Obituaries

Pulaski County

VERVAL OTELA ALEXANDER, 91, of Little Rock, passed away February 28, 2017. She was born November 8, 1925, in Dardanelle, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Mary Taylor; her husband, Oliver Franklin Alexander; son, Edward Lamar Alexander; one brother, Wayne Taylor; and two sisters, Marilyn McClure and Retha Lawry. Verval “Grandma Bubba” was homemaker and member of the Apostolic Christian Center in Benton. She was a Christian woman who lived her life for Jesus and her family.

She is survived by her six children, Tommy Alexander, Ruth McElroy, Lillian (W.C.) Small, Sharon Morehart, Martha (Charlie) Horn and Roger (Linda) Alexander; two sisters, Rena Kirkpatrick and Joann Tucker; 17 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of other friends and family.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 4, at 9 a.m. with services beginning at 10 a.m. at the Apostolic Christian Center, 20121 Interstate 30, Benton 72015, Pastor Scott McElroy officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. An online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

––––– ––––– VANESSA ANN AUSTIN, 53, of Jacksonville, passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory, children, Vanita Hawkins, and Larry Hawkins, Jr.; mother, Oletha Offord; siblings, Mark Austin, Magalene Lunnie, Tina Offord-Tillman, and a host of other relatives and friends. Family hour will be held tomorrow from 6-7 p.m. at the church. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017, 11 a.m. at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 1017 Ray Road, Jacksonville, Ark. Personal and Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.hardyfuneralhomeince.com. ” We Care, When Caring Counts.”

––––– ––––– DE’SAUNDRA “SANDI” BARKER, 42, of Little Rock, Ark., transitioned March 1, 2017. She was preceded in death by: grandparents, William and Dimple Matheny; and uncle, Charles Williams Harris.

Sandi leaves to cherish memories: children, Kenia Guillory, Michala Barker, Bryan Barker; parents, Phillip and Brenda Cooks and Clarence Lewis; brother, Robert Andre’ Lewis; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation: Friday, 12-6 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, LR. Service: Saturday, 11 a.m. at St. Joe Baptist Church, 807 Brownlee Ave., NLR, Ark. 72117. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, LR, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”

––––– ––––– DOUGLAS BEARDEN, 72, of Maumelle, went to be with the Lord on February 28, 2017. He was born October 7, 1944 in Caraway, Ark., to Van D. and Delphia Juanita Lee Bearden. He was a retired market manager and butcher working for Kroger and Harvest Foods for over 60 years. Douglas was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Maumelle and he always walked by faith, setting an example for others. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially going with his grandchildren to their activities and sporting events.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Sue Bearden. Douglas is survived by his son, Doug (Jacquelyn) Bearden of Maumelle; daughter, Paige (Damon) Jones of Greenbrier; six grandchildren, Hunter, Cole, Madelyn, Andrew, Bailye and Carson; one sister, Saundra Courtney of Rogers, Ark.; and brother-in-law, Larry Courtney.

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m.-12 noon, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501) 224-8300 with a graveside service officiated by Harry Bates will follow at 2 p.m., at Riverwood Memorial Garden in Maumelle. Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

––––– ––––– MELISA ANN (MARTIN) ELLERMAN (HATHCOCK) died of sepsis February 24, 2017, in Little Rock, Ark. MeLisa was born September 30, 1956, in Vincennes, Ind., to the late Robert Carol Martin & Betty Ann (Miller) Martin.

She is survived by her devoted husband, James Hathcock, one son, Jesse Ellerman and a granddaughter, Morgan Ellerman, all of Little Rock, and her mother, Betty Martin of Murfreesboro, Tenn. MeLisa is also survived by one sister, Melinda (David) Peck, Tennessee, and two brothers, Thomas Martin (Vanessa) of LaPorte, Texas, and James Martin, Tennessee. She was much loved by her nieces and nephews, the Hathcock family, children and grandchildren, and Miller cousins in Indiana.

