NOTICES OF PASSING
JOHN L. MOORE
John L. Moore, 61, of El Dorado passed away March 13, 2021 at Antelope Valley Hospital Lancaster in California.
Arrangements for funeral service will be announced by Sims Mortuary, Inc.
BILLY OLIVER
Billy Oliver 93, of Homer, LA, formerly of El Dorado, passed away on March 10, 2021 at his home. Service arrangements will be announced by Youngs Funeral Directors of El Dorado, AR.
OBITUARIES
ROBERT THOMAS “BOB” AARON
Robert Thomas “Bob” Aaron, age 78, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021 at his home in El Dorado, Arkansas. He was born on September 30,1942, in Texarkana, AR, he was the son of the late Thomas H. Aaron, Jr. and Hazel M. (Tatum) Aaron. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth Ann “Libby” Aaron; along with two daughters; Mary Aaron Sullivant of El Dorado, AR and Bobbie Aaron Killingsworth and her husband Chris of El Dorado, AR; four grandchildren, Alex Sullivant, Tyler Killingsworth, Alexis Killingsworth, and Drew Killingsworth all of El Dorado Arkansas; one brother, Richard Wayne Aaron and his wife Kathleen of El Dorado, AR; one nephew, Brian Aaron and his wife Angela of Mansfield, Texas; one niece, Leslie Preston and her husband Cliff of Smackover, AR.
His interest included fishing, gardening, collecting coins, and his love of history and historical events. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR. He enjoyed being an usher in the church and reading God’s word.
A memorial service will be held 3P.M. Friday, March 12, 2021 at Wilson Cemetery in Lewisville, AR under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Stamps, AR with Cliff Preston officiating.
WILLIAM HUGH EZELLE (SONNY)
William Hugh Ezelle (Sonny), a beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully in Gilmer, Texas on March 7th, 2021.
Born on April 24, 1937 in Montgomery Alabama to Mattie Ezelle Ferguson. Sonny graduated high school from Strong Arkansas and the University of Southern Arkansas with a degree in business. During his educational journey he also worked in the Arkansas oil fields as a rough neck. Upon college graduation he began his first “official” professional desk job with Firestone. He stayed at that job for about one hot minute in the grand scheme of things and discovered quickly he didn’t like working at a desk and went back to the work he loved…. the oilfield.
Sonny transferred to Longview Texas and worked as an oil field equipment salesman for over 50+ years, retiring at the age of 81, Driving approximately 6,000 miles every month, sourcing and delivering equipment to his customers. He was a regular in pump shops across the three state he serviced and magically he always knew where the cookies, cakes and pies were and would often show up at lunch. “Come on in Mr. Sonny, the cookies are in the kitchen!” He for sure had a sweet tooth!
But he didn’t just work…..he loved to cook and did numerous fish fries for charities, birthdays and customers in a “cook shack” that would be so hot from the heat, he used a water hose to keep the floor cool enough to work on.
In 1982, he found and married the true love of his life, Charlotte Falconer Ezelle. And he got a bonus of two stepsons, Paul and Matt who enriched his life so much. Charlotte and Sonny enjoyed their shared hobby cueing and teaching round dances through the Southern States.
He was a man of God, in large part due to Charlotte, and was steady and devout in his belief of and quest to know Jesus.
He is preceded in death by his precious daughter Patti who died at the age of 49. Everyone who knew Sonny, marveled at his devotion to her and her care from the day she was born till her last breath.
He is survived by wife, Charlotte – Daughter Pam Downs & husband Jon of Heath, Tx., Blended family sons – Paul Poynor & wife Kathy, Matt Killingsworth & wife Jessica, Grandchildren – Jared Downs & wife Kyla, Meghan Poynor, Colten Killingsworth, Logan Wynn.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. today, March 10, 2021 at Teel Cemetery near Strong, AR. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Scottish Rites Children’s Hospital, Shriners Hospitals, or a charity of your choice.
Online remembrances may be posted at www.baileyfuneralhome.net.
MICHAEL DAVID BAILEY
Michael David Bailey, 68, of El Dorado passed away Sunday, March 7, 2021 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock.
