Pulaski County

Ret. Lt. Col. ROBERT LOUIS “BOB” BYRD SR. went to be with his Savior on

Sunday, January

13, 2019. He was born July 22,

1929, in Georgiana, Alabama, to Emmett &

Estelle McClure Byrd. He was preceded by his parents, four sisters and three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Cora Collen, & his two sons, Robert “Bob” Byrd Jr. (Angela) & Wesley Byrd. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Bob graduated from Central High School. He attended Little Rock College, which later became UALR. He joined the Army and fought in the Korean War. After the war he went in the Marine Reserves and worked for an engineering firm in Little Rock. He then joined the Air Force where he received his wings. He was then in the Air Force National Guard & flew jets his entire career.

He married the love of his life, Colleen Swann, on May 5th, 1955 in Little Rock. In 1959 they moved to North Little Rock. Bob was a member of Lakewood Methodist Church, where he played many roles. He was a man of great faith. He loved his family and knew no strangers. He would go out of his way for anyone and he took care of many. He was an officer and a gentleman that will be missed dearly by everyone that knew him.

In keeping with his love of helping others, Bob donated his body for scientific research. A memorial service, with full military honors, will be held at Lakewood United Methodist Church (1922 Topf Rd., NLR) on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Disabled Veterans Association or the Wounded Warrior Program.

–––––❖––––– JAMES ROY CAMP SR., 75, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away January 12, 2019. Memorial will be on Friday, January 25, 2019, from 2:30 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas. His online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– PHILLIP ELDON ELLINGTON, 73, passed away January 14 at home in Little Rock. He was born November 30, 1945, in Phoenix, Arizona, to William and Dolores Ellington.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Ben Campbell (Anna) of Olive Branch, Mississippi, his son, Aaron Ellington of Bryant, daughters, Michelle Dorsey (Mark), and Rachelle Chism (Cary) both of North Little Rock, and five grandchildren.

He loved to camp and trout fish on the Little Red River. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www. ArkansasCremation.com.

–––––❖––––– HENRY GILKEY, funeral time changed to 11 a.m. Saturday!

For more information: www.kellysmithfunerals. com.

–––––❖––––– BETTY F. CHURCHWELL JACKSON, 88, died Wednesday, January 16, 2019, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born July 11, 1930, in Pleasant Plains, Arkansas, to the late Howard E. and Irene Hook Churchwell. She was preceded in death by her son, Doyle Jackson, her sister, Wanda Pearson Denney, brothers, Sidney “Sid” T. Pearson and Harvey D. Churchwell, and her twin brother, Billy R. Churchwell.

Betty was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church for nearly 60 years, where she served with Mother’s Day Out for 25 of those years. She loved to sew, quilt and used her talents to make over 100 flags for Lottie Moon missions. Betty was a high school basketball player and loved watching college basketball, especially the Arkansas Razorbacks. She was an amazing Southern cook and lovingly supported her children’s activities with food and costumes. Her friends and family admired her strength during her 38-year battle with breast cancer. She had a tremendous love for people, especially children, and will be missed by so many.

Betty is survived by her husband of 70 years, Conley D. Jackson, of North Little Rock, daughter, Jan (Harold) Jones, and sons, James and Allan (Carrie) Jackson; grandchildren, Jenifer, Aaron, Matthew, Luke, William, Kathryn, and Justin; and great-grandchildren, Jonah and Elise. In addition, she is survived by a host of nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Herschel Jackson, daughter-in-law, Roxanne Jackson, other friends and family, and long-term friends Linda Moore and Gloria Koschmann.

Special thanks are given to Dr. Diane Wilder, Dr. Michael Berry, Suzanne, and Stephanie. Visitation will be Sunday, January 20, 2019, from 2-4 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock. A graveside service will be at 1 p.m., Monday, January 21, 2019, at Pleasant Plains Cemetery in Pleasant Plains with Rev. Joe Hodges and Rev. Miles Cook from Park Hill Christian Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 55050, Little Rock, Arkansas 72215. You may sign the online guestbook at www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

–––––❖––––– MARCUS EUGENE “GENE” MACKEY, aka “Pops,” 90, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Jan. 8, 2019, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born to Marcus

C. Mackey and

Cora Mackey of Campbell, Mo., on March 21,

1928.

