Obituaries
OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.
Pulaski County
JUDY MARIE SORENSEN BRADSHER, 73, of Sherwood, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, Oct.
25, 2018, in time for her mother’s birthday party in heaven.
She was born on July 24, 1945 in Little Rock, to the late Donald and Bettie Sorensen. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Dale Steven Sorensen and David Michael Sorensen.
She is survived by daughters Rebecca Ann Pruitt and Julie Gail Brown; brothers Donald Floyd Sorensen (Allene) and Roger Dean Sorensen (Maria); sister-in-law Lynnette Sorensen; grandchildren Austen Brown (Brandi), Nathan West, Blair Griffin, and Sam Pruitt; great-grandchildren Asher and Keeley Brown, and Cristian Banut; nieces Barbra Power (Mark), Michelle Sorensen, Sofia Sorensen, Raquel Sorensen and Grace Sorensen; great-nephews Ian and Noah Power; and her loving companion John Hills.
Judy retired from Southwestern Bell after 32 years of service. She then followed her true passion and became a Pulaski County Master Gardener and was employed by Hines Nursery and Botanica Gardens. She was a member of the Southwestern Bell Pioneers and Night Bloomers Garden Club and spent numerous hours volunteering for the American Cancer Society.
Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m., with a memorial service following at 3 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers (Lord knows we have plenty), memorials may be sent to the Sherwood Animal Shelter, American Cancer Society, or the charity of your choice. To offer condolences and share memories of Judy with her family, visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com.
–––––❖––––– EDNA S. DANIELS, 93, passed away Sept. 18, 2018 at Cave City Nursing Home in Sharp County,
Ark. Ms. Edna was born on
Sept. 29, 1924 to James Alfred Sullivan and
Floy Ramsey in
Hodges, Ala.
She is survived by daughter, Cynthia
Daniels and son-in-law, James Martin. She is predeceased by her parents and eight older siblings.
Her life and dedication to others will be celebrated Thursday, Nov. 1, 1:30 p.m. at Parkway Place Baptist Church located 300 Parkway Place Drive in Little Rock. Pastor Steve Parker will preside. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency (ARORA) 1701 Aldersgate Road, Ste. 4, Little Rock 72205 or The Harrison House, 704 South Valentine, Little Rock 72205.
–––––❖––––– EDWARD BROWN DIXON, JR. passed away Oct. 25, 2018 at his home. He was born Sept. 20,
1946 in Greenville, Miss., to the late Edward and Sallie Dixon.
Mr. Dixon was a retired laborer who enjoyed reading and taking care of his family.
He leaves to cherish his memories his children, Michelle Dixon, Darcell Dixon and Vernell Dixon; four brothers, James Dixon, Thomas Dixon, Melvin Dixon, and Paul Dixon; a sister, Evelyn McCoy; four granddaughters and one great-grandchild.
Cremation arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www. ruebelfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– CAROLYN DOLLAR, 89, of North Little Rock, passed away Oct. 24, 2018. She was born July 13, 1929 to Roy and Thay
Mosley Quinn in Nashville,
Tenn. Carolyn enjoyed spending time at the
NLR Hayes Center and was a member of Faith
Baptist Church.
She is survived by her sons, Thomas Dollar, of NLR, and Ricky Dollar, of Seattle, Wash.; grandchildren, Amanda Dollar, Michelle Dollar, Rickey Dollar Jr., and Dustin Dollar; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Katherine Jean Ross, of Cabot, and Peggy Penny, of NLR; and brother, Franklin Quinn, of San Angelo, Texas. Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Leroy Thomas Dollar Jr.; son, Jeffery Dollar; brothers, Jerry Quinn and Jack Quinn; and sister, Jacqueline Quinn.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home, 7700 Hwy 107, Sherwood, Ark. Funeral services will be Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Edgewood Memorial Park.
Please visit www.smithsherwoodfuneralhome.com to sign online guestbook.
–––––❖–––– RALPH BERNARD HENDERSON, age 78, of Little Rock passed peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness. Bernie, as he was known to family and friends, was born at his grandparents’ house in Imboden, Ark., on June 24, 1940, to Ralph Graydon Henderson and Nova Glenn Freeman Henderson, who preceded him in death.
Bernie attended the Little Rock Public Schools and was a proud member of the Little Rock Central
Class of 1958. He attended LRU and pursued a career in the grocery business, after which he had a long career in sales.
In retirement, Bernie enjoyed weekly golf games with high school friends, birthday and holiday gatherings with his blended family, and the close, loving companionship of his wife, Mary Beth, who also preceded him in death.
Bernie handled the hardships of the past eighteen months with grace and strength. Due to the devoted care of his son, Bret, Bernie was able to live at home following a spinal stroke. His German Shepherd, Elvis, was his constant companion. Bernie was also cared for by Antonio Rice, Charlotte Butler, and his daughter, Julie.
In addition to Bret and Julie, Bernie is survived by his grandson, Justin; Bret’s wife, Carrie; Julie’s husband, Doug; his bonus daughter, Kelly Breland and family; and his cousin, Beth Henderson Abbott.
No services are planned. Bernie’s family would welcome donations to CARE for Animals, Inc., 5516 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, Ark. 72207.
Cremation arrangements entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
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It is with great sadness that the family of SANDRA KIDD JONES announces her passing on Thursday,
Sept. 20, 2018, at the age of 77 years.
She was born on Aug. 11,
1941 in Tulsa,
Okla. She was the daughter of
Donald and Vera
Kidd. She was a member of the North Little Rock First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, Ark., and a former member of the First United Methodist Church in Bryant, Ark. She was a 1959 graduate of Sylvan Hills High School. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bob Jones, and son Christopher Davis. She is survived by her daughters, Mendy (Michael) Bull of White House, Tenn., and Rebecca (Mark) Wilson of North Little Rock. She is survived by her five grandchildren, Matthew and Marshall Bull, Corbin and Anna Reeves, and Samuel Wilson; and one great-grandchild, Ronald Kidd IV. She is also survived by her sisters Donna (Pat) Keebey of St. Petersburg, Mo., Sharon (Buz) Snow of Little Rock, Ark., and her brother Larry (Terri) Kidd of Millington, Tenn. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews. A memorial will be held on Nov. 3 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills in North Little Rock, Ark. Visitation is at 1 p.m. and the service is at 2 p.m. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren.
