Obituaries

SONDRA BILKEY, 65, of Sherwood went to be with her Lord on Thursday, Feb. 5. Born in Poplar Bluff, Mo., Sondra is preceded in death by her mother, Fredia Bilkey. She is survived by her son, Darren (Jennifer) Rice of Cabot and daughter, Kathy (Andy) Plezia of Mayflower; father, Thomas “TL” Bilkey of Sherwood; sister, Diana (Ernest) Ketcherside of Georgetown, Texas, and grandchildren, Tyler Plezia, Hope Plezia and Megan Rice.

Sondra will be remembered by her family and friends as a loving, compassionate mother and daughter who was always there for her family, providing care for her parents in later years, always with a positive and humorous attitude. She loved music, playing the piano and singing with a quartet for several years. She is known best for her participation in showing her dogs all over the country and is known affectionately as “Charlee” by her dog show friends.

Sondra followed her father into a career with the Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years, where she worked as the first female train dispatcher for the railroad.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Please sign our online register at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

––––– ––––– ANDREW WILLIAM “A.W.” BRADLEY joined his wife in heaven on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 3:20 p.m. with his loved ones beside him. What a reunion that must have been! He was born Oct. 13, 1916, in Adona, Ark. A.W. was married for 69 years to Katherine Knesal Bradley. Together they had one daughter, Kathy of whom A.W. often said was his greatest blessing and accomplishment. Everyone who knew A.W. would agree he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He enjoyed helping others anyway he could; his generosity knew no bounds. He made weekly trips to Hot Springs to take his wife to the horse races, but his favorite part of Oaklawn was the corned beef sandwiches. He also loved getting “Hot Springs water” to bring home because according to him it was “the best water.” Good company always surrounded A.W. He had many friends; he never knew a stranger. A.W. enjoyed style as evidenced by his wardrobe and also loved a great meal enjoyed with family and friends. His life was “beautiful.”

He is preceded in death by his wife, Katherine; parents, Dock Acey and Maggie Bradley and sisters, Jewell Wofford, Minnie Sherrod and Edna Wert. He is survived by his daughter, Katherine Gwatney Hardison and her husband, Chris Hardison; granddaughters and their spouses, Christian and Chris Baker and Chase and Matthew McKay; great-grandsons, Peyton Baker and William McKay; his brother, D.A. Bradley and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is so grateful to his caregivers especially Billie Tucker who had been with both Katherine and A.W. The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Liu and the staff at Hospice Home Care Inpatient Center for the care A.W. received the last week of his life.

Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. with a Rosary following at 7 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. The Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Edward Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wolfe Street Foundation or the charity of your choice. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

––––– ––––– ANTHONY BERNARD BROCK, 53, of Little Rock departed this life Feb. 4, 2015.

He was preceded in death by mother, Loretta Brock Elliot and brother, Arthur Brock.

He leaves his memories with daughter, April Hunter; two grandchildren; siblings, Gloria (Robert) Scott, Henry (Evelyn) Roy Jackson; Loretta (Willie) Brock Elliot and a host of family and friends.

Family hour: Friday, 10-11 a.m. Service: Friday, 11 a.m., both at Robinson Mortuary Chapel, LR. Rev. H.L. Fairchild officiating. Service entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, LR, (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook and view obituary at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”

––––– ––––– SHARON SUE COWAN, 71, of Jacksonville died Feb. 3, 2015, at North Metro Hospital. She was a longtime member of the Marshall Road Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon William and Lillie Ernestine Anderson Cowan; brothers, James G. and Dennis A. Cowan; sisters, Mary Waterman, Geri Southard, Carol and Betty Cowan and a brother and sister that died at birth. Sharon is survived by three sisters, Beulah E. Phelps, Donna Maynard and Connis Osborne; brother, Tim Cowan and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marshall Road Baptist Church, 821 Marshall Road, Jacksonville, Ark., 72076. A memorial service will be held at Arkana Community Building (near Mountain Home) at a date to be announced. Interment of ashes will take place at the Arkana Community Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– ––––– DENNIS R. DAVENPORT SR., beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2015, due to stroke complications. Davenport was born May 27, 1936, to Coy and Esther Davenport in north Pulaski County. Following graduation from Jacksonville High School, he served in the U.S. Army before graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Davenport was in the vending machine business prior to founding Popatop, Inc. in 1974. He quickly established his business and became known as the wine and spirits expert and was often called upon by others in that beverage field for assistance. Popatop grew to become one of the largest retail liquor and wine businesses in Arkansas. For many years Popatop had the only climate controlled wine room in the state and was the state’s largest retail outlet for keg sales. In 1991, Davenport’s Popatop was named among the nation’s “Top 10 Retailers” by Beverage Dynamics, a beverage alcohol business magazine. In 1993, Market Watch included Popatop as a Super Star Retailer. In addition to operating Popatop, for several years, Davenport owned and operated Bogart’s and later Café Lugano in North Little Rock. He traveled to Italy where he spent time with restaurant operators and he soon became an excellent chef himself. He also took pride in introducing new talent at Lugano’s and the group known as Recovery became his pride and joy. Davenport was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and served on its school board for several years. He was a member of the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Arkansas Hospitality Association and a past president of the Arkansas Restaurant Association. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Mary Lou and one brother, Melvin Davenport (Karen) of Jacksonville. His children include Dennis R. Davenport Jr., Natalie Hollowell (Chuck), Kirstie Davenport, all of North Little Rock, Carmen Hennelly (Tom) of Fayetteville, Keena Melton (Tim) of New York and the mother of his children, Andrea Cassinelli. He will be missed by his six grandchildren, Keaton, Evan and Claire Hollowell, Brendan Hennelly, Tyler and Kammie Melton. He was loved and respected by his extended family, Don, Holly and Dylan Williams, Eric, Kimberly, Olivia and Elise Berry, Julie, Kalie and Dax Williams and Adam and Austin Durr.

The family will appreciate memorials to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock or to Gentiva Hospice, 10800 Financial Centre Parkway, Little Rock, Ark., 72211.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A visitation will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, followed by a rosary service at 3 p.m. at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home.

Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– ––––– WILLIAM OWEN ELMORE, 84, of Little Rock passed away Feb. 5, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Lew Elmore; daughter, Luanne Lewis (Steve); grandchildren, Drew Payne and Lindsay Bjornson (Tyler) and other relatives and friends. Arrangements are pending by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mr. Elmore’s online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– BOBBY WAYNE FLOWERS, 81, of Little Rock went to be with the Lord on Feb. 4, 2015.

Visitation: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300. Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday at Highland Valley United Methodist Church. Burial: Rest Hills Memorial Park, North Little Rock.

His online guestbook and complete obituary are available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ chenal.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may by made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, 72116.

––––– ––––– RUTH AYLINE GIBSON, 84, passed away the morning of Feb. 6 to join her husband and sister. She died at her grandson’s home with family at her bedside in accordance with her wishes. Ruth was born Jan. 3, 1931, in Hackett, Ark., to Edgar and Ana Dean Johnson.

Ruth graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville with a degree in business administration. Later, she entered the education field and worked for the Little Rock School District as a speech therapist, ultimately retiring whilst at Jefferson Elementary.

Away from her career, Ruth had many interests and passions. She led her daughters and their friends in Girl Scouting. Ruth was a natural green-thumb and an avid gardener, which led her to become a member of the Arkansas Master Gardeners. She was a faith-filled member of Sylvan Hills United Methodist Church and transferred membership to Trinity United Methodist Church. Her interest in history and the Bible led her globetrotting around the world to places like Italy, France, Germany, Nepal, Canada and Israel. Ruth was also a lifelong card player and an absolutely formidable Bridge opponent.

