Obituaries
REMINDER OF SERVICES JAMES E. COOKSEY
James E. Cooksey, Jr. (Cooksey), age 74, of El Dorado, born in El Dorado Arkansas the son of James E. Cooksey, Sr. and Norma “Sally” Dugal Cooksey.
A graveside memorial service and burial will be held on Sunday, February 28 at 2:00 P.M.at Cane Creek Cemetery in Strong, Union County, Arkansas with Pastor Blake Dailey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Victory Bible Camp or Marrable Hill Chapel @ 110 Chapel Avenue El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences can be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome. com.
OBITUARIES WILLIAM HENRY ANTHONY, SR.
William Henry Anthony, Sr., 90, of Shreveport, LA, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at his residence. He was born May 28, 1930 to Frank and Effie Stricklen Anthony in Waterloo, AR.
He was a graduate of Georgia Tech University, and a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church. He was named honorary Colonel of the Arkansas State Police, he was Chairman of the AIDC AR Industrial Development Commission, Chairman of the Board at First National Bank in McGehee, AR, a Director of First State Bank in Lake Village, AR, Commissioner on the Dermott Drainage District, Board Member on the Lakeside Board of Education, he was on the USDA Advisory Board, former President of the Catfish Farmers of America, and Manager of Alice Sidney Farms and Alice Sidney Dryer and Seed Co.
Preceding him in death are his parents, brothers, Melvin, Beryl, Bruce, Aubra and Clary Anthony; and sisters, Alma Crawford and Bernice Bullock.
Survivors include his wife, Joan P. Anthony; daughters, Beth Manasco, Lisa Vercher; sons, Martin Anthony (Karen) all of Shreveport, and William Henry Anthony, Jr. (Pat) of Greenville, MS; grandchildren, Louis Keller, III (Shelly), George Henry Cousins, IV, Will Anthony, III (Megan), Frances Anthony Johnson (David), John Martin Anthony (Caroline), Ryan Anthony, Hannah Vercher, Michael Vercher, and great grandchildren, Henry Keller, Addison Keller, Noah Anthony, and Harrison Anthony.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Young’s Chapel with Rev. David Ruehr officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church. 324 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Village, AR 71653
Condolences can be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
MARGARET ALICE CALLIHAN
Margaret Alice Callihan, 83, of El Dorado, passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House.
She was born July 5, 1937 to Vernon Preston and Sarah Alice Wallace Ward in El Dorado, AR. Margaret was the Union County School Coordinator for 53 1/2 years.
Preceding her in death are her parents, and son, Kendal Roberson.
Survivors include her husband of 16 years, Jesse Callihan; grandkids, Sarah Alexis Roberson, Sam Roberson, Dylan Hayse; step kids, Jesse W. Callihan, III, (Trey), Mike A. Callihan, Kim R. Neuman, Stacy L. Callihan; niece, Susan Crager; nephew, Mark Taylor; 10 step grandchildren and 10 step great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021 at Young’s.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021 at Young’s Chapel with Rev. Donny Travis officiating. Burial will be held at Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Young’s funeral Directors.
In Lieu of flower, please send memorials to Team Corrie Cancer Foundation 145 Parker Drive El Dorado, Arkansas 71730.
Condolences may be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
MOTHER MYRTLE LEE CLEMONS-MILLER
Mother Myrtle Lee Clemons-Miller was born to Mr. Lennie and Emmaline Darling- Clemons on January 27, 1935, in El Dorado, Arkansas.
On January 22, 1954, Mother Myrtle Lee Clemons-Miller gave her heart and hand to Willie B. Miller Sr. and joined in holy matrimony.
The blessed and fruitful life of Mother Myrtle Miller ended when God called His faithful servant home, Saturday, February 20, 2021.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Willie B. Miller Sr. Seven sons; Supt. Herman Hayes, Sr. (Delores), Willie B. Miller Jr., Supt. Eddie Lee Miller (Edwina), Elder. Rickey L. Miller, Sr (Charlotte), Marvin D. Miller, Michael L. Miller (Veronica), Lennie R. Miller (deceased),
Tony D. Miller(Riva)(deceased), Steven B. Miller (deceased), & William M. Miller. Six daughters: Miss. Bertha D. Mitchell (Roy), Myrtle “Charise” Easter (Darryl), Beverly “Shon” Ross (Jeremy), Miss. Stephanie Owens (Cashaundee), Shymecca T. Hill, & Dorneshia R. Boyd (Jackie), Mother Norma Jean Blackmon (deceased), Emma E. Miller(deceased). One brother, Supt. Lennie Clemons, Jr (Sandra) and one brother-in-law, Rev. Leon Miller Jr (Helen). Two Sisters: Mother Mary Ford, & Evangelist Erma Jean Britt, and a host of relatives & friends. Mother Myrtle Clemons-Miller’s memories will forever be cherished by her family and Husband Deacon Willie B. Miller of Sixty- Sixty (66) years.
