Pulaski County

PAUL FRANK AMIS of Jacksonville, passed away on November 7, 2015. He was born December 14, 1932 to the late Jesse Amis and Thelma Deaton Amis in Manning, Arkansas. His family moved when he was in elementary school to Camden where he grew up and was a graduate of Fairview High School. He was a U. S. Air Force Veteran who served his country during the Korean War. He was a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the University of Arkansas. He had a 31 year career as a U. S. Civil Service electronics instructor for the U. S. Air Force. During that time he was also the coordinator and electronics instructor for the OSU Engineering Technology program on the base for several years. After taking early retirement, Paul began a second career as an electronics and computer teacher at North Little Rock High School.

Paul loved life and was an active participant in many areas. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast, spending

many spring and summer days in the ball parks watching his sons play ball as well as coaching. He enjoyed outdoor activities which included hunting, fishing, and camping. As long as he was physically able, he looked forward to going to the annual deer camp.

He had a strong Christian faith which was a source of comfort and strength and was tested many times during the course of his lifetime. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he enjoyed the fellowship of the Men’s Sunday School Class and senior choir.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, George Ann Harvill, and his brother Joe Dale Amis.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife of 60 years, Margaret Boswell Amis, sons, Glen Amis and his wife Denise of North Little Rock, Alan Amis and his wife Marlene of Plano, Texas, his grandchildren, Monica and Corbett Amis of Plano and Nick Amis of North Little Rock, and his mother Anneke Amis, a brother- in- law J. T. Harvill and sister- in- law, Devona Wilson, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be from 6 p. m. until 8 p. m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p. m. Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park.

Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home & Crematory ( 501) 982- 2136. Sign online guestbook at www. mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome. com.

––––– – –––– SANDRA KAY ( SANDY) BASKIN passed from this life to the next at approximately 8: 10 p. m. Wednesday, November 4, 2015. She was preceded in death by her mother, Reba Thomas Baskin. She is survived by her daughter, Digby Jukes; father, Carl E. ( Ed) Baskin; sisters, Karen Hilburn, Rozanne Lin ( Eugene), Deborah Baskin and Carla Hudson ( David). She leaves behind aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to name.

Sandy was smart, funny with a quick wit, and sassy. She helped found Red Octopus Production in 1991 and has been its director from then to early 2015 when she became too ill to continue. For all that time, Sandy was a writer and actor of Red Octopus sketch comedy.

More recently, Sandy and other Red Octopus writers entered a statewide competition and won. Then they won the regional competition. Their work was considered by Arts and Entertainment television and they came in second to Duck Dynasty.

More about her relationship with her nieces and nephews: Sandy loved, cared for and would do anything for them, even if it meant “going to the moon and back” for her babies, as she called them. She was the matriarch to all who knew her. She always, even to her last days, put the welfare of others before herself.

The family thanks the staffs at CARTI, Drs. Baltz and Gentry’s office, the Baptist Hospital 10th Floor, visiting nurses and Hospice Home Care.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 11 at 11 a. m. at Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church, 4301 Woodlawn in Little Rock. Services will be conducted by Reverend Ruskin Falls. Sandy’s online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– BONNIE BELINGE, 93, of Jacksonville passed away on Saturday, November 7th. Born in Dewitt, Arkansas on Christmas Day to parents Phillip and Mazie Lawson, Bonnie

was a 1940 graduate of Central High School. She moved to Jacksonville after marrying and resided there up until her death. Bonnie was a loving wife, mother and homemaker who was a gifted seamstress and gardener who grew beautiful plants and flowers.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 52 years, Lester Belinge, brothers J. C. Lawson and Howard Lawson and sister, Billie Hodge and son- in- law, A. J. Holt. She is survived by her four children, Clarence L. Belinge ( Joyce) of Panama City Beach, Fla., Cheryl Holt of Jacksonville, Ark., Wayne Belinge ( Jacalyn) of Navarre, Fla., and Teresa Lamb ( Timothy) of Little Rock as well as seven grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. on Wednesday, November 11th in the Chapel at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Rd., North Little Rock with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Jacksonville. Please sign our on- line guestbook at www. griffinleggettresthills.com.

––––– – –––– JERRY LEE HEDGES, was born August 8, 1937 in Anguilla, Mississippi to Harold Herbert and Geraldine Bates Hedges. He passed away November 7, 2015 at the Briarwood Nursing Center after a long illness.

Jerry Lee graduated from Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas and attended Hendrix College in Conway and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Most of his adult life was spent as a manufactures representative and in sales. For a time he was a contract driver in the travel industry as well as an employee of Centennial Bank.