MeLisa worked as an RN for over 30 years, most recently in Hospice Care. Jim, MeLisa and Morgan are believers who assemble with the Little Rock Church.

A memorial service for MeLisa will be conducted Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Little Rock Church. Visitation with the family will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers the family requests consideration of donations to a trust fund for her granddaughter, Morgan (Little Rock Church, c/o Morgan Ellerman, 10701 Baseline Rd., LR, Ark. 72209) or to a hospice of your choice. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

––––– ––––– JIMMY THOMPSON, 90, of Little Rock, passed away February 28, 2017. He was born May 27, 1926, to the late James and Gertrude Thompson. Jimmy graduated from Little Rock High School, now Little Rock Central, in 1944, and attended Little Rock Junior College. He served in the Navy during World War II, and retired as a general agent for American National Insurance Company in 1996. Jimmy was a devoted member of Mabelvale Methodist Church, where he was the head usher for many years. He was an amateur Ham Radio Operator, avid photographer, and loved the Razorbacks and Cowboys.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 60 years, Julia Thompson; and his grandson, Aaron Kyle Sullivant. He is survived by his three sons, Jimmy L Thompson (Cathy) of Maumelle, Dr. John R Thompson (Marcie) of Little Rock, and David W Thompson (Joni) of Alexander; one daughter, Julie Sullivant (Gary) of Pine Bluff; one sister, Janie Weaver of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; 12 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander, Ark., with a graveside service being held at 2 p.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park, with Pastor Bob Marble officiating, and burial to follow. To sign the online guestbook go to www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

––––– ––––– MALENA VAN GUILDER was born on January 15, 1951, and was discovered having passed peacefully in her home by her caretaker on Monday, February 27, 2017.

She was retired from her occupation as a home care caseworker and was living in Maumelle, Ark. During her life she had opportunities to work in a youth home for children and adults with Down Syndrome. She later went back to college, attending the University of Southern Colorado while working and raising a family. She enjoyed the study of psychology and helping people. She later drove for C.R. England as an over-the-road truck driver after her two sons left the home.

Music has always been a passion and she loved to sing. Most recently she had thoroughly enjoyed singing karaoke any time the opportunity presented itself. Throughout her life she sang in church choirs, sang solos in Christmas Cantatas with the church as well as duets and ensembles with her siblings as opportunities arose.

Most important to her was that she was a daughter of Christ and kept Him at the center of her life. She was faithful that God had a plan for her life and she lived with the knowledge that her final resting place would be in Heaven when the time came.

She is survived by her two sons, Dustin and Adrian Jenkins with their families, as well as two brothers and a sister with each of their families. She was preceded in death by her mother, Isabelle Junella, her father, William (Bill) Tyler, her older brother, Destal Lee Tyler, and her granddaughter, Annabelle Leigh Jenkins.

A memorial service will be held at FaithSpring Church, 1514 Market St. in Little Rock on Saturday, March 4, at 10 a.m., officiated by Rev. Brock Patterson and Rev. Kim Johnson.

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

Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA — Luther Jones, 94, Arkadelphia, passed February 23, 2017. Survivors: children, Carolyn Stevenson, Michael Jones, David (Judy) Jones; daughter-in-law, Linda Jones; 18 grandchildren; sisters, Maggie Culmore, Lucille Carter. Services 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul AME Church. Services provided by Williams Funeral Home. Sign guestbook at www.funeralsatwilliams.com.

––––– ––––– BATESVILLE — Amy Sue Abernathy Boyster, 86, of Batesville died Monday, February 27, 2017. She was born on December 9, 1930 in Camden, Ark., to Samuel Louis Abernathy and Hester Amelia (Wozencraft) Abernathy. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Batesville and part of the United Methodist Women’s Circle.