–––––❖––––– RICHARD ALAN MARTIN, 51, of North Little Rock passed away Thursday, October 25, 2018. Survivors include son Nicholas Martin (Katie) and daughter Ashley Kempsell; three grandchildren; brother, Jeremy Martin and sisters, Tammy Maloney, Shirley McGinty, and Sharon Quinn. Cremation services by Smith-Sherwood
Funeral Home. Online guest register www.smithsherwoodfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– JAMES DOYLE “J.D.” McGEE of Little Rock, loving dad, granddaddy, great-granddaddy, brother and friend, died
Oct. 21, 2018, following a brief illness. He gave everything he had with a genuine, caring spirit in life, and leaves a cherished legacy in death.
J.D. was born
June 22, 1927 in
Little Rock, Ark., to Gola Dean St.
John and James
Floyd McGee.
He grew up in Mabelvale, where he was active in sports and Salutatorian of his 1945 graduating class. A child of The Great Depression, J.D. enlisted in the US Navy just before the end of WWII and served on the USS General J.C. Breckenridge, transporting US soldiers home from China. Until the time of his death, he was one of the youngest remaining survivors of that great war.
Following his honorable discharge, J.D. returned to Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) where he lettered on the 1947 football team that went undefeated as AIC Champs and played basketball and baseball. Upon graduation, J.D. began his teaching and coaching career at Siloam Springs High School, where he met the love of his life, Retha Thompson. Three months later, he married her on Dec. 23, 1950. He taught and coached football, basketball, track and baseball teams there that were routinely successful. J.D. received his Master’s Degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1954, where he became an avid Razorbacks fan. Over the next five years, J.D. was a classroom teacher and coached at West Side Jr. High in Little Rock and Washington High School in Kansas City, Kan.
In the fall of 1957, J. D. returned to Little Rock, where he became the first basketball coach at Hall High School, posting a winning record with underclassmen and winning the school’s first trophy. When the LR high schools were closed during the integration crisis of 1958, the LRSD Superintendent asked J.D. to become an administrator and he served over the next years of his career as principal of Rightsell Elementary, Pulaski Heights Jr. High and Forest Heights Jr. High. J.D. also served as Associate Superintendent of Secondary Education for the district, and especially enjoyed one semester as the interim principal of LR Central HS.
J.D. loved working with students and had a special gift for practicing “tough love”, helping to shape their lives in a positive way. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his former students, and long after he retired, former athletes and teachers would recognize him and enjoy sharing fond memories of their school years together. He especially enjoyed the class reunions of the “Lost Class” of 1959. J.D. excelled at working with fellow teachers after becoming an administrator and served as the Arkansas representative to the North Central Accreditation Association on the National NCA Committee. He was also a member of the Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, President of the LRSD Administrative Staff Association, Arkansas State Advisory Committee for North Central Accrediting Association and selected as Administrator of the Year in 1977 by the LR Association of Educational Secretaries. He was a proud member of the Arkansas Activities Association Executive Committee for 10 years and served as President from 1978–1980.
In 1981, Retha and J.D. moved to Waldron, Ark., where he served as Superintendent of Schools until 1986. Following his retirement, they were active in the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association and J.D. served as president of Scott County Retired Teachers and Area 1 Director.
J.D. was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting, and he was excellent both on the water and in the woods. His favorite fishing was floating and wading the Fourche and Saline Rivers, and he fished Lake Ouachita from shortly after it was built in the 1950’s until his death. J.D. and Retha also enjoyed camping, picnicking and teaching their kids and grandkids how to ski on Lake Ouachita. A longtime member of Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation, he loved to hunt ducks, deer and small game until his late 40’s, at which time he began having easy access to the turkeys in the mountains surrounding Lake Ouachita. Once he had killed a turkey, there was no other game in Arkansas that he cared much about, because, as he put it, it took the most skill to be able to kill a turkey. After they bought a place at Crystal Springs, he immediately became addicted to hunting turkeys and remained that way until his death. J.D. also killed many turkeys over the years in Texas, Missouri and South Dakota. Even when he had an unsuccessful hunt, he always enjoyed the challenge and the relationship with other hunters he experienced. Being able to take his grandsons on the youth hunt was great fun and gave him another reason to hunt earlier in the season!
J.D. and Retha always enjoyed watching their grandchildren’s ball games, dance recitals, gymnastics meets and school performances, and after he retired, Granddaddy would bring along his camera so he could add new pictures to their photo albums. He was an avid reader throughout his life, and in his later years, he patronized the Thompson Library (CALS) where, since 2006, he had checked out and read 2,101 books. Anyone who knew J.D. could tell of his love for the Razorbacks in all sports. In his younger years, he had two tickets to the football games at War Memorial Stadium and he would take a different kid with him to each game, instilling that love for the Hogs in each of his children. He asked about the scores of Razorbacks’ baseball and football games up until the day he died, and his mind for the stats and plays, long forgotten to most, was sharp until the end.
In 2002, Retha and J.D. returned to Little Rock, where they spent five wonderful years together at Parkway Village. They quickly became involved in the activities and lives of the people there, and that community was instrumental in helping him grieve and survive her loss in 2007. J.D.’s influence on others was apparent by the outpouring of love, prayers and support during his final days. He will be greatly missed at Parkway Village.
Always a tremendous role model, J.D. was faithful to the Lord and to his churches, Immanuel Baptist in LR, and First Baptist in Waldron. He served for many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher and will be remembered for his encouraging attitude and faithful giving. J.D. was always honorable, genuine, kind and had a great sense of humor. His greatest joy in life was his four children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. J.D. was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 57 years, Retha. He leaves to cherish his memory three daughters and one son: Sharon Hallmark (Robert), Sandra Kurosaki (Ryan), Jim McGee (Janith) and Paula Pope (David); 11 grandchildren, Rob, Wes (Ashley) and Beth Hallmark, Jason (Megan), Drew (Ashley), and Aaron (Chris) Kurosaki, Meredith Helms (Taylor), Holly Walt (Jesse), Jay McGee, and Nicole and Andrea Pope. He was also blessed with 10 great-grandchildren in recent years: Anniston, Kaitlyn, Andrew, Sloan, Lila, Lydia, Audrey, Mary Jack, James and Olivia. J.D. is also survived by one brother, Neil McGee (Frankie); one sister, Evelyn Torbett; and his special friend and “sidekick”, Dianne Wood. His large, extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews will miss J.D. as well.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Rob, Jason, Wes, Drew, Aaron and Jay, and son-in-law David. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Ripley, Pat Jones, Terry Plummer, former players and the deacons of Immanuel Baptist Church.