Of all her passions, Ruth valued family the most. Ruth met her husband of 60 years, Charles Dana Gibson, at University. They were married on May 12, 1952. Together, they had four daughters, Lynn, Melanie, Elaine and Mary. Throughout her life, Ruth was the matriarch of a large family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was instrumental in raising them all with strength, love and wisdom. She poured thoughtful care and labor into all the family gatherings, transforming them into events to be remembered and looked forward to. Lastly, she shared a strong and enduring bond with her sister, Dora Dean “DeDe” Ragsdale and her husband, John G. Ragsdale.

Ruth was a funny, happy and compassionate woman of many roles: wife, sister, mother, grandmother, educator, friend and nurturer. She is missed by many, and will continue to be missed. Ruth touched many lives and has left this world a richer place for her having been.

A visitation will be held Monday evening from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills in Sherwood, Ark. A memorial service will be Tuesday, 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1101 North Mississippi in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist, Sylvan Hills United Methodist, or the charity of your choice.

––––– ––––– JOHN ALVIN HARPER, age 85, of North Little Rock passed away Feb. 6, 2015 at Baptist Hospital North Little Rock. He was born on Feb. 2, 1930 in Oak Grove, North Little Rock, Ark. He was the son of John Riley and Alliemae Harper.

John was a skilled cabinet maker for R&R Cabinet Shop for 50 years. He was a member of Levy Baptist Church for 50 years and enjoyed outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, camping and water-skiing.

He is preceded in death by his son, Alvin Wade Harper (Diana); his parents; his sisters, Ruth Creasy, Mary Sowell, Thelma Huckaby and his brother, Eldon Harper.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Wanda (Patsy); his daughter, Celenda Perry (Michael); his grandson, Mark; daughter-in-law, Diana; his granddaughter, Beatrice Perry; his brother, James Harper and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at Huson Funeral Home Chapel at 7700 Highway 107, Sherwood, Ark., with burial immediately following at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Alexander.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Huson Funeral Home in Sherwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baptist Health Hospice at 11900 Colonel Glenn Rd, Ste 2000, Little Rock, AR 72210.

Sign an online guestbook at www.husonfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– CAROLYN HENN passed into the arms of our Lord on Feb. 2, 2015 after a battle with cancer which she faced gracefully. She was born March 27, 1962 to Thomas and Sylvia Henn in Shreveport, La. Carolyn is survived by her brother, Patrick Henn and three sisters, Cynthia Henn, Cheryl Grimmett (Randy) and Marilyn Wells (John) as well as her nieces and nephews, Alexander Coode, Michael Coode, Cathryn Grimmett, Greg Coode, Thomas Henn, Cassidy Grimmett and Kayla Henn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Sylvia Henn.

She graduated from Hendrix College, where she earned her degree in political science. She went on to study law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she earned her doctor of jurisprudence.

Carolyn was an employee of AT&T, where she flourished until her untimely illness.

Carolyn was a woman of faith who trusted in the Lord. She shared that faith with her family and friends who loved and cared for her deeply. Her passing leaves those who knew her with great sadness.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 13 at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church at 1321 S. Van Buren St in Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society in her name.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Carolyn’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– JOE WALLACE KEY, 77, of North Little Rock died Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at U.A.M.S. in Little Rock. Joe was born July 11, 1937 in Ouachita County, Ark. He served in the Arkansas and Texas National Guard and retired from civil service, where he was a heavy equipment mechanic. Joe loved hunting, building

custom dog boxes, genealogy and collecting camark pottery. Joe was a lifelong Church of Christ, baptized at the age of 12 and as long as his health allowed attended the Bearden Church of Christ. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie W. Key and Ruby Tilley Key and two sisters, Dorothea Key Gurnsey and Lucell Key Lewis. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anna Rogers Key of North Little Rock; two sons, Jimmie Key of North Little Rock, Joe Wesley Key and wife, Traci of Rogers; one daughter, Gena Robin Cannon and husband, Kelly of Bella Vista; four grandchildren, Samantha Key of Little Rock, Jordan Key of Fayetteville, Jacob Key and Lilliana Key both of Rogers. Visitation will be Monday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Bearden. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Chapel Hill Cemetery near Sparkman. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce/Bearden. To sign the online register, visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

––––– ––––– MARGARET FRANCES FISHER MARCZUK, 79, of Little Rock, passed away Feb. 5, 2015.

Rosary will be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew on February 9,2015 at 7 p.m. Mass

of Christian Burial will be held at the Cathedral of St. Andrew on Fe. 10, 2015 at

10 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock.

Margaret was born in Dickinson, N.D. on July 30,1935 and raised in South Heart, N.D. She

married Louis Marczuk on Oct. 4, 1954, and lived in Oklahoma, Minnesota, Kentucky,

Tennessee, Alabama, and Ohio before settling in Arkansas in 1969. While being a loving

mother to her children, she worked as a cafeteria worker at Williams Elementary and Hall

High Schools and as a cook and housekeeper at Holy Souls Catholic Church Rectory,

Catholic High School for Boys, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Frances Fisher; infant twin

brother; and husband, Louis Marczuk.

She is survived by her five children: Rev. Msgr. Scott L. Marczuk of Bentonville, Ark.,

Llewellyn Marczuk of Little Rock, Tammy and husband Ron Smith of Flower Mound, Texas,

Karla and husband Danny Scott of Alexander, Ark., and Denise Heinley of Tullos, La.; five

grandchildren, Jason Smith, Christopher Heinley, Monica and husband John Newsom,

Griffin Marczuk, and Haylee Scott; and great-granddaughters, Ryleigh Newsom and Zoe Newsom. She is also survived by her sister, Eileen and husband Christ Dukart; brother, Ronnie and

wife Florence Fisher; as well as Mike Marczuk, brother-in-law, and Regina Bohnet sisterin-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials can be made to the Cathedral of St. Andrew. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

––––– ––––– ELIZABETH MAYFIELD “NOOKIE,” 84, of Little Rock, Ark. transitioned on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015 at home with loved ones. Her memorial service is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, 2015, 6 p.m., at New Hope Baptist Church, 1851 Howard St., Little Rock, Ark. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St. LR, Ark. (501) 3721305

––––– ––––– Our beloved Aunt ESTHER LEE MCKNIGHT passed peacefully on Jan. 22, 2015 at the age of 96. One of six children, she was born on April 11, 1918 in Texarkana, Ark. to John and Frances McKnight. She graduated from North Heights High School in 1936 in Texarkana and registered in the Nursing Program at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston, Texas at the beginning of World War II. She lived and worked in the Houston area until 2006 when she relocated to the North Little Rock area to be closer to family. Her hobbies included sewing, bird-watching, writing and reading. She lived independently until she fell ill in the fall of 2014.

Although she had no children of her own, she is survived by her beloved niece, Thelma (John) Ciasca of North Little Rock; four nephews, William (Susan) Miller of New Bloomfield, Mo., Larry (Irene) Miller of Henryville, Pa., Richard (Ann) Miller of Bella Vista, Ark. and Ted (Gloria) Miller of Haughton, La. and special friend, Diane White of Lincoln, Neb. She is also survived by many great-nieces and nephews as well as numerous great-greatnieces and nephews throughout the country. Her words of wisdom about life and family will not be forgotten.

A private memorial service for the family will be on April 11. We would like to send a special thank you to the nursing staff at Sherwood Nursing and Rehab Center. The loving care and attention given to Aunt Lee in her final weeks was greatly appreciated.