Gene/Pops was a story teller, poet, reader (particularly Zane Grey novels), gardener and fisherman. He was a quiet, honorable man possessed of a wry, gentle wit. He was devoted to his family and his country, serving in the military and mentoring youth in the Boy Scouts. He grew up farming, hunting and fishing and then entered the Air Force in 1950, achieving the rank of Staff/ Sgt. as an Air Policeman for 10 years, with tours of duty in England and Korea. He received the Korean Service medal, the UN service medal, and the Bronze Star for heroic action in a combat zone. Under the GI bill, he became a barber working for shops on Battery Street and Asher Avenue. He launched “Mackey’s Barber Shop” when he converted a Cities Service gas station on Kavanaugh Boulevard, specializing in the then-popular “flat top” style. After retirement, he spent time gardening and crappie fishing, particularly at his favorite “fishing hole” on Lake Nimrod. One of his greatest joys was running into his hundreds of customer-friends to say hello, swap fish stories and tell jokes.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Willadean Mackey; his children Terryl Mackey, M.D., of Johnstown, Pa., and Mark Mackey of Little Rock, Ark.; as well as his grandchildren (great-grandchildren) Lauren Licatino (Owen, Henry) of Rochester, Minn., P. Logan Weygandt of Baltimore, Md., Terryn Lawrence (Evelyn, Clara) of Minneapolis, Minn., Nicole Mackey of Biloxi, Miss., and Jared Mackey of Little Rock, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be made in his name to Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (website: http:// www.alzark.org), or the Alzheimer’s Association (website: https://www.alz.org/). The guest book may be signed, condolences or a memory of love, support or humor with the family. For the full obituary, visit www.griffinlegetthealyroth.com.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at 1:00. The family hopes to meet and greet his friends, former customer-friends and fishing buddies. Please bring your memories and pictures if you have them to share. Attire is casual.

–––––❖––––– LILLIE MAE PHILLIPS, 90, of Little Rock, passed away January 13, 2019. She leaves to cherish her loving memories, her daughter Stella

Mae McKinney Mayweather of Little Rock, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren, Tawanna Johnson, Faith (Lawrence) Bailey, Melvin (Kathy) Mayweather, Kenneth Mayweather, Cynthia Mayweather, Shawnal (Katrina) Mayweather, Chris Mayweather, Marcus Mayweather, Bridgette Mayweather and Shannon Mayweather all of Little Rock, Ark., 36 great-grandchildren; 31 great-great-grandchildren; one great-great-greatgrandchild, and a host of other relatives and friends. Family hour 6-7 p.m. at Paradise Funeral Home of LR. Funeral Service 11 a.m. Saturday at St. John Baptist Church, 1920 E. 6th St., Little Rock. Services entrusted to Paradise Funeral Home of Little Rock, 206 S. Cross St., LR, Ark. (501) 372-2200. www.paradisefhlittlerock.com. “Because There Is A Difference.”

–––––❖––––– MARLENE “MIKKI” PIERCE, 70, of North Little Rock, passed away on January 15, 2019.

She was born on December 4,

1948, in Moline,

Illinois, to Roger and Arlene Sullivan.

Mikki lived life to the fullest and with an open heart. She loved cooking for friends and family. She was a loyal friend and was always there when you needed someone. Mikki especially loved being with her grandsons.

She was extremely proud of her career as a Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist, providing great comfort to her many clients.

She is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Robert Pierce; one sister, Marilyn Wolf; and one brother, Patrick Sullivan. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Julie White and Monika Rued (Bill Fitzgerald), both of North Little Rock; two grandsons, Jack White and Pierce Rued; one brother, Michael Sullivan (Teresa); and a multitude of other family members and friends.

A celebration of Mikki’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, 6701 JFK, North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her name to Centers for Youth and Families or Dorcas House. You may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

–––––❖––––– DOROTHY JOYCE ROGERS, 89, of Little Rock, passed away January 15, 2019.

She was born in Hot Springs to Jasper and

Bertha Walters

McCoy. In 1959, she and her husband, Don, established and co-owned Don’s Pharmacy. She was a longtime faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Betty Henry and Suzy Moss, and her husband, Donald Elva Rogers, she is survived by her sons, Tony Rogers (Cheri) and Rick Rogers (Janice), both of Little Rock; grandchildren, Myka Tabor (Ben), Kyle Rogers (Sara), Brooks Rogers (Kathryn), Michael Rogers and McKenzie Rogers; great-grandchildren, Charlie, Tucker, Thomas, Addison and Jackson, all of Little Rock; and many friends.