Born June 7, 1952 in El Dorado, he was the son of Jack and Marie Hicks Bailey. Mike was a production planning manager with 42 years employment at Chemtura. He was a member of Marrable Hill Chapel.
Preceding him in death along with his parents was a brother, Johnnie Bailey.
Survivors include his wife Kay Cheatwood Bailey of El Dorado, a son, Eric Bailey (Carol) and their daughter, Lilian Bailey all of San Antonio, Texas along with a brother, Tony Bailey (Susan) of El Dorado and a brother-in-law, Bobby Cheatwood (Charla) of Little Rock and several nieces and nephews..
Due to CDC guidelines and Covid restrictions only private services will be held. Services entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to Marrable Hill Chapel, 110 E. Chapel, El Dorado, AR 71730 or to UCAPS, P. O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
RALEIGH L. BEASLEY
Raleigh L. Beasley was born May 31, 1983, to Larry Beasley and Glendora Messer Beasley.
He departed this life Wednesday, March 3, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Curtis Turner Sr. and Stella Mae Beasley Turner. Maternal grandparents Earvey J. Messer and Stella Mae Martin Messer.
A favorite Uncle Michael Turner Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories one daughter Alyse Sanchez Beasley, Alyse’s mother Myra Sanchez of Arkadelphia, AR, parents Larry and Glendora Beasley of El Dorado, sisters Makisha Beasley of Garland, TX, Yoshlar Taylor(Kenneth)of Bryant AR, Nephew/brother Jalen Hughey of Ogden Utah U.S, Airforce, nieces Dasia & Nia Swar of Bryant AR., Beloved aunt Mildred Henderson. Aunts Dell, Kathy, Paula SyTia, uncles Gerren, Deor, and Marlon. Special cousins Reginald Jackson, Angela Jackson, Chanado Murray, Special friends Chris McCoroy, Dee Jones, Donnie Harris. A host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday, March 12, 2021, at 2:00pm-5:00pm at Sims Mortuary. Funeral Service Saturday, March 13, 2021, at 1:00 pm at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. Interment will be at Smith Cemetery in Waldo, AR under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com face mask required
PHILIP KEITH ELLEN
Philip Keith Ellen, 67 of Hot Springs Village passed away Monday, March 1, 2021 at his residence.
He was born August 28, 1953 in El Dorado, he is the son of Jodie Byrd and Vera Jane Compton Ellen who preceded him in death. After graduating high school in El Dorado in 1971 he attended the University of Arkansas At Monticello. He also attended Elkins Institute in Dallas where he studied electronics. Philip joined the Navy in 1976 and was honorably discharged in1982. Philip had been employed with AP&L for 6 1/2 years and then retired from working with the Arkansas Department of Health as a water tester throughout the state for 14 years.
Survivors include many cousins and friends.
Graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at 1:00PM, at Brown Cemetery at Three Creeks with Military Honors. Online condolences may be expressed at www. youngsfuneralhome.com.
ALMEDIA HENDERSON
Almedia Henderson, 77, of Norphlet, Arkansas departed this life to her heavenly home on March 4, 2021. Summer was the season when Alvin and Clara Cullen Rester welcomed their baby girl home July 22, 1943, in El Dorado, Arkansas. They named her Almedia, but she would later affectionately be known as “Mama and Grandma.”
Almedia received her early education at Washington High school in El Dorado, Arkansas and was a proud graduate of the class of 1961. As a student, she participated and excelled in various school activities and was recognized for her accomplishments. She would often talk about her fondest memories of her earlier school years. Her secondary education pursuits continued where she attended Oil Belt Vocational Technical College in El Dorado, Arkansas where she pursued nursing.
Almedia confessed her faith in Christ at a very early age. She was affiliated with the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Caledonia, Ark. and Olive Branch Baptist Church in El Dorado, Ark. with her parents and siblings. As she traveled this Christian journey and attended other churches, she united with her husband at the New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Norphlet, Ark. under the leadership of Bishop Larry D. Leonard and subsequently attended the Morning Star Baptist Church El Dorado, AR. under the leadership of Rev. Felton Burgie.