She is survived by her sons, David L. Boyster (Cindy) of Fayetteville and Samuel Lewis Boyster (Dana) of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Boyster, Thomas Boyster and Will Boyster; as well as a nephew, Sam Shelton of Houston, Texas. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lewis Boyster; and sister, Anne Shelton.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 3, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Batesville officiated by Rev. Justin Ledbetter. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery. Visitation to be held from 9:00 to 10 a.m. at the church before service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 615 East Main Street, Batesville, Ark., 72501. www.rollerfuneralhomes.

––––– ––––– BENTON — Virginia Ruth Thompson, 89, of Benton, Ark., went to sleep in death February 23, 2017. Born March 18, 1927 to John and Martha Brindley in Little Rock, Ark. Virginia was a faithful Witness of Jehovah since 1941.

She was preceded in death by her parents; seven siblings, A.P, William, Charles, Kenyon, Henry, Ada and Annette; and one son Mark A. Thompson (wife Linda). She is survived by three brothers, Joe, Don and Paul Brindley; one son Jeff Thompson (wife Melinda); and two grandchildren, Mark A. Thompson Jr. (wife Lorraine) and Stephanie Thompson.

Virginia was a very loving and hard working mother, a dear friend to many during her life. She enjoyed her grandchildren, her ministry, playing piano, flower gardening and her cats.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m., March 4, 2017 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, address 10412 Mabelvale West Road, Mabelvale, Ark. 72103, with Brother Van Izard officiating. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

––––– ––––– BENTON — Funeral services for Mrs. Irene Wylie, wife of Melvin, will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the Chandler Funeral Home Chapel, De Queen, Ark. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, March 3, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 5, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church, Lonsdale, Ark. You may view and sign the online guest registry at www. chandlerfuneral.com.

––––– ––––– BLYTHEVILLE — Cullen Dixon, 88, of Blytheville passed away at home on Monday, February 27, 2017. He was born in Blue Mountain, Miss.,i on June 17, 1928 to F.T. Dixon and Louella Virginia Evans Dixon. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War.

Mr. Dixon worked for Monsanto, retiring after 35 years as a Master Salesman. He was also a retired farmer. He loved to farm with his son. He drove the tractor every day until he was in his early 80s, and he still came to the farm every day until last Friday, where he called himself a “Go fer.”

One of his morning rituals was going to Hardy Sales and having coffee and reading the newspaper. He enjoyed going to the Country Club, where the waitresses and staff took really good care of him, and made him eat! He liked going to the lake and watching his family have fun. The boys talked about when they were small, he would take them hunting, even though he didn’t like to hunt. Sometimes he carried them on his back to the hunting stand, where they shared one gun.

He was an awesome granddaddy. After Jean died, Cullen became the “Hub” of their family. Though Emily was only five years old, she stayed with him for three months, day and night. He attended every event that his grandchildren were in — volley ball, cheerleading, etc. Dana said that when her girls were little, he picked them up at home, put them in their car seats and took them to daycare and school, every day. When they were 8 years old, he taught them to drive on the airport highway. He loved to eat at the Kids table at Thanksgiving. When his granddaughters were away at camp, he wrote to them, and he kept every letter, every picture that they gave him. He never said “No.” He loved doing things with his family, and his house was the center for everything. His children’s friends and his grandchildren’s friends were his friends. He was so proud of Katie when she graduated from Hendrix, and began working on her Master’s Degree. He enjoyed eating at Bart and Debbie’s house, even if Bart wasn’t there. He liked going to Carlock’s and eating cheese and crackers, or just “hanging out.”

He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas, where he met his beloved Jean. He was a member and former president of Alpha Gamma Rho. He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He joined First Christian Church in Blytheville in 1963 and has been a faithful member ever since. He loved his Sunday School class.

Mr. Dixon is survived by two sons: Charlie (Beth) Dixon of Little Rock, Ark., and Bart (Debbie) Dixon of Blytheville, Ark.; and one daughter Dana (Jason) Austin of Blythevile, Ark.; and four granddaughters: Katie Dixon, Emily Dixon, Allie Austin and Aspen Austin.

