Pulaski County
BRENDA ACKLIN, 53, of Little Rock, AR, departed this life July 15. She was preceded in death by: father, Joseph Taylor; sister, Mary Washington.
She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, James T. Acklin; children, James L. Acklin and Taylor (Kelvin) Parker; mother, Lettie Taylor; siblings, Lettie Taylor, Larry (Beverley) Taylor, Gary Taylor, Clifton Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Lee Arthur (Vadera) Taylor; grandchildren, Kelvin “K3” Parker and Kayen Parker; host of other relatives and friends. Family Hour: Tuesday, 5-6 p.m., at Robinson Mortuary LR and Funeral: Wednesday, 10 a.m. at Saint Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St, LR, Ark.
Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, AR (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
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ADOLPHUS ALLEN, the son of the late Joseph Allen Sr., & Mary Bell Allen, was born on October 24, 1930, in North Little Rock, Ark.
On Wednesday, July 17, 2019, Adolphus Allen departed this life at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.
Adolphus (better known by family and friends as Doc), was the fourth of twelve children. He was educated in the North Little Rock Public Schools and later graduated from Dunbar Junior College with a degree in History.
He served in the U.S. Army as a PFC from April 6, 1951-March 14, 1953, with an honorable discharge.
At an early age, Adolphus confessed his faith in Christ at St. Stephens Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Sherman Redwood. He was a “loving and caring person”.
He enjoyed reading, repairing luggage and spending time with his family. Adolphus was employed by the Standard Luggage and Gifts. He later became the owner of Allen’s Luggage Repair.
Adolphus is preceded in death by four brothers; Joseph Allen, Lorenza Allen, Cledis Allen and Vernice Allen; three sisters; Juanita Alexander, Rodesta Gee and Katie Williams; one grandson, Hilary Guest, Jr.
Left to cherish his loving memories: his devoted wife of fifty years, George Jean Allen; nine children: Ragland Irby, Dwaine Irby (Alvelma), Patricia Guest, Ralph Jackson, Sr. (MiEsha), Louis Irby, Mattie Rhodes (Quenton), Robert Irby, Sr., Mary Allen-Rodger (Damian Sr.), and Dwight Rodgers; thirty-four grandchildren, and thirty-three great-grandchildren, two sisters: Berdener James and Carolyn Summons (Albert); one brother, Lenord Allen; god-daughters Rachel Willis, Margaret Marion and Andrea McClure; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family hour will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2019, 6-7 p.m., Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. (501) 372-1305.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m., St. Stephens Baptist Church, 902 North “E” Street, North Little Rock, Ark.
Burial will be 1 p.m., at the Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery, 1501 Maryland, North Little Rock, Ark.
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TRACY LEE BALSAM, 54 of Roland, Ark., passed away on July 19, 2019. He was born on February 15, 1965 to Bert and Elizabeth in Little Rock, Ark. Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome. com.
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SHARON CAROL SCATES FERGUSON, age 76, daughter of Beatrice Eleanor Fulmer and Herman Harold Scates, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2019, after a courageous journey with Lewy Body Dementia. She was born October 17, 1942, in North Little Rock, Ark. Most important in her life was her family and she was a dedicated mother first and foremost. Sharon is survived by her three children: a son, C. Anthony (Tony) Ferguson II (Shannon) of Beebe, Ark.; and two daughters, Dana Ferguson Silaski (Gordon) of Little Rock and Lisa Ferguson Hirschman (Louise Percer) of Memphis, Tenn. Sharon cherished her role as “Mimi” to her precious grandchildren: Blake and Grant Hirschman; Katherine Drew, Rachel and Sarah Silaski; Lily, Lola and Anthony Augustus “Gus” Ferguson. She loved and shared special moments with a dear companion and friend, Dave Davenport of North Little Rock. Also treasured: three nieces, Terri, Shelly and Jackie and their families; her nephew Dale; her cousins, particularly one who was like a sister, Vicki Hacker (Ron) and family; her lake family, Carolyn and Kip Moore and family; and many wonderful, dear friends — gathered from a lifetime in her beloved hometown, her career and many travels, and her commitment to young people. She was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Jimmy Harold Scates and Herman Dale Scates.