Almedia extended meditation time consisted of reading the Holy Bible, watching religious broadcasts, reading educational magazines, reading current events, landscaping her rose flower garden, spending time with her pet McKenzie, cooking, and canning pears. She enjoyed watching her favorite TV shows: Good Doctor, Golf with Tiger Woods, Tennis with the Williams Sisters, and Alabama Football “Roll Tide Roll” when they were not playing Arkansas and socializing with family and friends. She was not a stranger to anyone she met.
She united in Holy Matrimony to Lonnie Roger Henderson, Sr. and to this union four children were born but they were blessed to raise five children.
Although it took us by surprise, it was no surprise to God as she transitioned from this earthly life to her heavenly home, where she will join her parents, Alvin and Clara Cullen Rester, her son; Victor Rester, Sr., her great granddaughter; Lauren Massey, her brothers; Alvin, Frank and K. W. Rester, her sisters; Irene Rester and Ella Mae Preston.
Her memories will be cherished by her children; Lonnie Henderson, Jr., Alethea Sanders (Rev. Lee) Norphlet, Arkansas and Angela Henderson Stewart (Delvin) El Dorado, Arkansas, Robin Henderson of Memphis, Tennessee. Two sisters; Cleatrice “Sugar” Parker and Clara Paige (Calvin) one brother; David Rester, Sr. all El Dorado, Arkansas. Her special niece; Denell Ferguson of El Dorado, Arkansas. She also leaves twelve grandchildren: Latoya Rester, Victor Rester, Jr., Kisha Crayton, RoShonda Foreman, Candies Warren, Brandon Hunter, Sidney Austin, Sherelle Massey, Kryshtene Henderson, Camilla Massey, Solomon Stewart and Delvin Stewart, Jr., twenty-one great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Celebration of Almedia Henderson life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021, where she will lie in state at the Morning Star Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR, starting at 12:30 p.m. for a walk-through visitation with funeral services to follow at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Felton Burgie, Pastor/ Eulogist. There will be no viewing after the service. Mausoleum Entombment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park N. Wyatt Drive Norphlet, AR. under the direction of Andrews Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR. Masks and social distancing will be required. No fellowship after the service.
JAMES CURTIS CARROLL
James Curtis Carroll, age 75, of Longview, Texas, formerly of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away, March 10, 2021. Born on September 26, 1945, in El Dorado, AR, he was the son of the late Robert Lee Carroll and Vivian Carroll.
He is survived by his son, Jim Carroll (Shannon) of Brock, TX, one grandson, Cole (Johnna), three granddaughters, Sydnee (Miller), Jewell and Sadee, one great grandson, Sawyer James as well as a sister, Mary Anne and brother Billy. He was preceded in death by his brother Bobby Carroll.
He was a 1963 graduate of El Dorado High School.
An avid bowler and NASCAR fan, he was the longtime owner of Magic Carpets of Longview Texas, and formerly owned The Carpet Mart or El Dorado and Camden.
There will be a private service for family only. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. An online guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com
ZACHARY JAMES McCLELLAN
Mr. Zachary James McClellan, 20 yrs. old, of Magnolia, AR, passed away Wednesday, March 10th, in Magnolia, AR. Zach was born May 5, 2000 in Magnolia, AR. to David Anson McClellan and Roberta (Bobbie) Armold-McClellan.
He was a 2018 graduate of El Dorado High School, played on the Wildcat Football & Soccer Team from 2015-2018. Zach enjoyed: computer gaming, cooking, & making people laugh.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother; Mrs. Geraldine Armold and grandfather; James McClellan. Survivors include his parents: David and Roberta (Bobbie) McClellan of El Dorado, AR. one brother; Dustin McClellan of Arkadelphia, AR, his grandfather; Clarence Armold and grandmother; Mrs. Annette McClellan both of Magnolia, AR. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Celebration of life will be held Monday, March 15th, at 3:00 p.m. at Unity Church Magnolia, interment will be private at Lydesdale Cemetery in Magnolia, AR., under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC of Magnolia, AR. Eulogist, Pastor Travis McKamie, assisted by Pastor Jimmy Malone.
Visitation: Sunday evening, March 14th, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to Hannah PR House in Magnolia & El Dorado, AR.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Zachary James McClellan please visit our Sympathy Store.