Funeral services were at First Christian Church in Blytheville on Wednesday, March 1, at 2 p.m. with Dr. Tommy Carney officiating and Dr. Keith Hearnsberger assisting. Visitation was at 1 p.m. until service began. Burial followed in Elmwood Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.carneyfuneralhome.com. The family requests that memorials be made to First Christian Church, 600 W. Main, Blytheville, Ark.

––––– ––––– CLARENDON — Mary Lou Houston, 79, of Clarendon died Wednesday, February 22 at Chambers Nursing Home Center in Carlisle. Three sons, three daughters, a brother-in-law, an uncle, twentygrandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends survive her. Visitation will be held Friday evening, March 3 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church, 404 Park Street in Clarendon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the Clarendon Housing Authority Executive Hall, 630 Madison Street in Clarendon with Reverend Willie Gilmore officiating. Interment will take place at Haven of Rest Cemetery in Brinkley by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 7342772 www.branscumbfuneralhome.com; Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home & email: branscumbfuenralhome1928@yahoo.com.

––––– ––––– CONWAY — Eugene “Gene” Huss, 79, of Conway passed away Tuesday. Gene is survived by his wife, Mable; his two daughters, Gina (Guy) Carter and Beth (John) Bryan, both of Conway; two sisters, Dolores (Billy) Dobbins and Patricia (Danny) Evans; as well as a host of family and friends. Visitation will be Friday, March 3, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Conway with burial following at Crestlawn Memorial Park. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.

––––– ––––– DENNARD — George William Johnson, 86, of Dennard, passed away February 26, 2017. Visitation will be Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Dennard Community Church. Service will follow at 3 p.m with burial in the Dennard Cemetery. Arrangements by Clinton Funeral Service. For full obituary, go to www.clintonfuneralservice.com.

––––– ––––– DUMAS — Minnie Jo Minor, 86, of Dumas, Arkansas, died February 25, 2017, Springdale, Arkansas. Visitation held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Griffin Funeral Home. Funeral held 11 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, First Baptist Church, Rev. Dubs Byers officiating. Burial in Walnut Lake Cemetery. Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas. Online guest book www.griffinfh.com.

––––– ––––– DUMAS — Sharon West, 73, of Dumas died, February 28 at DeWitt, Arkansas. Visitation held at the family’s home from 5-7 p.m. on March 2, 2017. Funeral services 2:30 p.m., March 3, 2017, Griffin Funeral Home, burial in Walnut Lake Cemetery, Pickens, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, online guest book www. griffinfh.com.

––––– ––––– EL DORADO — John Henry Willett, Sr. found peace in heaven on Monday, February 27, 2017. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at Young’s. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 4, at Young’s Chapel. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

––––– ––––– FORREST CITY — Garfield Cleo Frank Webbs, 74, of Forrest City, died Tuesday, February 21 at his home in Forrest City. Four sons, seven daughters, his companion, six extended family members, 25 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends survive him. Visitation will be held Friday evening, March 3 from 5 until 7 p.m. at Branscumb Funeral Home Chapel, 911 North Main Street in Brinkley. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Faith Temple Church of God in Christ, 719 North New Orleans Avenue in Brinkley with Elder Larry Dixon officiating. Interment will take place at Casteel Cemetery in Forrest City by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 734-2772 www.branscumbfuneralhome.com; Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home & email: branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.

––––– ––––– GLENWOOD — Virginia Brogdon Cantrell, age 88, of Glenwood passed away on Monday, February 27, 2017. Vacie Virginia James was born on April 4, 1928 in Mobley, Arkansas, the daughter of Virgil Valentine James and Zola Crabtree James. She was preceded by her husband, Aaron Cantrell; her parents; and two sisters, Gracie Crow and Allene Page.

She retired after 27 years with Alltel, now Windstream. She was a member of the Glenwood First Baptist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Glenwood Chapter #396 and active with the Glenwood Senior Citizens Center.