The family would like to thank the SICU staff of the VA Hospital for their compassionate care of our hero. They always treated him with kindness and dignity and we are forever grateful.
Burial with military honors will be at Forest Hills Memorial Park at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, with Rev. Stan Parris officiating.
A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. in the Immanuel Baptist Church Sanctuary, led by Dr. Steven Smith and Rev. Rick Jaggars, and Visitation will follow in the church Gathering Hall.
Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building, Missions or Bereavement Funds, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72211. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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MARION SUE NIXON, 80, of Little Rock died peacefully October 25, 2018.
Born August 7,
1938 in Conway, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Donald
Pierce Nixon, Sr., originally from Springhill, Arkansas, and Eugenia Marie Courtney of Conway. Her parents preceded her in death.
Marion Sue Nixon – a loving sister, aunt, and friend helped hundreds celebrate happy occasions as a professional photographer for many years with her friend, Jody Guenther, and also served as office manager of the Little Rock Dermatology Clinic, where she worked for over 47 years.
Marion attended Our Lady of Good Council and Our Lady of the Holy Souls Schools and was a lifelong member of Holy Souls parish. Marion later excelled at basketball as a Most Valuable Player at Mount St. Mary Academy. Marion was an avid bowler and outdoor enthusiast. As a fifty-year member of the Lake Ouachita boating community, Marion shared her infectious laughter and welcoming spirit with family and friends and their children every summer.
Marion is survived by her brother Donald P. Nixon, Jr (Margaret), her beloved niece Brittany Nixon Brun (Trey) of Little Rock and nephew Pierce Nixon (Emily Binek) of Washington, D.C.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Mount St. Mary’s Academy in Little Rock, or the Carmelite Monastery of St. Teresa of Jesus in Little Rock.
Visitation will be Monday, October 29 from 5-7 pm at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home on 12th Street in Little Rock with a Rosary service immediately following at 7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, October 30, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church, Tyler & I Streets, Little Rock with Father John Marconi, celebrant. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
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JERRY NORMAN, 65, of Sherwood, Ark., passed away Oct. 24, 2018. He was born Sept. 15,
1953 in Jacksonville, Ark., to the late Thomas M. and Pearl Kyzer Norman. Jerry was of the Baptist faith and was a dedicated employee of
J.C. Penney for over 41 years, and he enjoyed spending time with his friends and family.
He is also preceded in death by his brothers Mike, Danny Paul, and Tracy Norman and sisters Gloria DiTommaso and Pat Williamson. Jerry is survived by his sisters Shirley Oppenlander (Chuck) and Faye Kidd (Benny); brothers Ray Norman (Olene) and Roger Norman; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville. Funeral services will take place Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018 at 10 a.m. at A Nat--
ural State Funeral Service, with burial to follow at Gravel Ridge Cemetery in Gravel Ridge, Ark. His online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
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CRet. Chief MSgt. CHARLES FRANKLIN WHITAKER, 83, of Jacksonville passed from this life on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at Conway Health Care in Conway. He was born Saturday, August 24, 1935 in Sulligent, Alabama to the late Lum Whitaker and Irene Odom Whitaker. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for twenty-three years. After retiring from the Air Force he was the Director of the University of Arkansas Physical Plant, retiring after thirty-three years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed meeting new people but found his greatest joy in his family. He was preceded in death by his sisters Frances Levalley; Alice Timbers; and Pauline Morton.
Survivors include his wife of Sixty-four years, Mary Lee Whitaker; children, Charles F. Whitaker JR (Sherry) of Dover, Ark., Trisha A Whitaker of Seattle, Wash., and Elizabeth R. Whitaker of Little Rock, Ark. Other survivors include nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; along with a host of extended family and friends.
Mass will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at St. Jude Catholic Church with Father Jeff Hebert as celebrant. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, 29, 2018 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Arrangements entrusted to Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– ROSIE WINSTEAD, 84, of Little Rock, went home to be with the Lord Friday afternoon, October 26, 2018, surrounded by her family. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 30 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Visitation will precede the service from 9:4510:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will follow the service at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501)224-2200. The full obituary will be published in Monday’s edition. Rosie’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Arkansas
ALEXANDER — Jerry Lee Ross, 75, of Alexander, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Survivors: wife of 56 years, Loma; children, Kenny Ross (Eda) and Rhonda Dove (Mark); nine grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Memorial Service: 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, Dial & Dudley Funeral Home. Visitation following. Online guestbook: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
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ARKADELPHIA — After many years of fighting cancer Alan Jay Dillavou, 71, won the victory and went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2018. He was born in Eldora, Iowa, on March 14, 1947, to Earl and Thelma Dillavou who both preceded him in death. His early years were spent in Malvern, Ark. Alan played baseball for the Malvern Boy’s Club and then was recruited to play for the Connie Mack team as a pitcher. He was known for his left handed curveball. The St. Louis Cardinals were interested in him at this time. Alan then joined the U.S. Air Force were he spent four years and was discharged at Matagorda Island, Texas. For a time he attended Henderson State University. Alan was saved while attending Taylor’s Chapel Church at Central and baptized in the river and later became a member of Third Street Baptist Church. He sang bass in the choir, recorded the pastor’s messages, coached the church softball team and also pitched for them. Alan taught Sunday school at the nursing home. He loved to fish, hunt, and golf and especially playing at the Caddo Creek Golf Course with his friends. Alan could also be found pitching for the Mill Creek Braves team in Arkadelphia. Of the many different jobs he held, the one he enjoyed most was being Mayor of Caddo Valley, Ark. His first task was to get the city out of arrears by selling some pine timber. This followed by building a playground, basketball court, bathrooms and a walking trail. He also got a grant from then-Governor Mike Beebe to help build the walking trail and put in many hours of labor himself to save the city some money. Alan helped get a tax passed for 6 months to help buy four new police cars for the city and was instrumental in getting some of the streets paved and updated by working with the County and Highway Departments to get stop lights installed in Caddo Valley. Coming to Little Rock to meet with the Municipal League and working with the late Don Zimmerman and mayors around the state was a delight to him.
Alan leaves behind his son, David Alan Dillavou of Arkadelphia, two sisters, Mary Downs (Arlis) of Little Rock, and Bethel Peters (Bobby) of Benton, three brothers, Dennis R. Dillavou of Locust Grove, Okla., Loran Dillavou (Sandy) of Little Rock and Willis Sams (Regina) of Hot Springs, as well as many nieces and nephews. His sister, Christine Sams preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at 2 PM Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia with Bro Arlis Downs officiating. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guestbook.
