In Loving Memory

Cordell Boles age 81, of Friendship, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020 in Hot Springs. Cordell was a longtime member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. He was a retired cattle and hay farmer.

Cordell was preceded in death by his parent, a granddaughter, Crystal Cansler; two brothers, George “Buddy” Boles and Lloyd Boles; and one sister, Virginia Strother.

Survivors are his wife of sixty years, Frankie Strother Boles; his children, Pam Cansler and husband, Mike, Sandie Miller and husband, Kenny, Gary Boles and Darrell Boles and wife, Stephanie all of Friendship; four grandchildren, Blake Cansler, Heather Lee, Holly Bean and Holton Boles; seven great-grandchildren, Caden and Cameron Lee, Rielyn and Sutton Cansler, Gabin and Gracelyn Bean and Tatum Boles; and one sister, Shirley Hodge of Arkadelphia.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Gilchrist Cemetery with Bro. Jackson Rogers, and Bro. Vidal Martinez officiating.

Memorials may be made to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Mission Fund 85 Church Dr. Friendship, AR. 71942.

Online register is available at www.ruggleswilcox. com

Paul Estes

Loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, Paul Estes, passed away on November 17, 2020 in Dallas, TX.

Paul grew up primarily in Arkadelphia, AR with his parents, Otis and Ellen Kimzey Estes and his three siblings: Pat, Otis Jr. and Mary Jo.

He was Senior Class president at Arkadelphia High School where he graduated in 1963. He was awarded AllState honors in football and tennis that year and accepted a full football scholarship to Tyler Junior College in Texas. Afterwards, he transferred to Henderson State University where he was elected Senior Class president, inducted into Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities and served as president of the Theta Xi fraternity until he graduated with a B.B.A. in Marketing in 1967.

Upon graduation, he served in the Naval Reserves then the Arkansas Army National Guard, before serving in the Texas Air National Guard out of Grand Prairie, TX for ten years. During this time, he married his college sweetheart, Jackie Wilkins Estes, in 1968 and moved to Texas where they started their family and Paul utilized his degree to begin a successful career in computer software sales for many notable companies such as IBM, Bank of America and Digital Equipment Corporation. Paul attended as many of his three childrens' sporting, school and dance events as he could. He was rarely seen without his enormous VHS camera on his shoulder at these events. He often took his family on long road trips across the country.

Paul retired in 2007 and enjoyed playing volleyball, bridge, traveling and spending time with his family. He loved to be silly and crack jokes. Paul spent years researching the Estes family genealogy and would proudly share his findings with his relatives.

Paul was a life long believer in Christ and a member of the Methodist church.

He taught his children to pray with gratitude before each meal and to turn to the Bible for guidance and strength in all situations.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Ellen Estes of Malvern, AR. He is survived by his three children, Patricia Lamastus (Robert), Julia Morgan (Billy), and Jason Estes (Sayako), 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his 3 siblings, Patricia Whitten, Otis Estes Jr. and Mary Jo Estes; along with a host of loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends whom he loved like family.

Graveside services will be December 19th at 2:00 PM, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Malvern, Arkansas.

Memorial donations may be made in his honor to the Dementia Society of America - https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

Zelma House Jones

Zelma House Jones was born in Malvern on November 30, 1948 to Rabon and Sofie Hunter House. She received her angel wings on Friday December 4, 2020.

She was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she gave her life to Christ at an early age. As a teen, she always looked forward to Sunday school class, Vacation Bible school and participating in other church activities. Zelma was a dedicated musician at the church for numerous years, traveling with the choir and visiting other churches.

She was a 1966 graduate of A.A. Wilson High School. Zelma graduated from Henderson State University with a B.A. degree in Sociology, and received her Master’s degree in Education from Ouachita Baptist University. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Zelma went to the “VoTech” (now Arkansas State University Three Rivers) to take classes in business, and was offered a teaching job. She became the first adult education teacher in Malvern and started teaching at the “Vo-Tech” college in 1973. Zelma taught and worked with hundreds of students over the years helping them get their GEDs. She could remember every student that entered the GED program. She was the Director of the Adult Education Department for Malvern/Hot Spring County until her retirement.