Jerry Lee was a favorite of all his sons, their families, his nieces and nephews because of his wit, colorful life stories and adventures. Our family gatherings will never be the same. He will be missed by many of his life long friends in Little Rock. He was a mentor, guide, and a friend to many through Alcoholics Anonymous.

Jerry Lee is survived by his brothers, Dr. Harold H. Hedges III of Little Rock, Rev. Bill B. Hedges of Quitman, Texas and by sons, Dr. Parke Hedges, David Lee Hedges of San Antonio, Mark Hedges of Houston, and Shannon Hedges. His wife, Dawne Warren Hedges, of Little Rock preceded him in death.

A memorial service and burial will be announced at a later date. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www. ruebelfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– JOHNNY GALE HODGE SR., died Friday, November 6, 2015, after a brief illness. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 11 from 11: 30 a. m. to 12: 30 p. m. at the Parish Hall of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 N. Tyler St., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p. m. at Holy Souls. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., ( 501) 224- 2200. Johnny’s online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– JOHN DAVID HOLCOMB, 100, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Little Rock, Ark., on November 7. He was born September 24, 1915, in Prescott, Ark., to Addie Annabelle and Joseph Thomas Holcomb. John was a WWII veteran, having served his country in North Africa, Italy, and the Philippines. In 1946 he married Willye Theresa Gann and went to work for the U. S. Postal Service. They made their home in the Little Rock area and raised their family of three children. He enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, gospel quartet music and restoring antique furniture. John was a longtime member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

John is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Willye. Survivors include his daughter, Theresa ( Sam) Meredith of Hot Springs Village, and two sons: David ( Anne) Holcomb of Little Rock, and Dr. Tim ( Margie) Holcomb of Denver, Colo. Other family includes grandchildren, Dr. David Meredith of Boston, Mass.; Patrick Holcomb of Fayetteville, Ark.; Zach and Nick Holcomb, both of Denver; Paul Kelly ( Courtney) of Little Rock; Matthew Kelley ( Naomi) of Denver.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p. m. Wednesday, November 11, Union Ridge Cemetery in Dayton, Ark. The family would like to thank Monet, Rich, Betty, Brittany, and Terri of St. Vincent CHI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity. Sign an online guest book at www. husonfuneralhome. com.

––––– – –––– SALUDA “MS. MAE” HOOKS, 67, of Little Rock died on Friday, November 6, 2015, in an automobile accident in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mae was born January 14, 1948, in Beebe, Arkansas, to the late John Henry and Teala J. ( Henson) Carrier.

Mae is preceded in death by one son, Samuel Dunaway; and one sister, Martha Holland. She is survived by one son, Eugene Miller and his wife Diane of Beech Mont, Ky.; and one daughter, Twolla Talley and her husband Jerry of Little Rock; six grandchildren: Terra Franks, James Stivers Jr., Nicholas Miller, Jayme Gregory and Matthew Miller; and seven great- grandchild; two brothers: Jr. and Herbert Carrier of Beebe and Ward, Arkansas; and one sister, Minnie Staggs and husband Tony of Ward, Arkansas.

Visitation will be held at Smith- Westbrook Funeral Home, in Beebe, Arkansas, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, from 1- 2 p. m., with service directly following. The Reverend Greg Crumley will be officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www. arkansascremation.com.

––––– – –––– JAMES “FRANK” LYON JR., 74, of Little Rock passed away Sunday, November 8 at his home surrounded by family and friends.

Frank was born in Little Rock in May of 1941, attended Little Rock’s Central High School and graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1959. He further attended Davidson College and The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, graduating with honors in 1963. Frank then served his country in the United States Army, earning the Army Commendation Medal. He subsequently earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School in 1967.

Frank was an icon in Arkansas business, serving as chairman, president or director of many companies, including The Frank Lyon Company, Coca- Cola Bottling Company of Arkansas, TC Bankshares, Wingmead Inc., Arkansas Irrigation Company and US Bank of Arkansas. Additionally, Frank and Jane Lyon began Summer Wind Farm, a thoroughbred breeding business, in Georgetown, Kentucky, in 1995, which they have operated together ever since.

His civic service included involvement in the Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock Boys Club, Lyon College, Goodwill Industries, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, United Way and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. He was an avid outdoorsman and a veteran of dozens of African Safari hunts dating back as far as 1956. Known by his friends and family as “The Stealth Philanthropist,” he quietly supported countless charities across the state with extraordinary generosity and dedicated service.

Frank is survived by his wife, Jane; two daughters, Karen Bailey ( Mark Moloney) and Ashley Jackson ( Wil); and four grandchildren, Henry and Hannah Jackson and William and Ryan Moloney. Frank was preceded in death by his father, Frank Lyon Sr. and mother, Marion Bradley Lyon.