–––––❖––––– ARKADELPHIA — Dr. Paul Ray Root, 86, of Arkadelphia, passed away on Oct. 26, 2018. He was born Oct. 24, 1932 in Worden, Ark., to the late Clifford and Eva Schneibly Root. He married his wife of 61 years, Mary Windham Root, on Dec. 22, 1956.
Dr. Root was named Professor Emeritus of Education at Ouachita Baptist University, where he spent the majority of his career. He first joined the Ouachita faculty in 1964. He served a total of 22 years at Ouachita, including serving as dean of the graduate school, professor and chair of the Department of Education and director of the Arkansas Technical Assistance and Consultative Center. He also served on the faculty of Arkansas State University and Oakland City College in Indiana.
From 1983 to 1987, Dr. Root served as special assistant to Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. He also served as special assistant to the director of the Arkansas Department of General Education from 1987 to 1989 before returning to Ouachita.
Dr. Root started his career as a history teacher at Greenbrier High School in 1958. He joined the faculty at Hot Springs High School in 1959. It was there that he had the privilege of teaching World History to a young Bill Clinton. In 2012, Ouachita honored Dr. Root and his wife, Mary, with the dedication of the Dr. Paul and Mary Root Education Seminar Room. The room was funded through a donation from the Clinton Family Foundation. President Bill Clinton named Dr. Root his “favorite teacher” during Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992.
At the time of the dedication, President Clinton wrote, “Since Paul Root first inspired me as my 10th grade history teacher in Hot Springs, he and his wife, Mary, have been wonderful friends. They have played an important role in my life and work as well as in the lives of so many others all over Arkansas and around our nation.
“Paul has always been an invaluable advocate of quality education and equal access for all. He spent years working on desegregation efforts all over the state at the grassroots level,” President Clinton added. “During their years as beloved professors at OBU, Paul and Mary cultivated intellectual curiosity in so many students.”
Dr. Root was a 1950 graduate of Bald Knob High School. He received a B.S.E. and an M.S.E. from Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA), and an Ed.D. from the University of Arkansas. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia, where he was a member of the sanctuary choir. He was the author/editor of two books, To the Grassroots and Learning Together at Last. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Music was a special part of Dr. Root’s life. He served as interim music minister in several churches in Arkansas and Indiana. He was a past member of the Arkansas Master’Singers with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Quartet singing was his favorite, as evidenced by the many quartets he formed in the churches where he served. He was a founding member of the Four Jacks, a pop music quartet popular in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and he formed The Ouachita Faculty Quartet upon joining the OBU faculty.
Dr. Root was predeceased by brothers Ronnie Root and Edwin Root, sisters Paula Knight and Jeanie Adams, and granddaughter Lorraine Root.
In addition to his wife, Mary, Dr. Root is survived by two sons and their spouses, Larry and Terrie Root of Little Rock and Jeff and Deborah Root of Arkadelphia. He is survived by three grandchildren, Olivia (Jeffrey) Lewis of Hensley, Wes (Hannah Vogler) Manus of Little Rock, and Abby (Stephen) Curry of Little Rock; great-granddaughter Evelyn Manus; two sisters, Ann Harris of Danville, Ill., and Sue (Donald) Cooley of Bald Knob; and brother-in-law and sister-inlaw Horace and Shirley Windham of Alexander. He also is survived by 20 nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Paul.
Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 29, 6-8 p.m. at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 2 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia. The family would like to thank the CNAs, nurses and administrators at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation for their wonderful care of Dr. Root during the last stages of his struggle with Alzheimer’s. Memorial gifts may be made to the Paul and Mary Root Minority Scholarship Fund at Ouachita Baptist University, OBU Box 3754, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71998, or First Baptist Church Arkadelphia Music Ministry, 701 Pine St., Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Online register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.
–––––❖––––– AUSTIN — Kristen Marie Fisher, 20, of Austin passed away on Oct. 25, 2018. She was born in North Little Rock on Sept. 28, 1998. Kristen is survived by her parents, Charles and Mary Fisher and brother, Steven Fisher. Cremation entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– BISMARCK — Albert Ray Talbert Sr., 62, of Bismarck, died Friday, October 19, 2018 in Hot Springs. Memorial service 1 PM Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Memorials to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church General Fund. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Guestbook @ www.welchfh.net.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Judy Ann Allgood, 73, of Cabot, passed away October 26, 2018 in North Little Rock. She was born March 23, 1945 in McCrory, Arkansas to the late Sherman Elijah and Clara Agnes Cummings Jones. Judy was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church. She was a very good seamstress and enjoyed cooking, especially Rice Krispie treats. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and they affectionately called her “Juju”. Judy adored her cat, Baby. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Menta Faye Ferrell.
Survivors include her sons, Craig (Toni) Allgood and Steven (Jodi) Allgood, all of Cabot; seven grandchildren, Tyler (Samantha) Allgood, Abbey (Logan) Meurer, Reagan Allgood, Marlie (Adrian) Nicholas, Erin West, Rachel Allgood and Noah Allgood; four great-grandchildren; faithful friend, Charles Westlake; sister, Joyce Scarberough of Cabot and brother-in-law, Lomax Ferrell of Salem Arkansas.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home with Pastor David Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at the funeral home. The family suggests donations be made in memory of Judy Allgood to the Alzheimer’s Association, National Headquarters, 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois, 60601. Arrangements by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at: www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Sandra Lynn O’Bryan, age 67, of Cabot, died Thursday, October 25, 2018. She was born on October 25, 1951 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to the late Jack Barnett and Lara Starkey Barnett. A loving mother and grandmother,
Sandra was a retired schoolteacher who taught English Literature for over 35 years at Cabot High School. Sandra was a longtime member of Hope Presbyterian Church in Cabot, where she previously served as an Elder on the Church Session. Sandra graduated from Hall High School in 1969 and from Baylor University in 1973 before returning to Cabot to raise her family.
Sandra was also preceded in death by her son, Eric O’Bryan, and her husband Joseph H. O’Bryan, both of Cabot, Ark. She is survived by her twin daughters Jessica Wallace of Little Rock, Ark., and Stephanie O’Bryan of Apple Valley, Calif.; her two grandchildren, Ian and Mia Wallace of Little Rock, Ark.; and several nieces and cousins.