She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn Kapp and her husband, John, of Little Rock and Pamela Brogdon of Glenwood; her granddaughter, Karen Antonacci and her husband, Jeff Smith; her great-granddaughter, Marissa Drees and her husband, Andrew Lintag; three step-sons, Paul Cantrell, Marty Cantrell and Jeff Cantrell; and her sister, Geneva Lively of Batesville.

Services will be 2 p.m., Friday, in the Glenwood First Baptist Church with Bro. Erby Burgess officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Glenwood Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Glenwood. Pallbearers will be Larry Mitchell, Bill West, Rodney Woodard, Dickie Johnson, Bill Montgomery and Mike Prince. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Matthew Hulsey and staff. Guest registry is at www. davis-smith.com.

––––– ––––– HARRISON — Mavis Vernon Boorem, 91, of Harrison died Wednesday. Survivors: sons, John & Ben Boorem, daughters, Judy Williams & Elizabeth Isely, grandchildren, nine grandchildren, sister, Robbie Wisdom. Services: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4th, Roller-Coffman/Marshall. Visitation: 1 p.m. preceding the service. Burial: East Lawn Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– HOPE — Funeral for Novalene Slatton, 92, of Hope, 2 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017 at Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home, Hope, with Bob Williford officiating. Burial Memory Gardens Cemetery, Hope. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home. Arrangements Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Complete obituary: www. brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

––––– ––––– HOT SPRINGS — Shirley A. Donahue, 81, of Hot Springs, died Sunday, February 26, 2017. She was born May 11, 1935, in Ottawa, Kansas, to Lillis Wohletz and Rose Buser. Shirley met and married the love of her life and together they moved to Portland, Oregon, Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Winchester, Kentucky, before finally settling down in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, where she served as church secretary for over 30 years. Shirley was active in the Boys Club Ladies Auxiliary, was a board member for First Step School System, and served as a Past Grand Counselor of the United Commercial Travelers of America.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; sons, Brendan Donahue, Brian Donahue; grandson, Jason Bates; brother, Dick Wohletz; and parents, Lillis Wohletz and Rose Buser Wohletz Bonifer. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Brigid and Doyle Smith, Maureen and Stephen Kalinowsky; daughters-in-law, Jessica and Kathy Donahue; brother and sisters-in-law, Leo and Freda Wohletz of Arizona, Linda Wohletz of Missouri; grandchildren, Steven and Angie Bates, Amanda and Justin Tillery, Erin, Shannon, Kerry, Ryan, and Mary Katherine Donahue, Alicia Kalinowsky, Madeline and Robert Donahue, Elizabeth Kalinowsky; great-grandchildren, Bryce and Kinzi Bates; and nephews, Richard, Roger, and Kevin Wohletz.

Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Caruth-Hale Funeral with rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. John’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.

LONOKE — Alene Wilson, 84, passed February 21, 2017. Visitation: Friday, March 3, 2017, Integrity Funeral Home, 206 W. Washington, Stuttgart, Ark., 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Funeral: Saturday, March 4, 2017, 11 a.m., First Baptist Church, 156 Mimosa, Hollygrove, Ark., family entrusted to: Integrity Funeral Home, 206 W. Washington, Stuttgart, Ark. (870) 672-7221. Owners: Al/Philomena Allen.

MALVERN — Janet Tatum, 60, of Malvern passed away Saturday, February 25, 2017. Survivors, father, Thomas Jr. Tatum (Glenda); brother, Mike Tatum; sister, Brenda Locke; grandparents, Harold and Willa Mae Stanley. No services are planned. Arrangements, Regency Funeral Home. Complete obituary and guest book, regencyfuneralhome.com.

MELBOURNE — Carroll Manry, 75, died March 1. Visitation and funeral service will be Friday, March 3 at Eddie’s Family Funeral Home. Visitation: 11 a.m. Funeral service: 12:30 p.m. Burial: Manry Cemetery, Agnos, Ark. Survivors: Linda Manry (wife), Greg Manry, Sandy Daniels, Mark Manry (children).