A visitation is planned for family and friends on Wednesday, November 11 from 4- 6 p. m. at the Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock. Memorial service to be held at the Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock on Thursday, November 12 at 11 a. m.

The family would like to express its most sincere and heartfelt appreciation for those who cared for Frank in his final time with us – among them Dr. Jeanne Wei of UAMS, Arthur Castellano, Montague Martin, Jack Lanham and Ryan Leonard – for their tireless care and compassion. In addition, the family thanks honorary pallbearers Charles Whiteside, J. D. Simpson, John Witherspoon, Jack Davis, Tom Nash, Rick Shutt, Bill Hawkins, Tim Doepel and Darren Walker.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the Thomas- Lyon Longevity Center at UAMS, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock or your favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www. ruebelfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– TERRI CHESSHIR McCLURE, 62, of Little Rock, passed away on November 8, 2015, after a short battle with an aggressive cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family while in the care of Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road. Terri was born in Nashville, Arkansas on August 1, 1953 to Delores and Aldwin “Jack” Chesshir.

She was a loving and wonderful wife and mother, an exceptional sister and an incredibly special “Nonie” to her grandkids. Terri had a servant‘ s heart in her faith, her career and to friends and family throughout her life.

Despite little college training, Terri had a significant and enduring impact for over thirty years in the telecom field with Baptist Health, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Alltel and Verizon. Later, she tried her hand at retail with a children’s consignment store ( Weecycle Station). Even though the venture didn’t last, she made many new friendships that did.

Terri is survived by her husband of over 42 years, Don McClure; son, Jeff McClure ( Kristin); daughter, Amy Finley ( Matthew); daughter, Heather Drew ( Tommy); grandchildren, Hutson McClure, Phoebe and Charlie Finley, Davis and Hayes Drew; brother, Renny Chesshir ( Alicia); sister, Ann Hicks ( Rick); brother, Kevin Chesshir ( Paula); motherin- law, Eugenia McClure, whom Terri devotedly cared for over the past two years; and many other family members and dear friends. Waiting for Terri when she reached Heaven were her parents; her fatherin- law, Clell McClure; nephews, Alex Hicks and Hank Chesshir; and great- nephew, Jack Crabtree.

Visitation will be 6 p. m. to 8 p. m., Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Roller- Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211 ( 501) 224- 8300. Funeral services will be 10 a. m. on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at the Fellowship Bible Church, with burial following at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Memorials to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Foundation, P. O. Box 2222, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 would honor Terri’s life and the amazing care given to her youngest grandchild when he was born. Visit the online guestbook at www. rollerfuneralhomes. com/ chenal.

––––– – –––– EMILY CAROL POTTER of Sherwood died Saturday, November 7, 2015. She was born November 21, 1942 in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is survived by her son, Jim Potter ( Jennifer); her daughter, Karen Brinkley ( Jason); nine grandchildren, Jamie Potter, Madison Brinkley, Savanah Brinkley, Grace Rains, Corey Stafford, Misty Stafford, Morgan Hawks, and Cory Manek; two great grandchildren, Kaidence and Kaelynn Stafford; one sister, Barbara Harris of San Diego, California. She was loved by so many friends who have made our journey through this difficult time bearable.

Our sweet mother and Granny was preceded in death by her father, James Elbert Canada, her mother Anne Thompson Canada, and her husband, Earl Edward Potter.

Her visitation will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at Rest Hills in Sherwood from 6- 8 p. m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 10 a. m. at Park Hill Baptist in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Brother Larry Ballard officiating.

Our family also wishes to acknowledge and thank the outstanding staff at UAMS ICU and our many wonderful friends who walked this road with us. We were never alone. The Bible says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” We certainly have and we certainly were. Our mother was so much to us and our loss is too large for words. We can merely remember how blessed we were to have her and to be her children.

Thank you, our dear mother. You will forever remain in our hearts. An online guestbook is available at griffinleggettresthills.com.

––––– – –––– BILLIE DEE McGHEE VINT, 88, of North Little Rock passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015. She was born October 30, 1927 in Smithville, Arkansas to the late Ruel and Mattie Sauls McGhee. She was a member of 47th Street Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for over 40 years. She was employed with Westinghouse/ Phillips Lamp Division where she was secretary to the Plant Manager for 40 years, attended Poughkeepsie School system from grades 1- 8, Cave City High School for her 9th grade year and Little Rock Central High from 1943 before graduating in 1946.

