Obituaries
JAMES ROBERT BRINT, JR.
James Robert Brint, Jr., known as “J. R.” to those who knew and loved him, age 78, of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed from this life on May 31, 2022, at Baptist Health Medical Center – North following a lengthy illness. He was born November 29, 1943, in Goose Creek, Texas to James Robert Brint, Sr. & Nettie Kress Brint.
At the age of 2, J. R.’s father took a job in Camden, Arkansas but due to a housing shortage, the family settled in nearby Norphlet, where he lived until he graduated from Norphlet High School in 1962. Following graduation, J. R. spent the next 42 years working in the production department of El Dorado News-Times, most recently as a graphic designer.
J. R. had an incredible, Godgiven talent for music. He was fascinated with musical chords and taught himself to play the piano when he was a young boy, often sneaking off to the Norphlet Baptist Church around the corner from their apartment to practice. Although he never had a lesson, he was an amazing pianist. He was thrilled when he fulfilled a life-long dream to own a baby grand piano and his music touched many lives throughout his life. J. R. was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church where he played the piano and organ for many years.
J. R. loved his family and looked forward to spending time with them at the Brint Reunions throughout the years. Another highlight for him was the annual trip to Hot Springs with this sisters, Bobbie and Janice, for the Miss Arkansas pageants.
J. R. was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Billy Brint and Jimmy Brint; and his sisters Bobbie Hardin and Janice Lewis.
Left to cherish J. R.’s memory are brother-in-law Charles Lewis of Frisco, TX; nieces Denise Martin (Jerry) of Crossett, AR; and Brenda Franks of Hewitt, TX; nephews Bruce Brint of Waco, TX; Doug Hardin of Memphis, TN; Brad Brint of Waco, TX; David Hardin of Sherwood, AR; Rick Lewis (Lou Ann) of Irving, TX; and Todd Lewis (Michelle), of Frisco, TX; and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.
Visitation will begin Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 pm with burial immediately following at Arlington Cemetery under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels of El Dorado. Dr. Jerry L. Martin and Dr. Clark Whitney, Sr. will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (for Parkinson’s Research), PO Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014
CREW MICHAEL DITTA
Crew Michael Ditta was born May 31, 2022 in Baton Rouge, LA to proud parents Justin and Madison Ditta of Ruston, LA. He passed away the same day.
Crew had a big sister Maren Ditta along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins. His paternal grandparents are Mike and Laurie Ditta of Farmerville, LA. His maternal grandparents are Steve and Melissa Slaughter of El Dorado, AR. Crew also had 3 great grandparents. Cindy Williams and Tommie Sue Slaughter, both of El Dorado, AR and Bobbie Ditta from Monroe, LA.
There will be a graveside service honoring his short, precious life on Sunday, June 5, at 1:00 at Salem Cemetery on Lisbon Road in Smackover, Arkansas under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
WILLIE JAMES HENRY JR
Willie James Henry Jr. was born September 17, 1986, in El Dorado, AR, to the union of Willie and Patricia (Henry) Burns. He met the love of his life, Brittany as a teenager, and as a mutual agreement, they remained friends until the end.
On Monday, May 23, 2022, Willie Henry departed this life in Little Rock, Arkansas, at Arkansas Hospice Inpatient Center. He was preceded in death by his grandfather JT Burns and Jeffro C. Henry, his uncles Patrick Henry ( His mother’s twin brother), and Kenneth Samuel.
He leaves to cherish his memories with his mother, Patricia Henry (Dexter), father, Willie Burns, his sister Teresa Henry (James) and grandmother; Mary Henry and Dorothy Burns, aunties Dorothy Burns, Earlene Burns, and Maragert (Thomas) Pierce, Valerie Samuels Grant and Candi (Lewis) Green, uncles Marcus Henry, Clifford Henry, Douglas Henry, Leon (Etha) Burns, and Robert Samuels. Three nieces and one nephew, and a host of very close cousins, relatives, and friends.
Celebration of Life Saturday, June 4, 2022, 11:00 A.M.at Bouldware Temple COGIC. Interment will be at Rest haven Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
OLGA WELLS JONES
Olga Wells Jones, 95, of Junction City, Louisiana, passed away peacefully in her home on May 30, 2022. Olga was born on September 3, 1926, to Ellis and Eula Tanner Wells in Monroe, Louisiana.
Olga was preceded in death by her loving husband of 78 years, Arnold Douglas Jones, infant daughter, her parents and two siblings, O’Neal Yetter and David Wells. She survived by her son, Arnold Douglas Jones, Jr. (Donna) and Karen Smith (Melvin), her grandchildren, Arnold Douglas Jones, III (Keri), Jon David Jones (Ashley), Tracey Smith, Laurie Smith, her great grandchildren, Landon Lord, Logan Lord, Hallie Jones, Sophie Jones, Brooklyn Jones, and Jon David Jones, Jr.
