Obituaries

Pulaski County

WILLIAM PRESLEY COLLINS, 81, of Maumelle, died March 30, 2017, born on November 8, 1935 to the late Owen and Maggie Collins. Cremation arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501982-3400. Online guestbook can be found at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

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Mrs. NADINE C. TAPLEY JOHNSON, age 89, of Sherwood, Ark., died on Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in North Little Rock. Mrs. Johnson was born September 17, 1927 in Wynne, Ark. She was the daughter of Edward Tapley and Girlie Thomas Tapley. Mrs. Johnson was of the Pentecostal faith.

Mrs. Johnson was married to Ervin W. Johnson and he preceded her in death in 2001. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Robbins and husband Frank of West Memphis, and Betty Johnson Montesi and her fiancé Ken Wilder of Sherwood; one sister Freddie Mae Ello of St. Charles, Mo.; and a special nephew Tom Goff of Heber Springs. Several nieces and nephews also survive her.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 2 p.m., at Forrest Park Cemetery in Forrest City. Visitation will be at 1:30 before the service at the funeral home. Visit online registry at stevensfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– BEVERLY JEAN MEAD, age 72, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017. She was born on July 2, 1944. She is survived by her husband of 24 years, Larry Mead of North Little Rock, Ark.; three daughters: Melissa Jennings, Jessie Landrie, Michelle Landrie, and brother Larry Schoolcraft, all of New Mexico. Beverly was also blessed with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, and seven brothers. Beverly enjoyed serving the community as a member of the Elks Lodge for 17 years. The memorial service will be held in New Mexico at a later date. We will miss our beloved Beverly.

Arkansas

BROOKLAND — Steven Dale Stracener, age 55, of Brookland, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Pine Log Cemetery with Paul Craig officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Monday at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes. com/Jonesboro.

–––––❖––––– BRYANT — Gordon Hall, 54, of Bryant passed away March 30, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Rachel Hall; children, Christina White, Jennifer Cox, Jessica Hall, and Brandon Hall; his brother, Tommy Stratton; sister, Darlene Bunt; and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Lawson Pentecostal Church, Sunday, April 9th, at 2 p.m. Please visit online guestbook at www. griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖––––– BRYANT — Thomas Clay “Tom” Taylor, Jr., died Thursday, April 6, 2017. Funeral services: Sunday, April 9, 2017, at 3 p.m. at Qualls Funeral Home Chapel in Cave City. Burial: Cave City Cemetery. Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City. Visitation: 2 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

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BULL SHOALS — Edda Fritsche, 74, of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away April 6, 2017. Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services. 870-425-6978.

–––––❖––––– CALICO ROCK — Hicks Medlock, 93, of Calico Rock, died Thursday, April 6, 2017. Survivors: sisters, Billie Hendrickson and Charlotte Toddy; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services: 2 p.m. Saturday at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. There will not be a visitation. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/batesville.

–––––❖––––– CAMDEN — James Cyril Jeffus, 97, of Camden, passed away quietly from this life on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in Camden on October 31, 1919, to the late Adam Roy and Marcie Ila Allen Jeffus. He was a man of few words, an avid gardener, and a lover of the written word, sports, politics, music and family.

James was a man of good character, strength and wisdom. He was a master carpenter, which was his life’s work. James was a member and chairman of deacons at Fairview Road Baptist Church and Sunday school superintendent. He attended Southern State University. He served his country in the World War II in the United States Navy as a radioman on the USS Brooklyn, the USS Pittsburgh, and the USS Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by wife of over 50 years, Pauline Wolfe Jeffus; sister, Alice Sommers; and brothers, Morris Jeffus and Clifton Jeffus.

He is survived by his son, Dickey Jeffus and wife Suanne of Fayetteville, Ark.; daughter, Jamie Harrison of Camden, Ark.; grandsons, Jeff Harrison and wife Rona of Smackover, Ark., and Josh Jeffus and wife Angela of Camden, Ark.; granddaughters, Laura Scrape and husband Randy of Camden, Ark., and Keely McKinney of Troy, Ark.; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Elizabeth, Forrest and Jonah Harrison, Jake, Megan and Jacqueline Clair Scrape, Luke, Grant and Jack Jeffus, Carson, Ben, Collins, and Zachery McKinney.

The family will receive friends at Proctor Funeral Home this evening, Saturday, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Fairview Road Baptist Church, with Danny Crowder officiating. Interment will follow in Bethesda Cemetery.