She is survived by her son, Robert “Bobby” Vint, III ( Barbara); daughter, Rebecca Calhoun ( Kenneth) all of North Little Rock; five grandchildren, Gabriel Vint, Eli Vint, Zachary Vint, Robert “Hoop” Vint IV and Courtney Calhoun Nehus; and great- grandchildren, Rachel Vint, Savannah Grace Nehus, and Cooper William Nehus; her sister- in- law Virginia ( Vint) Driver, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Vint, Jr., and sisters, Nina McGhee Redding and Ruelene McGhee Nafa.

A graveside service will be held 9 a. m., Wednesday at Casa Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p. m., Tuesday at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares. com.

Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA — Sharlene Harvey age 84 of Arkadelphia, died at her home Wednesday November 4, 2015. Funeral service will be 11 a. m. Wednesday, November 11th at the Ruggles- Wilcox Chapel. Visitation will be 5- 7 p. m. Tuesday. Burial in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia. Sign online guestbook at ruggleswilcox.com.

––––– – –––– BATESVILLE — Irene M. Yost, 94, of Batesville died Sunday November 8, 2015. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at 2 p. m. at the Calvary Baptist Church in Batesville. Burial, Oaklawn Cemetery at Batesville. Visitation: 1 p. m. until service time. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville funeral Service of Batesville.

––––– – –––– BEARDEN — Sara Frances Gossett, 91, died Friday at Silver Oaks Health and Rehabilitation in Camden. She was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Bearden, and a homemaker. Graveside services 3 p. m. Monday, November 9, 2015 at Moss Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Proctor Funeral Home. Sign the register www. proctorfuneralhomc.com.

––––– – –––– BEE BRANCH — C. E. Henry age 83, of Bee Branch went to be with his Lord on Sunday, November 8, 2015. He was born June 17, 1932 in Conway to the late John and Birdie Henry.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Robbie Henry, children, Ricky, David, and Marty Henry, two sisters, Mae Reeves and Louise Jones, four grandchildren, ten great- grandchildren and one great- great- grandchild.

Funeral services will be 10 a. m. Tuesday, November 10, 2015 with a visitation from 9 a. m. until service time at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home & Crematory ( 501) 982- 2136. Sign online guestbook at www. mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome. com.

––––– – –––– BEEBE — Robert Bishop Walters, 78, of Beebe was born November 6, 1937 and died November 6, 2015. He was a retired welder, an Army National Guard Sgt and an Army Veteran. Bob graduated from Beebe High School in 1956 and was the kicker for the Badger Football team. He enjoyed fishing and the outdoors, especially the ocean. Bob was a Mason and member of Lodge 71 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is a member of Garner Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by his children, Joey ( Jeri) Walters of California, Bobbye ( Terry) Gerard of Oklahoma, John Walters of Oklahoma, Stephanie Gavrielides ( Michael) of Georgia, Grandchildren; John, Josh, Ashley, Alexis, Dakota, Savanna, Michael, Lisa, and Kelli; Great - grandchildren, Pryor and Justin; his siblings, Marilyn Ann Price, Bill

Walters, Wendell Hawk, Carolyn Hockaday, Jim Hawk, Marilyn Louise Whorton, Ronnie Walters, Linda Bishoff, Wanda Russell, Charles Aldridge, Gary Aldridge, and Sharon West. He was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Helen ( Manus) Walters; wife, Peggy ( McQueen) Walters; granddaughter, Penelope; four siblings and Stepmother, Evelyn Walters.

Memorials may be made to Garner Missionary Baptist Church, P. O. Box 86, Garner, Arkansas 72152. Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p. m. Tuesday, November 10, 2015 at the Smith - Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral Service will be 10 a. m. Wednesday at Garner Missionary Baptist Church, Garner with burial in Beebe Cemetery.

––––– – –––– CASH — Morgan Cassandra “Cassie” Slagley, 28, of Cash, died Saturday. Survivors: daughter, Cameryn Jordan Slagley; parents, Paul and Starla Slagley; brother, Logan; grandparents, David and Virginia Decker; niece, nephew, sisterinlaw; friend, Bethany Goza; aunts, uncles, cousins. Funeral: 10 a. m. Tuesday, New Hope Community Church. Interment: Cash Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

––––– – –––– CONWAY — Bessie Beatrice Reed King, 79, of Conway went to be with the Lord Saturday November 7, 2015. She was born in Little Dixie, Ark., September 7, 1936 to John and Ella Reed. She graduated from Wynne High School. Bessie retired from Remington Arms after 36 years. She was a member of the Mosaic Church of Conway. Bessie loved nothing more than spending time with her family and grandchildren, and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her six children; John ( Kaye) Neal of Newport, Ark., Carmen ( Randall) Sanders of Vilonia, Ark., Barry Neal of Calamine, Ark., Tracy ( Patty) Neal of Vilonia, Ark., Brian ( Emelva) Neal of Calamine, Ark., and Laura King of Conway, honorary daughters; Chastity Neal, Samantha Felts, Miriam Taylor, and Patty Anthony, 11 grandchildren, 12 great- grandchildren. Bessie is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lillie Reed Peevey; brother, Jefferson Hugo Reed; step- mother, Helen Reed; one grandchild, Joseph Neal; one great- grandchild, Hannah Rash.

