OBITUARIES
MRS. IVA DELLE “MICKEY” BOYD
Mrs. Iva Delle “Mickey” Boyd, 88, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away Feb. 14, 2021. Mrs. Boyd was born Feb. 19, 1932 in Smackover, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Sidney and Jewell Lout. She loved gardening, cooking and was a master seamstress, sewing many dresses for her daughters, including their wedding dresses. She also sewed costumes for the Atlanta Passion Play for 20 years and as of late sewed over 700 dresses for Dress a Girl Around the World ministries. She loved her family and the Lord deeply and faithfully attended church services and read her Bible.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Boyd, daughter Holly Powell and sonin-law Derrick Guy. Survivors include her daughter Melissa Guy of Thomaston, Georgia, son-in-law Billy Powell of Garland, Texas and her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Sherry Boyd of Duluth, Georgia. She was a beloved “Mimi” to grandchildren Rocky Brooke, Brantley Brooke, Kyle Boyd, Garrett Boyd, Parker Powell and five great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. Boyd on Saturday, March 13, at 11:00 p.m. at Beech Springs Camp, 326 Ouachita 68, Smackover, AR 71762 with time for visitation after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dress a Girl Around the World through their website https://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com/ or through the mail at Hope 4 Women International, P.O. Box 14, Forest City, IA 50436.
TOMMIE JOYCE CATES
Mrs. Tommie Joyce Cates, age 76 of Junction City, passed away Thursday, February 18, 2021 at Courtyard Nursing and Rehab Center in El Dorado. Tommie was born February 25, 1944 in Pine Bluff, AR. She obtained her Associates of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from South Ark in 1981 and later obtained her LPN License from Oil Belt Vocational College in 1986. Tommie worked for 20 plus years at Hudson Nursing Home. She later worked at Junction City Nursing Home and Arkansas Department of Health for 13 years before her retirement.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Donald Adams and J.C. Adams.
Survivors include; her husband of 58 years, Leon Cates of Junction City; two sons, James Cates and wife Leslie, and Joel Cates and wife Rhonda, all of El Dorado; five grandchildren, Breanna Cates Braswell, Kristen Cates Davis and husband Steven, Brandi White and husband Josh, Joe Neel, and Rand Sinclair, all of El Dorado; seven great grandchildren, Connor Braswell, Coleigh White, Jacob Neel, Brooklynn Neel, Dalton White, Joseph Vernon Neel, and Rodney James White. She is also survived by her loyal K9 Companion, Dixie.
Visitation will begin at 2:30 pm, followed by graveside services at 3:00 pm on Monday, February 22, 2021 at Roselawn Cemetery in Junction City, with Bro. Clay Dickson officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net.
MABEL LEE REED CHRISTIAN
Mrs. Mabel Lee Reed Christian was born November 26, 1939, in Mt. Willie Community to the late Calvin Reed and Mattie Shutes of El Dorado, AR. She received her heavenly wings on February 11, 2021, while surrounded by her love ones.
Mabel accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Willie Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR., she later moved to Little Rock, AR., and united with Faith Temple Full Gospel Deliverance under the leadership of Bishop Dwayne Lindsey Sr., where she was a mother of the church. She was very active until her health failed. Mabel received her education at Bowie Elementary School in Mt. Willie, El Dorado, AR. Charles Murphy III employed Mabel for many years.
Mabel was married to the late Larry Christian Sr. To this union; ten children were born. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband: Larry Christian, two daughters: Sandra Christian and Diane Jackson, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; two brothers; Thurmon Lowery and Augusta Reed.
Her precious and loving memories will be cherished by her three sons: Michael (Ruby) Christian and Charles Powell Sr. of El Dorado, AR., Tony Christian of Little Rock, AR., three daughters: Pamela Christian of El Dorado, AR., Minia Christian of Little Rock, AR., Veronica Honeycutt of Calion, AR., two sisters Frankie White and Carrie Morgan of El Dorado, AR., 25 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Graveside services will be Monday, February 22, 2021 at Mt. Willie Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary.
GERALD LYNN CROW
GERALD LYNN CROW (Jerry), 86, of Atlanta Georgia, passed away on February 6, 2021 in a local hospital.
Jerry was born in El Dorado, Arkansas to the late Maggie Mae and Robert Roland Crow on December 4, 1934. His first job was for the city of El Dorado as a draftsman creating local area maps and topographical information while serving in the Army Reserves. Next, he entered the world of technology at Murphy Oil Corporation. Having found his passion, he moved to Crossett Arkansas to work in the information technology department at Georgia-Pacific (GP). While at GP, Jerry held many positions each with increasing responsibility including Director, MidContinent Division Information Resources and Director, Corporate Data Center where Jerry was responsible and accountable for the move of all Georgia-Pacific information resources from Portland, Oregon to Atlanta, Georgia. Jerry retired after 29 years and was immediately hired back as a consultant with GP for several more years.
Jerry’s father introduced him to woodworking which became a life-long passion. He was also a lover of sports, an avid reader, and enjoyed collecting movies and music which he meticulously catalogued in spreadsheets. Jerry was amazing at trivia where he won several local contests with his uncle, Colonel James F Brewer of Marietta Georgia (deceased).