––––– ––––– EMARENE PATTERSON went to be with the Lord Feb. 3, 2015. She was born in Cave City, Ark. on

Sept. 7, 1922. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Patterson and her parents, Theodore and Louise Smith. She also had three sisters and three brothers and many nieces and nephews.

She is survived by one son, Phil Patterson and wife, Brenda; granddaughter, Jennifer Sippell and great-grandson, Trent Sippell.

She was a member of Baring Cross Baptist Church for 45 years and taught kindergarten for many of those years. She taught several hundred children to swim. She joined Levy Baptist Church and enjoyed how friendly everyone was to her. She also worked as a tour guide and for Pleasant Hill Retirement.

She was blessed with good health into her 90s. She loved her family and friends very much and God most of all.

Visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home. Burial will be immediately following the service.

Please leave the family your condolences at Ms. Emarene’s online guestbook at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

––––– ––––– HELEN KELLER QUINNEY, born Feb. 14, 1918 completed life’s journey on Feb. 6,

2015 and now stands in the presence of the Lord with whom she is well acquainted and

has spoken with many times. Other than when dad was in the army she was a Little Rock

resident and is a graduate of Mount Saint Mary Academy.

She has joined her husband, Glen; parents, Walter and Isabel Keller; two sisters, Mary Louise Brown and Carolyn Raley; a brother, Jay Keller; and an infant daughter all who have been waiting patiently for her. She is survived by five children, Glen Quinney of Germantown, Tenn., Greg (Edye) Quinney of Hot Springs, Mary Ellen (George) Purifoy of Hot Springs, Isabel Birdsong

and Stella (Marty) Gaito of Little Rock; eight grandchildren and a bunch of great-grands;

two brothers, Walt and Tom Keller; and one sister, Mabel Cook.

Her brother, Tom, is a Catholic priest and was able to give her communion and last rites prior to her death, something cherished by all faithful Catholics. Mother was an accomplished pianist and entertained wherever she went and there was a piano. If you could hum the tune she could play it. She was also a beauty but very unassuming and wonderful company especially if you played bridge. Our Father always said he hoped that something bad didn’t happen to him on her bridge day for he’d have to go it alone. She taught us that all things are possible thru prayer and was a faithful servant of the Lord. Other than the last few months of her long life she enjoyed good health and happiness, especially at the cabin on Lake Hamilton. We will miss her but are delighted there is another star in the heavens.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Little Rock Funeral Home on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6 p.m. with Rosary starting at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church with interment of ashes at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel, 1321 S. Van Buren St, Little Rock, Ark. 72204, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501)224-2200. Mrs. Quinney’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome. com.

––––– ––––– BARBARA V. REID-JONES, 49, of Little Rock departed this life Feb. 2, 2015. She was preceded in death by brother, Michael Reid; grandparents, Rush Milton and Albertia Milton; grandparents, Willie Joseph Reid and Johnnie Reid. She leaves to cherish her memory; husband, Phillip Jones; children, Deondria S. Reid, London M. Reid and Elaina Lee Reid; parents, Elder Warner Frank Reid and Doriscee Milton-Reid; a host of family and friends. Family hour: Monday, 6-7 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, LR. Funeral services: Tuesday, 11 a.m. at Holy Temple Cathedral COGIC; Bishop Jewel R. Withers, officiating. Service entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, LR (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook and view entire obituary at www.robinsonmortuary. com. “Service You Can Trust.”

––––– ––––– EVERETT “EDDIE RAY” ROBINSON SR., 59, of Little Rock departed this life on Feb. 3, 2015. He was preceded in death by mother, Sara Robinson; brothers, Antonio “Tony” Robinson, William H. Robinson III and Willie Ray Robinson Sr.

He leaves to cherish wonderful memories wife, Sheila D. Robinson; father, William H. Robinson Jr.; children, Marcus (Demetria) Robinson, Tori (Lee) Robinson-Pippins, Everett (Brittney) Robinson Jr., TaNessa Robinson; grandchildren, Ryan Pippins, Sydnei Pippins, Marcus Robinson Jr., Martre Robinson, Marcus Perkins, Jaxon Robinson; siblings, Deborah Robinson Bell, Jackay (Charlie) Robinson Bruce, Sandra Robinson, Karen Robinson, Danny Ray (Bernita) Robinson; a host of family and friends.

Visitation: Sunday, 5-6:30 p.m. Service: Monday, 11:30 a.m., both at Theressa Hoover United Methodist Church, 4000 W. 13 St., LR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, LR (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”

––––– ––––– JOHN L. SADLER JR., 72, of North Little Rock passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Phyllis Sadler; two daughters, Tamara Raeke (Rob) and Michelle Sadler-Willett (Michael); two grandchildren, Madison and Lauren Raeke; brother, Robert L. Sadler; three dogs, Charlie, Mack and Katie and two granddogs, Gage and Allie. He was preceded in death by his parents, John L. Sadler Sr. and Annis Harris Sadler.

John loved dogs and cars, especially Tri-Five Chevy’s and Corvettes. Memorials may be made to Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72210. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church in Maumelle. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– ––––– IDA MAE SHELTON GILMORE, age 47, of Little Rock, Ark. died Wednesday. She is survived by her husband, Johnny Gilmore; four children; three sisters and two brothers and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services will be Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015. “Premimumcare arrangements;” Brown’s Christian Funeral Service. 501-244-8000

––––– ––––– THELMA FAYE SMITH, 86, of Maumelle passed away Feb. 5, 2015.

Thelma was born May 7, 1928 in Kearney, Ark. She is predeceased by her husband, James and parents, Warren and Doll Wilson. She is survived by daughters, Cindy (JB) Bullard, Tanya (John) Straub, of Omaha, Neb., and Tracye (David) Whitt; sister, Nell Payne of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Chris (Gidget) Bullard of Tampa, Fla.; Spence Bullard, Matt Bullard of Eugene, Ore., Misty Peterson, Lindsay (Dave) Hastings, Ryan Straub, Teighlor Straub, all of Omaha, Hunter (Morgan) Thomason, of Fayetteville, Hayley Thomason and 10 great-grandchildren.

Thelma was a graduate of Redfield High, where she was a standout basketball player. She attended Draughon’s Business College and planned to attend Arkansas State Teacher’s College to become a coach when WWII ended and the love of her life came home. Thelma and James married Oct. 25, 1946. Thelma continued her love of basketball, playing with and against Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer, Hazel Walker even after marriage. Thelma being the “fashionista,” she chose to go into the retail business ultimately becoming a buyer for Lou Hoffman’s and opening the First Casual Corner in Little Rock. Thelma quit it all to be a full-time wife and mother but always had a hand helping James with all his business, endeavors throughout their 50 years together.

Thelma belonged to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church; she was a member of Chi Sigma Sorority serving as President and Treasurer during her active years. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports, especially basketball and loved cheering on the Razorbacks. Thelma was the “Martha Stewart” of her time — a wonderful cook, party planner, decorator, you name it she could do it, all with diamonds and pearls! In later years, Thelma joined the Red Hat Society and the Silver Streaks but the most important title she held was that of a wife, mother and grandmother to her beloved family.

Celebration of Thelma’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 in the Chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300, with Bro. Paul Sanders officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be at National Cemetery, Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or your favorite charity.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

––––– ––––– Colonel CLAUDE RAY SMITHSON, age 90, of Sherwood, Ark. left this earth peacefully on Feb. 3, 2015. He was born in Ponder, Mo., to Claude and Jewell Smithson. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was affectionately known as “Pop” to those close to him.