–––––❖––––– CHIMES — Brother Charles “Dean” Housley, 82, of Chimes died April 7, 2017. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2017, at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton. Funeral Services will follow at 2 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Interment at Liberty Cemetery in Chimes. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.

–––––❖––––– CLINTON — Margaret Webb, 87, of Clinton passed away on April 6, 2017. Visitation is at 1 p.m. on April 8, 2017, at the Pleasant Grove Community Church in Alread. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. Interment at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Alread. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.

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EL PASO — Lena M. Shelby, 98, of El Paso, Arkansas, went to be with The Lord on Thursday, April 6, 2017. She was born January 13, 1919, in Grady, to the late John Dee and Nora Lee (Stergel) Scallion. Lena was also preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Prentice Shelby; Kristy Lynn Cox (great-granddaughter); two sisters; and three brothers.

Lena was a faithful member of the First Assembly of God in Vilonia. She enjoyed reading her Bible and would pray for anyone at any time. Lena devoted her life to winning souls for The Lord. She was able to lead her entire family to The Lord. She enjoyed shopping and spending time with her family and special friend, Ruby Limbocker. Lena was loved very much by her friends and family, who will dearly miss her loving smile and positive attitude of life.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving family, daughters: Vaunda Sledge (Danny) and Wanda Mealler of El Paso; six grandchildren: Jimmie Sue, Gail, Donna, Terry, Tina and Amber; 19 great-grandchildren; 17 greatgreat grandchildren, one greatgreat-great grandchild; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, April 9, 2017, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, with interment to follow at Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.

–––––❖––––– EUDORA — Funeral services for Mrs. Jacqueline Marie Smith Davis at 12 noon at Minister’s Institute, 1329 Front St., Eudora, Ark., Saturday, April 8, 2017. Visitation held Friday, April 7, 2017, at Hardy Funeral Home, Little Rock. Services entrusted to Peaceful Rest Funeral Home, 308 Ladino St., West Helena, Ark. 72390, 870-228-6909.

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HOT SPRINGS — Mody Carroll Ratterree, age 80, of Hot Springs, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Canyon Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs. He was born August 18, 1936, in Monticello, the son of the late Mody C. Ratterree, Sr. and Eunice Phillips Ratterree. Mr. Ratterree was a member of First Baptist Church in Little Rock. He is preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory: sisters, Ann Sligh and Mary Keesee, both of Prattsville; and a host of cousins and nephews.

Funeral services are 2 p.m., Sunday, April 9, 2017, at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan, with Brother Pat Greer officiating. Interment will follow at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville. Visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan. You may sign the guestbook at: www.buiefuneralhome.com.

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LAKE CITY — Eula Banhart, 51, of Lake City passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at St. Bernards Medical Center. Chapel services will be 11 a.m. Monday, at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home, 1900 West Washington Avenue in Jonesboro. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until time of service. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ Jonesboro.

–––––❖––––– MENA — Ronald Dean Graves, age 64, of Mena, Ark., passed away March 30, 2017. He was born August 5, 1952, in Valdosta, Ga. No services are scheduled at this time. Cremation arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.

–––––❖––––– MENA — James Horace Wilson III, age 76, of Mena died on Wednesday, April 5, 2017, at his home. He was born on Saturday, September 28, 1940, to James Horace Jr. and Mary Laverne Taylor Wilson in Dallas, Texas.

Jim, as he was known to most of his friends, was an easygoing gentleman who always saw the lighter side of things. He was a person who always tried to be nice to others, with a generous and kind heart.

Jim’s family was the most important thing in his life, and he made sure they were taken care of. Jim loved hearing about the adventures of his children and his grandchildren. He shared many tales of his adventures, both kid-friendly and not. Jim was a character of sorts and a wonderful story teller; not all were necessarily truthful but definitely were entertaining.

Jim’s dog, Duke, who died in December of 2016, was a great companion in the last few years. Jim loved socializing, playing golf, and going to the fitness center every day.

Jim owned and operated Smith Pallet Company, Inc., in Hatfield for 37 years. He was the member of the National Wooden Pallet Association. Jim was a loving husband, father, Pappy, and a great friend, and will be missed by all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Donna Wilson of Mena; one son and daughterin-law, Lyle and Felicia Wilson of Mena; his daughter and sonin-law, Jamie and Jim Mabry of Little Rock; five grandchildren, Flannery Wilson of New York, N.Y., Zeb Wilson of Mena, William Mabry of Little Rock, Jack Mabry of Little Rock, and Mary Mabry of Little Rock; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, beginning at 2 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Mena, with Pastor Bill Seitz officiating. Cremation services are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Ark. Online guest book: www.bowserffh.com.

