Obituaries
Pulaski County
KAREN DANDRIDGE GOREE, 62, made her transition on February 10, 2018. She leaves to mourn her loving husband, John Heck
Goree; her father, Rev. Eldrid Dandridge; a son Dr. Johnathan Heck
Goree (Maya), along with two grandsons, Jeremiah Heck and Jonas Phipps; a daughter, Jessica Ressie Goree; one brother, Rev. Stanley Jerome Dandridge (Barbara); three uncles, Willie Brown Jr. (Dorothy), George Edward Brown, and Edmond Earl Dandridge (Oletha); two aunts, Alvetta Dandridge Jackson and Linda Brown Williams; along with a host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. Friday, February 16, at N.J. & Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 12 S. Parkway West, Memphis, Tenn. Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17 at Berean Baptist Church, 1666 E. Raines Rd. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery.
–––––❖––––– DAVID LEROY GRIMM SR., age 60, of Sherwood, passed away
on February 10, 2018. He was born on July 13, 1957, in Tarrant County Texas to Robert Glenn
Grimm and Audrey June Fraser.
David was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey
June Fraser and his sister, Rhonda Epperson.
David is survived by his father, Robert Glenn Grimm; his son, David Grimm, Jr (Dayna); his daughter, Trisha Lewis; siblings Robyn Chase, Alan Grimm, and Reba Ziegler; and grandchildren, Lily Grimm, Mackinzie Lenoci, and Allyson Lewis.
Memorial Service will be held Monday, February 26, 2 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 9860 Brockington Road, Sherwood, Arkansas, 501-835-1214. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main St, Jacksonville, 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– CHARLES RAY HALE, 50, of Little Rock, passed away Wednesday, February
7, 2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife; Rose
Hale, father;
Robert L. Hale,
Sr., his children; Derunn
Hale and Logan
Hale, a brother;
Robert L. Hale
Jr. and a host of relatives and friends. The family will receive friends tomorrow from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Hardy Funeral Home Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street. (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.
–––––❖––––– NATHANIEL “SONNY” JOSEPH HOLLOWAY JR. of Little Rock, passed away February 8, 2018. The memorial service will be Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Temple of Restoration COGIC, 10610 Chicot Rd., Mabelvale, Ark. Rev. Robert Robinson will be officiating the service. All floral arrangements can be sent to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202.
–––––❖–––––
At 2:42 p.m. on Wednesday February 14, 2018, in Little Rock, Arkansas, BETTY LOOP got a call from Jesus that HE needed her to come help with HIS Garden. HE knew of her special talents with flowers and told her to COME HOME! and plant those seeds that grow so well under Your tender fingers. The Flowers in the Gardens of Heaven will surely be blessed.
Betty Pearl Hoff Loop was born on November 15, 1935, in Copan, Oklahoma. Orphaned at an early age, Betty (or Betsie) was fostered from by Dr. Maurice H. & Orpha Merrill in Norman, Oklahoma.
She was preceded in death by her brother John Collins and her sister Jeanette Woods. She is also preceded in death by her husband Paul Loop and is survived by four children; Shirin Naifeh of Indiana, Melanie Boutiette of Little Rock, Arkansas, Mark Loop of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Cynthia Riley of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren; and two, soon to be three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 3 p.m. in the chapel at Ruebel Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– Obituary correction for GARY JOE MORPHEW of Little Rock, Arkansas, ran in the Feb. 14, 2018, edition of this paper. That obituary stated that Amy Lewis Kelly and Greta Lewis are daughters of the deceased. They were in fact Mr. Morphew’s step-daughters. Ms. Lewis Kelly’s daughter, Hannah Joellen Kelly is not Mr. Morphew’s grandchild.
–––––❖––––– JOHN JAMES WALLACE after a long and wonderful life of 91 years finished his course and kept the faith.
He was born September 3,
1926, in the countryside of Cleveland
County. He died on Monday, February 12,
2018. His parents were Grover Cleveland Wallace and Alice Sandine. Growing up and living in Rison, Arkansas, he met his future wife Pebble Miller and they were married in June, 1947. Pebble died in September, 2016 after a long illness. John watched over her daily for 3 years showing everyone his commitment “for better or worse”. They shared 69 years of marriage here on earth and are now enjoying the glory of the Lord together in a far, far better place.