Visitation will be Tuesday November 10, 2015 from 6- 8 p. m. at Roller McNutt. Funeral will be Wednesday November 11, 2015 at 10 a. m. at Roller- McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Ark. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery in Wooster, Ark. Online Guestbook available at www. rollerfuneralhomes. com.

––––– – –––– CURTIS — Roy Gene Taylor, 57, of Curtis died Friday. Services: 2 p. m. Friday at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Interment in Center Ridge Cemetery in Gurdon. Visitation: 5 to 7 p. m. on Thursday. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Guestbook at www.welchfh.net.

––––– – –––– DOVER — Robert Lee Williams, 78, of Dover, died Saturday. Funeral is 10 a. m., Wednesday at Shinn Chapel. Burial in Booger Hollow Cemetery near Dover, by Shinn Funeral Service, Russellville. Visitation: 5- 7 p. m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials: American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association or the Epilepsy Foundation. Online obituary/ guestbook: www.shinnfuneral.com.

––––– – –––– DRASCO — Dellos Lloyd Clemons, 63, formerly of Stuttgart, passed away peacefully Saturday. Survivors are wife, Deanna; son, Brandon ( Karissa) Clemons; daughter, Carrie ( Kevin) Murphy; grandchildren, Madison, Anna and Aidan; mother, Ruth Clemons; and brother, Kelvin ( Michele) Clemons. Funeral is 1 p. m. Wednesday at Turpin Funeral Home in Stuttgart with burial in Lone Tree Cemetery. Visitation is 5- 7 p. m. Tuesday at Turpin.

––––– – –––– GRAPEVINE — Patricia Ann “Patty” Stevens Huneycutt, 77, of Grapevine, Arkansas died Monday. Survivors: husband, Ralph Huneycutt Jr.; son, Ralph Huneycutt III; daughter, Latricia Searvogel; six grandchildren. Funeral: 2 p. m. Thursday, Chapel. Burial: Shell Cemetery, near Grapevine. Visitation: 1 p. m. until service time. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Sheridan ( 870) 942- 1306. www. memorialgardenssheridan. com.

––––– – –––– GREENBRIER — Willene Yant, 79, of Greenbrier passed from this life on Sunday, November 8, 2015. She was born May 14, 1936 in Shelbyville, Ark., to the late George Van Shaver and Ruthel Milligan Shaver. She was also preceded in death by a son, Mark Yant. Willene worked for the V. A. Credit Union for over 23 years before retiring. She loved taking care of her flowers. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. She was an honorary granny to everyone.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Landon Yant; a daughter, Marilyn Haygood ( Billy) of Arkadelphia; a daughter- in- law, Stephanie Yant of Benton; a brother, Robert Van Shaver; five grandchildren, Megan Sherwood ( Brandon), Katie McKinney ( Spencer), B. J. Haygood ( Kim), Cameron Haygood, and Brandon Yant; and six great- grandsons.

A Funeral Service will be held 10 a. m. Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Greenbrier First United Methodist Church. Interment to follow at Cadron Valley Cemetery in Greenbrier. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6- 8 p. m. at Roller- McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier. Online Guestbook www. rollerfuneralhomes. com/ greenbrier.

––––– – –––– GURDON — Betty L. Wells Burns, 78, of Gurdon, Ark., died Sunday November 8th, 2015. Visitation: Tuesday November 10th, 2015 Pharr Funeral Home of Gurdon, Ark. Service: Wednesday November 11th, 2015 Pharr Funeral Home of Gurdon Chapel. Interment: Rose Hedge Cemetery under the direction Pharr Funeral Home of Gurdon.

––––– – –––– GURDON — James Lewis Dickerson Sr., age 77, of Gurdon, died Monday. Services: 2 p. m. Wednesday at Welch Funeral Home. Interment in Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation: 6 to 8 p. m. Tuesday. Memorials to East Whelen Baptist Church. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Guestbook at www.welchfh.net.