A member of the “greatest generation,” his life was defined by his service to his country. He served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. His medals and commendations include The European-Af - rican- Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, four overseas bars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars. Most of his military service was in Army Intelligence with one of his last tours being at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He retired after 32 years of service with the Army and made his home in Sherwood.

Colonel Smithson is predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Frances Dodson Smithson; second wife, Betty Smithson and two brothers, Max Smithson and Donald Smithson of Doniphan, Mo.

He is survived by his son, John Smithson and wife, Judy; his grandsons, John David Smithson and Michael Smithson and great-granddaughter, Kiera Smithson, all of Sherwood. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Pippin and her husband, C.H. of Doniphan, Mo. as well as two half-brothers, Joseph Kirby and Robert Kirby of Gatewood, Mo. He is also survived by a special niece, Dianna Farish, of Sherwood, many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family will receive friends at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. (501) 791-7400). Graveside service with military honors will be at 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery in North Little Rock with Dr. Richard Lee of First Baptist Church Sherwood officiating.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

––––– ––––– JUSTIN L. SPEARS JR. of Little Rock departed this life on Jan. 27, 2015. He leaves memories parents, Justin L. Spears Sr. and Jammie Ingram; siblings, Markebius Blockett, Keonne Porter, Jazilena Ingram, Jamarious Spears, Tremarious Spears and Carmelo Spears; family and friends.

Graveside: Friday, 10 a.m. at Arkansas Memorial Garden, NLR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., LR (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www. robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”

––––– ––––– EUNICE ROBERTSON STEWART, Our beloved mother, age 92, of Little Rock, passed away on Feb. 7, 2015. She was born on Petit Jean Mountain on Aug. 23, 1922, to Robert T. and Mary Ashcraft Robertson.

She was the widow of James (Bud) Stewart. They had been married 67 years when he died on Jan. 17, 2006.

She is survived by daughters, Mary Lou May (B.J.) of Little Rock and Priscillia Roberson (Dewey) of Denton, Texas.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Robbin Miller (Wyatt), Stan May (Traci) of Little Rock, Jennifer Dunlap (Eric) of Ward, Donna Watson (Britt), Robert Mann (Jamie) and Becky Burnett of Denton and Sherman, Texas; great grandchildren, Kassi Marcantognini, Austin and Zack May of Little Rock, Katie, Bailey, Madison, Jacob and Emma Jones, of Denton, Texas and Macie and Carson Mann, of Sherman, Texas, Hannah and Georgia Miller of Little Rock. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was the 10th child of 11 and was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Earl, Elvis, Elmer and Robert Robertson; sisters, Ethyl Counts, Evie Gilley and Ettie Gilley, Erma Robertson, Edith Deeter, and Eula Osborne.

Eunice had been in the food business one way or the other all of her life. She was a wonderful cook and baker. She took many awards from the Arkansas Chicken Cooking Festivals in the 1950s and ’60s. She retired as Food Service Director at the Federal Reserve Bank, Little Rock, in 1987 where she served their employees and board members.

She and her husband lived in several towns in Arkansas, but her fondest memories were the years they lived in Grady, Ark. She was a member of the Grady Church of Christ, worked with the PTA, the American Cancer Society, home room mother and garden club. She ran the Stewart’s Café in Grady for years where there was always fresh coffee, good meals and plenty of laughter. She hosted all members of the Stewart and the Robertson family for years. Never a weekend went by that she didn’t have a house full. Her only request was I am going to church on Sunday Morning you are invited to go with me. But if you choose to stay home lunch will be served when church is over.

Eunice loved entertaining, cooking, dancing, music, laughter, family, independence and people.

Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 with Funeral services following at 2 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark. There will be a private burial at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ark., at a later date. Pallbearers are grandsons and great-grandsons.

Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

––––– ––––– CL SUTTON, 90, of North Little Rock passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. He was born April 18, 1924 in Pearcy, Ark., to Henry and Eva Parker Sutton. He was a War World II Veteran, owned Sutton Lawn Mower Shop, a 32nd Degree Mason and of the Baptist faith. He is survived by three children, Clayton Sutton, Joy Sutton and Sheila Gray (Paul) and two grandchildren, Lance Corporal Clint Gray of Jacksonville, N.C., and Lori Gray of Jacksonville, Ark. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Hartman Sutton, his siblings and parents.

Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 901 N. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72207.

Funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

––––– ––––– NINA LOUISE (CARROLL) THOMPSON, age 68, of Sherwood passed away Feb. 3, 2015, in Little Rock, Ark. She was born on July 1, 1946, in Benton, Ark.; she was the daughter of Dale and Louise (Doan) Carroll.

Mrs. Thompson was a North Little Rock High School graduate and a retiree of the Dillard’s Corporation after 44 years of service. Nina was a faithful member of Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, where she sang soprano in the chancel choir and assisted in the Jubilee Sunday School Class, Progressive Fellowship as well as volunteered in the infant nursery.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dale Carroll, and her uncle, Gordon Doan and wife, Helen.

Survivors include her mother, Louise Carroll of Sherwood and a host of cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, at Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, with a visitation prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church at 1723 Schaer Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114.

Arrangements are by Huson Funeral Home in Sherwood.

Sign an online guestbook at www.husonfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– EDWIN “DON” WAMBLE SR., 72, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. He was born on Feb. 14, 1942, in Little Rock, Ark., and was the oldest of eight sisters and nine brothers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Faustine Wamble; his father, Amos Wamble; his mother, Jessie Moore; and his stepfather, Wadie Moore Sr.

He graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1962. He attended Western New England University in Springfield, Mass. He served in the United States Army and the Vietnam War. While in the army he received an “Expert (Rifle M-14) award, a “Good Conduct Medal” award and a “Vietnam Service Medal.” He retired from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance after 32 years of service as a computer analyst.

He leaves to cherish his memory daughters, Charmaine (Antonio) Henry of Morrow, Ga.; Donna Willis of Little Rock and son, Edwin “Don” (Ericka) Wamble Jr. of Jonesboro, Ga.

Eight sisters, Brenda Hornaday of Round Rock, Texas; Judy (Howard) Sanders of Little Rock; Minnie (Don) Vickers of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Theresa (Elridge) Kimble of Edmond, Okla.; Angela (Robert) Mason of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Donna Fudail of Little Rock; Djuana Thrash of Little Rock; and Geraldine Ramsey of Oklahoma City, Okla. Nine brothers, John (Lisa) Wamble of Fairfield, Calif.; Amos (Wilma) Wamble of Edmond, Okla.; Marcus (Loretta) Wamble of Lago Vista, Texas; Wadie (Octavia) Moore of Little Rock; Carl (Naomi) Wamble of Springfield, Md.; Harry (Glendine) Moore of Little Rock; Stevie Moore of Little Rock, Phillip Wamble of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Danny Moore of Little Rock. He has nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A special friend, Stella Cupps. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Bethel AME Church, 600 N. Cedar, NLR. Funeral services: Tuesday 10 a.m. at Bethel AME Church, NLR. Service entrusted to Premier Funeral Home 1518 S. Battery St. Little Rock, AR 72202 (501) 376-4800

––––– ––––– NOEL RICHARD WARD SR., 69, of Jacksonville passed away on Thursday, Feb. 5. He was born on Dec. 26, 1945, in Brinkley, Ark., to the late Earl and Lucille Ward. He is also preceded in death by his stepmother, Lillian Ward and his oldest grandson, Christopher Pruett.