After being honorably discharged from the Army Air Corp in 1947 achieving the rank of Sergeant, he went to work for Arkansas Power and Light in their warehouses. As an avid “Ham” radio operator he learned about radio waves, and telecommunications. Over 40 years he worked his way up the ladder at AP&L to become their Manager of Telecommunications. To all his older co-workers and friends, he was known as “Red”, which makes no sense to us who have known him later in life. John was called this because of his earlier in life red hair, which for most of his later life, the red hair had gone missing.
The constant in John’s life has been his faith in Jesus Christ. He and Pebble faithfully served and supported the Lord’s churches in McGehee, Pine Bluff and Little Rock. They were an integral part of the ministry and vitality in each church they loved and knew. Their dedication to these churches is the very definition of faithfulness and commitment.
The poet and philosopher John Donne wrote, “No man is an island entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” For us who have known John, Pops, Uncle Jimmy, Dad, and Red, he is in our DNA. His steadfastness, faithfulness, and goodness live in us and we are the better for it.
John has “finished the course, fought the good fight, and kept the faith…there is a crown of righteousness laid up for him, that the Lord Himself will give him.”
John has already greeted these family members and loved ones, wife, Pebble Miller Wallace; sisters, Mariam Harvill and Helen White. These remain and are the better for having known and loved him, daughter, Linda Marie (Mitch) Tapson of Little Rock; three granddaughters, Leslie Harper, Julie (Trey) Elliott, Emily (Brent) Pierce; eight great grandchildren, Chloe Harper, Avery Harper, Emma Kate Elliott, Preston Elliott, Levi Elliott, Maddox Pierce, Addison Pierce, Luke Pierce; and sister, Esther Hudson of Monticello.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Woodlawn Baptist Church, 5520 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 with Reverend Mitch Tapson and Reverend Billy Bowie officiating. A visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. A brief graveside service will be held at Rowell Cemetery in Rowell following the funeral services. Memorials may be made to Little Rock Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212. Funeral arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison. You may sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com.
Arkansas
BATESVILLE — Kenneth Eugene Allen Jr., 50, passed away Tuesday, February 13th, 2018.
He was born
July 5th, 1967, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He proudly served his country in the United
States Marine
Corps. He was a Christian believer and a member of the First Baptist Church. He was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed fishing and floating on rivers. He enjoyed time spent with his family and his service dog, Turbo, and other dog, Oscar.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, J.T. and Dorothy Allen of Trumann; and M.D. and Sarah McWayne of Trumann. He is survived by his parents, Kenneth Eugene Allen Sr. and Sarah (McWayne) Allen; his wife, who was his 5th grade sweetheart, Pamela Allen; his son, Kenneth Allen III “Trey” and his step-son, Brannen Storm Tipton; two sisters, Stacey Branscum and her husband, Marc, and Melissa Grice and her husband, Duane; several nephews; and a host of extended family members and friends.
Visitation will be Friday, February 16th from 6-8 p.m. and the funeral service will be Saturday at 2 p.m., both at the Willis Funeral Service Chapel with Bro. Justin Burge and Bro. Keith Co- thrine officiating. Burial will follow at Egner Cemetery.
Pallbearers include, Keith Cothrine, Duane Grice, Brannen Storm Tipton, Marc Branscum, Zachery Branscum, and Lucas Branscum. Honorary Pallbearers include, Alex Branscum, Gerald McWayne, Darrel McWayne, Morgan Grice, Jordan Grice, and Kenneth Allen III “Trey”.
–––––❖––––– BENTON — Laverne Brown, 86, of Benton, passed away on February 14, 2018.
She was born on February 21,
1931, in Alexander, Arkansas, to the late
Charles Edward and Rena Clements Lockert.
She was a member of Calvary
Baptist Church.
Laverne was retired from Safeway (Harvest Foods).
