OBITUARIES
JAMES WILLIAM “JOHNNY” BROWN
James William “Johnny” Brown, 75, died May 7, 2022, in Hot Springs AR.
He is survived by his son, Clint E Brown, also of Hot Springs, his brother, Charles R Brown of Mountain Home AR, his sister Pricilla (Ray) Reeves of Norphlet AR, and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Johnny was born in
Smackover AR on September
17, 1946, to William L and
Helen E Johnson Brown. He was raised in the Baptist faith and graduated from Norphlet
High School in 1964 before he married his high school sweetheart, Linda Squyres Brown, in 1966.
After he graduated from
University of Arkansas-Little
Rock in 1971, Johnny began a career in the professional sales transportation industry and worked in several Midwest cities before moving to Houston, where he worked in the oil industry. Later in his career, Johnny was Manager of Sales for TOTCO in Europe and Russia, which created an opportunity for he and Linda to live in the Netherlands for a year. They traveled extensively while there and his adventures gave Johnny plenty of tales to tell. After their retirement, Johnny and Linda returned to Norphlet for several years before moving to Hot Springs.
Johnny never met a stranger, and he could talk to anyone about anything for as long as they’d listen! He was a lifelong fan of all Arkansas Razorback sports and in his younger years, was an avid runner and fitness afficionado. He loved 1950s and 1960s music and remembered the details of that music well into the next century. Johnny had a great laugh and a smile that lit up the room, and he maintained his quick wit and engaging sense of humor until the end.
Johnny is preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Linda, his parents, and his sister, Carol Brown Thrash.
The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice of Hot Springs for their care for Johnny and support for his family the last five months.
A private family burial will take place under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors of El Dorado.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
LESLIE ANN DARDEN
Leslie Ann Darden, 37, of El Dorado, passed away, Monday, May 16, 2022 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House.
She was born October 27, 1984, the child of Mitch Huskey and Patti Patterson Huskey in El Dorado, AR. Leslie worked as a lab technician at SAMA HealthCare for 12 years.
Preceding her in death are her grandfather, Gene Patterson; and grandmother, Jo Huskey.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Dillon Darden; son, Blanton Darden; mom, Patti Huskey; mamaw, Honey Patterson; grandfather, James Huskey; brother, Josh Huskey (Nikki); sister, Ashlen Dorrell (Tim); mother and father-in-law, Karla and Russell Darden; sister and brother-inlaw, Ashley and Aaron McDaniel; and nephews, Bryson Dorrell, David Martin, Mason McDaniel.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm Thursday, May 19, 2022 in Young’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Friday at the Murphy Arts District, First Financial Music Hall with Bro. Benjy McCann and Bro. Danny Rivers officiating. Interment will follow at Lisbon Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Goodwin, Damon Goodwin, Kris McCloy, Randall McCloy, David Martin, and Don Johnson.
Memorials may be made to Blanton Darden’s savings account at First Financial Bank or to #teamcorrie Cancer Foundation, 145 Parker Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome. com for the Darden family.
THOMAS EARL HAYNES
Thomas Earl Haynes, 75, of El Dorado, passed away Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at his residence.
He was born August 10, 1946 to Preston Felton and Ruthie Mae Smith Haynes in El Dorado, AR. Thomas was a member of the Pentecostal Fellowship
Church.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ruth
White, Myrtle Ponder, Lorane
White; and brothers, Preston
Haynes and Carl Haynes.
Survivors include his wife,
Donna Gail Haynes of El Dorado; sons, Kevin Haynes (Becky),
Kenny Haynes (Angela) both of El Dorado, Sherman Worth
(Robin) of Junction City, Kolby
Thornton; daughter, Donna
Haynes (Blaze and Minnie) of
El Dorado; grandchildren, Zach
Haynes, Brianna Hall (Russell), and Morgan Haynes; great grandchildren, Brittney Hall and Matthew Hall; and siblings, Marvin Haynes (Sandra) of Calion, Marilyn Howell (Scott) of Brookville, FL, Wanda Temple (Bill) of Hampton, Richard Haynes (Donna) of Calion, Patty Bishop (John) of El Dorado.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022 in Young’s Chapel with Rev. Ricky Smith officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Champagnolle Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Haynes family.
LOIS JEAN HENDERSON
Lois Jean Henderson was born October 3, 1954, to the late John Henry Henderson and Mae Lou (Robert) Ratliff in El Dorado, AR. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a loving mother. Lois was also a remarkable cook and enjoyed gardening, music, and sports.