Mr. Ward was a family man who spent his free time going to auctions and yard sales. Noel retired after many years of service as a machinist with Cooper Cameron. He enjoyed working with his tractors and planting his garden. He was always proud of his “Knockout Roses” and was a member of Second Baptist Church in Jacksonville.

Noel is survived by his wife Sharron Ward; children, Noel Richard Ward Jr. and wife, Sherry, Gena Karen Hubbard and husband, Gary, Jason Alan Ward and wife, Misty; stepdaughters, Karen Butler, Audra Ferrell and husband, James; grandchildren, Nacole Brown, Brittany Porter, Joshua Pruett, Shyeann Ward, Timmy Ward, and Hayden Ward; brothers, David Ward and Ben Ward; sisters, Peggy Watlington, Earlene Davis and Martha Ford, as well as other extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m. in the Chapel of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, with Bro. David Ward officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, beginning at 4 p.m. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501)982-2136.

Please sign the online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– NICHOLAS JORDAN WEBBER passed away on Feb. 4, 2015. He was born on Jan. 9, 1984, in Tyler, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Alvin E. Webber Jr.

He will be missed by his mother, Nancy J. Webber; brothers, Noah Jacob and Neil Jared (Miku) Webber; nephew, Tatsuya James Webber; grandmother, Betty Webber; aunts, Brenda Swift, Vicky (Steve) Winkler; uncle, Alvin Webber III.

––––– ––––– LAWRENCE MARVIN WILLIAMS, 75, of Little Rock, Ark. entered this life Oct. 15, 1939, and departed on Feb. 5, 2015. Lawrence leaves to cherish his memory four cousins, Patricia Hightower, Joann Hewett (Mark), Little Rock, Cecilia Hayes (Jim), Hillsboro, Ill. and Cynthia Belinsky, Southfield, Mich.; stepsister, Hazel Stackhouse and goddaughter, Sandra Enoch. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, 11 a.m. at Lewis Street Church of Christ, 2716 S. Lewis St., Little Rock, Ark. Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, 6-7 p.m. at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., LR, Ark., 501-372-1305.

––––– ––––– CHARLES E. WORKS, 74, Little Rock, Ark., passed Feb. 4, 2015. Survivors: children, John Curtis, Lisa and Barbara; two sisters, Mary Walker and Inez Arburtha; a host of relatives and friends. A memorial service will be on We dn e s d a y, Feb. 11, 2015, 5 p.m. at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home (501) 3721305.

––––– ––––– GENE YOUNG JR., 58, of Little Rock passed away on Feb. 3, 2015. He is survived by two daughters, Stacie and Stephanie of Little Rock; parents, Gene Young & Mattie Hart Young; three sisters, Joyce Young, Deatrich Greenwood & Bolivia Young of Little Rock; one brother, Ken Young (Teresa) of Little Rock.

Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Griffin-Leggett-Healey & Roth, Little Rock. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventists of Little Rock.

Share your memories of Gene at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

BALD KNOB — LeRoy Wise, 82, of Bald Knob died Feb. 4, 2015. He is survived by his little dogs, Sam and Scooter, and a host of good friends. Memorial services are 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at 23 Baptist Church in Bald Knob. Sullivan Funeral Care of Kensett was entrusted with arrangements.

––––– ––––– BATESVILLE — Rev. David E. Adams, 69, of Batesville died Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Full Gospel Fellowship Church in Batesville. Visitation: Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville.

––––– ––––– BENTON — Today we rejoice in the knowledge that Tommy Earl Warren, 77, of Benton, has met his Lord and Savior whom he has served faithfully for many years, leaving this earth Feb. 7, 2015. Tommy was born in Tilly, Ark., to the late David and Dimple Casto Warren on April 10, 1937.

After graduating from Hector High School, he joined the Army. He was stationed in Germany where he was a stenographer. After returning to the States, he worked for various lumber yards before becoming a business owner with his wife, Bettie Carr Everett, who he married Dec. 27, 1978. After he sold the business, he was able to devote all of his time to his true passion at Victory Fellowship Church. He taught Sunday School, led small groups and wrote many study materials. He also taught Bible classes at Mardel.

Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, D.L. Warren; a sister, MarySue Houghton; and a son, Harold Warren. Those living to cherish his memory are his wife, Bettie; sons, Tommy (Rexanna), Richard, Ronnie (Lori) Everett, and Allen (April) Everett; daughter, Patricia Collins; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at Victory Fellowship Church, 407 Prickett Road, Bryant, Ark. 72022, (501)847-1855. Visitation: One hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at Union Hill Cemetery, Tilly, Ark.

Memorial donations may be made to Victory Fellowship Church.

Arrangements are in the care of Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209, (501)455-5800. His online guestbook is available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ drummond.

––––– ––––– BLYTHEVILLE — Michael Bolin, 65, of Blytheville died Feb. 3, 2015 in Blytheville. Siblings: Steve Bolin, Bill Bolin and Marsha Hoskins survive him. Memorial services are 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at Coleridge Baptist Church, 2555 N County Rd 535 under the direction of Cobb Funeral Home. Express condolences online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– CABOT — Milton Lester Forbes, age 80, of Cabot passed away Feb. 5, 2015.

Survived by wife, Edwinna Forbes; sons, Ron Forbes of Cabot, “DJ” Forbes; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; two sisters.

No service scheduled at this time.

To send online condolence www.thomasfuneralservice. com. Cremation arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot.

––––– ––––– CABOT — Naomi Elizabeth West, age 72, of Cabot, Ark., passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. Born Oct. 6, 1942 in England, Ark., to the late Cora Lee Keesee and Lonnie Leo Warden.

Also preceded in death by two sisters, JoAnn French and Sue Arnette; three brothers, Lewis, Dewayne and Lynn Warden and son, David Chandler.

Naomi is survived by son, James and wife, Shelia Chandler of Cabot, Ark.; daughter, Carol and husband, Boyd Kamer of Antioch, Ark.; sister, Pat Spencer of Pittsburg, Kan.; brother, Richard Warden of Olive Branch, Miss.; six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all who loved her very much.

Memorial service will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at Thomas Funeral Chapel.

To send online condolence, www.thomasfuneralservice. com. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot, Ark. 501-941-7888

––––– ––––– CONWAY — Georgia Nell Blackburn Pope, 91, of Conway, Ark., entered Heaven’s gates Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. Born Dec. 26, 1923 in Garland County, Ark., to the late George and Nellie Blackburn. She was a homemaker and mother of eight children before going to work at Teletype where she retired to Conway in 1996.

She is survived by her children, Jolene Dale Pope, Cheryl (Bill) Calvert, Marilyn Yeargan, Joan Draper, LaJeanna Mack, Joelene (Joe) Fullen, Jerry Pope and James Pope; a host of 15 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, AR 72209 (501) 455-5800.

Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Oak Grove Cemetery, Sunshine, Ark.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

––––– ––––– CONWAY — Samuel R. Dayer, 73, of Conway died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. Rosary will be 6 p.m. Tuesday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, with visitation to follow. Funeral mass will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– CONWAY — Melvin W. Long, Sr., 82, of Conway died Feb. 7, 2015. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015 at RollerFuneral Home, Conway. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Quattlebaum Cemetery, Bee Branch. Memorials to Wounded Warrior Project. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– CROSSETT — Melba Jean Murphy, 83, of Crossett, died Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. Funeral service: 10 a.m., Tuesday at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with burial in Crossroad Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m., Monday at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www. jones-hartshorn.com.