Laverne was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Brown, daughter, Debbie Lynn Brown, and several brothers and sisters. She is survived by daughters, Dianne G. (Ben) Janacek of Mt. Ida, Peggy Moore of Benton, Susan Brown of Benton, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 17 with Rev. Clif Springer officiating. There will be an open visitation Friday. The family would like to give a special thank you to the Montgomery County Assisted Living for their loving care during her stay. On line guestbook at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– BUCKNER — Edward Wayne Cearley, age 58, of Buckner, Arkansas, passed away February 8, 2018. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. February 19, 2018, at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel In Stamps, Ark., with Bro. John Force officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Stamps.
–––––❖––––– CARLISLE — Wendy Ann Fincher, 62, of Carlisle passed away Sunday, February 11. She is survived by her husband, Samuel Gazzara. Cremation service entrusted to
Colonial Southern, 216 Court
Street, Carlisle.
(870) 552-1238. “Excellent service is a southern tradition.”
–––––❖––––– CLINTON — Elmer “Buddy” Ferren, 87, of Clinton, Arkansas, passed away February 12, 2018. Visitation is 10 a.m. February 17, with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home-Clinton, Arkansas. Interment will be at Crabtree Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donate to St. Jude’s Hospital. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Letha Dee Pruett, 88, of Conway, Ark., passed away February 15, 2018. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Friendship Baptist Church in Conway, with visitation one hour prior, interment to follow at Beryl Cemetery in Vilonia. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.
–––––❖––––– CONWAY — U.V. (Bea) Johnson Shelley passed into grace on Wednesday, February 14th. Visitation is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, February 16th at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral services are 3 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial following at Oak Grove Cemetery. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.
–––––❖––––– COTTON PLANT — Lee James (L.J.) Brock, 91, of Cotton Plant, died Monday evening, February 12 at Arkansas Hospice
Center in Little Rock. Seven daughters and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends survive him. Visitation will be Saturday evening, February 17 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Branscumb Funeral Home Chapel, 911 North Main Street in Brinkley. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 18 at 2 p.m. at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 19311 Highway 17 in Cotton Plant. Interment will take place at Morning Star Cemetery by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 734-2772. email: branscumbfuneralhome1928@ yahoo.com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home.
–––––❖––––– DENNARD — Eugene Lloyd Childress Jr., 78, of Dennard, passed away on February 8, 2018, after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on November 28, 1939, to Betty Catherine (Davis) and Eugene Lloyd Childress.
Gene retired from the United States Air Force after faithfully serving his country for twenty years. After the Air Force, he became an independent contractor and Handyman.
He enjoyed helping his neighbors and friends whenever he could. Gene was an avid outdoorsman, who cherished his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, while hunting, fishing, and capturing nature in all its beauty through photography, his other passion.
He was proceeded in death by both of his parents; a grandson, Paul Childress, and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of almost 20 years, Anita; one sister, Betty Newton of Amelia Courthouse, Va.; one daughter, Gina Fulmer (Robert) of Jacksonville, Ark., and three sons, Eugene Lloyd Childress III (Lou Ann) of Bremerton, Wash., Vince Childress (Karen) of San Antonio, Texas, and Chris Rector (Michelle) of Conway, Ark., 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Gene was a kind and loving person who never met a stranger. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that everyone who knew him to “pay it forward” by being kind to one another and love each other without reservation.
There will be a Celebration of his Life at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service. To sign Eugene Childress’s Book of Memories, please go to www.clintonfuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– EL DORADO — Maxine Garris Collins Jones, 85, of El Dorado passed away February 12,
2018. Born November 26,
1932, in Wesson, she was the daughter of
Alden and Ethel
Adams Garris.
She was the oldest of seven children, growing up in Wesson and attending Junction City High School and later business school in El Dorado. While in high school Maxine was named Most Outstanding Athlete for her ability on the basketball team. During her teen years Maxine learned to sew and made many of her own clothes.
She later married John M. “Rip” Collins, a recent forestry graduate from the University of Florida. They began their married life in Malvern where Rip was employed by International Paper Co and Maxine worked at Acme Brick payroll department. Rip was later transferred to Sheridan with IP and Maxine worked for Williams Lumber Co.