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his only sister Phyllis Crow Brewer, and two brothers Alfred Glenn Crow and Robert Franklin Crow. Jerry is survived by his daughter Michelle Crow of Brookhaven, Georgia, several nieces and nephews and numerous friends and colleagues.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Arrangements are by H. M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel.
STEPHANIE NICOLE FREEMAN
Stephanie Nicole Freeman was born on July 11, 1985, to Virginia Ray Ford and Bobby Ray Freeman. She departed from this life on February 10, 2021.
At an early age, she joined First Saint James Baptist Church and later united with the cross Life Church of El Dorado, where she remained a faithful member until her departure.
Stephanie graduated from El Dorado High School in 2003.
Later she moved back to El Dorado after finding out she was pregnant. Stephanie gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Elijah Luke Freeman.
She leaves to cherish her loving mother, Virginia Ray Ford of El Dorado, and her father Bobby Ray Freeman (Patricia) of Hastings, Nebraska, son Elijah Luke Freeman. Sister Sharika Freeman, Brother Bobby R. Freeman Jr. (LB) and wife (Jurden), Brandon Wright, Bandandi Threadgill and grandmothers Gladys Ford of El Dorado and Ann Smith of Calion, AR, Christine Johnson (Jhonny) Hastings, Nebraska, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends across the globe.
Walkthrough Visitation Wednesday 2:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Service Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Cross Life Church, interment at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary.
ANNIE RUTH MOSLEY
In Loving memory of Annie Ruth Mosley
Sister Annie Ruth Mosley, fondly known as “Ann” by family and friends was born May 12th, 1952 in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Willie Bluford Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Robinson-Tippet. On Monday February 8th 2021 at her home; she exited this earth to go be with the one who truly loved her the most.
At an early age she joined Miles Memorial Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder J.H Miles. She also attended Apostolic Faith and later P.U.S.H Ministries.
During her school years she attended Rock Island Elementary School and Booker T. Washington High School.
Annie was united in holy matrimony to Tommy C. Mosley for 45 years. Through this union they were blessed with two sons, Tony Bluford and Tommy Ray Mosley along with one daughter, Stephanie Renee Mosley.
She enjoyed watching classic TV shows and movies. She also had a great love for music. Although she truly loved and adored her children, grandchildren and family, she had a eternal agape love for her Lord and Savior. Annie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 45 years; two children, Freddie Ray Mosley and Clarence Mosley; four brothers, Jesse Roy, Robert Earl, Willie Jr and Willie Ray Bluford along with two sisters, Mary Jean Bluford and Marilyn Bluford-Shears.
Her Loving and fond memories will be cherished her two sons Tony Bluford and Tommy Ray Mosley; one daughter, Stephanie Renee Mosley; stepchildren Tommy Jr., Almaline Mosley, Timothy Mosley, Elmarline Page, Jeffery Mosley, Sidney Ann Debois, Carolana Williams and Caroline Mosley; eleven grandchildren, one great-grandchild; one brother Ronnie Bluford; two sisters, Clara Elizabeth Moore and Rosie Bluford-Rogan along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.
A burial service will be held Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Arlington Memorial in El Dorado. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
BETTY JEAN MURPHY
Betty Jean Murphy, 92, of Farmerville, LA, passed away Sunday, February 14, 2021 at Union General Hospital.
She was born June 24, 1928 to Claude Elbert and Mary E. Ward White in Little Rock, AR. Betty was a member of Conway Baptist Church and was a homemaker. She loved her family friends and her Arbor Rose Family.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Lawrence Edison Murphy; and seven brothers and sisters.
Survivors include her daughter, Lisa Murphy of Marion, LA; son, Tim and Angelia Murphy of Marion, LA; four grandchildren, Robert Stringfellow and fiancé Tina Mitchell of El Dorado, AR, Colton and Brittany Murphy of Marion, LA, John and Nicole Murphy of Farmerville, LA, Will and Taylor Murphy of Marion, LA; two great grandchildren, Ross Stringfellow of El Dorado, AR, Alexandria Murphy of Marion, LA; brother, Sidney White of Pine Bluff, AR; and sister, Louise Murray of Pine Bluff, AR.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Conway Baptist Church in Farmerville. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. A private burial will be held under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
CDC regulations are to be followed by wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
Memorials may be made to the Conway Baptist Church, 4323 Highway 549, Farmerville, LA 71241.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
DOTSON “LEROY” RAMSEY
Dotson “Leroy” Ramsey age 76, of Beebe, went to be with the Lord February 16, 2021. Leroy was born on April 28, 1944 in Beebe to Odis Kenneth and Mary Alice Ramsey. Leroy was a retired truck driver and was a member of The Beebe First Christian Church. He was a loving father and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Delores, and 2 sisters, Joyce Ramsey Wilcox and Linda Weeks.