––––– ––––– DARDANELLE — Kermit Harold Smith, 89, of Dardanelle, passed away Saturday, Feb. 07, 2015. Funeral services will be on 2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at Cornwell Funeral Home Chapel in Dardanelle. Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. at the Chapel before the service. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle.

Online guestbook and condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– EL DORADO — Memorial services for Mable Helms of El Dorado will held at 2 p.m. Monday at Young’s chapel, with private interment services held at Smyrna Cemetery. She is survived by her daughter, Sonjia Helms of North Little Rock. She was retired from Southwestern Bell. Complete obituary at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– GRUBBS — Mrs. Carol Jean Hutchinson Wagner of Grubbs, Ark., passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2015.

Funeral service: 1 p.m. Monday at the Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel, burial in Ballew’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

––––– ––––– GURDON — Patsy Jane Murphy Powell, 86, of Gurdon died Thursday. Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Welch Funeral Home.

Interment will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery at Gurdon.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until service time on Tuesday.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Guestbook @ www.welchfh.net.

––––– ––––– HICKORY RIDGE — Roxann Sullivan, 55, died Friday.

Survivors: husband, James; two sons, Daniel and Aaron; one brother; two sisters; four grandchildren.

Funeral services: 2 p.m. Monday at Thompson-Wilson Wynne Funeral Home, interment following in Johnson Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, 1 till 2 p.m. at the funeral home. (870) 238-9400 www.thompsonwilsonfh.com

––––– ––––– HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — John Ross Benson, age 66, of Hot Springs Village, Ark., died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 in Hot Springs. He was born Feb. 18, 1948 the son of John Calvin and Billie Schlenker Benson. He was owner and operator of Dent Magic Auto Repair. John was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War.

Survivors include one son, Bill Benson of Hot Springs; one daughter, Lee Ann Benson of Austin, Ark.; his mother, Billie Benson of Arkadelphia; two sisters, JoLynn Todd and her husband, Nicky of Arkadelphia and Kathy Green of Donaldson; three grandchildren, Brianna Lane and Calvin and Jenny Bond. No services are planned. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 223 Rosa L. Parks Ave., Suite 301, Nashville, Tenn. 37203. Sign online guestbook at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

––––– ––––– HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Jeffrey Crow, 59, of Hot Springs Village passed away Feb. 5, 2015. He was born Jan. 10, 1956 in Torrence, Calif., to the late John and Lola (Ferguson) Crow. Jeff had a big heart that was full of love and compassion. He was an avid outdoorsman.

Loving survivors include his loving wife of 33 years, Patricia Crow; son, Brian Crow (Faith); daughter, Dawn Crow; brother, Jack Crow; sisters, Anita Bitts (Don), Andrea Breshears and April Spaulding (Hank) and granddaughter, Lilly Jewell.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at Caurth Village Funeral Home, with Pastor Richard Douglas officiating.

Guests may register at www. caruth-hale.com.

––––– ––––– HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Dolores “Dee” Marie Nease, 86, of Hot Springs Village died Feb. 2, 2015.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home in Hot Springs Village. Guests may register on our website at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– HOUSTON — Connie R. Atkinson, 65, of Houston, Ark., passed from this life on Feb. 5, 2015. She was born on Nov. 7, 1949 in Conway to the late Wayne Junior Sowell and Fern Marian Rablin Sowell. Connie was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars in which she proudly served for over 40 years. During that time, she served as the local president to the Jesse Grisham VFW Auxiliary No. 2259of which she was a life member. She served as district president, as well as state president. Connie later was elected to the National Guard, which put her in position to be a National President of the Ladies Auxiliary in 1997-1998. After serving a year as the National President, she continued her dedication to the Ladies Auxiliary by serving as National Chairman on the Southern Conference Safety and Rehabilitation Programs and as the Southern Conference Meeting Chairman. Connie was appointed in 2006 as the National Secretary/ Treasurer of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW. She served in that capacity until November 2011. Connie also worked for the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management from 1986-2006. While holding that position, she was named outstanding State Employee and was promoted to Chief Fiscal Officer before becoming the Associate Deputy Director. Connie was named to the Governor’s Purchasing Quality Management Team.

Connie was also preceded in death by her husband, Edward C. Atkinson; her sisters, Linda Rayder and Doris Watson. She leaves behind three sons, Sonny Cotton, Richard Atkinson (Rachel), Johnathon Paul Atkinson (Jackie); her three brothers, George Roy Sowell, Wayne “Dub” Sowell, Glenn Sowell; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Celebration Service will be held in her honor at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015 at Friendship Baptist Church, 767 Rocky Point Road, Conway, Ark., with Bro. Ken Jordan Officiating.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Arkansas Hospice for all their support and guidance and a special thanks to Billy York for making sure that Connie’s last days were peaceful.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Arkansas Hospice Foundation at 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116.

Online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– HUMPHREY — Sharon Kay Boston, 56, died Friday. Survivors are husband, Charles Boston; sons, Robert Hardee (Tesa) and Jessy Hardee (Misti); daughters, Elizabeth Bowlan, Jennifer Bohanan (Monty), and Margaret Brantley (Gene). Funeral service is 2 p.m. Monday with visitation Sunday, 4-6 p.m. at Turpin Funeral Home with burial in Flynn Cemetery. www.turpinco.com.

––––– ––––– KENSETT — Garland “Pap” Theodore Beavers, of Kensett passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. He was born Feb. 11, 1938 in England, Ark. He served in the United States Air Force for six years. Mr. Beavers loved hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was a master plumber retired from Kensett Water Department. Mr. Beavers is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Alice Beavers; four brothers. Floyd, Thurman, James and John Beavers; stepson, Jerry Johnson.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Juanita Simons Beavers; stepson, Duane Johnson (Debra); stepdaughter, Dolores Stewart (Phil); daughter-in-law, Sherry Johnson; sisters, Viola Richard and Margaret Beavers; brothers, Don, Morris, Fred and George Beavers; eight grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Moore’s Funeral Home Chapel in Cabot. (501) 843-5816 Online condolences www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– MALVERN — Martha Drennan, 66, of Malvern died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. She was born Dec. 4, 1948 in Harrisburg, Ark. to the late Rev. O. L. Justice and Helen Sheppard Justice. Martha was a member of Temple Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband, Johnny Drennan of Malvern; a son, Luke Drennan of Malvern; a daughter, Lisa Drennan Deckard (Bill) of Bauxite; a sister, Karen Justice Deichman (Roger) of Riverton Ill.; five grandchildren, Mike Laurent (Victoria), Jessee Curry, Chris Minor, Cymber Deckard, and Randee Curry; two great-grandchildren, Lillie Laurent and Luca Jordan; three nieces and nephews, Cindy Deichman Rogers (Jesse), Danny Deichman and David Deichman (Kelly) all of Riverton Ill.; great-aunt, Eloise Swazey and great-nieces, Oksana Deichman and Jessica Rogers.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047), with Rev. Terry Sayers and Rev. Horace Gray officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Little Rock.

Visitation will be held immediately preceding the funeral from 9-10 a.m. Monday morning, Feb. 9 at the funeral home.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.

––––– ––––– MARVELL — Louie Don Snyder, age 86, died Thursday. Survivors: children, Randolph Snyder, Don Edward Grider, Jackie Snyder, Rose Miller and LaDonna Caskey; sisters, Corrine Bacot, Evelyn Middleton; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great– great-grandchild. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Monday, Bob Neal-Brickell Funeral Home, Marvell. Graveside services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Turner Cemetery. Guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com.