Zelma loved spending time with her family and friends. She loved cooking and anytime you visited her home, she would offer you a meal. She loved watching westerns. Zelma liked watching the news and stayed on top of current events and would often explain the world events. Zelma loved her children and her grandchildren. Her grandchildren affectionately called her ZeZe. Zelma was a sweet loving person with a Christian heart. This was evident to anyone that met her or spent time with her.

She was predeceased by her parents, twin sister Thelma House, Ruby House Lane, Joe L. House, and Billy R. House.

She is survived by her son Cameron Jones of Benton, daughter Dara Jones of Malvern, step daughter Nedra Jones- Phillips of De Soto TX, sister and brother-inlaw Sharon House Buckner and Paul Buckner of Malvern; grandchildren: Isaiah, Ashley, Ava, Cameron and Aimsley; Nieces: Cassandra Hammond of Oakland, California; Atavia and husband Kyle Best of New Jersey, Nephew Tyrone Lane of Oakland, California, and Brother-in-law Arnold Lane of Oakland, California; and a host of family and friends.

A private family memorial service will be held at J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Pastor Bobby Anderson and Pastor Daryell Howell officiating.

There will be a public memorial service to be announced at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

Dan Pennington

Dan Pennington, age 73, of Mayflower passed away Friday, December 11, 2020 at his home. He was born, in Malvern, on June 20, 1947 the son of Pete and Lorene Woodall Pennington. He was a Malvern High School graduate, United States Air Force Veteran, and was retired from CenterPoint Energy as operations manager. Dan was a true outdoorsman, loving to fish and hunt, making knives as a hobby but his greatest love was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles E. Pennington.

Survivors are his wife of 29 years, Kathy Loser Pennington to whom he married September 28, 1991; his sons, Hunter Pennington (wife Angie) of Cave Springs, Arkansas and Lee Pennington (wife Sarah) of Fayetteville, Arkansas and grandchildren, Kaden, Noah, Ashlynn, Faith, Peyton, Ian and two nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 16 from 1:002:00pm at Regency Funeral Home and graveside services will be at 2:30pm at Rockport Cemetery with Pastor Kenneth Brock officiating. Pallbearers are Lee, Hunter and Kaden Pennington, Mitchell and Michael Gaither and Kenneth Brock.

Memorials may be made to Mercy Gate Church, 2136 Marlin Dr. Suite #6 Rapid City, South Dakota 57701.

Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.

Richard “Ricky” Wayne Bivens

Richard “Ricky” Wayne Bivens, age 63, of Hot Springs passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020. He was born January 1, 1957, in Malvern, the son of the late Charles Wayne and Evelyn Jean Townley Bivens. He was a 1975 Malvern High School graduate. Ricky was an iron worker and member of the Iron Workers Union, Local # 321. Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters, Janet Bivens and Lisa Bivens

He is survived by his daughters, Nickel Thornberry (Travis) of Anchorage, Alaska, Cassie Harris (Danny) of Bryant and Sandi Bivens of Lonoke; half-brother, Randy Holford (Kim) of Malvern and five grandsons. He will be missed by many other family members and friends.

Currently, no services are planned due to the pandemic. However, please sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank the Iron Workers Union (Local 321) for all of the support they have shown.

Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home.