Walk Through Visitation Thursday, February 24, 2021, at 12:00p.m.-5:00p.m at Sims Mortuary. Funeral Services Friday, February 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. COVID-19 guidelines enforced. Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
MELIDA (MELLIE) JUAREZ
Melida (Mellie) Juarez, 96; of Hercules, California, formerly of El Dorado, Arkansas; died February 19, 2021, in Hercules, surrounded by her loving children. Mellie was born October 21, 1924 in San Antonio la Paz El Progresso, Guatemala to Placido Archila and Marquina Catalan de Archila. Her parents; two brothers, Oscar Archila and Alfredo Archila; and son-in-law Richard Devaux predeceased her.
Mellie is survived by two daughters and two sons: Sonia Devaux of Guatemala; Rene Juarez (Rosa Maria) of Hercules, California; Jorge Mario Juarez of Hercules, California; and Rina Thomas (Floyd) of El Dorado, Arkansas. She leaves eleven grandchildren: Karen Devaux de Paiz (Yves) of Mexico; Jean Rene Devaux of Guatemala; Paul Andre Devaux of Guatemala; Alex Juarez of Sulphur, Louisiana; Gaby Juarez of El Dorado, Arkansas; Jorge A. Juarez (Veronica) of American Canyon, California; David A. Juarez (Francisco) of San Francisco, California; Gregory M. Thomas (Abbey) of El Dorado, Arkansas; Stephanie N. Thomas of Columbus, Ohio; Jessica R. Thomas of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Matt Thomas (Holly) of El Dorado, Arkansas. Mellie also leaves seven greatgrandchildren: Alexia Juarez, Mario Juarez, Zoe Paiz, Leah Joy Thomas, Taylor Thomas, Emma Grace Thomas and Lily Thomas.
Mellie received her education in Guatemala and received her accounting degree in 1946. It was while working as an accountant for the Guatemalan Government that she met her husband, Rene Juarez, also working as an accountant. Rene and Mellie made their home in Guatemala until Rene’s untimely death left Mellie a young widow. Mellie immigrated to San Francisco where she spent her working life. She retired to El Dorado but was always full of energy and very active. She traveled extensively throughout the United States, Central America and Europe. In El Dorado, she was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church and Healthworks. She was very proud that she volunteered the most hours in the completion of the tapestries that hang in the Church Chapel. She loved and was loved by her large family, the people in the Church and her friends at Healthworks.
The family is thankful for the continuous home care provided by G.mag Healthcare especially Dr. Mana Pirnia and Busayo Ekunboyejo, who attended at her death.
Cremation services were entrusted to Diablo Valley Funeral Services in Concord, California. She will be interred in the Juarez family monument in Guatemala. A date and time for a memorial service at the First United Methodist Church in El Dorado will be announced. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of El Dorado or charity of the donor’s choice.
DEACON LAVAN COOK
Deacon LaVan Cook was born December 20th, 1937, in Strong Arkansas, to Rev.- Greely Cook and Clara Thompson- Cook.
On December 25, 1959, he united in holy matrimony to Effie Dean Burns-Cook and remained a devoted husband for forty-eight years. To this union, they were blessed with three daughters, Gilda, LaCretia, and LaSharn.
He was preceded in death by his wife, father, mother, Sister Rosie Easter Smith, and brother-Herman Cooks.
He leaves to Cherish his Memories, three devoted daughters Gilda Lorraine Smith (Rev. Leon) of EL Dorado, AR, LaCretia Del Cook (Evangelist Tondra) of Raeford, North Carolina, & LaSharn Va’che Gilmer of Los Angeles, California. Three Grand Children Lavanessa, Joshua, & Kennedy. Two Great grand Children Christina Grant & Christopher Grant. One sister - Betty Cook- Clark (Paul Clark) of Los Angeles, California, three nieces Princis Oliver (Leonardo), Evelyn Jones (Curtis), and Sharon Clark.