––––– ––––– MENA — Joann Cauley, age 73, of Mena, passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 in Hot Springs, Ark.

Graveside service will be Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery under the direction of Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

––––– ––––– MENA — Andrew C. Foster, 87, of Mena passed away Feb. 5, 2015 in Mena. Funeral will be Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at Beasley Wood Chapel, 2 p.m. Interment will follow in the Old Dallas Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

––––– ––––– MONTICELLO — Brad Amoroso, 40, of Monticello died Jan. 29, 2015 in Monticello. He was born Feb. 6, 1974.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sunday in the foyer of the Memorial Classroom Building (MCB) at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Music Maker Relief Foundation by visiting www.musicmaker. org. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman. Online guestbook: www.stephensondearman.com.

––––– ––––– MONTICELLO — Donna Jo Kling, 81, went to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 6, 2015. She was born to Earl and Ruby Vaughn on Jan. 30, 1934 in Benton, Illinois. Donna loved her family, church and music. She was an active musician from high school and played the piano until her final days.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husbands; Stanton (Dick) Eubanks, who passed away May 1978, Jim Kling, who passed away Aug. 2009; two brothers, Bob and Butch Vaughn; one daughter, Debra Leggett; and one son, Max Workman. She is survived by her children, Dorris Hill, Morgan Eubanks (Michele), Mark Eubanks, Eddie Kling, Ramona Mixon (Glenn), Sherry Kling; siblings, Charles Vaughn, Carol Edmonds, Peggy McCombs;14 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Feb. 8 from 1-3 p.m. in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Funeral Home, 10200 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Ark. Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 9, 2 p.m. at Sardis United Methodist Church, 10715 West Sardis Road, Bauxite, Ark. Burial will follow in Olive Hills Cemetery, 14514 Chicot Road, Mabelvale, Ark.

Please share your memories of Donna at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com

––––– ––––– MONTICELLO — Gertrude Dachs Sullivan, 84 of Monticello, died Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello. She was born April 11, 1930.

Graveside service will be 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9 at Rock Springs Cemetery. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Arrangements by StephensonOnline guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

––––– ––––– PETIT JEAN — Chequita Ann Boyd Cromer, 75, of Petit Jean passed away Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. Graveside services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Petit Jean Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

––––– ––––– PINE BLUFF — Norma Jean Watson, age 90, of Pine Bluff, died Feb. 6, 2015 in Rogers, Ark.

Born July 3, 1924 in Pine Bluff, she was the daughter of Ruda Wright Sasser and Lucius Sasser. In 1946, she married James Jerome Watson and lived in Pine Bluff most of their married years until his death in 2007.

After retiring from International Paper Company, she graduated summa cum laude in 1993 at the age of 69 from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a degree in English.

She is survived by a son, Dr. Larry Watson of Brenham, Texas; two daughters, Janet Brewer of Rogers, Ark. and Debbie Hamilton of Albany, Texas; one sister, Sadie Ashcraft of Benton, Ark.; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015 at Watson

Chapel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff.

Visitation will be Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services in Pine Bluff.

Online condolenes: FullerFunerals.

––––– ––––– QUITMAN — Billy Ray Brown, age 80, passed away Friday. Survivors: wife, Pansy Ann Brown; four sisters, Dorothy Jones, Mary Cooper, Violet Pickle, Patsy Williams; three brothers, Aubrey, Hughey and Phillip; three daughters, Karen Burnett, Rebecca Brown, Susan Cahill. Visitation: Sunday 6-8 p.m. Family Funeral Service with funeral Monday 11 a.m. Family Funeral Chapel. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

––––– ––––– ROGERS — Al Sparkman, 83, died Feb. 7, 2015.

Al was a pastor in Arkansas and Kentucky, he also preached in Germany and New Zealand. Al graduated from Ouachita Baptist University and Southern Seminary.

Survivors: wife, Bobbie; children, Susan Bradford and Steve Sparkman of Stilwell, Okla.

Arrangements by StockdaleFuneral Services in Rogers.

––––– ––––– SCOTT — Betty Sipes, 72, of Scott passed away Thursday, Feb. 5. She was preceded in death by parents, Henry & Nellie Robinson. Betty is survived by her husband of 47 years, James Sipes; daughter, Gail (Ron) Myers; son, Keith Sipes; grandson, Kevin Myers; sister, Becky (David) Glover; niece, LeAnn (Blake) Glover; nephew, Jason (Michele) Glover and special great-niece, Raegan Glover and a host of loving family & friends.

Betty was an avid gardener, loved to fish and was a great cook. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Online registry: www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

––––– ––––– SEARCY — Stephen Edward Ingram, 58, of Searcy died Wednesday, Feb. 4. He was born July 21, 1956, in Magnolia, Ark., the son of Dennis and Shirley Ingram. Stephen adored his relationships with his friends and family. A passionate man, Steve valued time with his children and was happiest by the sea.

Stephen is survived by his wife, Marci Ingram; two sons, Ryan Ingram and wife, Brittany and Logan Ingram, both of Searcy; a daughter, Becky Zarella and husband, Joseph of Tampa, Fla., and a brother, Greg Ingram of Jasper, Ark. He is preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial gathering will be Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.

Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www. powellfuneralhome.net.

––––– ––––– SHERIDAN — Martha Fay Hankins Puckett, 82, of Sheridan, Ark., died Friday.

Survivors: son, Tony (Tonya) Puckett; daughter, Robin (Dennis) Mitchell; grandchildren, Holly Carter (Daniel), Justin Mitchell, and great-grandson, Jaxson Carter; brother, Bobby; sister, Nell, and twin sister, Dorothy. Funeral: 2 p.m. Monday, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Burial: New Hope Cemetery. Visitation: Sunday 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan, (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

––––– ––––– STUTTGART — Edna Marie Blumhorst Smith, 91, died Friday. Survivors are sons, Donnie Ray Smith (Sammy) and Jerry Smith (Carol); daughters, Dianne Chlapecka (Charles) and Betty Buell (Clyde); 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. Graveside service is 10:30 a.m. Monday with visitation afterward at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Ulm. www.turpin-co.com.

––––– ––––– SWIFTON — Donald Ray Haskett, 80, of Swifton died Wednesday.

Survivors: children, Donald Lee Haskett and Terry Lynn Overby; one sister, Mary K. Smith; four grandchildren; one great-granddaughter.

Visitation: Sunday, 6-8 p.m. Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday, Swifton Church of Christ. Interment: Stranger’s Home Cemetery.

Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.

www.jacksonsfh.com

––––– ––––– WILBURN — Trent Wayland Meek, 81, passed away Friday. A navy veteran and of Pentecostal belief, he is survived by his wife, Karen Meek; 13 children; 41 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Memorial service, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at West Pangburn Church at 2 p.m. Family Funeral Service. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

––––– ––––– WYNNE — Brad Dunigan of Wynne, Ark. passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2015.

Service will be Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Chapel in West Helena, Ark. 508 Plaza St., (870) 572-2571. Burial will follow in LaGrange Cemetery in LaGrange, Ark. Visitation will be 12-2 before services.

––––– ––––– WYNNE — Martha Hamilton, 86, died Friday.

Survivors include: one son, Wayne Hamilton; sister, Lilly Malone; three grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services: 10 a.m., Monday at Thompson-Wilson Wynne Funeral Home. Interment following in Tyer Cemetery. Visitation is Monday, 9-10 a.m. at the funeral home. 870-238-9400, www.thompsonwilsonfh.com.