Clifford C. Walker

Clifford C. Walker, age 86 of Malvern, died Friday, December 11, 2020 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Malvern. He was born on July 6, 1934 in Iuka, Mississippi to the late Eugene Walker and Nancy Ollie Kennedy Walker. Reared and educated in Mississippi, he had been a resident of Malvern since 1984. Mr. Walker was a mill worker for 62 years, having last worked for Anthony Timberlands. He had a volunteer spirit: for five years he ran a route for Meals on Wheels, and for 12 years, he was a cook at the Malvern Senior Center. He was a member of First United Pentecostal Church in Malvern, and was a veteran of the United States Army.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Jo Keisler Walker of Malvern; a daughter, Brenda Kay Walker; three sons, Michael Dale Walker, Kenneth Randall Walker, and Christopher Walker; a step-son, Charles “Chuck” Norwood and his wife, Kelley, of Magnet Cove; a brother, Levi Walker of Georgia; three sisters, Joy Smith of Truman, Arkansas, and Florine Walker and Ollie Jean Phoenix, both of Mississippi; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

His funeral service will be held at eleven o’clock on Tuesday morning, December 15, 2020, in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home with Brother Brady Gardner officiating. Interment will follow in Rockport Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors.

A visitation will precede the service in the chapel, beginning at ten o’clock.

Online condolences may be sent via jafunkfuneralhome.com.

Beverlee Smith

Beverlee Smith, age 67, of Malvern passed away on Friday, November 11, 2020 at her home. She was born June 8, 1953, in Hot Springs, the daughter of the late Sidney Marvin Garrett, Jr. and Julia Ophelia Funk Ver Steegh. Other than her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Wayne “Rick” Smith and step-father, Bob Ver Steegh.

Survivors, daughter, Ilenee Tedford (Norm) of Malvern; brother, Sidney Garrett III (Marilyn) of Malvern; sisters, Esther Griffin (Mark) of Malvern and Kim Herring (Mark) of Katy, Texas; grandchildren, Justin Smith (Casi) and Preston Tedford and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 18 at 11:00am at Regency Funeral Home with Brother David Spears officiating.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. Guestbook, regencyfuneralhome. com.

Norman Barnette

Norman Barnette, age 63, of Malvern, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020. He was born in Houston, Texas on December 5, 1957 to Alton and Aline Barnette. He was employed at CHI Health at Home for the past nine years. He was also of the Pentecostal faith. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing basketball, and taking care of his patients.

He was preceded in death by his father Alton Barnette, mother Aline Barnette, and a brother Allan Barnette.

Survivors include his wife of 17 years Darlene Barnette; two daughters, Rebecca Wright and Jennifer Ward. Three step-children, Phillip Pry, Christopher Pry, and Kimberly Wolever. Four grandchildren; Clare Wright,

Blaze Wright, Cyanne Ward, and Jonathan Ward. Nine Step-grandchildren; Gavin Pry, Hayden Pry, Parker Pry, Christa Pry, Lilly Pry, Kami Pry, Matthew Fabien, Alexia Wolever, and Brayden Wolever.

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 9th, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Apostolic Faith Tabernacle; 3217 Airport Road, Pearcy AR, 71964. Bro Dennis Anderson officiating.

Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

Luvenia Clayton

On August 11, 1951, Luvenia Clayton was born to the parentage of Willie and Coy Mae Clayton. She transitioned to a peaceful rest on December 13, 2020.

Luvenia had a nurturing nature; it was this nurturing nature that lead to one of many of her accomplishments in life; meeting her husband, Lewis Clegg. They were together for fifty-five but were married for fifty-one years. While being a wife, mother, and grandmother, she received several degrees and filled numerous positions. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Education, along with degrees in Medical Business and Clinical Services. She excelled in positions as a Correctional Officer, Childcare provider, Paralegal, as well as Children’s book author.

With a loving memory left to cherish, Luvenia Clegg leaves behind a loving, dedicated and faithful husband Lewis Clegg; five children: Alicia Pollen (Roger) of Malvern, Lauri Williams of North Little Rock, AR, Arric Clegg (Lakessha) of Malvern, Lisa Hussey (Robert) of Missouri, Lori Mitchell (Jack) of North Little Rock, AR; four siblings: Catherine Clegg of Prattsville, AR, John Henry Williams (Nebora) of Texas, Larry Clayton of Little Rock, AR, Lynette Clayton of Malvern, AR; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one out of state special friend, Linda Smith, along with a host of other relatives and friends.