ALBERT D. THURMAN SR.
Albert D. Thurman Sr. was born July 21, 1969, to Lois Miller and Herman Thurman. He was preceded in death by his parents Lois Miller and Herman Thurman, two sisters Annie Anderson and Datrina General, one brother Grady Browning, grandmother Connie M. Tubbs, one Aunt Linda Samuels Miller, one Uncle LeRoy Davis.
He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Schell Thurman of El Dorado, AR, three daughters Oceanna Thurman, De’Adra Tubbs, and Tana Kious Jamerson, all of El Dorado, AR. Two sons Albert Thurman Jr. and Chris Collins, both of El Dorado, AR, five sisters Shronda Mitchell, Vivian Green, Pattie Thurman (Waller), Erica Browning of El Dorado, AR and Melinda Thurman of Texas, five brothers Demetrius Burns, Herman Thurman Jr, Isaiah Thurman, and Alan Thurman all of El Dorado, AR, Larry Thurman of Louisiana, fourteen grandchildren, grandfather Anderson Miller, Aunt Clara Miller, three uncles Freddie, Billy Miller, and Minister Robert Miller all of El Dorado, AR. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and one special friend Vernon Brice who will miss him dearly.
Graveside Services Saturday, March 13, 2021, at 2:30 pm at Shady Grove Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com Face Mask required.
YANCY DALE SHIREY
Yancy Dale Shirey, 82, passed away March 7, 2021, in El Dorado, Arkansas.
He was born February 19, 1939 to Yancey Clifton Shirey and Azalea Hammontree in Homer, Louisiana.
Dale was a pastor at Wesson Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters Victoria “Vickie” Ann Shirey and Martha Elizabeth Coke.
He is survived by his brotherin-law Harry Coke of Hernando, MS; nieces Tamra and Alan Pool of Memphis, TN and Ashley and David Hutcherson of Memphis, TN; cousins Sondra Gulledge of Norphlet, AR, Donnie “Bubba” Thurmon of Norphlet, AR and Beth McBroom of Swartz, LA.
A masonic funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Young’s Chapel. Burial will be at Autumn Woods Memorial Park at Olive Branch, Mississippi under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome. com.
WOODROW RITCHEY STEPHENS
Woodrow Ritchey Stephens, age 77, passed away Friday, February 26, 2021. He was born on December 8, 1943, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Walter W. Stephens and Elva Ritchey Stephens.
He graduated from El Dorado High School in 1961. After attending Southern State University for 2 years he enlisted in the United States Air Force and retired after serving 24 years and a tour of duty in Vietnam. He then received a degree in theology from Southern Methodist University in 1989.
Ritchey returned to El Dorado in 2003, to spend the rest of his life in service to St. Marks Methodist Church as a lay-minister and his community.
Ritchey is survived by 2 brothers, Robert N. and wife Mell Stephens of Jonesboro, Arkansas; Walter W. and wife Beth Stephens of Tucker, Georgia; and a sister Anne Caviness and husband Bill of Malta Bend, Missouri and many nephews and niece.
The visitation will be Tuesday, March 9th from 5 pm to 7 pm at Young’s Funeral Director with a graveside service at Rest Haven Memorial Garden at 10 am March 10th under the direction of Young’s Funeral Director with the Rev. Winston Roden of St. Marks Methodist Church officiating. Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
DONNA JEANNE ZAHNISER
Donna Jeanne Zahniser, age 82, died at her home in El Dorado, Arkansas on March 10, 2021 following a short illness. She was born to Donald and Hazel Zahniser in Branford, Pennsylvania on October 29, 1938.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Jack Lynn Zahniser.
She had a fulfilling career in the medical field as an Internal Medicine and Oncologist Physician. She had her own private practice in El Dorado from August 1980 to July 2020.
Donna is survived by her sister, Diane Eileen Zahniser from Running Springs, California.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, there will be no services at this time. In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to UCAPS (Union County Animal Protection Society), 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado, Arkansas.
Online Condolences at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com
MADESSIE THOMPSON
Madessie was born in El Dorado, AR on June 1, 1926. She was the daughter of Frank Barnes and Jessie Inez Byas.