Walk Through Visitation Friday, February 26, 2021, at 2:00p.m.5:00p.m at Sims Mortuary. Funeral Services Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Cordell. COVID-19 guidelines enforced. Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
JAMES E. COOKSEY, JR.
James E. Cooksey, Jr. (Cooksey), age 74, of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away after a valiant battle with adrenal cancer, born in El Dorado Arkansas the son of James E. Cooksey, Sr. and Norma “Sally” Dugal Cooksey; a member of the Marrable Hill Chapel and retired as a draftsman and surveyor for Gaunt and Associates.
Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister Twila Kay Cooksey.
He is survived by his two sons, Cody Wade Cooksey of Richmond, Texas and Christopher Lee Winborn of Pittston, Pennsylvania, a brother Gary Cooksey and his wife Sharon of El Dorado and two sisters Jan Cooksey and Denise Cooley of Magnolia, Arkansas, three granddaughters and six great grandchildren.
After graduating from El Dorado High School, he joined the Navy which he served as a Radioman Third Class on the USS LaSalle and received an honorable discharge for his service on August 10, 1969. He worked his entire life in El Dorado. Cooksey was a devoted father for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to auctions later in life.
A graveside memorial service and burial will be held on Sunday, February 28 at 2:00 P.M.at Cane Creek Cemetery in Strong, Union County, Arkansas with Pastor Blake Dailey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Victory Bible Camp or Marrable Hill Chapel @ 110 Chapel Avenue El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences can be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome. com.
IDELL FERN PORTER PIGG
Idell Fern Porter Pigg, age 89, went home to our Heavenly Father on February 19, 2021. She was born to the late Everett and Elma McManus Porter on August 6, 1931 in Hampton, Arkansas. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church where she loved to worship until she became homebound and couldn’t get out.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Erskine J.B. Pigg, her son Danny Erskine Pigg, two sisters Virginia Means and Wilma Snyder, and great grandson Tristan Neal.
She is survived by four daughters, Donie Williams of Camden, Debbie (Jerry) Biggs of Hampton, Paula (Mike) Lee of Hampton, and Carol Harden of Las Vegas, Nevada; her sister Rachel Lees of El Dorado; grandchildren: John Williams of Hot Springs, Justin Williams of Camden, Michelle Williams of Camden, Eric Wiser of Enterprise, Alabama, Jake (Jennifer) Sweet of El Dorado, Jason Fritts of Hampton, Aaron Lee of El Dorado, Kimberly Gorman of Crossett, Courtney Heath of Texarkana, Heather Meeks of Bentonville, Mathew Lanley of Junction City, Louisiana, and Austin Lanley of Panama City, Florida; 18 great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and a host of family and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday, 12PM until 2PM at Victory Baptist Church of Hampton. Funeral services will follow at 2PM at the church. Burial at Campground Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Hampton. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net .
SUZANNE MATNEY HARRIS
Suzanne Matney Harris, 63, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on February 21, 2021 surrounded by her children. Born on July 26, 1957 in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Suzanne was a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many people. Suzanne graduated from El Dorado High School in 1975. She worked as a Medical Lab Tech for many years. She had a passion for reading, photography, and was an avid cat lover.
Preceding her in death were David Harris, and her parents Brooks and Mary Matney, and a brother Jimmy Matney.
Suzanne is survived by children Holly Price and husband Chris, Anndi Cranford and husband David, Michael Harris and fiance’ Brianna. Grandchildren Addison, Madelyn, Ryan, and Jake. Nieces Marla Matney Havel, Brooke Pilgrim and husband Mike, and their mother Angela Matney Osinski. As well as many very dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 5, 2021 at Young’s Funeral Home. Graveside Memorial Service will be held for Suzanne, and her brother Jimmy Matney at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Arlington Cemetery in El Dorado, AR with Pastor Blake Harrell officiating.
Memorial Donations can be made to UCAPS at www.ucapsshelter.org or P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences may be expressed at www.youngfuneralhome. com.