In August 2014, Sharon retired from 44 years as owner and executive director of North Little Rock Junior Cotillion, instructing more than 8,000 children in social graces and ballroom dancing, but really teaching kindness and skills to spark confidence in any social or professional situation. She believed that true good manners must come from the heart, from treating people the way that you want to be treated. She believed that if she could reach one child each year and make a positive difference, her efforts would be worthwhile. Having former students return to enroll their own children brought her great joy.
Sharon’s work ethic and independence inspired her family. She retired after a 25-year career with Wyndham Vacation Ownership and Fairfield Resorts, most recently serving as a Vice President and director of incentive programs. Planning trips domestically and internationally, she organized and hosted events to rave reviews. She treasured the fellowship and friendship with her colleagues throughout the U.S.
Sharon was a graduate of NLR High School, attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and formerly served on the Advisory Board of the Hospitality College of Arkansas Tech University. She became a Certified Meeting Planner in New York in 1981 and was a member of Meetings & Planners International and Executive Women International. Even though she traveled extensively, her favorite times were spent building memories with family and friends at her “Malfunction Junction” cabin on Greers Ferry Lake. Her family believes that Sharon holds an unofficial world record for number of sandwiches and watermelons served from a pontoon boat on Greers Ferry Lake – truly her favorite place!
As a volunteer, Sharon acted on her faith and her values. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Andrew and volunteered for years as the Remembrance Candles Caretaker. Always an advocate for education and young people, she embraced roles as Girl Scout troop leader, volleyball coach, PTO president and fundraiser. Her board memberships and leadership roles included National Community Health Charities, CARTI North Advisory Board, Junior League of NLR, NLR Jaycees, and Arthritis Foundation. She served as the first female President of the March of Dimes Association Board of Directors and as a member of their National Board of Trustees. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the good work of the NLR Friendly Chapel Church. Sharon was humbled by recognition in 1979 as the Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Citizen of NLR, as a Woman of the Year in Arkansas in 1980, and as a 1995 recipient of the NLR Mayor’s Outstanding Service to Youth Award.
Visitation will be held Monday, July 22, beginning at 5 p.m. with a Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home - North Little Rock, 1921 Main Street, NLR, Ark., 72114. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, July 23, at 10 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 617 Louisiana Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72201. Burial will be at Mountain Springs Cemetery, Cabot, Ark.
Memorials may be given to the Catholic High School Foundation, www.lrchs.org, 6300 Father Tribou Drive, LR, Ark. 72205; Mount Saint Mary Academy Foundation, www.mtstmary.edu, 3224 Kavanaugh Blvd., LR, Ark. 72205; Fishers of Men, care of Friendly Chapel Church, 116 S. Pine Street, NLR, Ark., 72114; or through acts of kindness in her memory.
Sharon has been cared for by a team of angels on this earth. Our profound thanks to her loving caregivers in the home, at NLR Fox Ridge Assisted Living, through Hospice Home Care and UAMS Longevity Center, and to the many friends who have showered Sharon and family with love and support. Lewy Body Dementia is complex, but it is not a rare disease. Because it closely resembles Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, it is currently widely underdiagnosed. To learn more for yourself or those you love, please visit www.lbda.org
Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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MELVA JANE HARMON, age 71, a noted Little Rock union lawyer, passed away on July 3, 2019. Melva was born in Terrell, Texas, on December 23, 1947 and was preceded in death by her parents, Hillard Malvern and Emma Josephine (Carper) Harmon and brother, G.P. Harmon, and brother-in-law, Leo Donahue.
Melva was educated in the Terrell, Texas public schools and received her undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1970 and then her law degree from the University of Texas in 1976. She was a VISTA volunteer right out of college, working in Harrison and Little Rock, and was one of the founding organizers for the then-fledgling ACORN community organization, notably leading the infamous anti-blockbusting campaign in the Oak Forest neighborhood. After law school, she returned to Little Rock and began a long and distinguished career as a union and “people’s” lawyer, representing Teamsters Local 878 and other unions, as well as countless individuals in every type of employment dispute, for over 40 years. Melva was selected as a fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, which honors the leading lawyers nationwide in the practice of Labor and Employment Law, and was named in The Best Lawyers in America for over 20 years. In her later career, Melva was also a mediator and arbitrator and was active in service to both the American and Arkansas Bar Associations.