Graveside services are today, Friday, January 18 at 10 a.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park, officiated by Rev. Stacey Hammons. Memorials may be made to Presbyterian Village, 510 N. Brookside, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 2242200. Dorothy’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– JEREMIAH JAMES SAYRE, 66, of North Little Rock, met his Heavenly Father on January 5, 2019. He was born November 26, 1952. Survived by wife, Peggy and son, Jerry Sayre: one brother and two sisters. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019 at the Sayre home in Sherwood. Cremation Services of Arkansas. (501) 313-5431.

–––––❖––––– KAREN MARIE TROTT, 35, Little Rock, Arkansas passed away January 12, 2019. A celebration of life service will be held on January 19, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501982-3400. Online guest book is available to sign at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.

–––––❖––––– ELEANOR JOYCE WAX “NELL” WILSON, Flowers, rainbows, sunsets, and of course her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the greatest joys in the life of Eleanor Joyce Wax

“Nell” Wilson, who found her way home last Saturday, January 12th. Nell flourished as the ardent wife to Robert James Wilson Sr., and as the steadfast matriarch of her family. She raised five children, Mary Allison (husband John), Robert James “Jim” Wilson, Jr, Doris “Lynn” Wilson (who predeceased her mother), Patricia “Pattye” Lassiter (husband Jack), and Louis Gordon Wilson (wife Jolene); helped rear another ten grandchildren, Amy Allison (wife Lesa), Wilson Allison (wife Beth), Thomas Cole (wife Renee), Robert Cole (wife Alex), Ellie Lassiter, April Lassiter, Jewell Wilson (wife Colleen), Louis A. Wilson, Brendan Wilson, and Parke Wilson; and doted on five great-grandchildren, Abby and Claire Allison, Easton White, Stella Cole, and Kennedy Cole. These individuals were the grandest results of her life’s work, because first and foremost, she saw herself as a mom to anyone she could call her own. Nell died just two weeks shy of her 92nd birthday and gracefully returned to her husband, who passed away in last July.

The third and last child of Mary Eleanor Posey Wax and Louis Anthony Wax Sr., Nell was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on January 27th, 1927. Her two siblings, Louis Anthony Wax Jr., (wife Francene), and Doris Eleanor Wax Hill, or “Aunt T,” (husband Harry) both predeceased her. She grew up in Woodville, Mississippi, and then attended Louisiana State University, where she enrolled to become a schoolteacher. She met Bob at LSU and married him in 1948. She notoriously hated Arkansas summers, so it must have been true love for her, because she committed herself to blistering summer after summer in either Little Rock, on Lake Ouachita, or in then-rural, western Pulaski County, and thus, began a marriage that lasted over seventy years. Her life was rich and adventurous: though a little girl from the delta, Nell created a huge family, forged a marvelous network of friends, and traveled to wonderful places all over the US, Canada, and Europe.

To those who knew Nell, she belonged in a class of her own, for her quiet grace, fierce love, and eager kindness had no equals. She was a nurturer by nature. While her husband, Bob, was the garrulous and quintessential Romeo, Nell acted as the glue that connected everyone and everything together for her family. She taught all her family that you never let the sun set on a quarrel, you cannot un-say anything, getting old wasn’t for sissies, and you never go to bed with a dirty kitchen. When she was not feeding you her spaghetti or roast beef or sharing a shrimp cocktail and “tini” with you, she was holding your hand and having a nice visit with you. She enjoyed good family time above all.

To her family, she was Mamaw, Memaw, Mawmaw, Memes, Memesies, and countless other spellings. She lost herself in the love of others. She emoted kindness always and desired to comfort others always. We will miss her tenderness and care, her short but sweet phone calls, her laugh, and the trips so many of us took with her to Wye Mountain so she could see the jonquils.

Our family would like to thank the nurses, caregivers, and staff at Foxridge, Hospice Home Care, and First Choice Senior Care.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Back Pack Program at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church (20900 Chenal Pkwy, Little Rock, Ark. 72223). This program provides food to children who experience food insecurity. Make checks payable to “St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church” and in the memo line include “Back Pack/Outreach/Nell Wilson.” Quoting her favorite hymn, we gladly ask for friends to “come and sing the song with gladness as your hearts are filled with joy” at a reception to celebrate Nell that will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home (6313 W Markham St.) on Monday, January 21st, from

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In her rest, Nell rejoins her parents, friends and family members, and especially her husband, Bob, and daughter, Lynnie (d. 2002).

Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.