––––– – –––– HAMBURG — Billy Oliver, 73, of Hamburg, died Sunday, November 8, 2015. Funeral services are 2 p. m. Tuesday at the Fountain Hill First Baptist Church with burial in Flat Creek Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones- Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www. jones- hartshorn.com.

––––– – –––– HERMITAGE — Ida Lee Sweeney, age 82, of Hermitage, Ark., died Saturday, November 7, at UAMS. Born January 6, 1933, in Sumpter, Ark., she was the daughter of the late Albert Wesley Outlaw and Irma Glennon Outlaw. Ida was retired from Sykes Flooring, a chicken farmer, former owner/ operator of Sweeney Hardware, a homemaker, member of Antioch Baptist Church and attended public schools in Vick, Warren and Hermitage.

Survivors are her husband, Claude Sweeney Jr., whom she married February 15, 1950; three daughters, Marilyn Tooke, Mt. Ida, Ark., Carolyn Temple and spouse Stephen, Hermitage, Ark., Rhonda Ferrell and spouse Scotty, Johnsville, Ark.; 11 grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren; two great- great- grandchildren. Also preceding her in death were brothers Bobby Outlaw, Leslie Outlaw; sisters Letha Mae Saffold, Sara Dean Coddington; and a son- in- law Billy Tooke.

Funeral service 3: 30 p. m. Tuesday November 10, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Outlaw Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Online guest register www. frazerfuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– HOT SPRINGS — Leon Bates, 80, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away November 8, 2015. He was born December 10, 1934, in Cedar Glades, Arkansas, to the late James Harley and Bertha Lilybird ( Castleberry) Bates. Leon was a lifetime member of First Pentecostal Church in Hot Springs. He loved to rodeo, including roping steers and riding horses. Above all, he was a devoted husband and loved his family dearly.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Viola Joann Bates; brother, Milton Bates; and sister, Wilma Meredith. Survivors include sons, Allen Bates ( Linda), Jeff Bates ( Brenda) both of Hot Springs; daughter, Leann Thomas ( Jim) of Benton; sisters, Juanita May, Norma Hendrix ( Charles) both of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Tyce Bates ( Holly), Amy Carrasquillo ( Sam), Daniel Bates ( Danielle), Sean Thomas ( Leigh Anne), Jason Thomas; great- grandchildren, Claire Bates, Ally Carrasquillo, Haze Thomas, Marshall Bates, and Adaline Bates.

Visitation will be 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. Tuesday at Caruth- Hale Funeral Home. Service will be 10 a. m. Wednesday at First Pentecostal Church with Bro. Wilbert Bates, Pastor Tim Brooks, and Bro. David Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Sean Thomas, Tyce Bates, Daniel Bates, Kevin Glover, Jimmy Driggers, and Norman Meredith. Honorary Pallbearers include J. W. Smith, Sonny Harris, Bruce Harris, Hestel York, Ronnie Jones, Sonny Williams, Bill Driggers, Sid Pittman, Winford Bates, and Steve Doerr.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Deedee Fairchild and Becky Carter for their tender love and compassionate care. Guests may register at www. caruth- hale. com.

––––– – –––– HOT SPRINGS — Doyle Edward Shirley Jr., a self- employed building contractor and land developer, died November 8 at his home. He was born in Hot Springs on May 18, 1933, to Doyle Edward Shirley and Frieda Burroughs Shirley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife, Sherry; five children, Phillip ( Cynthia), Mark ( Janet) of Hot Springs, Karen ( Will) of Little Rock, Kevin ( Susan) of Boone, N. C., Bart of Cleveland, Ohio; 13 grandchildren; one great- grandchild; sister, Patsy Reed of Little Rock; niece, Tanya Wright ( Richard); and nephew Ricky Reed ( Angela).

Visitation will be 6 p. m. to 8 p. m. Wednesday at Caruth- Hale Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Oaklawn United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, First Step School, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, or the charity of your choice. Full obituary at www. caruth- hale. com.

––––– – –––– MAGNOLIA — Dorothy Barnes Grimes, 97, of Magnolia, Ark., passed away Monday, November 9, 2015, at the Wentworth Place. She was born on January 30, 1918, to the late Willie Hayes and Allie Mae ( Dye) Barnes.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ben F. Grimes, sisters, Lillian Trevillion and Willie Mae Delaney. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Lewis of Magnolia, Ark., Melba Johnson and husband Tommy of El Dorado, Ark., and Jan Sims of El Dorado, Ark.; granddaughters, Ginger Cook and husband Terry of Magnolia, Ark., Robin Smith and husband Jeff of Draper, Utah, and Katherine Gavito of El Dorado, Ark.; grandsons, Bill Lewis and wife Tanya of Little Rock, Ark., Alan Johnson and wife Shawna of Monroe, La., Brian Johnson and wife Kristin of North Carolina; 11 great- grandchildren; one great- great- grandson; sister Amy Sanders of Sherwood, Ark.