MONTICELLO — Charles David Atkins, age 63, of Monticello, Ark., died Tuesday, February 28, at McGehee Hospital. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Crossroads Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 2, at Frazer’s. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome. com. MONTICELLO — Dr. Joseph A. Musick Jr., age 80, of Monticello, passed away peacefully at his home in Monticello on Monday, February 27, 2017. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Eleanor Stearns Musick; mother, Melba Rounsavall; fathers, Joseph Musick and Roy Rounsavall; brothers, Jim Ed Rounsavall and Max Musick; sisters, Mary Warhust, Rachel Mooring and Melanie Zimmerman.

He is survived by his wife, Susan McClain Musick; sons, Joe R. Musick (Bonnie), Jim Musick (Amy), Paul Musick (Robin); daughter, Jamie Musick Blackmon (Joe); and brothers, David Andrew Rounsavall and Freddie Rounsavall. He and Susan were blessed by twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Joe was born in a three-room house on a farm in Mississippi County. He remembered when his room was added to the small house. There were cracks between the boards that would allow snow and cold air to come in. He was gifted with a great intellect and graduated from Shawnee High School where he held the highest FFA honor in the state. Although he enjoyed farming, he soon realized that he could not support a family on that farm. He pursued an education at Arkansas A&M (UAM) and then his Masters at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Years later with four kids and a wife to support, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of Missouri. He often said that his education along with the support from professors along the way certainly contributed to his success.

In 1980, Joe joined the faculty in the Agricultural Economics department at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. In 1983, he moved his family to Leland, Mississippi, where he did research at the Stoneville Research Station. Two years later, he was asked to come back to Louisiana to head the LSU Rice Research Station where he led the research and enjoyed the Cajun music. Joe retired in August of 2003.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 3, 2017, at First United Methodist Church in Monticello with Rev. Dennis Spence officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main, Monticello, Ark. 71655. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.

––––– ––––– MONTICELLO — Robbie Lee Shipman Stephenson, age 89, of Monticello, passed away Monday, February 27, 2017 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello. She was born on August 11, 1927 south of Lacey, Ark. to the late Leo Claude and Ruby Merle Whitehead Shipman. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband Doyle Stephenson and her brother, John Will Shipman.

She grew up at Prairie Chapel and graduated from Drew Central High School at the age of 16 and attended Arkansas A&M College. She taught at Fountain Hill High School, where some of her students were her age. Robbie Lee married Doyle Robert Stephenson June 8, 1946 and honeymooned at the Ridgeway Hotel.

They moved to Little Rock, Jackson, Tenn, Memphis and Pine Bluff (Doyle’s job with Singer Co.) before returning “home” to Monticello in 1998. She worked at Crow-Burlingame

in Little Rock as a personal secretary, and secretary to Vice Principal at Dollarway High School for 30 years.

She loved mission work and she loved to “go”; serving in Haiti, McCurdy School in New Mexico, Sager-Brown Depot, and UMW School of Missions, each several times. She served on the Drew Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for several years, and was very active in United Methodist Women most of her life. Between mission trips, she enjoyed traveling with her friends and family to Europe, Australia, Hawaii, Canada, the Caribbean, New York, Chicago and Las Vegas. She was a member of the PEO of Monticello and ABWA of Pine Bluff.

Robbie was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family. Survivors include three sons, Mike (Dalene) Stephenson of Monticello, Bob (Carol) Stephenson of El Dorado and Robin Stephenson of Fayetteville; one daughter, Susan Pemberton of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Casey Stephenson (Sarah), Carrie Gray (Stephen), Flaura Jaden and Penny Pemberton, Nina Rose Stephenson; great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Claire Gray, Bennett and Alice Stephenson; her brothers, Paul Douglas Shipman (Melba) of Como, Miss.; sisters-in-law, Wanda Shipman of Little Rock, Audrey Stephenson of Crossett and Dorothy Jones of Greenbrier; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2017 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with Rev. Dennis Spence and Rev. Keith Dodson officiating. Burial will be in Lacey Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main, Monticello, Ark. 71655 or First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 201 South Hill, El Dorado, Ark. 71730 or Lacey Cemetery Association, c/o Roy Alan White, 671 Hwy. 133, Fountain Hill, Ark. 71642. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.