Olga was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Junction City starting in 1947. She spent many years on the hospitality committee which she truly loved. Olga also enjoyed cooking for her family and her vacation home on Lake Claiborne. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Special thanks to Adrienne Reeves, her loving caregiver, during her last few months.
Visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church of Junction City on June 3, 2022, 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be at the First Baptist Church of Junction City on June 4, 2022, at 2:00 pm with Reverend Jim Bynam officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church at 112 North Myrtle Street, Junction City, AR 71749.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
BETTY JO MASSEY
Betty Jo Massey 82, of Little Rock transitioned May 26, 2022. She is survived by her children; Debora Smedley (Gerry), Ricky Hawkins (Jeanette), Vanessa Tate (Errol), Anthony Gilmore, Theressa Gilmore Soars (Manuel), Gwendolyn Jessie (Christian). 15 Grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband, Eddie James Massey, son, Lee Cordell Hawkins, parents, Lue Ada Jones Franklin, Rodell Grimes Sr. and 9 siblings. Family hour Friday, June 3, 2022 6-7pm. Funeral Saturday, June 4, 2022 11:00am both at St. John MBC 1018 Wilson St. El Dorado, Ar 71730. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home 1518 S. Battery St. Little Rock, AR 72202.
PEGGY LAVONNE McGOOGAN
Peggy Lavonne McGoogan, 77, of Three Creeks, passed away May 27, 2022 at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was born on April 9, 1945 in Atlanta, Arkansas to Sim Green Jennings and Velda Carson Jennings.
Peggy was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish. She was a member of Three Creeks Baptist Church. Peggy loved Jesus and served when she could. She was an amazing prayer warrior. She always loved to work with children in the church nursery and loved VBS.
Preceding her in death are her parents; sisters, Katherine Hickman and Joyce Veldeen Jennings; brothers-in-law, Billy Owens, J.L. Jean, Joe McGoogan, Bobby Houldridge and Shirley Jones.
She is survived by her husband, John W. McGoogan; sons, Toby McGoogan (Tina) and Jason McGoogan (Katie); grandsons, Andrew McGoogan and Brock McGoogan; granddaughters, Grace McGoogan and Wittney McGoogan; sisters, Wanda Lee Jean and Lanelle Owens.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Monday, May 30 at Three Creeks Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at Three Creeks Baptist Church with Dano Rainer officiating. Burial will follow at Three Creeks Baptist Church Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the McGoogan family.
EARNEST “BOOM BOOM/BO” O’GUINN
Mr. Earnest “Boom Boom/Bo” O’Guinn, son of the late Earnest O’Guinn and Clyde Elliott O’Guinn, was born August 10, 1947, in Mt. Holly, Ar.
He was blessed with four children, Erica Miles, Michelle O’Guinn, Jackie Crayton, and Timothy O’Guinn.
His generous spirit and spontaneous personality was a sight to behold, and he was loved and enjoyed by many. He quietly departed this life Friday, May 20, 2022, at Life Touch Hospice in El. Dorado, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents Earnest and Clyde O’Guinn, brother Curtis O’Guinn, sisters Nettie Morgan and Wordie Boone, and daughter, Erica Miles.
His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children: Michelle, Jackie, and Timothy; (11) grandchildren, (8) great-grandchildren; sisters: Georgia Arnold (James) and Deloise Box, both of El Dorado, Ar; His Special friend and Caregiver Rosemary Childs. Devoted Nieces: Carolyn O’Guinn and Rachel Steward, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral Service Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church #2. Interment will be at New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
JAMES ROBERT THOMPSON JR.
James Robert Thompson Jr, age 59, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2022. He was born on June 9, 1962 in El Dorado, Arkansas to James Robert and Alice Faye Thompson.
He loved playing the guitar, working on classic cars, and putting together models. James also loved spending time with his family and friends.
James is preceded in death by his parents James Robert and Alice Faye Thompson.
James is survived by his wife Angela Thompson; his children Katlyn Martin, Jason Thompson (Emilee), Jesse Thompson, and Aren Frisby (Merle); grandchildren Keith Walthall, Ryder Thompson, Dustin Hensley, Ava Thompson, Loralia Frisby, and Ava Leigh Frisby; cousins, but more like sisters Vonda Whorton and Teresa Murray.
Arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.
Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
ROGER LEE PHILLIPS
Roger Lee Phillips was born to the late Robert Lee Phillips and Ruby Lee Thurman in Monroe, Louisiana, on August 4, 1957. After a short battle with cancer, he was called home on May 30, 2022.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents, sister Hattie Winzer, two brothers, Otis Winzer and Robert L. Phillips Jr., aunt Earline Phillips, three uncles, Tony Holmes, Ervin Cargon, and Joe Holmes, nephew Antonio James, grandparents Evelena Ford and Frank Thurmon Sr.