A graveside service for the family will be held at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas, 10 a.m., on Saturday, November 3, 2018, by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth. com.
–––––❖––––– CASSCOE — Gelene Kirkman, 76, widow of Gene Kirkman, died Thursday. Survivors are children, Jeffrey and Bradley Kirkman, Melanie Hoffpauir and Gala Kizzire; brother, Jackie Fortune; sister, Lucile Kinsey; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Visitation: 1 p.m. Sunday and funeral 2 p.m. at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church. Burial in Marsh Cemetery. www. turpin-co.com.
–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Marilyn Kay Stanton Pierce of Conway, Arkansas, passed from this life on October 27, 2018, surrounded by family after a brave battle with cancer.
Daughter of
Nevada and
Cletis Stanton of Conway, Kay was born November 13, 1946. Her childhood was an uncomplicated countryside life in Faulkner County. The old-fashioned values learned there in her early years marked her good character throughout her life. She was known for her ability to “make a piano talk,” and played at her small country church. She graduated from Greenbrier High School, and after earning a Master’s of Education at the University of Central Arkansas, she returned to teach English at Greenbrier for 37 years. She found great joy in teaching and cherished her time spent with students, whose lives she shared and shaped in the classroom. Her love of teaching was recognized as she was honored as Teacher of the Year.
After retirement, she devoted her love and time to family and friends. She treasured most those days spent with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Kay Kay.” She inspired all with her ready smile, selfless kindness, and generosity.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her niece, Laura Stanton. She is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Robert Pierce; daughter, Lindsey Pierce Hubbard (Steven); brother, Gary Stanton; niece, Shelly Stanton Moon (Pat); great-niece Maegan Mathis; great-nephew, Wes Mathis; and the true joy of her life, her grandchildren, Briley Kay Whitehead, Denver Pierce Whitehead, and Jaxson John Hubbard.
She was a member of Central Baptist Church in Conway and the Retired Teachers of Faulkner County.
Funeral services will be Monday, October 29, 2018 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway. Visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Bethlehem Cemetery at Shady Grove Cemetery.
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EL DORADO — Terry Lane Smith Jones, 54, of El Dorado died Friday. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Hampton. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. Online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.
–––––❖––––– EL DORADO — Belinda Sue Patterson, 56, of El Dorado, passed away on October 21,
2018. She was born on October
13, 1962 in Fort
Smith, Arkansas to Carlton and
Darlene Holliday.
Belinda is survived by her husband Jody of
22 years, together a total of 26 years; her parents; her brother Brian Holliday; her children, Nick Holliday, Trista Coffey, Michala Coffey, Amanda Patterson; her five grandsons Jordan, Tyler, Braiden, Trysten and Zach; one granddaughter Kalleigh, and one granddaughter on the way Isabella. She has an extended daughter Rolonda Wilson and granddaughter Faith. She also has a host of nieces and nephews and other relatives who loved her very much. Belinda was preceded in death by her brothers Rusty and Brett Holliday.
There will be a memorial service held from 2-5 p.m., November 4, 2018 at 482 Patterson Loop in El Dorado. Please come out and visit with the family during this time. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
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EL PASO — Florene Carroll Short, 85, of El Paso, Arkansas went to be with her Heavenly father October 25, 2018. Visitation is 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral is 2:00 p.m. Monday, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Grissard Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.smithfamilycares.com.
–––––❖––––– ENGLAND — Lila Mae Wilson Jeans, 85, of England, passed away October
25, 2018. She was born July
24, 1933 in Oppelo to the late
Jess and Ollie
Wilson. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Charles “Chicken” Jeans.
Survivors include four children, Tracie Williams, Karen Jeans, Kevin Jeans and Kyle Jeans (Stacy); three grandchildren, Briana Williams, Ky Jeans and Wilson Jeans; a sister, Ila Chaney and a brother Paul Wilson, along with nephews and nieces.
Mrs. Jeans worked at the Federal Reserve and later worked for the England School District. Her number one job was taking care of her family. She was an excellent cook — best known for her meatloaf, chocolate pie, and banana pudding.
The family would like to thank Cavalier Healthcare of England and Dr. Tommy Braswell. We will be forever grateful.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 28 at Wilson Robison Funeral Home in England from 5-7 p.m. Graveside services will be held on Monday October 29 at Mulberry Cemetery in England beginning at 2:00 p.m. Wilson Robison Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.”
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GREEN FOREST — Lena May (Bailey) Bishop Ball, of Green Forest, Arkansas was born December 5, 1924 in Green Forest to Jay and Mayme (Dahl) Bailey. She passed away peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2018 at her daughter’s home in Green Forest at the age of 93. Lena May and her first husband, Floy Ray, owned Bishop Rexall Drug Store on the square in Green Forest for many years; she was known by those who visited the Drug Store for her beautiful smile. She is the last of that era of Green Forest merchants to pass away.
She is survived by her beloved daughter, Dianna
Raye Sturtz and
Chuck Baer of Green Forest; second husband, Phillip Ball of Springdale; sister-in-law, Glee Callen of Independence, Missouri; step-daughter, Diane (Clyde) Green of Memphis, Tennessee; her loving adopted second family, Larry and Marolyn Boggs, Jeff, Lana and Carter Boggs, Jack, Laurie, Emily and Ellie Monday. She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Floy Ray Bishop; brother, Jewell Robert Bailey; son-in-law, Elwood “Woody” Lee Sturtz; special nephew, Robert Kent Bailey; half-brother, Marvin J. Rodden and his wife Elva.
Funeral service was 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Nelson’s Green Forest Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the Floy Ray and Lena May Bishop Scholarship Fund at any Anstaff Bank location.
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HEBER SPRINGS — Wayne Charles Rose, age 79, of Heber Springs passed away October 25, 2018. Visitation: Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, Tumbling Shoals Baptist Church, at 4-6 p.m. Service time: 2 p.m., Monday, October 29th at the church with Brother Brad Johnson officiating. Interment: Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Online Obituary: www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.
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JUDSONIA — Elizabeth Brown, 74, of Judsonia, died Thursday. Survivors: son, Richard Brown (Stephanie); grandchildren, Chelsie Hargrove, Morgan Brown and five siblings. Visitation: Monday from 6-8 p.m. Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, Powell Funeral Home Chapel-Bald Knob. Interment: Bethlehem Cemetery at Plainview. Arrangements entrusted to Powell Funeral Home Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
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McGEHEE — Jimmy Wayne Bowen, 84, of McGehee died Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Visitation is Monday, Oct. 29 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. with funeral following at 12 p.m. at Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church. Burial in Oak Grove Cemetery in Lake Village. Arrangements by Bishop-King Funeral Home of Lake Village, Arkansas. Sign online guestbook: www.bishopkingfuneralhome.com.