He is survived by his children, Regina (Todd) Lambert of El Dorado, Kevin Ramsey of Beebe, Steve (Jimmie) Ramsey of Beebe, and Delana (Mike) Mote of Beebe; his grandchildren, Austin (Kari) Lambert of El Dorado, Haley (Bryce) Rowan of El Dorado, Brandon Ramsey and Danielle Ramsey, both of Cabot, Dillon Ramsey of Beebe, Dustin (Haley) Duncan, Cody Ramsey, and Chase (Mandy) Mote all of Beebe; and 14 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his brothers and sisters, Todd Ramsey, Rodd Ramsey, Alice Chambers, Neva Roe, and Kathy Harper; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be Saturday, February 20, at 2:00 PM at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel with a drop by viewing from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM Sat. Private burial at Grissard Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.smithfamilycares.com
JOY LUCINDA COWSAR
Joy Lucinda Cowsar, 88, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away Friday, February 12, 2021 at Courtyard Health and Rehabilitation. She was born February 7, 1933 to Clarence and Arvelia Ruth Colvin Harbour in Athens, LA.
She was a graduate of Oil Belt Technical College and was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joy was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse.
Preceding her in death are her parents; and brother, Raymond Harbour of Ft. Worth, TX.
Survivors include her three daughters, Clara Ruth Bolick of South Carolina, Naomi Lee Baldwin of Ft. Lupton, CO, and Sheila Kay Irby of El Dorado, AR; seven grandchildren, Billie Dodd of Cheyenne, WY; Michael Ricardi of North Arkansas; Adam Pardue of North Arkansas; Damon Pardue of New Mexico; Allen Presler of Plain Dealing, LA; Kristy Cowsar of Bastrop, LA; Pamela Roxberg of El Dorado, AR; nineteen great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
DR. CORTEZ SMITH, JR.
Dr. Cortez Smith, Jr., 72, of Pine Bluff, AR, departed this life on February 14, 2021. Dr. Cortez (C.T.) Smith, Jr., was born on July 8, 1948, to Mr. Cortez Smith, Sr., and Mrs. Hazel (Penny) Smith in El Dorado, Arkansas. Cortez attended Watson Elementary and graduated from Washington High School in El Dorado, Arkansas.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father a sister Ammer Jean Williams, a grandchild Jumante Smith. He is cherished by his wife Jo Linda Smith, children Dr. Hazel Smith-Mays (the late Alvin Mays) of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Smith, Sr., (Treddie), Pine Bluff, AR; grandchildren, TSgt Gabril Mays USAF, Honduras, Bethany Mays, ChemE Augusta, GA, Christopher Smith, Jr., Pine Bluff, AR, Christian Smith, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Xavier Smith, Conway, Arkansas, brothers, Carl Smith (Monette), El Dorado, AR; Rev. Woodrow Parker (Margaret) El Dorado, AR: sisters, Audrey McGhee, North Little Rock, AR, Shirlene Holmes, El Dorado, Arkansas, Sandra Hicks, El Dorado, AR, Linda Smith, El Dorado, AR.
Funeral Service Monday, Feburary 22, 2021, at 2:30p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church #2 under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com. Face mask required, please
CHARLES E. THOMAS II
Charles E. Thomas II, 92 of El Dorado, AR; passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado.
Born on February 20, 1928 in St. Louis, MO; he was the son of Edwin R. Thomas and Carolyn Matthews Thomas. Charlie was a noted civic leader and philanthropist. A co-owner of Calion Lumber Company, he served on many boards involving Education, Finance and Health. He was a graduate of Washington University in St Louis. He later served as a professor at Washington University and SouthArk Community College in El Dorado. He was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and enjoyed singing in the choir.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 57 years Camilla Van Dyke Thomas.
Survivors are son Chad Thomas (Katherine); daughter Lori Bryant (David); a brother Ted Thomas (Sissy); grandchildren Anne Thomas, Emily Thomas, Robert Sinyard and Camille Sinyard; two great-grandchildren. A special friend Rita Ann Maxwell, godchildren Eddie Leon Miller, Edmond A. Miller, Rickey Miller and Myrtis Hooks. Along with a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Due to the Covid pandemic a proper celebration of Charlie’s life will be announced at later date. Cremation services were provided by Young’s Funeral Directors.
To extend Charlie’s legacy of local community support, the family requests that any memorials be made, in his name, to a charity of donor’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
DAVID ALLEN VESTAL
David Allen Vestal, 55, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at his home in Magnolia, Arkansas. He was the son of Wendall Vestal and Patsy Simpson.
David was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a proud 3rd generation member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and a member of Local 436 in El Dorado, Arkansas.
He is preceded in death by his father, Wendall Vestal.
David is survived by his mother, Patsy Simpson and step father Venoy Simpson, of Magnolia; sister, Wendy Dees (Tim) of Magnolia; daughter, Alexa Lee of El Dorado; son, Mason Vestal of El Dorado; three grandchildren, Brennan, Bryce, and Lexi and 3 nephews, Jake Roberts, Dexter Dees and Garth Dees.
Arrangements were handled by Perry’s Funeral Chapels in El Dorado, Arkansas.