He leaves to cherish his loving memories to the love of his life Lawanda Phillips for 22 years and his marriage of 13 years. children Katrina (William) Moore of El Dorado; Ashley Phillips ( Demariury); Roger Phillips; Nahi ( Corey) Williams of El Dorado; Ron Murphy Jr. Bonus children Timothy, Terrance, and Latoya Pickett; sister Mattie Winzer; brothers Edward Earl (Doris) Phillips; John Winzer; Fred Winzer; bonus brothers Otis Aaron of El Dorado; and Terry Malone; sixteen grandkids; two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.
Funeral Service Saturday, June 4, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Plum St. Church of Christ. Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
RUTH IRENE GRIFFITH LEWIS
Ruth Irene Griffith Lewis, 97, a resident of Columbia, TN and a former resident of El Dorado, Arkansas, died Saturday, May 28, 2022 at NHC Maury Regional Transitional Care. Born June 30, 1924 in Union County, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” Griffith and the late Elizabeth Cook Griffith. Mrs. Lewis was a self-employed beautician for 45 years in El Dorado before retiring and relocating to Columbia to live with her daughter. She formerly enjoyed cooking, sewing, quilting, and embroidering. Mrs. Lewis was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church near El Dorado, Arkansas and attended Viola Baptist Church in Columbia.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; John Lee Rogers, Clegg Chisholm and Warren Lewis; twelve siblings; two great grandsons; and son-in-law, Jim Clark.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Clark of Columbia; grandchildren, Christie Masterson of Chattanooga; Marty (Meg) Mason of Spearsville, Louisiana; Tina Mason of Columbia; John Clark of Nashville; ten great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including her niece that she reared, Janice Smith of El Dorado, Arkansas and her daughter, Devin Smith.
Funeral services were held, at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home in Columbia, TN, with Reverend Mylen Coble officiating. A Committal service and burial will be held at Brown Cemetery in the Three Creeks Community, Arkansas at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2022, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. or www.baileyfuneralhome.net
KAY F. MITCHELL
Kay F. Mitchell, 85, of El Dorado passed away Friday, May 27, 2022 at Timberlane Health and Rehab.
Born August 31, 1936 in Circleville, Kansas she was the daughter of Floyd James and Gladys Stephenson Pool. During her employment of 20 yearsat Murphy Oil Corp she served as an accounting assistant. She was for 10 years an executive secretary at St. Mark United Methodist Church. She was presently a member of First United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir. She had been a longtime member of Vantrease Methodist Church where she played the organ and piano.
Preceding her in death along with her parents were her husband, Paul Mitchell, a son, Brian P. Mitchell, a brother, Danny Joe Pool, and a sister, Patricia Mitchell.
Survivors include her children, Karen Griffin (Doug) of Arkadelphia, Brent Mitchell (Jill) of El Dorado, Donna Robinson (Duane) of Bismarck, and Paula Bilo (Bobby) of El Dorado. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation with family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, at Young’s. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2022 at Young’s Chapel with Dr. David Bush officiating. Interment will following Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to the National Down Syndrome Society, 8 East 41st Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10017.
Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome. com.
RACHEL CORY McCLELLAN JONES
Rachel Cory McClellan Jones, 89, of New Edinburg, Arkansas died Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado, Arkansas.
She was born on February 11, 1933, in New Edinburg, the daughter of the late Jewell Henry and Arah Gray McClellan.
She was a homemaker and the perfect helpmate to her husband of 62 years, Henry, where they managed poultry and cattle and grew tomatoes on their farm in New Edinburg and raised, loved, and cared for their three daughters. She was a lifelong member of Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church in New Edinburg.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Jewell and Arah McClellan, her husband Henry Jones and her brothers Dixon McClellan and Major McClellan.
Surviving her are her daughters, Peggy Cole (Rickey) of El Dorado, Deborah Jones of New Edinburg and Allison Dallen (Greg) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and her brother John L. McClellan of New Edinburg.
Also, her grandchildren, Holly Cole Hanry (Rhett) of Junction City, Arkansas; Meridith Jones Armstrong (Kyle) of Arkadelphia, Arkansas: Lucas Dallen, Joshua Dallen and Zachary Dallen all of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and great grandchildren Cole and Wilson Hanry.
She also leaves behind her many friends of her home community and the residents and staff at Hudson Memorial Nursing Home in El Dorado.
Graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2022 at Reaves Cemetery with the Reverend Jim Moss officiating. Burial will be in Reaves Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home of Warren, Arkansas. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2022 at Frazer’s Funeral Home.
Active pallbearers are Rhett Hanry, Holly Hanry, Cole Hanry, Wilson Hanry, Kyle Armstrong, Meridith Armstrong, Lucas Dallen, Joshua Dallen add Zachary Dallen.
Memorials may be made to Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church of New Edinburg or Hudson Memorial Nursing Home of El Dorado.