotland Cemetery, with Bro. James Bynum officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of Junction City. Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
RACHEL KATHLEEN PRIMM MURRAY
Rachel Kathleen Primm Murray, 96 of El Dorado died Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Timberlane Health and Rehab.
Born July 15, 1924 in Union County, she was the daughter of Carl A Primm and Eugenia Darden Primm. She was a homemaker and a life-long member of Midway Baptist Church.
Preceding her in death along with her parents were her husband, Elson Murray, two brothers, Earl Primm and LT Primm, a daughter-in-law, Fay Murray and a granddaughter, Christine
Murray.
Survivors include her sister,
Carleen Taylor of El Dorado; two sons, Alton Murray and
Doug Murray and wife Donna all of Oklahoma and one daughter, Donna Kay Lawrence and husband Joe of El Dorado.
She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Young’s. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Young’s Chapel with Rev. Mike Murray officiating. Interment will follow in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Serving as pallbearers will be Doug Murray, Joe Lawrence, Jr., Brad Murray, Jimmy Murray, David Gray and James Primm.
Memorial may be made to the John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
MARTHA HERNANDEZ
Martha Hernandez, 57, of Junction City, AR our beloved mother passed away Wednesday, January 6, 2021. She was born November 11, 1963 to Leonardo Portillo and Margarita Becerra in Chihuahua, Mexico.
She was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Magnolia, AR, and she was a homemaker.
Martha is preceded in death by her mother, Margarita
Beccerra Portillo.
Survivors include her husband, Julio Hernandez, Sr.; two sons, Julio Hernandez,
Jr., Leonardo Hernandez, two daughters, Perla Olvera (Jose),
Gaby Hernandez all of Junction
City; her father, Leonardo
Portillo; five brothers, Leonardo
Portillo, Jr., Poli Portillo, Richy
Portillo (Sandra), Jose Portillo
(Faye), Martin Portillo (Elaine); four sisters, Irma Roberts, Lola
Martinez (Martin), Maggie Goff
(Bruce), Griselda Dorman; and four grandchildren, Vanessa Rose Hernandez, Jose Olvera, III, Axel Olvera, Brax Olvera.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Young’s Chapel.
Condolences may be expressed at youngsfuneralhome.com
JOHN CALVIN HEAD
John Calvin Head, 79 went to his forever home on January 02, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Jessie; sister, Lois Merle; his first wife, Wanda Volentine Head; and a great granddaughter, Rozalynn
Dunivan.
He is survived by his wife,
Cheryl Morgan, of El Dorado,
AR; daughters, Karen Roberts,
(James) of Chatham, LA, Teresa
Rougon (Shawn) of Denham
Springs, LA and Kathleen
Givens of Franklin, OH; sons,
Richard Head (Margo) of
Waterford, WI and Michael
Head (Alecia) of Shreveport,
LA; step-daughters, Cindy
Saulsbury and Kelly JonesWilson (Tim) of El Dorado; sister, Sherlyn Dyda (Bill) of Santa
Fe, TX; fourteen grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
John was born in Prescott, AR and attended school at Blevins and Prescott before moving to Magnolia, AR and graduating high school there. He joined the U.S. Air Force where he served for three and a half years primarily stationed in Alaska and was honorably discharged as Airman First Class in 1963. He then moved to Shreveport, LA where he worked as Chief Engineer/Safety Officer at the Exide Battery plant from 1968 to 2012 when he retired to Athens, LA. He then moved to El Dorado in 2016 where he married Cheryl Morgan.
While in Shreveport John was very involved with his children and community. From 1968 to 1979 he coached various football, basketball, baseball, softball and track teams for Summer Grove Elementary school. In 1979 he began genealogy research, starting with his family tree. He and his now deceased wife, Wanda Volentine Head, published and printed genealogical material for sale to the general public beginning around 1988 and attended all the major conferences and seminars in the area. They were very active in the Friends of Genealogy-Shreveport Chapter and donated thousands of hours of time and research to the Shreveport Memorial Library and the Mormon Library.
When John moved to Arkansas, he became a member of the Union County Genealogical Society where he served as publisher of their semi-annual “Tracks and Traces”. He also spent several hours every day on his computer doing genealogical research until he became ill.
John also served as a volunteer for the USGS National Map Corps where he recently received a certificate for logging 1,000 cemeteries.