She devoted most of her time and energy as a caregiver to family members. Her charisma and thoughtfulness enlightened any given moment.
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother,
Harold Stanley.
Lois memories will be cherished by her beloved daughter
Sherri (Abdoul) Kabaou and two grandchildren, Samir and
Leila, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday, May 20, 2022, from 2:00p.m.5:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral Service Saturday, May 21, 2022 – 11:00 a.m. Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary.Sign the guestbook at www. simsmortuary.com
WILLIE EARL HICKS JR.
Willie was born to his mother, Carolyn Meadors, and the late Willie Earl Hicks Sr.
On Thursday, May 5, 2022, he transitioned from his earthly home at the Medical Center of
South Arkansas.
Willie is preceded in death by his father, Willie Earl Hicks
Sr., Grandfathers Robert
McMurrian and Milton Hicks, and Grandmother, Elizabeth
Hicks.
He leaves to cherish his memories his mother, Carolyn
Meadors, Stepfather Aaron
Drayton, two sisters Traca
Evans and Shaneice Meadors; one brother Johnathon
Meadors; grandmother Mary
McMurrian, aunts Barbara
Morgon (Theo), Sonja Evans
(Gearld), Sharon Hicks, and Alison Howell (Darryl); Uncles James Andrews (Betty), Glen Evans (Jeaneice), Tyrone White; Aurice Hicks(Ruby), Maurice Hicks (Cynthia), Milton Hicks, Dwight Hicks, and Leeotis Hicks. Four nieces, Sharayven Williams, Rayleigh Larry, Jamylah Meadors, Harmoni Meadors, and nephew Jezavion Williams.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday, May 20, 2022, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary Funeral Service Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 2:30p.m at Mt. Zion Church Urbana. Interment will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
ARVIN KELLY NELSON JR
Arvin Kelly Nelson Jr. was born July 5, 1968, in El Dorado, Ark, to the late Arvin Kelly Nelson Sr. and Josephine Davis Smith; he peacefully surrendered his life to Christ at an early age. Arvin departed this life for eternal glory on May 8, 2022. He is preceded in death by his father, Arvin K. Nelson Sr., Grandparents Avanell Davis Bell (John) and Minnie Lee, Bobby Lee Nelson, and one Aunt Bobbie Ann Glover (Robert). Three Uncles, Michael Davis, Donnie Nelson, Eddie Nelson, and one cousin Ron Davis.
Arvin leaves to cherish his memories to his mother, Josephine Davis Smith, one sister Jocquese Logan of Little Rock, AR., and three daughters, Shakara Aaron (Donnie) of El Dorado, AR., Alexis Joy Nelson, and Kelly Canie Nelson, both of Little Rock, AR., eight grandchildren, one niece Shakira Bougard of Memphis, TN., a host of other relatives and friends, and his fiancé Valerie Smith of El Dorado, AR.
Funeral Service: Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at New Providence Baptist Church. Interment will be at Rest Haven Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at http://www.simsmortuary.com
Obituary Submitted by the family
MELBA GRIFFIN HOLLIS
With sadness, love and profound gratitude, the family of Melba Griffin Hollis, 88, of Ruston, LA announces her passing on May 13, 2022 in Arkadelphia, AR, at the home of her daughter.
Melba Hogue, the eldest child of John Haltom and Minnie Lou Coleman Hogue was born in Strong, AR, on June 24, 1933.
Raised in and around El Dorado, AR., Melba was married in 1948 to Coy Griffin, who was then on leave from serving in the Army in the Philippines. Upon his return, the couple lived and worked at various jobs in Robstown, TX and El Dorado, where they had six children, who all graduated from El Dorado High School.
She made sure all of her children learned about Jesus, taking them to church each Sunday. She loved going to church — even though getting everyone dressed and ready on Sunday morning was quite the ordeal. She sang in church choirs for many years, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School with varying age groups. She loved being a member of several ladies’ prayer groups through the years. Outside of church activities, she loved playing the card game Rook with her two brothers and their spouses, watching Westerns and planning family gatherings. Her children, along with scores of relatives and friends, gather for a popular annual event, Griffin Junefest. For more than 40 years, she, along with sister-in-law, Marguerite Griffin, have served as powerful matriarchs of the annual reunion.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Coy Griffin and James Hollis of Spearsville, LA; her son, John Allen Griffin of Dallas, TX; and her brothers, Wayne Hogue of Spearsville, LA, and Tom Winferd Hogue of El Dorado.