A tireless advocate for her clients, Melva had the soft voice of a youngster but the heart and strength of a warrior. She was a true advocate for working people. No client of Melva ever doubted the zeal or ability of their lawyer. What’s more, she persevered and excelled in a male-dominated legal world, proven by an anecdote detailed in a 2018 Super Lawyers magazine feature article: early in her career, when representing a woman in a settlement hearing, a judge asked Melva’s client if she was well represented, since her lawyer “was only a woman.” This, and many other occasions of “preconceived notions”, formed the foundation of Melva’s tireless crusade to successfully litigate for each of her clients’ justice.
Despite having to fight constantly for her clients in tough legal environments, Melva was an eternal optimist. An avid cat lover, an art lover, an accomplished gardener, and a kickboxer, Melva was a woman of many talents and broad knowledge. When not in the courtroom, she loved to travel all over her beloved adopted state of Arkansas where the natural beauty of the trees, rivers, and landscape captivated her. Melva also loved estate sales where she could look at the treasures of others’ lives and reading books covering a variety of subjects that captured her interest. She cared deeply about others and was active in community organizations, including the Twentieth Century Club and the Wolfe Street Foundation. Melva wanted to make a difference in the world, and she did. Where ever her heart led her, whether the courtroom, counseling room, outdoors, or friend’s and family’s homes, Melva made a deep and impactful difference in every life she touched.
Those left to cherish her memory and her incredible legacy are her sisters, Barbara Donahue and Nell Scarborough and husband, Don, all of Terrell, sisters-in-law: Sarah Harmon and Susan Mitchell, both of McKinney, TX; nieces and nephews: Jimmy, David, Bryan, Rick, Suzy and Amy; great-nieces: Presley and Abigail as well as several other extended family members, friends and colleagues that will miss her greatly.
A celebration of Melva’s life and gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rusty Tractor Vineyards, 10 Rusty Tractor Ln, Little Rock. Ark., 72210 (www.rustytractorvineyards.com for directions).
A memorial service in Terrell for Melva was held at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19, 2019 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel where her family received friends from 5 p.m. to service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Melva’s heart for others and animals, donations are requested by the family to be made to: Twentieth Century Club, 4011 Maryland Ave., Little Rock, Ark., 72204, https://www.hopeawayfromhome.org/memorials-honorariums/ or to Little Rock Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn, Little Rock, Ark., 72210, https:// warmhearts.org/.
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MARY HATCH (STUBBLEFIELD), 53, of North Little Rock went home to be with the Lord on July 9. She worked for the Peabody/Marriott in Little Rock and owned 1st American Tax Services of North Little Rock. She leaves to cherish her love, Eddie, JoAnna, Be’Atte Virgil and a host of other relatives and friends. The family had a private memorial service in Mississippi. Kelly Smith Funeral & Cremation Services 8424 Kanis Road (501) 6125607 For more information, sign online guest register and light an “In Loving Memory Of” candle www.kellysmithfunerals.com.
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JOHN TATE HERRON, JR., 77, was born in Little Rock, Ark., on March 18, 1942, to the late Dr.
John Herron and Katherine Smith Herron and passed away on Monday, July 15, 2019, in Grapevine, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Katherine Herron and brother Kirby Wayne Herron. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Remy Herron and nephews James and John Herron.
John had a passion for healthy living and energy conservation. He loved the wilderness of Montana and all things natural. He was a devoted Bible student and attended church and Bible study faithfully all his life. He was of the Presbyterian faith.
All services will be held at Pinecrest Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 N , Alexander, Ark. 72002. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 22 at 10 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Graveside services will be held immediately following.