On July 21, 1941, she married Ollie Bell Thompson. Madessie went home to be with the Lord on Saturday,
March 6, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents; Sisters: Ada Ruth Barnes, Ella Ruth Barnes Gilbert, Pauline Barnes Gaines, Nettie Mae Barnes McKibbins, and Costella Wallace Malone; Son: Homer E. Thompson; Granddaughter/ Daughter: Gloria F. Thompson. She leaves to cherish her memories: daughter: Dessie T. Ford (Ernest); Brothers: Frank L. Barnes; Jessie J. Barnes; Robert Barnes; Raymond Barnes; Kenneth Barnes.
Sisters: Dorothy Barnes Burns;
Jessie Mae Barnes Billings; Ellawee Barnes McMurrian; Delois Barnes Ross; Flora Barnes Ramey; Sycrece Barnes Thomas . Granddaughter: Miranda T. Bedford; Grandson: Chris Ford; Carlos Ford; Chadrick Ford; and Myron Thompson.
Sixteen Great Grandchildren, 8 Great Great-Grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Walkthrough visitation Friday, March 12, 2021, at 2:00pm-5:00pm at Sims Mortuary, Funeral service Saturday March 13, 2021 at 10:00am at Church of Love. Interment will be at Mt. Zion Cemetery Urbana under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com. Face mask required.
DOROTHY WATSON
Dorothy Watson, El Dorado, AR departed this life March 11, 2021 at age 91.She was preceded in death by her parents Sumpter & Leanice Daniels and brothers Lawrence, Utah, O’Neal, & Marshal Daniels.
She was married 55 years to her late husband James Watson. They loved each other and loved the Gospel of Christ’s Sovereignty. She loved church conferences and loved being a pastors wife.
Dorothy was educated in Strong,AR . In later years, she loved get togethers planning class reunions. A social butterfly, she and classmates formed a fund for flowers that was sent to classmates who passed away. She was on the first cheer squad at Strong, but more than that loved playing Strong basketball.
Dorothy worked for Safeway Grocery for over 18 years. She loved everyone in her community and was the first to show up at your door with a nice meal. She was always laughing and smiling and was a kind soul who loved people. She was an excellent cook and homemaker.
Left to cherish her memory is daughter, Sheila Curtis(Richard), and sons Brad Watson & Mark Watson; her namesake and niece, Dorothy Ekberg; grandchildren, Clay, Melinda
Betsy, Chay; great-grandchildren Emma, Will, Harley, & Presley as well as a host of extended relatives, friends, and neighbors.
A family Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 Friday, March 12, 2021 at Olive Branch Cemetery under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels.
MARY ROSELYN HENRY MULLEN
Mary Roselyn Henry Mullen 86, passed away on March 9, 2021, in Springdale, AR. Roselyn was born December 15, 1934, to John M. and Lois Thompson Henry in El Dorado, AR.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Col. Charles F. Mullen, her brother John H. Henry and her parents.
Roselyn was an honor graduate of Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a degree in Business. She was retired from Fayetteville Public Schools where she served as the Administrative Assistant to former superintendents Dr. Winston Simpson and Bobby New.
Roselyn was a member of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, AR and an active member UMC Women’s Circle 7 and the Zeta Master Chapter Beta Sigma Phi in Fayetteville.
Survivors include one son John Charles Mullen (Lori) of Northfield, MN; one daughter Meredith Rose Mullen Autrey (Lee) of Rogers, AR; two grandsons Eric Mullen (Jessica) of Northfield, MN; Brian Mullen (Brianna) Northfield, MN; 3 granddaughters, Jennifer Mullen of Northfield, MN; Amy Autrey of Fayetteville, AR; Elizabeth Autrey of Rogers, AR; and 3 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be 9:00 am – 10:00 am Thursday March 11, 2021 at Moore’s Chapel. Funeral service will be 10:00 am Thursday at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville. Graveside service by Youngs Funeral Directors will be 10:00 am Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Foundation (for Arkansas Children’s Northwest), 4093 W. Sunset Ave., Suite 102, Springdale, Arkansas 72762 or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com