Services will be Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 10 a. m. and funeral services to follow at 11 a. m. Rev. Larry Kelso will be officiating and Rev. Raymond Cammack assisting. Burial will follow at the Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Magnolia, Ark.

Pallbearers will be Bill Lewis, Alan Johnson, Terry Cook, Coby Cook, Ethan Gavito, and Reid Johnson. The family asks that memorials be made to The Caring Place, c/ o First United Methodist Church, 320 West Main St., Magnolia, Ark. 71753. To sign the online guest book or to share a memory visit www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.

––––– – –––– McGEHEE — Donald Wayne Keeling, 72, of McGehee, Ark., died Friday, November 6, 2015. A memorial service will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at Griffin- Culpepper Funeral Service Chapel in McGehee, Ark. Arrangements by Griffin- Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee, Ark. Online guest book may be signed at www. griffinculpepper. com.

––––– – –––– MENA — Gertrude Elizabeth Cox, 91, of Mena passed away November 8, 2015, in Mena. Funeral services will be November 10, 2015, at 10 a. m. at New Hope Baptist in Shady, Arkansas. Interment will follow in the New Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley Wood FuneralHomeof Mena.

––––– – –––– MOUNTAIN VIEW — Raymonette Steward Aeberli died November 6, 2015. Survived by husband, Edwin; children, Carole Ragsdale Curtis, Lisa Ragsdale Rousseau, Kathleen Ragsdale, and Elizabeth Aeberli Sutton. Visitation is Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 1- 3 p. m., First United Methodist Church, Mountain View, Ark. Funeral services will follow beginning at 3 p. m. Online guestbook www. rollerfuneralhomes. com/ mtview2.

––––– – –––– NEW EDINBURG — Deborah R. Huddleston, age 50, of New Edinburg died Saturday, November 7, 2015, at her home. Graveside service will be 11 a. m. Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at Reaves Cemetery in New Edinburg. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison. Please sign online guestbook at www. buiefuneralhome. com. ( 870) 325- 6216.

––––– – –––– NEWPORT — Rhonda Gayle Morris, 53, of Newport departed this life Sunday, November 8, 2015. A Celebration of Life will be held at 5 p. m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. www. dillingerfuneralhome. com.

––––– – –––– NEWPORT — Jeff Thrasher, 60, of Newport died Friday. Survivors: daughter, Mirah Thrasher and fiance, Arthur Pruitt; one brother, Billy Thrasher; grandchildren, Nakidia and Sylvia Pruitt; three nephews; two nieces; great- nieces and nephews. Graveside services: 2 p. m. Wednesday, Walnut Grove Annex. Visitation: Jackson’s Funeral Home, Wednesday, 1- 1: 45 p. m. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www. jacksonsfh. com.

––––– – –––– SEARCY — Bristy Lynn ( Wolford) Churchwell, 38, of Searcy heavenly home on Saturday, November 7th. Visitation will be from 6- 8 p. m. Wednesday, November 11th at Searcy- McEuen Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Thursday, November 12th at Searcy- McEuen Chapel with burial at Searcy Faith Assembly Cemetery. Share a Memory: www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.

––––– – –––– SMACKOVER — Dr. David Henry Preston, Sr., 63, of Smackover, Ark. passed away November 8, 2015. Visitation will be 6- 8 p. m. tonight at Young’s. Funeral services will be 1 p. m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Smackover. Burial will follow at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. www. youngsfuneralhome. com.

––––– – –––– STAR CITY — Earl Gene Green, 76, of Star City died Saturday. Services are Wednesday at 10 a. m. at the Griffin Funeral Chapel with Bro. Tom Lamb officiating. Visitation is Tuesday from 6 p. m. until 8 p. m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online obit www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

––––– – –––– TILLAR — Mary Alice Burnett Chatham, 94, of Tillar, passed away November 8, 2015, in Lake Village, Arkansas. She was born March 5, 1921, in Drew County, the daughter of Charlie and Lettie Wilson Trotter Burnett. Mrs. Chatham was a member of First Assembly of God Church and Home Demonstration Club.

Her husband, Ben Chatham, and daughters, Bernice Mae Gamble and Latracia Ann Cook, preceded her in death. Survivors are sons, James ( Barbara) Chatham, Tillar, and Glenn ( Jackie) Chatham, Tillar; and daughters, Lenn Carr ( Cecil) Harvey, Monticello, and Cornelia Wells, Lake Village; and special friend, Sonny Inman; sister, Loraine Allen, Monticello; 18 grandchildren, 39 great- grandchildren, and 17 great- great- grandchildren.