John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was an American Patriot and loved and honored his country. John was a Christian and loved his Lord and Savior. He was a member of East Main Baptist Church. He will never be forgotten as he will live on in our hearts until we meet again.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at East Main Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Jim Daniel and under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels.
VIRGIL MADISON SIMS
Virgil Madison Sims, age 85, of Conroe, Texas passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021. Virgil was born January 13, 1935 in El Dorado, Arkansas to J.D. and Ethel Bates Sims.
He was employed at NASA from 1965 to 2006, most recently with United Space Alliance. He was a longtime member of the Watters Road Church of Christ in Pasadena, TX and a current member of Longmire Road Church of Christ in Conroe, TX.
Virgil is preceded in death by his parents, J.D. and Ethel Bates Sims, his first wife, Elaine Napper Sims, and brother, Wayne Sims.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Girard Sims, sister Julia S. Howdeshell, brother James D. Sims, sons Brian D. Sims, Scott A. Sims, William S. Riggins, Richard R. Riggins, daughters Vicki S. Leal (Lonnie), Rosalind R. Ferguson, Elizabeth R. Roesch, grandchildren Danielle A. Leal, Joshua G. Leal, Lauren A. Leal, 12 others and 1 great grandchild.
Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Sims family.
BIRDIE MAE JOHNSON
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Sister Birdie Mae Johnson was born March 16, 1950, in El
Dorado, Arkansas. She was the daughter of the late Lee and
Annie Mae Johnson. She departed this life on Tuesday, January
12, 2021, at The Medical Center of South Arkansas.
She was preceded in death by a daughter Nancy Ann Johnson and six siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters,
Beverly Ann Goodwin (Willie) and Rosemary Reynolds, both of
El Dorado, Arkansas; two sisters
Annie Lee Johnson an Mary Jane
George; one brother Robert
Lee Johnson all of El Dorado,
Arkansas;13 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will truly miss her.
Graveside Service Friday, January 15, 2020, at 12:00 a.m. at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com. Face mask required.
HELEN WILLIAMS LANDES DANNY DWAYNE NEWTON
Helen Williams Landes was received into the arms of her savior on January 12, 2021. She was born on November 30, 1926, to Walter Emmett and Charline Person Williams. She was raised on a beautiful farm along the banks of the Red River near Garland City, Arkansas.
Helen loved this place of her childhood and always considered it her home.
After graduating from
Garland City school, Helen attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, before graduating from the University of Arkansas. She married her husband, Rodney, in 1948 following his graduation from the
University of Arkansas. Rodney was from Lewisville, just down the road from Garland City, and the two of them would spend the next 59 years together. Helen moved with Rodney to El Dorado in 1950. Here, Helen put down deep roots in the community and in the First Baptist Church, which she called her church home for the rest of her life.
Over the years that followed, Helen was a devoted wife and mother to her three children whose births spanned sixteen years from eldest to youngest. However, she was much more than this. She was instrumental in establishing the Children’s House of Learning, a Montessori school, in El Dorado, and was a founding and long-serving Board member of the South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families. She became a teacher by commuting over several years to Southern Arkansas University (then known as Southern State) to receive her education degree. First, she was a teaching assistant to Glenn Callahan at Yocum Elementary, then she taught at the First Baptist Church Kindergarten for many years.
While teaching full time, Helen also served many worthy causes in her church and in the community. When there was a need, she was there to make a difference. She was integral in starting both the singles ministry and the prayer ministry at First Baptist Church. For her many volunteer efforts, Helen was recognized by the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce in 1995 as one of the “Five Who Care” honorees.
After retiring from teaching, Helen enjoyed a return to the family farm near Garland City. She and Rodney spent countless hours tending to the lovely grove of pecan trees grafted by her father so many years ago. Her later years were spent caring for Rodney, enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren and staying active and involved with her church, friends and family. With full hearts, we can truly say that Helen’s long, productive, and faithful life was well-lived, and her kindness and generosity touched many lives and made all those around her better.
Helen is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Rodney R. Landes, Sr., her sister, Martha Williams Murray, and brotherin-law, Thompson B. Murray, Jr. She is survived by her brother, Jack L. Williams of Little Rock, her children, Rodney, Jr. (Linda) of El Dorado, Rosalynn of Baton Rouge, and Roger (Shelley) of El Dorado, as well as four grandchildren (Rodney, III (Jenny) of Edmund, Oklahoma, Lesley Roberts (Stan) of Little Rock, Eli and Emmaline of El Dorado and four great grandchildren (Stewart, Mary Helen, Elli, and Ann Kelley).