MARGARET CARROLL LEE
Margaret Carroll Lee, 87 of El Dorado, AR; died on Monday, February 15, 2021 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas.
Born on January 20, 1934 in El Dorado; she was the daughter of Jerome C. Carroll and Helen Harrison Carroll. Margaret was a member of Wyatt Baptist Church and the Legacy Sunday School Class. Active in the community, Margaret volunteered as a Pink Lady at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. She loved to travel and camping and was an avid Razorback fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, maternal grandparents H.C. and Edna Harrison and husband Orlen Wade Lee.
Survivors are a son Bruce E. Lee (Cathy); daughters Connie J Short (David) and Carol “Scooter” Pugh (Kenny) all of El Dorado. Along with grandchildren Kari Walden (William), Wendi Golman (Landon), Jeremy Carelock (Emily), John Carelock (Jamie), Jennifer Lee, Luke Short (Rosemary), Shana Welch (Bill), Kayla Stockstill (Blake), Dane Pugh (Michelle); great grandchildren Lane Clark, Kasey Clark, Dakota Short, Wesley Short, David Golman, Brilee Carelock, John Daniel Carelock, William Carelock, Skylar Johnson, Lily Walden, Saxon Lee, Nussa Walden, MacKenize Clark, Kynlee Clark, Reese Welch, Emersyn Stockstill, Blakelee Stockstill, Brice Pugh, Brittney Pugh, Daniel Pugh, Eliana Pugh, Samuel Pugh and her loving fur baby Cricket.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Wyatt Baptist Church with Rev. Donnie Hymer, Rev. Adam Thomas and Rev. Josh Bullock officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens by Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to Wyatt Baptist Church Senior Adult Fund, 4621 West Hillsboro St, El Dorado, AR 71730 or Life Touch’s John R Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
DANIEL “DANNY” VANCE SALES
Daniel “Danny” Vance Sales of Smackover, AR passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 at UAMS in Little Rock, AR. Danny was born November 18, 1961 in El Dorado, AR to D.V. Sales and Barbara Jean Standridge Sales. He was the owner of Smackover Grading Co. LLC and a member of First Baptist Church of Smackover. Preceding him in death are his parents and a granddaughter, Katrina Struble.
Survivors include his sons, Dr. Vance Sales, of Fayetteville, AR, Ryan Sales of Smackover, a daughter, Sydney Struble (Matt) of Conway, AR, two step-daughters, Katelyn Osborn (David) of Smackover and Katherine Matthews (Madison) of El Dorado, along with a stepson, Ryan Jerry (Meagan) of Farmerville, LA; a brother, Greg Sales (Tammy) of Camden, AR; and grandchildren, Sara Beth Struble, Tucker Struble, Gunnar Struble, Ainsley Struble, Brantley Osborn and Paisley Jerry.
Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the funeral home.
Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Smackover Cemetery with Rev. Carley Davis officiating and under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to UCAPS, 1000 Sunset Rd., El Dorado, AR.
An online obituary will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
DANNY RAY WEBB
Danny Ray Webb passed away peacefully in his home on February 16th, 2021.
Danny was born in Marrero, Louisiana on May 25th, 1954. He was a graduate of the El Dorado class of 1972.
Danny is preceded in death by his father Marion A. Segars, brother Jack Segars and grandson Jonathan Riley Webb. He is survived by his mother Patsy Gibbs, siblings Elizabeth Tomlinson, Larry Segars, Jeff Gibbs, Butch Segars and Julie Segars. Children his daughter Katie Laney (Andy) of Cabot, Joseph Webb of Maumelle, Mary Coyne (Jason) of Cedar Park, TX and Jimmy Webb (Katie) of North Little Rock as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is loving remembered by his grandchildren with former wife of 34 years Susan Webb. Their grandchildren include Allison, Colin, Aubree, Mia, Karter, Cooper, Bryce, Kyndall and McKinley.
Danny was an entrepreneur of several logistics businesses including the Southland Motor Company, a body shop, rental car co., answering service, Yellow Cab Co. and a towing service . He later moved his family to North Little Rock to work at the Black & White Cab Co. He was a member of Marrable Hill Chapel where he was saved and baptized early in his life.
He loved riding his motorcycle and having coffee with longtime friends. Other hobbies included flying his airplane and avidly collecting many items of his interests.
Online guestbook :www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com. Mask are required.