Visitation to be Tuesday, November 10 starting at 1 p. m., one hour prior to funeral services at 2 p. m., both held at First Assembly of God Church, Dumas, with Rev. Scott Gilbreth officiating followed by burial in Jefferson Cemetery. Memorials can be made to First Assembly of God Church, Dumas, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas. Visit online guestbook: www. griffinfh. com.

––––– – –––– TUCKERMAN — Ralph Goldman Tucker departed this life Monday, November 9, 2015. Funeral service will be 11 a. m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Gracelawn Cemetery. Visitation will be 10- 11 a. m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at the funeral home. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. www. dillingerfuneralhome. com.

––––– – –––– VANNDALE — Kenneth Futrell, 69, died Saturday. Survivors: wife Nancy, one daughter, three brothers, two grandchildren. Funeral: 2 p. m. Wednesday, at Thompson- Wilson Wynne Funeral Home. Interment: Vanndale Cemetery. Visitation: Tuesday, 6 till 8 p. m. at the funeral home. 870- 238- 9400 www. thompsonwilsonfh. com.

Out- of- state

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. — Maureen Elizabeth ( Cekay) Appleton of Taylorville, Ill., passed away suddenly on Friday, November 6, 2015, in Springfield, Ill.

Mrs. Appleton, 65, died at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield after a 16- month battle against cancer. At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her loving family: husband William Roberts Appleton, to whom she was married for 41 years; and daughters Mary Elizabeth, of Kansas City, Mo., Laura Ann Chau ( Hanson), of Oswego, Ill., and Carolyn Maureen Zinter ( Kevin) of Elmhurst, Ill.

Mrs. Appleton taught 6th grade language arts for 18 years at Taylorville Junior High School. Before that she was director of development at St. Vincent Memorial Hospital, Taylorville. She also worked for many years as a flight attendant for United Airlines, based out of Chicago.

A longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, Mrs. Appleton also served on the Taylorville Area Arts Council, and the St. Vincent’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Mrs. Appleton was born in Chicago, Ill., in 1950, to Robert and Rita Cekay, who moved their family to Northlake, Ill., then Melrose Park, Ill., and eventually to Mundelein, Ill., where Maureen was a student at Santa Maria Del Poppolo Elementary School and Carmel Catholic High School. She attended Adrian College in Michigan for her freshman year, then transferred to Mundelein College in Chicago, where she majored in theater, with a minor in education. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1972.

Family was central to her life. As a young girl, whenever her mother suffered pregnancy- related illnesses, Maureen acted as the “little mother” to her six siblings. Those bonds grew stronger as the siblings grew up; Maureen was a role model to them, and her home in Taylorville became a gathering place for family holidays and parties. She was devoted to her parents, and ushered them through their senior years. Friends and colleagues remember her as smart, elegant, strong, and practical, someone who, in the words of one longtime friend, encouraged everyone, including her students, to “live your best life.”

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brother Thomas G. Cekay ( wife, Luann Zanzola). Besides her husband and daughters, Mrs. Appleton is survived by: her brothers, Robert Cekay ( wife, Roberta), Dr. Daniel Cekay ( wife, Susan), John Cekay ( wife, Martina), and Patrick Cekay; her sister, Mary Eileen Cekay- Allen ( husband, Rick); her grandchildren, Benjamin, Ryan and Nora Maureen Zinter, and Emerson Grace Chau; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5- 7 p. m. Tuesday, November 10, at McClure Funeral Home, 302 W. Poplar St., Taylorville. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a. m. Wednesday, November 11, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 W. Adams St., Taylorville. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, 820 S. Cherokee St., Taylorville.

Memorials in Mrs. Appleton’s name may be sent to the Christian County Senior Citizen Center, 701 W. Adams St., Taylorville, Ill., 62568, or to St. Mary’s School, 422 S. Washington St, Taylorville, Ill. 62528.

McClure Funeral Home is assisting the Appleton family with arrangements. Memories of Maureen or condolences to the family may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

––––– – –––– MEMPHIS — Willis Drinkard Sr., 90 of Memphis, Tennessee, formerly of Batesville, died Thursday evening, November 5 at Grace Healthcare Center in Cordova, Tennessee. Three sons, ten grandchildren and a host of other relatives survive him. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 11 at 2 p. m. at Branscumb Funeral Home Chapel, 911 North Main Street in Brinkley. Interment will take place at Morning View Cemetery in McCrory by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley. ( 870) 734- 2772. branscumbfuneralhome1928@ yahoo. com & Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home.