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STAR CITY — Juanita Lowery Via, 77, of Star City died Wednesday. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Monday, April 10, 2017, at Griffin Funeral Chapel, with Bro. Don Borland officiating. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial: Drake Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service, Star City. Online guestbook: www.griffinfuneralservice. net.

–––––❖––––– SWIFTON — Eulice Calhoun, 84, of Swifton died Wednesday. Survivors: wife, Pauline; daughters, Pamela Keller, Penny Birmingham, and Robin Calhoun; honorary son, Dewayne Nelson; brothers, Rev. Denny, Donald Wayne, and Arnie Calhoun; five grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren. Visitation: Friday, 6-8 p.m. Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, New Hope Community Church. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

–––––❖––––– WARREN — Billy G. West, age 86, of Warren, Ark., died Thursday, April 6, 2017, at the Bradley County Medical Center. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Willoughby Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation: 1 p.m. until service time, Saturday, April 8, at Frazer’s. www.frazerfuneralhome.com. es will be held at a later date in Hawaii. Condolences may be left on Wayne K. Naihe’s online guest book at www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com.

–––––❖––––– CLINTON, S.C. — Dr. Anne R. Sortor entered into God’s eternal paradise on Thursday, April 6, 2017. Dr. Sortor retired from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension Service on September 1, 2016, after eight years of dedicated service.

Prior to her employment in Arkansas, Dr. Sortor was employed at Clemson University in South Carolina and at the University of Tennessee for a combined 31 years of service. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from South Carolina State University, a Master of Science degree from Clemson University, and a Doctorate from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Sortor was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

A celebration of the life of Dr. Anne R. Sortor will be held on Sunday, April 9, 2017, beginning at 2 p.m., at Harrison Grove Baptist Church, 299 Harrison Grove Church Road, Roebuck, S.C. The Reverend Allen Rector will officiate. Dr. Sortor will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to the service time. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family is at the home of her aunt, Carrie Ferguson, 311 Bethlehem Church Road, Moore, S.C. 29369. J.W. Woodward Funeral Home, Spartanburg, S.C.

–––––❖––––– WACO, Texas — Harvey Boyd passed away peacefully on March 31, 2017 in Waco, Texas. Harvey was born on April 19, 1923 in Monticello, Arkansas, to Bookter and Francis Boyd. He graduated from Drew Central High School in 1941, where he met the love of his life, Mary Jean Bulloch. However, before they were married, World War II was declared, and Harvey volunteered for the Army Air Corps. Harvey served as a mechanic and instructor before earning his pilot wings. He flew the P51, A36, and P47 in combat over Italy and southern France, earning numerous citations culminating with the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Returning to Arkansas, he married Mary Jean on November 12, 1944. Harvey began a career in sales at the MM Cohn Company, and a son was born in 1948. Harvey was back on active duty for the Korean conflict, serving as an intelligence officer, as well as flying a few jets. Harvey continued his career in sales, but moved into the insurance business as well as serving in the Air National Guard, and retired from both by the age of 62. Harvey’s ability to communicate kept him busy in his early retirement years by being an instructor for insurance agents and the State Board of Insurance. He taught Sunday School at Second Baptist Church as well.

Anyone who knew Harvey learned quickly of his unwavering faith in God’s guidance in his life, his caring and loving nature for the people around him, and the devotion to his wife of 62 years. Just ask the folks at Parkway Village, where he spent more than 20 years; he was a caretaker not only for his family but anyone who was blessed to be his friend.

Harvey is survived by his son, Jack and wife, Debbie; his granddaughter, Amanda Selman; great-grandchildren, Ashton and McKenna Selman; nieces, Jamie Hall, Ann Anderson, Jean Lehmann, Cindy Carter and Wanda Sue Woods; and nephew, Bob Bulloch.

Services will be held 10 a.m., Monday, April 10, 2017, at Second Baptist Church Downtown, 222 E. 8th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, with Preston Clegg officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Pallbearers are Jim Maloch, Larry Cheatham, Bob Rollins, Doris Cain, Travis Beard, and Joe Timmons. The family would like to express their love and appreciation for Second Baptist Church family and the wonderful people of the community at Parkway Village. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.