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MELBOURNE — Burton Lamb, Jr., 78, died October 27. Visitation and graveside funeral service: Monday, October 29. Visitation: 121:30 p.m. at Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Graveside funeral service: 2 p.m. at Pineville Cemetery. Survivors: Tony Lamb, Christal Turner (children); Charlie Lamb (brother); Kori Smith, Morgan Lamb, Addie Turner (grandchildren).
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MENA — Ray Clift, age 96, passed away at his home in Mena, Ark., Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Funeral service will be Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Mena. Interment in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
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MENA — Wanda Lou Foster, 80, of Mena, Ark., died October 26, 2018. Services are Monday, October 29, 2018 at 10 a.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel. Interment will follow in the Brushy Cemetery in Oden, Ark., under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.beasleywoodfuneralhome.com.
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MENA — Jerry Wayne “Jake” Looney was born near the Nunley community outside of Mena, Ark., on June 29, 1944. His parents were Lee and Eunice Looney.
His mother died shortly after his birth so he was raised by his Uncle Clarence and Aunt Fairy Medford.
He was preceded in death by his biological and foster parents, as well his three biological brothers Bill Looney, Darrell Looney, and Alton Looney; and his biological sister, Vera Lee Blake.
He died on Oct. 22, 2018 near his birth place. He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Era Brown Furr Looney; his son Jason Medford Looney and his wife Cher Mae Looney; and a beloved foster sister, AllaB Medford Curry Miller. He was member of the First United Methodist Church in Mena, where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018 at 2 p.m., followed by interment at Cherry Hill Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Pastor Ann Ferris under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.
Jake Looney is best remembered for over 30 years of teaching Law, where he retired as Professor Emeritus at the University of Arkansas in 1997 and served as Dean of the Leflar Law Center from 19891997. He also served as both Circuit Court Judge from 2002-2014 and District court Judge from 2014-2016 in Polk and Montgomery Counties. He ended his career in service in the law as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from 2016-2018.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to the Polk county Library at 410 8th Street, Mena, Ark. 71953.
Pallbearers will be Polk County Sheriff Scott Sawyer, former Polk County Sheriff Mike Godfrey, Polk County Deputy Steve Fortner, Mena Police Officer Ronnie Richardson, Mena Police Officer Joe Quinn, State Trooper Bo Hayes, Wildlife officer Bernie Soliz.
Honorary pallbearers are Anthony Ellison, Lisa Callahan, Mary Dixon, Johnny Howell and Wanda Smith.
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MONTICELLO — Diana Paul Owens Acrey, age 54, of Monticello, passed away Friday, Oct. 26, 2018 at her home. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
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MOUNTAIN VIEW — James David Brown, 74, of Mountain View, Ark., died October 26, 2018. He is survived by his wife Rebecca; children James, Joel and Jennifer; brother Stephen. Visitation will be Monday, October 29, 1-2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Mountain View with funeral following at 2 p.m. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtview2.
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NASHVILLE — Daniel Hoover “Danny” Graves, of Nashville, Ark., was born Nov. 10, 1948, in Texarkana, Ark., and left this world Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018. Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Nashville at 3 p.m. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. at Latimer Funeral Home.
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NATHAN — Helen Odean Cox, age 82, of Nathan, Ark., passed away on Saturday, October 27, 2018, in Hot Springs, Ark. She was born on July 1, 1936 in Nathan, Ark., the daughter of the late Waymon Deloyd and Lois Maedean Couch Cornish.
Mrs. Cox was a member of the Biggs Chapel United Methodist Church in Nathan and served as the treasurer for over 40 years. She also served as treasurer of the Academy Cemetery. She was a loving wife and nanny to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father Waymon Deloyd Cornish, mother Lois Maedean Couch Cornish, and a sister Mary Ruth Cornish.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years Basel Cox of Nathan, Ark.; two sons Terry Cox and wife Diane of Nathan, Ark.; and Gary Cox and wife Cindy of Nathan, Ark.; four grandchildren Sara Daniel and husband Charlie of Russellville, Ark.; Michael Cox and wife Christina of Murfreesboro, Ark.; Waymon Cox and wife Cheryl of Murfreesboro, Ark.; Derrick Cox and wife Katy of Barling, Ark.; as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, October 29, at Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, at Biggs Chapel United Methodist Church in Nathan, Ark., with Bro. Al Terrell officiating. Burial will follow in Academy Cemetery, under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro.
Memorials may be made to the Academy Cemetery Fund at Diamond Bank. You may send an online sympathy message at www. latimerfuneralhome.com.
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NEW EDINBURG — Marshall Leroy Russell, age 80, of New Edinburg, Ark., died Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, at his home. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial is in Reaves Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, at Frazer’s. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com.
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PARON — Fern Parson, 86, Paron, died Thursday. Survivors: son, Jim Parson; daughter, Jo Etta Wood; brother, Bobby Louallen; grandsons, Stephen and Dustin Parson; great-granddaughters, Alexia and Brooklyn Parson; host of family & friends. Visitation, 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Walnut Bottoms Cemetery. Guestbook, www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.
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PINE BLUFF — Willie Frances Blount Kearney Hughes, 79, of Pine Bluff passed away Thursday. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018 at Griffin Funeral Chapel. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial at Greenmount Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.
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RUSSELLVILLE — Landon Hunter Cates, 24, of Russellville overcame both cancer and death Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018.
He was born Aug. 17, 1994 in Fort Smith, Ark., graduating from Southside High School and attended the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith.
He is survived by his parents, Ron and Candy Cates; three siblings, Lauren Cates Fox (Larry), Leah Cates and Logan Cates; five nieces and nephews, Adison Ball, Haven Cates, Christian Fox, Hayden Fox and Emma Fox; grandparents, Tom and Rita Gray; his partner and soul mate, Lindsey Brannon; aunts and uncles
Rhonda Voydat, Rob Cates (Kathleen), Rodney Cates, and Randy Cates (Missy).
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to his close friends who stood by him and supported him throughout his illness.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com. In lieu of flowers, Landon has requested that a donation be made to your local homeless veterans program.