There will be a walkthrough visitation on Thursday, December 17, 2020, from 5:30-7:30pm, at Brandon's Mortuary in Malvern. Her graveside Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Friday, December 18, 2020, at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville.

Luvenia’s full obituary and online guestbook are available at www.brandonsmortuary.com.

Jimmy Crain

Jimmy Crain, age 69, of Malvern passed away December 15, 2020 at National Park Medical Center. He was born April 29, 1951, in Lake Village, Arkansas, the son of R.B. and Lettie Barnes Crain. Jimmy worked at Walmart for 17 years and retired as district manager for USA Drug. After his retirement, he worked at Sears. He was a volunteer for Malvern Fire Department for 17 years and South Malvern Fire Department Chief for 14 years, where he later served as a board member. He is preceded in death by his father and wife, whom he married on October 25, 1975, Donna Crain.

Survivors, mother, Lettie Brooks of Malvern; son, Brooks Crain (Tisha) of Haskell; daughters, Brandi Smith (Jeremy) of Poyen and Lori Brockinton of Cabot; grandchildren, Cody Crain (Hannah), Caitlyn Crain,

Haley Smith, Cassidy Crain, Walker Smith, Brett Brockinton and Rylee Brockinton; sister-in-law and brother-inlaw, Debby and Keith Douglas of Malvern.

Visitation will be Saturday, December 19 from 2:004:00pm at Regency Funeral Home.

Graveside service, with funeral honors by the Malvern Fire Department, will be Sunday, December 20 at 2:00pm at Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery with Brian Henry officiating. Pallbearers will be members of the Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers will be South Malvern Fire Department, Malvern Fire Department, Staff at ICU National Park Medical Center and all of his closest friends. Anyone that would like to follow procession, please be at Regency Funeral Home at 1:00pm on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial (arfallenfirefighters.org) or the South Malvern Fire Department Christmas for Kids.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. Guestbook, regencyfuneralhome. com.

Cleophus “Cleo” Watkins

Cleophus “Cleo” Watkins, age 61, was born December 3, 1959, to the union of the late Cleo Watkins and Emergene Watkins. Cleo passed away peacefully on the morning of December 14, 2020, with his family by his side.

He leaves to cherish his memory: Emergene Watkins (mother), Michael Watkins (brother) of Malvern; three special cousins: Faye Combs of Detroit, Michigan, Rev. Alonzo Redic of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina, and C.W. Smith of Dallas, Texas and a host of other relatives and relatives.

There will be a public walk-through visitation on Friday, December 18, 2020, from 4:00pm-6:00pm., at Brandon's Mortuary in Malvern. Due to the limited number of guests allowed to be in attendance, his funeral is closed to the public. Masks are required. All CDC guidelines will be followed. His earthly body will be laid to rest at Princeton Cemetery in Princeton, Arkansas, on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

Cleo’s full obituary and online guestbook are available online at www.brandonsmortuary.com.

Charlie Porter

Charlie Porter, age 59, of Malvern passed away Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at his home. He was born December 7, 1961, in Malvern, the son of Charles Neal Porter and Hazel Faye Sams Simpson. Charlie was a USDA Grain Inspector, a crop duster and most recent a farmer. He is preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Survivors, mother and step-father, Hazel and Orville Simpson; son, Erich Charles Porter of Bismarck; sister, Carla Beatty of Bismarck; grandchildren, Emerson Porter, Asher Porter and Brody Hart.

Graveside service will be held Wednesday, December 23 at 2:30pm at Ouachita Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. Guestbook, regencyfuneralhome. com.

Rodney Bernard Williams

Rodney Bernard Williams aka “Bay-Bay” was born on May 27,1965 to the late Er