Survivors include her children, Barbara Marrable (Jim) of Arkadelphia and Ruston, LA, Donald Griffin (Linda) of Ruston, Doug Griffin (Karen) of Arkadelphia, Tina Griffin of Ruston, and Brenda Sutley (Bill) of Arkadelphia; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Marguerite Griffin of Victoria, TX and Nelda Hogue of Spearsville, LA; and several nieces and nephews, which includes a special niece, Angela Hogue Turner of El Dorado.
Pallbearers will be Laine Griffin, Austin Griffin, Coy Sutley, Roy Wayne Griffin, David Griffin and Drew Griffin.
Honorary pallbearers will be Everett H. Griffin, Jr., Willard Griffin, John Frisby and Mike Risley.
Funeral will be held at Bailey Funeral Home, 400 N. College, in El Dorado on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Lawson, AR.
Memorials may be made to the Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery, c/o Gary Hill, 2963 Lawson Road, El Dorado, AR 71730.
WADE KEITH SIMMONS
Wade, Keith Simmons age 61 of Junction City, Arkansas, Due to a lengthy illnesses has gone to be with his Lord on May 17, 2022. He is survived by his sons Casey Simmons of Florida , Shane Simmons of Junction City and sisters: Karen Lancaster and Regina Simmons of Junction City, Arkansas and a brother Marty Simmons of Camden,Arkansas. 7 grandchildren and lots of nieces and nephews. The family will hold a private memorial…Rest In Peace Dear Brother.
MARY EVELYN WEAVER
Mary Evelyn Weaver, age 92, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, died on May 12, 2022, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas. She was born on January 20, 1930, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Donald Vaughan and Thelma Dickson Vaughan.
Evelyn graduated from Little Rock High School in 1948 and attended the University of Arkansas. She met Robert Weaver and they were married on November 19, 1950, in Little Rock. Evelyn was a homemaker, who took great care of her four children. She was a member of Cross Church in Springdale where she served the Lord through various missions. She served on an African mission trip at 81!
Mother prayed earnestly for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to not only know the Lord but to serve Him honorably. We rejoice in her going Home!
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert; and son, Ricky Weaver. Evelyn is survived by a son, Mark Weaver and wife Cathy of Fayetteville; two daughters, Cindy Weaver House of Rogers, Arkansas, and Kristin Tinsley and husband Gary of Fayetteville; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 20, 2022, at Cross Church, in Springdale with Pastor Doug Sarver officiating. Burial will be in Bigelow, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com. Cremation arrangements are by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
BARRY CHARLES PEPPER
Barry Charles Pepper, age 73 of Calion, AR passed away Friday, May 13, 2022 at his sister’s home in El Dorado. Barry was born on July 12, 1948 in Kern County, California and was the son of the late Charles Leroy Pepper and Joan McKenzie Pepper. Barry was a US Army Veteran and a retired roofer, having spent many years roofing countless homes and businesses throughout his career.
Barry was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Diana Lynn Pepper; three brothers, Curtis Pepper, Greg Pepper, and Randall Hines; two sisters, Brenda Teague, and Judy Baldwin.
Survivors include; two sons, Shannon Pepper of Little Rock, and Jason Pepper and wife Michele of Pinckney, MI; one daughter, Stacey McClennon of Missouri; eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one sister, Tina Carroll of El Dorado, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A private family service and burial will take place at Champagnolle Cemetery at a later date.
Cremation services provided by Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
EDWARD DALE “EDDIE” PEPPERS
Edward Dale “Eddie” Peppers, 75 of El Dorado passed away Friday May 13,2022 after a lengthy illness.
Eddie was born April 2nd, 1947 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Rex Telford Peppers and Eunice Anglin Peppers.
Eddie was a member of the Church of Christ and a 1965 graduate of El Dorado High School. He excelled in football, basketball and track for the Wildcats, earning scholarships to the University of Arkansas and to Henderson State University.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors are a sister, Sarah Voss (J.T.) of El Dorado, one brother Jimmy Peppers (Roseanne) of Nashville, Tennessee, and a sister, Mary Jerry of El Dorado. Four nephews, David and Michael Voss, Jason and Jonathan Peppers, and one niece, Linda Arnold. Eddie’s also survived by a stepson, Scott Harrison and his mother Martha Atwell.