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RUSSELLVILLE — Lee White, 74, of Russellville, died Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. Born March 6, 1944. Visitation: 5-6 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home. Funeral: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, at East Point Baptist Church. Burial: East Point Cemetery, under direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Obituary/guestbook available at www. shinnfuneral.com.
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SEARCY — Claude Watters, 82, of Searcy, Ark., went to be with his Lord on October 26, 2018. He was born in Heber Springs, Ark., on March 23, 1936 to Brack and Laura Watters. He was a long time business owner and operator in North Little Rock, Ark. He was a member of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and four brothers.
Claude is survived by his wife Mary of Searcy, Ark.; daughter, Dalana (Chuck) Copeland of Granbury, Texas, and son Rickey Watters of Searcy, Ark.; three grandchildren, Brack (Victoria) Watters of San Francisco, Calif., Richard (Jamie) Copeland of Granbury, Texas, and Kathryn (Alex) Knapp of Granbury, Texas, and one brother, Alvin (Carol) Watters of Heber Springs, Ark.
Services will be Monday, October 29, 2018 at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church at 3 p.m. with Visitation one hour prior to the Service. Interment will be in Mt. Hebron Cemetery. All services under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy.
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SEARCY — Ruby Geneva Davis Anderson Williams. Born Sept. 22, 1916 at Plainview, Ark., the oldest of four children. She was a graduate of Plainview High School and Harding University. She had three children. During and after WWII she worked various jobs, including at the ammunition plant complex in Jacksonville, Ark., and with Arkansas Power & Light Company.
She was known as an accomplished school teacher who garnered love and respect from students and coworkers alike. She retired in 1981. She was a charter member of the College Church of Christ in Searcy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, a sister, a brother, a son-in-law, and a grandson. She is survived by a sister, two daughters, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation is Monday at 9 a.m. at College Church of Christ. Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at College Church of Christ with interment to follow at White County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in her name to His House, a benevolent outreach of College Church of Christ. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
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SHIRLEY — Rosalea Tilley Manville, 73, of Shirley, passed away Oct. 26, 2018. Visitation is 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Interment will be at Davis Special Cemetery in Shirley, Ark. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
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STUTTGART — Polly Crouch, 83, widow of James Crouch, died Friday. Survivors are sisters, Linda (Bobby) Combs of North Little Rock and Audrey (Frank) McFatter of Sherwood; and brother, Calvin Murry of Stuttgart. Funeral: 2 p.m. Monday at Turpin with burial in Lone Tree Cemetery. Visitation: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at Turpin. www.turpinco.com.
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WILMAR — Judy McClain Namenek, age 65, of Wilmar, Ark., died Friday, October 26. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 30, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial is in Oakland Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, October 29, at Frazer’s. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com.
Out-of-state
HERNANDO, Miss. — Elizabeth Stagg Edwards passed away Oct. 25, 2018 in her home in Hernando, Miss. She was 76 years old. Elizabeth was born Sept. 12, 1942, to Evelyn and Richard Stagg in Stuttgart, Ark. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Edwards. She leaves behind two daughters, Rhonda (Rick) Hasley of Memphis, and Kathy Layton of Hernando, and one son, Rick Edwards of Camarillo, Calif. She also leaves two granddaughters, Alyssa and Taylor Hasley, and her sister, Rosemary Stone. She will also be greatly missed by her cat, Sweetie Pie.
Elizabeth was a CPA, owning her own firm in North Little Rock, Ark., for many years before moving to Hernando and working as Head of Payroll for FedEx before retiring. After retirement, she taught accounting at National College in Memphis part-time until her health forced her to retire two years ago. During her time as an active CPA, Elizabeth served as President of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants and assistant treasurer of the Republican Party of Arkansas. After retiring, Elizabeth volunteered her time doing taxes for the residents of Wesley Meadows Retirement Village in Hernando.
The funeral will be Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at Parkway Baptist Church in Hernando, Miss., at 2 p.m. The family will be taking visitors at the church at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at New Bethlehem Presbyterian Cemetery. Arrangements by Hernando Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Parkway Baptist Church Operation Christmas Child Fund, 50 N Parkway, Hernando, Miss. 38632. Hernando Funeral Home, (662) 429-5260.
www.HernandoFuneralHome.com.
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BARTLETT, Tenn. — Mary Jean Walls Baker, 82, of Bartlett, Tenn., died Tuesday, Oct. 23. She was wife of the late A. Donald Baker. Survivors: sons, Eugene, Curtis and Kenneth; grandchildren, Kelly, Kyle, Josh and Lisa; and great-grandchildren, Inge and Brooklyn. Graveside services: 2:30 Sunday, Osborne Cemetery in St. Joe, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/marshall.
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AUSTIN, Texas — Burrell Dean Johnston Jr., 84, Captain, USNR, JAG Corps, Ret., passed away unexpectedly at Westminster on Oct. 15, 2018, where he had been receiving PT and OT for some recent health setbacks.
Burrell was born on June 3, 1934, at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Ark., to Burrell Dean Johnston Sr. and Nancy Marie Ward. Burrell attended public schools and Little Rock High School, where he joined the P.I.E. fraternity. Those early friendships lasted his entire lifetime, and he continued to keep in touch and see them at their P.I.E. meetings. Burrell excelled in many sports, running track and field, diving, and swimming, where he held several state records in his youth. Prior to his senior year, his mother relocated the family to San Jose, Calif., where Burrell would graduate from Lincoln High School in 1952.
Burrell attended Vanderbilt University, where he was affiliated with Kappa Sigma fraternity before joining the Naval Flight Program. He trained at Pensacola, Fla., and was then stationed at Chase Air Field in Beeville, Texas. Upon completion of training, he was assigned to Flight Squadron VF-193 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard in the Western Pacific. As a Naval Fighter Pilot, he mainly flew the F-4 Phantom II.
In 1957, by a chance encounter at a dance at the Beeville Country Club, Burrell met the young, outgoing, beautiful UT co-ed Karen McKinney. This chance meeting ignited a five-year long distance courtship. This was the beginning of a lifelong love affair and partnership that lasted more than 61 years.
Upon completion of his active duty, Burrell transferred to the Naval Reserves. In January of 1962, Burrell and Karen were married in Reno, Nev., before relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area. Burrell sold real estate and completed his economics degree, and Karen taught school. In typical Burrell fashion, he met and made many lifelong friends that he remained in touch with the rest of his life.