Out-of-state

DeRIDDER, La. — James Russell Penny Jr., 78, formerly of Little Rock, died on Dec. 28, 2014 in DeRidder, La. He was born on Dec. 14, 1936, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to the late James Russell Penny Sr. and Maria Saladino Penny. A Navy veteran who, early in his career, was employed by NASA contractors where he helped design missile guidance components.

His career as an electronic engineer and computer expert allowed him to live in and to travel to numerous places in the U.S as well as overseas. An entrepreneur designing and manufacturing cell tower components, he held several patents for electronic and cellular communications devices. He was a Mason who enjoyed being a shriner when he lived in Florida.

He is survived by four children, Jamie, David, Dixie and Radwa; seven grandchildren and five siblings, Gordon Penny (Nancy), Anthony Penny, Joyce Penny Miller, Roy Penny and Nevada Penny Copeland (Ron).

No memorial service is planned. Donations may be made in his name to the Pulaski County Humane Society.

––––– ––––– PINEHURST, N.C. — A.P. “Jack” Hatcher, businessman and entrepreneur, Pinehurst, N.C., died peacefully at home on Feb. 5, 2015 surrounded by the family that he loved.

Born in Ripley, Miss., on March 21, 1928, the son of Ruby and Alton Hatcher, Jack was educated in the Ripley public school sysv

tem, active in athletics and the first and youngest eagle scout in his hometown. In high school, Jack was captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams. He attended the Citadel in Charleston, S.C., where he was catcher on the varsity baseball team, after which he transferred to Mississippi State University and graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1949. He received a masters degree in structural engineering in 1950 from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Jack’s business career spanned over fifty (50) years, and the building and construction area was the great interest of his life. Over the course of a career in both public and private companies, he had the opportunity to create, lead and restructure many companies, most in the pre-engineered metal building and construction industries.

After college and a stint as an engineer with the Atomic Energy Commission, Jack co-founded Varco-Pruden (Pine Bluff, Ark.) which eventually grew to become the second largest manufacturer of pre-engineered metal structures in the United States. After serving as president of Varco-Pruden for 16 years, the company was sold to Dominion Bridge Company, Ltd. of Montreal, Canada and Jack became president, chief operating officer and board member of Dominion Bridge and its subsidiary, AMCA International. After his years with Dominion/AMCA, Jack pursued the acquisition and turnaround of various businesses with his friends and former colleagues, including Southern Pump and Tank Company (Charlotte, N.C.), McKenzie Forest Products (Springfield, Ore.), Eagle Ventures (Pinehurst, N.C.), Inland Southern Company (Cullman, Ala.) and Magnatrax Corporation (Atlanta, Ga.), serving as Chairman during a turnaround before the company was sold to NUCOR (Charlotte, N.C.). Jack also left an active retirement to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of H. H. Robertson Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. and its successor, Robertson-CECO Corporation, a global building materials company, after overseeing the merger of the two companies.

Jack’s other lifelong devotions were furthering entrepreneurship for engineers and helping others. In 1999, he created and endowed the Jack Hatcher Chair for Engineering Entrepreneurship program within the College of Engineering at Mississippi State University (MSU), one of the first of its kind nationally. He was named Alumnus of the Year in 2001 for the MSU Engineering School and served on the MSU Foundation Board of Directors and the College of Engineering Dean’s Development Council. He served on many corporate and charitable boards, including the National Bank of Commerce (Pine Bluff, Ark.); Aviation Group (Raleigh, N.C.); National Association of Manufacturers (NAM); Sandhills Community College Foundation (Pinehurst, N.C., 2006 to the present); the SUMMA Group at Sandhills and FirstHealth Foundation (Pinehurst, N.C.). He was appointed by President Richard M. Nixon to serve on the National Advisory Council for Vocational Education (1968); served as General Chairman of the South Park Jamboral for the Boy Scouts of America (1989) and on the Wake Forest University Board of Visitors and Parents’ Council. He served as a former Board member and Chairman of the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA), and was formally recognized in a Proclamation by the MBMA Board in 2012 for his lifelong contributions to the growth and advancement of the metal buildings systems industry. He was active in supporting and sponsoring programs for the charitable organizations Canine Companions for Independence and St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation, an elder in the Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church in Southern Pines, N.C., and co-founded the Jefferson Preparatory School in Pine Bluff, Ark. He served in the Army Air Corps with the 844th Engineering Battalion during the Korean conflict.

Jack was a member of the International Young Presidents Organization (YPO); Country Club of North Carolina (Pinehurst, N.C.); Pinehurst Country Club (Pinehurst, N.C.); Oakmont Country Club (Pittsburgh, Pa.); The Duquesne Club (Pittsburgh, Pa.); Rolling Rock Club (Ligonier, Pa.); Eagle Point Country Club (Wilmington, N.C.) and a former member and past president of the Pine Bluff Country Club.

On Dec. 27, 1951, Jack married his high school sweetheart, the former Nell Howell, who was the love of his life, his greatest supporter and his partner in all of his travels and endeavors for 64 wonderful years. In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his four children, Tere Smart (Felix), Altheimer, Ark.; Barbara Jones (Andy), Atlanta, Ga.; Jack Hatcher, Jr. (Nina), Southern Pines, N.C. and Hayley Dettor (Page), Pinehurst, N.C. He is also survived by his grandson, Felix Smart (Sarah Beth) and their sons, Felix and Peyton of Whitehall, Ark., and his grandson, Jack Smart (Catherine) and their daughters, Mary Catherine and Virginia of Altheimer, Ark.

Jack and his family would like to thank his caregivers at First Health Hospice, Jeannie Muse, Kim Hedge and Shanna Waddell and especially his home caregivers Vincent Verbal and Penny Verbal. Most of all, Jack was devoted to his family, a wonderful and irreplaceable father, and will be loved and missed by all who knew him. In his own words, Jack wanted his family and friends to know that he had a soft spot in his heart for yellow Labrador Retrievers and single malt scotch.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following:

The Jack Hatcher Entrepreneurial Program Bagley College of Engineering

Mississippi State University Box 9544 Mississippi State, Miss., 39762-9544 or to FirstHealth Hospice Foundation 150 Applecross Road Pinehurst, N.C. 28374

Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst is serving the family.

––––– ––––– BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Jacquelaine Denise Robnolt Vest, known to all as J’laine, passed away on Jan. 26, 2015 after suffering a traumatic brain injury after a fall in her home in Brentwood, Tenn. J’laine was born on Sept. 20, 1963 in West Memphis, Ark.

She was an intelligent and creative woman who loved her family, especially her three children. She was an English teacher in Arkansas at Hall High School and LISA Academy in Little Rock, Alabama and Tennessee. She also was an accomplished writer. She graduated from St. John’s College with her bachelor’s degree and University of Arkansas with her MFA in poetry.

She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Vest of Brentwood, Tenn.; her three children, Helena Fox, a sophomore at Ohio State University, Keith Vest, a high school junior and James Vest, a sixth grader; her father, James Robnolt and stepmother, Carolyn Robnolt of Sherwood, Ark.; her sisters, Valerie Robnolt of Richmond, Va. and Julie Robnolt of Benton, Ark.; her mother-in-law, Margaret Vest; sister-in-law, Karen Buntin and nephew, Kevin Buntin of Brentwood, Tenn. and her step-siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy Harris Robnolt and her grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of North Little Rock, Ark., on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015 at 2 p.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in J’laine’s memory to the National Endowment for the Arts at http://arts.gov/about/donate. Autism Speaks at http://www. autismspeaks.org, or Nashville Rescue Mission at http://www. nashvillerescuemission.org/.