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DANIEL JOHNSON, 42, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life July 11, 2019. He leaves to cherish his memory: parents, Arthur and Erma Conley and Larry Johnson; siblings, LaKetha Johnson, Leato Conley, Andre Conley, Derrick Conley, Terry Conley, Arthur Conley Jr., Maxine Conley and Angela Conley and a host of other family and friends.
Service: Tuesday 11 a.m. at Holy Temple Cathedral COGIC 1322 S Pulaski St., Little Rock. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 DR. MLK Jr. Drive, LR, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
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HELEN ELIZABETH JONES, age 91, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away Thursday, July 18, 2019.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on September 11, 1927, to the late Robert and Katherine Hoopes. She was of the Unitarian Faith and a United States Marine Veteran. She enjoyed antiquing and participating in her book club.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bob Hoopes. Survivors include her son, Jay Farrior and wife Kathy of Little Rock; one niece, Melissa Dana of Atlanta, Ga.; sister-in-law, Lois Hoopes of Atlanta; her special friend of over 50 years, Ben Maness of Little Rock; other relatives, and friends.
Services will be private. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
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JEFF LOVELACE, JR. 72, of North Little Rock, was born July 26, 1946 to the late Rev.
Jeff Lovelace, Sr. and the late Lessie Sypert Lovelace. He was the second of three children born to this union. He was a member of the football team and a graduate from Jones High School of North Little Rock in 1964. After graduating, he was drafted into the Army, he served in Vietnam. and received several honors. Upon being discharged from the Army, Jeff attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., on a full scholarship. After graduating, Jeff attended Worchester Polytechnic Institute in Worchester, Mass., where he received a Master’s Degree in engineering. After graduation, he landed a position as an Mathematician engineer with the Gillette Company in Boston, Mass., for over 20 years.
He leaves to mourn his passing, sisters: Maxine Lovelace Graves of Conway, Ark.; Saundra Lovelace Harris and Evelyn Lovelace, both of North Little Rock; a brother, Ron Morrow, of Kansas City, Mo.; a special friend, Sandy Strother, of Boston, Mass.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Graveside service 1 p.m. Friday July 26 at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Kelly Smith Funeral and Cremation Services (8424 Kanis Road; (501) 612-5607), will be serving the Lovelace families. In lieu of flowers, make donations to listed organizations. For more information, to sign online guest register, send flowers/condolences/photos and to light an “In Loving Memory Of” candle. www.kellysmithfunerals.com.
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MARIBETH MURRAY, of North Little Rock, unexpectedly passed away on June 19, 2019. She was a graduate of North Little Rock High School and the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. Maribeth worked as a teacher and a librarian in schools in Arkansas and California. She returned to North Little Rock in 2000 to help care for her mother.
From 2000-2012 Maribeth worked for the Central Arkansas Library System. She was a voracious reader, and had great knowledge of popular books and authors. She had a passion to help others discover and develop their love of reading and public libraries. She assisted in developing and promoting a variety of library programs for education and entertainment, including Friends of the Library. She developed book club kits for loan, and book clubs. She assisted with the promotion of new programs during a time of tremendous growth in the library system.
Upon retirement, Maribeth enjoyed traveling, taking art classes at the Arkansas Arts Center, seeing the latest movies, dinners with her High School group, and neighborhood suppers and social activities. Maribeth will be greatly missed by all her many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m., at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 4106 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock St., Little Rock, Ark. 72201 or Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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SHANNA LYNN PRATER, 41, passed away July 17, 2019. Survivors include her mother, Mary Beth Castleberry; and children, Kayla Hingle, Baily Hingle and Corie Prater. There will be a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Shanna’s online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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JEANETTE HAYWOOD RAKES, 93, passed away July 19, 2019 at Hospice Comfort Care in Little Rock, Ark. She was born March 25, 1926 in Salisbury, N.C., to the late Clydie Wright Haywood and Ocie Haywood. In 1946, she married the love of her life, Nelson E. (Nick) Rakes, who preceded her in 1993. In 1973, they moved to Sherwood, Ark. Jeanette retired from the Jacksonville school system in 1991. Jeanette spent her last years under the attentive care of the wonderful staff at Fox Ridge Senior Living in North Little Rock, Ark. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Nelson (Sonny) Rakes Jr.; brothers: Albert, Bernard, Ed, Bud; sisters: Edith and Shirley.