––––– ––––– MOUNTAIN VEIW — Beverly Wheeler, 85, passed away Monday. Survivors are seven sons: Richard, Mike, Guy, Steve, Donald, William and Mark Hocutt; brother Wayne Hughes; sister, Laura Logan; many grandchildren. Visitation: Saturday, 6 to 8 p.m. Mountain View Funeral Service. Funeral Service, Sunday, 2 p.m. Chapel. Interment: Flatwoods Cemetery. Mountain View Funeral Service

––––– ––––– NEWPORT — Lillie Louise Turner of Newport died Wednesday. Survivors: four daughters, Lillie Duncan, Frances Anderson, Judy Miller and Brenda Fry; one brother, David Jones; one sister Etta Nash; seven grandchildren; many great grandchildren. Visitation: Thursday, 5 p.m. -7 p.m. Services: Friday, 2 p.m. at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. Interment: Watson Cemetery.

––––– ––––– OAKLAND — Morgan Walton, 77, of Oakland, Arkansas, passed away March 1, 2017. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services-Bull Shoals. 870-425-6978.

––––– ––––– PINE BLUFF — Bill Carroll Flatness, 37, of Pine Bluff, passed away February 27, 2017. Bill was born in Stuttgart, December 21, 1979. He was a devoted Cubs and Chicago Bulls fan and a loving son, father, and brother.

Bill is survived by his parents, Keith and Debra Flatness and his biological father, Billy Joe Quinn; one son, Wyatt Flatness of Hazen; three daughters, Hanna, Cassidy and Bailey Flatness all of Illinois; three brothers, Chris (Jennifer) Flatness of Minooka, Illinois, Joe (Eva) Quinn of Dacula, Georgia, and Ricky Snellgrove of Brinkley; one sister, Angela (Jessie) Barnhill of Hazen and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Family Christian Fellowship Church in Hazen by Bro. Teddy Walker. Visitation will be from 12 to 2 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.

––––– ––––– PRESCOTT — Nellie Jewel Edwards, 86, of Prescott, Arkansas died Tuesday, February 28, 2017 in Benton, Arkansas. Visitation, Friday, March 3, 2017 between 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Pharr Funeral Home of Prescott, 201 West 2nd Street North, Prescott, Arkansas. Chapel service in Pharr Funeral Home of Prescott, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2 p.m.

––––– ––––– QUITMAN — Kathranne Gail Woodman, age 58, was born in Canada to Byron and Violet Gemmel Woodman passed away Saturday in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was a homemaker. Survivors are her son, Trevor Greig of Illinois and soulmate Richard King of Quitman. No services planned at this time. Family Funeral Service. www. dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

––––– ––––– ST. JOE — Nina L. Terrell, 80, of St. Joe died Monday. She was the wife of the late Jimmy Terrell. Survivors: grandsons, David, Daniel and Michael, sister, Norma Kiss, nieces, JoAnn Dean and Betty Fisk. Arrangements by Roller-Coffman/ Marshall. Graveside Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Friday, Stone/Keeling/ Tomahawk Cemetery in St. Joe. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/marshall

––––– ––––– STUTTGART — Jeffery Lee Isbell, 54, left this earth for his heavenly home on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. He was born Jan. 17, 1963.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Annie Isbell; three brothers, Richard, Phillip and Ronnie Isbell; and mother-in-law, Ellen Wicklund. He leaves behind his loving wife of almost 26 years, Shonda Isbell; their three daughters, Kaitlynn (Daniel) Sandine of Russellville, Karen (Adam) Cupples of DeWitt and Kelsey (Tadpole) Morton of Stuttgart; his pride and joy – his grandchildren, Kaine, Austin, Elijah, Maria, Briar, Silas and Mayson; three brothers, Dewight (Rita) Isbell, Bobby Joe (Carla) Isbell and Lynn (Gracie) Isbell; two sisters, Willene Boehn and Debbie Phillips; father-in-law, Freddy Wicklund; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Jeff’s faith, love and his witnessing for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was what made him the person he was. His biggest wish was that anyone that doesn’t know the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ would know him before it is too late and to always remember no matter what is going on in life that God is in control.