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 18, 2021 at Wilson Cemetery in Lewisville, AR under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors and with Rev. Jonathan Kelley officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to First Baptist Church of El Dorado, Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, or South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
Danny Dwayne Newton, age 58 of Hampton died Saturday, January 16, 2021 at his home. He was born November 3, 1962 in El Dorado, Arkansas. He worked as a lineman for Ouachita Rural Electric and was a true servant of Christ and member of the Church of Christ in Hampton. He is preceded in death by his father, James Vernon Newton; and one brother, Carroll
Newton. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Newton of Hampton; one son, James Brenton (Shayna) Newton of Stephens; two daughters, Ashley Lane (Paul) Davis of Hampton, Jenni Brianne (Grant) Nutt of Hampton; mother, Onnye Newton of Hampton; two brothers, Ricky Newton of Hampton, Bobby Newton of Hampton; two sisters, Cheryl Furr of Hampton and Kristi Branch of Camden; seven grandchildren, Danilee and Kaylee Davis of Hampton, Graysen, Kannen, James Axen, and Casten Newton of Stephens, and Swaide Nutt of Hampton. Visitation will be Monday 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Pickett Cemetery near Hampton. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 pm with Brother Mike Parker and Brother Chuck Monan officiating. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneraalhome.net.
LOVIE F. GRYDER
Lovie F. Gryder, 89, of El Dorado, AR passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado.
Lovie was born March 9, 1931 in Urbana, AR to the union of Jim Tillman and Mamie Webb Tillman.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Lovie was a homemaker and a lifetime member of Lou Ann Baptist Church and Northwest
Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother.
Survivors include her husband of 72 years, Robert Gryder, one daughter, Sheila Beth Mosley and husband Rocky, one son,
Danny Gryder and wife Connie, her twin sister, Dovie Agerton, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
A private graveside service was held at 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the Urbana Cemetery with Bro.
Jason Yarbrough officiating.
Interment followed under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Northwest Baptist Church, 5410 N West Ave. El Dorado, AR 71730.
Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
JOHN DEAN STOREY
John Dean Storey, 76, of El Dorado passed away Sunday, January 10, 2021 at his residence. He was born February 19, 1944 to John H. and Sybil Poyner Storey in Blytheville, AR.
He was a graduate of El Dorado
High School, a life-time member of the Church of Christ, and he was the founder of Storey’s
Floor and Carpet, Inc. He was an avid Razorback fan, an expert gardener, Justice of the Peace for Union County, and an avid supporter of the Union County
Animal Protection Society.
He is preceded in death by his father, John H. Storey; and brother, Richard “Rick” Storey.
Survivors include his wife
Pauline Wood Storey; sons
Kenny Storey (Penny), Mike
David Storey (Kim); daughters,
Rebecca Gunter Bennett (Randy),
Leigh Conway (Dan); mother,
Sybil Storey; and grandchildren, Kaila Storey, Ryan Storey, Daniel Conway, and Noah Conway.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021 in Young’s Chapel with Paul Dunn and Tommy Bennett officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to the Union County Animal Protection Society, 1000 Sunset Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences may be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome. com
JOY CHERRY WALTHALL
Joy Cherry Walthall age 62 of El Dorado, passed away Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. Joy was born on August 17, 1958 in El Dorado to the late Helen Joy Sehon Cherry and Hugh Crawford
“H.C.” Cherry. Joy loved being outdoors. She especially enjoyed the mountains, going fishing and was an avid Razorback sports fan. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, whom will be greatly missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronnie Walthall, and one nephew, Todd Cherry.
Survivors include; one daughter, Kati Blanchard and husband Vance; one son, Will Walthall and wife Grace, all of El Dorado; five grandchildren, Kysen Kirkman, Eva Cook, Charlotte Walthall, Whitney Walthall and Davis Blanchard; four brothers, Jeff Cherry and wife Laura, Mark Cherry and wife Jennifer, Chris Cherry and wife Gina, and Jay Cherry and wife Suzy. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel.
Cremation services provided by Bailey Funeral Home. Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net