Jeanette is survived by a daughter, Dale R. (Bob) Martin; daughter-in-law Pam Rakes; granddaughters: Shannon (Ronnie) Burnette, Amy (Dan) Gray, Susan (Cameron) McKinney; grandson Nelson Rakes III; sister Doris (Bobby) Reid; great-grandchildren: Zac (Emily), Lee, Andrea, Nelson (Nick) IV, Charley; step-granddaughters: Lori (Noel), Emalee, Claire; step great-grandchildren: Kiley, Owen, Hogan and Jett, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Sunday, July 21, 2019 at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136. Online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
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ROLAND ROBERSON, beloved father of four and husband for 63 years went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2019 at the age of 94. A long-time resident of Searcy, Roland was born on April 16, 1925 in White County to the late Rufus and Vernie (Stracener) Roberson. He married Pauline Turnage in 1946 after serving in the Navy during World War II.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Pauline; eldest son Larry (Betty) Roberson; three sisters and one brother. Roland is survived by son Steve (Trish) Roberson of Little Rock and daughters Paula Roberson and Beth Roberson, both of Maumelle; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who all loved their Papaw.
He will be fondly remembered by many for his love of gardening, providing family, friends and neighbors with a bounty of vegetables, particularly his beautiful tomatoes. Roland will also be remembered for his love of cooking hearty breakfasts for family and friends. His tenacious work ethic was admired greatly by his children and all who knew him.
Visitation will be Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy. Graveside service is Monday, 10 a.m. at White County Memorial Gardens also in Searcy. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
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MARY LOUISE PEARL STANLEY, of North Little Rock, passed July 12, 2019. Born July 13, 1939 in Las Cruces, N.M., to Mildred and Alex Pearl. Survived by husband of 63 years Tracy Stanley; daughters: Katricia, Mary, Barbara and Lynnette; brother Glen, and sisters Sally and Helen. Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Ark. Her online guestbook is available at www. anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
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DOROTHY WATSON, 93, of Little Rock, went to be with her Lord on July 16, 2019. Born Dorothy Linsy on October 16, 1925, in Tarry, Ark., to the late Christine Jones and Paul R. Linsy.
She was preceded in death by her son Willie E. Watson and grandson Dereke L. Watson. Left to cherish her memory are six daughters, Rosie Giles of Los Angeles, Calif., Beatrice Kimble, Christer L. Wilson, and Rozetta (Frank) Harper of Little Rock, Ark., Gloria (David) Brien of Ireland and Bertha Lowe of Jacksonville, Ark.; three sons, Danny Linsy, Sr. of Memphis, Tenn., Eddie (Carol) Watson and Bobby (Melanie) Watson, Sr. of Conway, Ark.; and a host of other family and friends.
Family hour will be Friday, July 26, 2019, from 6-7 p.m. and her “Celebration of Life” Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. both at First Baptist Church Higgins, 9700 Hwy 365 South, Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow in Rest In Peace Cemetery in Hensley, Ark. Arrangements by Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, AR. (501) 372-1305
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LYNN FRIEDMAN ZOLDESSY passed away on July 13, 2019. She was born in Chicago, Ill., on April 6, 1941, the daughter of the late Dr. Maurice and Sylvia Friedman.
Ms. Zoldessy graduated high school from the Lausanne School for Girls in Memphis,Tenn., and received a degree in Sociology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She was known for her kindness, friendliness, and outgoing personality.
Ms. Zoldessy is survived by her daughter, Shayne Sheets (Chad) of Mayflower, and her brother, Dr. Charles Friedman (Karin) of Charlottesville, Va., as well as her longtime companion, Max Standridge.
The family would like to thank Hospice Home Care for providing comfort to her. Following private burial at Oakland Jewish Cemetery, a memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Temple B’Nai Israel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society (www. warmhearts.org). Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.