Learning the good news of expecting their first child the next spring, the couple packed their belongings to move back to Texas in late March of 1963. Pulling a U-Haul, a young Burrell and a very pregnant Karen, not to mention a howling dachshund (Burgie), arrived in Beeville, Texas. Their first daughter, Anne Elizabeth “Libby”, was born in Beeville in April 1963. Burrell would often tell the story of how Dr. Miller allowed him to be in the delivery room, very unusual in those days.
By summer, it was time for the young family to set off on their next adventure, which meant moving to Austin. Burrell entered the University of Texas School of Law in Aug. 1963. Burrell was admitted to the Texas State Bar on Sept. 14, 1966, and after graduation, Burrell changed his assignation from aviator to JAG Officer. He served in numerous capacities in the Reserves until he was assigned to Desert Storm as the JAG Officer overseeing the Naval base in Naples, Italy. Looking at his assignment, and with both daughters out on their own, Burrell and Karen headed off to Italy. They had a grand time. Karen took many day excursions while Burrell’s schedule with Navy kept him busy. They ended his tour with a trip down the Amalfi Coast before heading back to Austin. He transferred back to the Reserves upon his return and retired from the USNR as a Captain.
In 1967, the couple joyously celebrated the great news they were expecting a second child. Anna Lisa was welcomed in May 1967 at St. David’s Hospital.
In the early years while practicing law, Burrell was on the faculty at St. Edwards University as an assistant professor of Economics, focusing on economic structures of South American countries. He later served as general counsel to the Texas Partners of the Americas as well as President. Through these positions, he was able to travel extensively to many Central and South American countries. This experience segued Burrell to serving as President of the International Hospitality Council Committee, based at The University of Texas.
In the early years, Burrell and Karen made the wise decision to purchase the Chancellor’s Building on Nueces, where Burrell would practice law for the next 48 years. Burrell practiced in the Texas Courts and Federal Courts, primarily in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and had two cases heard before the Supreme Court of the United States. They were lifelong members of Texas Exes and devoted season ticket holders for UT Football.
Burrell served on many boards. After serving on the Travis County Child Welfare Board and the Regional Welfare Board, Burrell was appointed to the Texas State Advisory Committee for the Department of Human Services. Burrell and Karen co-founded and secured the financing for the Austin Children’s Shelter, now known as The SAFE Children’s Shelter. Additionally, Burrell served on the American Heart Association Board for the State of Texas and the Health South Board.
Burrell and Karen were early fundraisers for KLRU. They were co-chairs for the Waterloo Festivals and members of the Las Amigas de Acapulco. They co-hosted many fine wine dinners and auctions for numerous charitable events. They were also members of the English Speaking Union in Austin and members of the Army Navy Club in Washington, D.C. They belonged to the Argyle Club of San Antonio, The Headliner’s Club and Westwood Country Club, where Burrell was an avid tennis player.
Burrell was a long-time member of the Admiral’s Club. Burrell was a Chevalier in the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (an exclusive bacchanalian fraternity of Burgundy wine enthusiasts). Burrell was a member of the Bachelor’s Club of Little Rock and The General Assembly of Austin. Burrell was also a member of the Knights of the Templar, The Tailhook Association, The Quiet Birdmen, The Order of the Caribou, and The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John. He was also a proud member of the Knights of the Symphony, joining in 1975, and bestowed the honor of King Brio XXXIX.
Burrell joined the Austin Symphony Board of Directors in 1974 and served on the Executive Committee from 1976-2011. He continued to serve on the Board of Directors until he retired in 2017 as a Director Emeritus.
In the twilight of their years, Karen was battling dementia. It was apparent Burrell’s lifelong love and devotion was as strong as ever. Telling her every day, “Babe, I love you,” kissing her and sitting with her… it was hard to watch him watch her decline.
Burrell was preceded in death by his loving wife, Karen McKinney Johnston; his father, Burrell D. Johnston Sr., of Memphis, Tenn.; his mother, Nancy Marie Wiggins and her husband William P. Wiggins, of Little Rock, Ark.; and his brother, George E. Johnston, of North Little Rock, Ark.
Burrell is survived his daughter, Libby Johnston Danks and grandson, Wesley McKinney Danks; his daughter, Lisa Johnston Irvin and husband Richard and granddaughters, Morgan Elizabeth Irvin, Emma Louise Irvin, and Helen Grace Irvin, all of Austin. Additionally, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Johnston Weems and husband Dwight Weems, of North Little Rock, Ark.; nephew, Neal Johnston, of Little Rock, Ark.; and his cousin by marriage, Ed C. Bush and wife Cindy Fromherz Bush, of New Orleans, La.
We would like to give our utmost love and appreciation for the care of Burrell by Maria Marin. She was a wonderful companion and provided Burrell with the best care, devotion and friendship.
Funeral arrangements were in Beeville, Texas, on Oct. 27, 2018 by Galloway and Sons Funeral Home. Visitation was at noon, and a graveside service was at 2 p.m.
A celebration of life will be held on Nov. 17, 2018 at The Headliner’s Club, Austin, from 1-4 p.m.
Donations and memorials can be made to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, 1101 Red River St., Austin, Texas 78701; The American Heart Association; or The Alzheimer’s Association.
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RICHARDSON, Texas — Morgan William “Bill” Bodie of Pine Bluff, Ark., was born on March 30, 1930. He joined our Lord Jesus in heaven surrounded by his immediate family on the evening of Sept. 26, 2018 from complications with various age-related medical developments. His parents, James Lowman Bodie and Francis Garrett Bodie, as well as his brother, Jack Lowman Bodie, preceded his death. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan Sizeland Bodie and their three sons, David Jackson Bodie, Richard Morgan Bodie and Jonathan Dickens Bodie.
Bill graduated from Pine Bluff High in 1948, where he lettered in track, basketball and football, making the All-State Selection. He attended the University of Arkansas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1952 and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1954.
Bill proudly served as Captain after four years in the United States Air Force, and was honorably discharged after fulfilling his military commitment.
Bill lived in Richardson, Texas, and worked at Texas Instruments for 23 years in their Radar Avionics Group as a Program Manager. He ultimately retired in 2012 from his position as a technical school program administrator at ITT Educational Services after 17 years of teaching electronic engineering. His hobbies included being an avid motorcyclist, scuba diver, private aircraft enthusiast and sailplane glider pilot.
Bill’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17 of this year at the residence of his beloved son, Jack Bodie, located at 2315 Windsor Drive in Richardson, Texas 75082. Proceedings will start at 2 p.m.
Please RSVP at billbodiememorial@gmail.com.