Funeral services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church with burial following in Frazier Cemetery. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Friday at Turpin Funeral Home. Please go to www.turpin-co.com to sign the online guestbook.

––––– ––––– STUTTGART — Laura Anne Konecny McKee, 45, of Stuttgart passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017. She was born September 26, 1971, in Stuttgart to John and Betty Ahrens Konecny.

Laura was preceded in death by her father, John Konecny, and son, Matthew McKee. Survivors are her twins, David and Jennifer McKee; mother, Betty Konecny; brothers, James and Lester; sisters, Vanessa Denman and Cindy Munnerlyn.

Memorials may be made to her children, David and Jennifer McKee Memorial Fund at Farmers and Merchants Bank, P.O. Box 1010, Stuttgart, Ark. 72160. Visitation and Rosary will be 6 p.m. Thursday, March 2 at Westbrook Funeral Home Chapel in Hazen. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 3 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Slovak.

––––– ––––– TEXARKANA — Donnie L. Nowlin, 67, of Texarkana, Arkansas, died Tuesday. Visitation will be Thursday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Faith Chapel Pentecostal Church in Texarkana, Ark. A second visitation will be Friday, 12 noon until 2 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Hampton. Funeral services will immediately follow the visitation. Burial Means Cemetery near Hampton. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

Out-of-state

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Pamela Suzanne Trawick, 56, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24 after a brief battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Pamela possessed a joyful spirit, and was known for her warmth, kindness, generosity and fun-loving nature. Pamela was a devoted and loving wife to her husband and best friend, David Trawick. A Christian, Pamela knew she was in God’s hands and never doubted His plans for her.

Pamela was born Aug. 6, 1960, to Franchelle and James Russell Owen in Russellville, Ark. She grew up in Little Rock, Ark. In her 20s, she moved to Los Angeles, where she met David, with whom she shared a keen interest in travel and books. In 1992, she and David married. They moved to Longmont, Colo., in 1994.

Her appreciation for literature and writing led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Colorado-Boulder. Later, her sense of service and justice inspired her to become an attorney. She earned a Juris Doctor at the University of Denver, then practiced family law for 10 years in Longmont and Fort Collins, Colo. In 2013, she and David moved to San Jose, where she focused on writing Christian fiction. Pamela’s novel, Walking Between the Stones, was published in December 2016.

Pamela is survived by her husband as well as two sisters, Rhonda Owen (Michael Foster) of Little Rock, Ark., and Sherri Rost (John) of Sturgis, S.D., and her uncle, Donald Hall of Nimrod, Ark.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. (PST) Friday, March 3, at Foxworthy Baptist Church, 1774 Foxworthy Drive, San Jose, Calif. The service will be livestreamed online at www.foxworthy.org. Honor Pamela’s memory by donating to Heifer Project International, www.heifer.org. Sign her guestbook at www.beddingfieldfuneralservice.com.

––––– ––––– MIAMI, Okla. — Tina Maria Brown, 54, of Miami, Oklahoma, passed Friday, February 24, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory: children, Varn Brown, Jr. (Farisha), Khrystopher Brown (Jo); mother, Eunice Stewart; siblings, Joseph Phillips, Jr. (Donna), Joseph Turner (Melissa), Aaron Harvell, Debra Smith, and a host of other relatives and friends. A visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017, from 1010:45 a.m. with services beginning 11 a.m. at Eastern Star Baptist Church, 2701 East 2nd Street, North Little Rock. Personal and Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.hardyfuneralhomeince.com. “We Care, When Caring Counts.”