A family memorial service will held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be given to LifeTouch Hospice of El Dorado in memory of Eddie Peppers.
ALBERTA WALDON
On Friday, May 13, 2022, Alberta Waldon departed this life at Timberlane Health & Rehab in El Dorado, Arkansas.
She was born December 18, 1928, to the late Elsie Ramey Boone & Walter Boone Sr.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Joe W. Waldon, her daughter Betty Thompson, her brothers Ura Lee Boone, Carnell Boone, Sie Boone, Charlie Boone, Walter Boone Jr., and R.L. Boone. Sisters Georgia Floyd and Pearlie Mae O’Guinn.
Left to cherish her most precious memories are her daughters Kay Waldon, Joanne Hinton, Diane Berry(Joe), all of El Dorado, and Son Mike Fogle (Llhoma), Camden, AR. A Bonus Daughter Linda Faye Dixon. Sisters Kay L. Franklin of Jonesboro, AR, Julia Nell Snowden (M.D.) Seattle, WA, and Alvenia Daniels, Los Angeles, Ca. eight Grandchildren, Natashia Henderson (Robert), Brandy Berry, Jamia Hinton Taylor (Homer), Terrance Hinton, Alleah Fogle, Michael Fogle, Barbara Seals, and Ever Dean Johnson. Seventeen Great Grandchildren, Ja’nya, Ashanti, Asia, Homer Jr., Taylor, Bryson, Jaxon, Lakeland, Cristian, Rylie, Corey, Nicholas, Franeshia, Brandon, Mica, Steven, Sidney,
Walkthrough Visitation Saturday May 21, 2022 from 1:00p.m. 5:00p.m.at Sims Mortuary. Celebration of Life Sunday, May 22, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Lisbon. Interment at Mt. Zion Lisbon Cemetery.
THERESA A. REYNOLDS
Theresa (Tess) Anne Janzen Reynolds, 101, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at her home in the Parkers Chapel community. She was born in a farmhouse near Bridgewater, South Dakota, on January 19, 1921. Her parents, George J. Janzen and Anna Hofer Janzen, were German Mennonites whose parents had migrated from Ukraine. She was the fourth of their nine children.
Her early years were difficult. Agricultural prices were low in the 1920s and continued through the national depression of the 1930s. Her family lost their farm and had difficulty feeding everyone, so several of the children, including Tess, were boarded with uncles. After high school, she attended a year of college and then taught in one room schools for three years. She learned the importance of hard work, thrift, and family from these experiences. Family was central; she remained close to her siblings, visiting them in Kansas and South Dakota every summer until the recent past.
In 1942 she met Ira E. Reynolds, a G.I. from south Arkansas stationed in Sioux Falls, SD. A year after he was transferred to Florida, she followed, and they married. When he returned from the Philippines in 1946, they moved to the Parkers Chapel community, where Ira had grown up. There they raised five children, pushing them to do well in school, work hard, save, and value family. Reflecting her rural background, she raised cows (for beef and milk) and chickens, and tilled a large garden.
She was a member of Marrable Hill Chapel for over 65 years. Of these, she spent 27 in charge of the infant/toddler nursery, “retiring” at age 90, when she could no longer lift toddlers. She continued to garden and can vegetables into her mid-90s. Always feisty, she played cards competitively (she hated to lose) with her family to within a few weeks of her death.
She was preceded in death by Ira Reynolds, her husband of 57 years, and by all but one of her siblings. She is survived by one sister, Martha Connors of El Dorado, KS; two sons, Terry Reynolds (Linda) of Parkers Chapel and Dennis Reynolds (Beverly) of Tijeras, NM; three daughters, Nancy Murphy (David) of Parkers Chapel, Bonnie Cheshier of Parkers Chapel, and Connie Bouldin (Bill) of Ashville, NC; three half brothers, James Janzen (Dottie) of Mesa, AZ, Alvin Janzen of Watertown, SD, and Paul Janzen of Boyd, TX., 17 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.
Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m., Monday, May 23, 2022 at Marrable Hill Chapel with the Rev. Blake Dailey and Allen Kosboth officiating. Visitation will immediately follow the funeral service, in the fellowship hall. Interment will be at Old Parkers Chapel Cemetery, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Victory Bible Camp (110 Chapel Ave., El Dorado, AR 71730) or to the Liberty Baptist Association Food Pantry (912 Mt. Holly Dr., El Dorado, AR 71730).
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net