Another transfer for Rip sent them to Rison for a short time and then to El Dorado for several years then to Pine Bluff. A later transfer sent the family to Camden where Rip passed away in 1997 after 45 years of marriage. She worked at the Hush Puppy Restaurant in Camden and the Duck Inn on weekend nights. Maxine took up bowling along the way and traveled to many tournaments and was the Arkansas State Tournament winner in Fayetteville one year. She also loved growing flowers and learned to make jelly and jam for entry in the Camden Fair and to share with friends.
Maxine enjoyed working in the churches wherever she lived and taking part in all the activities that she could. Maxine served as Treasurer of the Camden Women’s Golf Association for six years and President of the Camden Women’s Bowling Association. Maxine later married her high school friend, Frank Taylor Jones, Jr. in El Dorado, enjoying a year and a half marriage before Frank passed away.
While a member of First Baptist Church of El Dorado she served on the Flower Committee, Senior Choir and was an active member of the Parlor Sunday School Class.
Preceding her in death along with her parents are her husbands, a son, Greg Collins and a brother, Howard Garris. Survivors include a son, Scott Collins of Stephens, a brother, Elton Garris (Annette) of El Dorado and sisters, Amy Thorne of Marietta, Ga., Relda Huitt (Kenny) of Junction City, Mary Lou Fischer of Allison Park, Pa., Francis “Teal” Combs (Dean) of Spring, Texas, along with a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018, at First Baptist Church of El Dorado with Rev. LaMont Harris and Rev. Charles Ainsworth officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2018, at Young’s. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Main St., El Dorado, Ark. 71730, or to Cullendale First Baptist Church, 1850 Cash Rd. SW, Camden, Ark. 71701. An online registry will be available at www. youngsfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– EL DORADO — Virginia Maxine Marcott, 89, of El Dorado, Ark.; died on February 11, 2018. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018, in the Chapel of Young’s Funeral Directors. Interment will follow at Craig Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour prior to services. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– FLIPPIN — Arrangements are pending at Roller Funeral Home for 64 year old Peter Randolf Sharp of Flippin, Ark. Mr. Sharp passed away Wednesday, February 14, in Flippin.
–––––❖––––– GREENBRIER — Ralph Oliver Adams, 74, of Greenbrier, passed away on February 14, 2018. A memorial service for Ralph will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Hutch’s Auction Barn. Arrangements handled by Bishop-Crites Funeral Home, 108 N Broadview in Greenbrier. 501679-4400. www.bishopcritesfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– GREENBRIER — Lanna June Evans DeHart, 71, of Greenbrier, died on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at Greenbrier Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a graceful and determined battle with cancer. She was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1946, in Conway to T.B. and Annie Lou Evans.
Lanna was larger-than-life, bold and humorous, and giving and resourceful. She was a faithful Christian, a beloved mother, grandmother and friend, a talented seamstress, and an enthusiastic hunter and fisherman. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she proudly achieved perfect attendance until her health began declining.
She lived out her final months in the peace of God, surrounded by family and friends of whom she was most proud, and with the joy of having lived a full and meaningful life.
Long live the love that flows down and through and onto all of us because she lived.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Virginia Lee Evans. She is survived by her brother, Tim Evans of Pleasant Valley; her sister, Charlotte Moffitt (Dale) of Conway; sons, Rickey (Kim) Reynolds and Terry (Lori) Reynolds of Greenbrier; grandchildren, Megan (John) Bailey, Mitch (Haley) Reynolds, Sara (Kevin) Moore, Mallori (Travis) Kunkel, Rustin (Caroline) Reynolds and Lacey (Barrie) O’Bannon; great-grandchildren, Jillian Cates, Noah and Sophia Stahl, Camden O’Bannon, Rhett and Wyatt Moore, Claire Reynolds, and Ryder and Riverlyn Reynolds; and countless other relatives and friends who loved and cherished her throughout her life.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Shady Grove with Brothers Danny Fagala and Shawn Hammontree officiating, followed by interment at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Pallbearers are grandsons: Mitch Reynolds, Travis Kunkel, John Bailey, Kevin Moore, Rustin Reynolds and Barrie O’Bannon.
Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 16, at Bishop-Crites Funeral Home in Greenbrier. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in celebration of her legacy be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Food Pantry. Arrangements handled by Bishop-Crites Funeral Home, 108 N Broadview in Greenbrier. 501-679-4400. www.bishopcritesfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– GRUBBS — Virginia Lee Moore, 74, of Grubbs departed this life Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018, at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Ballews Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:30-2 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. www.dillingerfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– JUNCTION CITY — Carolyn Hall, 76, passed away on January 16, 2018. Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday, February 17, at 2 p.m. at Scotland Presbyterian Church in Junction City, 2048 Wesson Road. We invite you to bring your favorite desserts and join us in fellowship after the service. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– MAGNOLIA — Everett Donald “Don” Marshall, 86, of Magnolia passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Lewis Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 2 p.m. with Bro Steve Ford officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.
–––––❖––––– McCRORY — Susie Poindexter, age 103, died February 12, 2018. She was born April 1, 1914. Visitation is 12 noon Saturday with Funeral following at 1 p.m., Rhodes & Son Chapel, Augusta. Survived by two sons,
six daughters, 57 grandchildren, 142 great-grandchildren, 122 great-great-grandchildren, 51 great-great-great-grandchildren, host of nieces & nephews.
–––––❖––––– MITCHELLVILLE — Mrs. Georgia Harrell-Griswold, 87, of Mitchellville, Ark. passed Wednesday, February 7, 2018. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Bethlehem C.O.G.I.C. in Dumas with Superintendent Timothy Jones officiating. Burial will be in New Light Cemetery in Tillar, Ark. by Brown Funeral home of Dumas, Ark.
–––––❖–––––
PINE BLUFF — Mrs. Edna Briggs-Green, 80, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas passed February 11, 2018. Service will be Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 12:30 p.m., at Trinity Church of God of God in Christ. Interment will be in Macedonia Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.
–––––❖––––– ROSSTON — Jerry Sherman, 51, Rosston, passed February 6, 2018. Survivors: wife, Lisa Sherman; mother, Dorthea Brown; sons, Shaundriel Blakely, Antwann (Crystal) Blakely, Jerrell Sherman; five grandchildren; siblings, nieces, nephews and special friends. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Nevada High School. Services provided by Williams Funeral Home-Arkadelphia. Sign guestbook at www.funeralsatwilliams.com.
–––––❖––––– RUSSELLVILE — Leroy C. Riddley, 92, of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away Friday February 9,
2018. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Betty Riddley; children,
Brenda Harris,
Marva Wade
(Ken), Sheryl
Riddley, Anita
Riddley and David Riddley; a sister, Catherine Melvin and a host of relatives and friends. The family will receive friends tomorrow from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. with services beginning at 11 a.m., at New Prospect Baptist Church, 321 South Houston Avenue in Russellville, Arkansas. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street. (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook, visit www. hardyfunerealhomeinc.com.
–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Buel Max Gillham, 92, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away on February 14, 2018. Services will be at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home Chapel on February 16, 2018 with visitation at 1 p.m. and service to follow at 2 p.m. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Searcy. Online gustbook: rollerdanielfuneralhomes.com.
–––––❖––––– SOUTHSIDE — Richard Snyder, 74, of Southside, died on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Funeral: 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at Southside United Methodist Church. Visitation: 12-1:30 p.m. at the church Saturday. Memorials: Independence County Humane Society, #5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, Ark. 72501 or Southside United Methodist Church, c/o Roger Hook, P.O. Box 52, Floral, Ark. 72534. www.rollerfuneralhomes. com/batesville.
–––––❖––––– THIDA — Rickey Morris Rochner, 69, of Thida, departed this life Wednesday, February 14, 2018. He was born June 24, 1948 in DeWitt, Arkansas to the late Jeff and Hazel (Bullock) Rochner.
Rickey was a Hardwood Lumber Inspector for years. He loved his grandbabies. Rickey was a story teller. He loved telling stories over nothing just to make people laugh. He enjoyed woodwork, hunting, gardening, and yardwork. Rickey was an Arkansas Razorback fan.
He is preceded in death by one daughter, April Schrunk; one brother, Don Wheeler; one sister, Mary Berryman; and his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, Janet (Davidson) Rochner; two grandchildren, Shelby Floyd and Rickey Dean Floyd; one brother, Mickey Rochner; nephew, Larry Wheeler; niece, Margaret Camp; friends and neighbors, B.J. and Dale; several cousins, and Inlaws. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Bradford Memorial Funeral Home Chapel from 12-2 p.m. Services will begin immediately at 2 p.m. with Bro. Don Robinson officiating. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Bradford Memorial Funeral Home of Bradford, Arkansas. –––––❖––––– WARD — Don Yielding of Ward, age 70, died on February 8, 2018. He was born on August 30, 1947, to Charlie and Louise Yielding in Beebe, Arkansas, and he grew up in
Lonoke County on his family’s dairy farm. He graduated from
Cabot High in
1965 and enlisted in the U.S.
Army, serving his country in Vietnam.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his in-laws and two nephews, Todd and Jason Yielding. He leaves behind his best friend, travel companion and wife of 38 years, Melanee Yielding, their son, Chris Yielding, daughter-in-law, Winter Yielding and the three most precious things in the world to him, his grandchildren, Abigail, Audrey and Lucas Yielding, all of Ward; brother, Charles Yielding and sister-in-law Suzie of Ward; sister, Jerri Sue Ray and brotherin-law Gary of Cabot; sister-inlaw and brother- in-law, Jana and Bill Shafer of Newport Beach, California; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, as well as friends, especially his four-legged best friend, Buddy.
Don had a huge heart, although he tried to keep that fact a secret. There were several organizations close to his heart that he gave to regularly with the stipulation that they not reveal that he was the donor. He never missed an opportunity to help a friend or loved one. But he wanted no recognition for the good things he did. He did those things because he cared about people. He loved his family above all else, and that includes all of his special nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home with service to follow at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church (Brown bag ministry) 4100 Highway 89 South, Cabot, Ark. 72023, Arkansas Stop the Violence Movement, 6414 Baseline Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72209, The American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice. Online guestbook, www.moorescabotfuneralhome. com.
–––––❖––––– WARREN — David McClain, age 58, of Warren, Ark. died Thursday, February 15th at the Jefferson Regional Medical center in Pine Bluff, Ark. Graveside services 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 16th at Oakland Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Burial: Oakland Cemetery. Visitation: 1 p.m. Friday till service time at Oakland Cemetery. Online guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome. com.
–––––❖––––– WHITE HALL — Vernon Brickey, age 83, of White Hall, passed away Thursday, February 15, 2018. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 17, 2018, 10:30 a.m. at Shannon Road Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Fitzhugh Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Cranford Funeral Home in White Hall. Online condolences: CranfordFH. com.
Out-of-state
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Veotis Owens, 75, of Kansas City, Mo., departed this life Monday, February 5,
2018. Mr. Owens formerly of Wrightsville, Arkansas, attended JC Cook High
School and later moved to
Kansas City, Missouri.
Both parents of Mr. Owens, Robert and Zeola Owens and three brothers Earl, Jimmy and Floyd preceded him in death. He is survived by wife, Celeste; daughter, Gina and son Stephen; eight sisters, Gladys White, Quintella Jones, Pecolia Owens, Veora Saunders, Margie Hadley, Linda Owens, Bridgette Norman and Tracey Owens; and one brother, Spencer.
Services will be visitation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Funeral 11 a.m. at Greater Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 4600 Cleveland Ave., Kansas City, Mo., followed by burial at Blue Ridge Lawn Cemetery. Funeral Services entrusted to Serenity Memorial Chapel, 2510 E 72nd Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64132. www.serenitymemorialchapelkc@gmail.com.
–––––❖––––– JACKSON, Tenn. — Kathleen Strickland Bell, age 91, passed away February 14, 2018, in Jackson, Tennessee. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, February 17, at Lemley Chapel in Atkins. Visitation will be held from noon-2 p.m. prior to services. Online obituary and condolences are available at www. lemleyfuneral.com.
–––––❖––––– MEMPHIS — Margie V. Lowe, 97, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, February 13th, 2018. She was born in Winfield, Louisiana, on June 30th, 1920, to Cornelius and Bettie Frazier. She had two brothers, Rex and Luther, and two sisters Gladys and Colean, all of which are deceased. Winfield is where she met the love of her life, G.W. Lowe. Margie and G.W. loved to fish together and she would also go and be the cook on all the deer hunts. They also loved to garden and they taught their kids how to do it too. Their whole married life they were active in church at Mountain Terrace Baptist Church and Georgian Hills Baptist Church. Later in life they served at Bellevue Baptist Church where they had many lifelong friends. Family and friends will gather on Saturday, February 17, beginning at 9 a.m. in the morning until funeral services begin at 10 a.m. all at Family Funeral Care, 4924 Summer Avenue, Memphis, Tenn. 38122.
Margie was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Lowe, daughter, Bettie Davis, grandson, Steve Davis and granddaughter, April Kelly. She is survived by daughters, Kathy Pitt & Cheryl Kitchens; son, George Lowe; siblings Rex Frazier, Luther Frazier, Gladys Frazier Johnson, and Colean Frazier Cutrer; grandchildren Karen Davis Foster, Jennifer Parker, Ryan Pitt, Scott Pitt, Jason Kitchens, Dr. Michael Kitchens, Kevin Kitchens, Dr. Brandon Kitchens, Amanda Clark, Audra Lowe; and 26 great-grandchildren.
The family requests any memorials in Margie’s honor be sent to Bellevue Baptist Church. Online condolences may be offered through www.familyfuneralmemphis.com.
–––––❖––––– TEXARKANA, Texas — Barbara Ann Hill, age 74, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away January 25, 2018. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2018, at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Stamps, Ark., with Bro. John Force officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Stamps.
–––––❖––––– MIDLOTHIAN, Va. — Frances C. Fortner, beloved wife of William W. Fortner for
73 years, went to be with our
Lord on February 8, 2018. She was born on September 14,
1927, and lived in Midlothian,
Va., previously living for 41 years in Little
Rock, Ark.
She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas Lewis Fortner. She is survived by her husband, Bill Fortner, daughter, Dana Ritchie, son-in-law, Jack Ritchie, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
She worked four years at the Louisiana Agriculture Extension Service while her husband attended Louisiana Tech and she later worked many years with Manpower Temp.
Services in Little Rock, Ark., until she retired. She was a faithful member of Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church and she loved her church and family.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, at Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church, 1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive, Midlothian, Va. 23113, with a reception to follow. She will be laid to rest at a later date at The Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church.
–––––❖––––– POQUOSON, Va. — Bonner Grier Davis, Jr., (Chief Master Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Ret.), age 90, of Poquoson, Va., died Tuesday, February 13, 2018, at Warrick Forrest in Newport News, Va. He was born in 1927, in Warren, Ark., the son of the late Bonner Grier Davis and Eva Grace Pennington Davis. Bonner (Jack) was retired from the U.S. Air Force and the Civil Service with 37 years of service. His grandchildren were the apple of his eye and joy of his life. He thoroughly enjoyed helping raise Bailee and Davis and watching their sports events.
Survivors include his wife, Beatrice M. Ferrell Davis, whom he married in 1948, the love of his life for 70 years. A son, Bonner Grier Davis III, of Washington, D.C.; a daughter, Tracye Davis Ireland and her spouse John A. of Poquoson, Va.; one sister, Jimmie L. Moseley of Pine Bluff, Ark.; and a granddaughter, Bailee Elizabeth Ireland Ewell and her husband, Lucas; and grandson John Davis Ireland.
The family extends a special thanks to the nurses and staff at Warwick Forest. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial, with military honors, is in Oakland Cemetery, Warren, Arkansas, by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17, until service time at Frazer’s. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com.