OBITUARIES
ALFRED MYERS “BUSTER” CARELOCK
Alfred Myers “Buster” Carelock, 88, was born on October 4, 1932 to Cooksey Lee Carelock and Vera Mae McGaugh Carelock in the Parkers Chapel community of El Dorado, AR Union County. He departed this life at his home on the Southfield Road on October 11, 2020 surrounded by people that loved him. He was brought up on a small farm and raised with country values and skills. He attended Parkers Chapel School and graduated in 1950. After graduation and some college while working for Arkla Gas Company he married Norma Ellen Hubbard. Their union was blessed with four daughters. Early in their marriage he was drafted into the Korean Conflict. After he returned from his stint in the service, he came back to El Dorado and had several jobs before beginning his career at the El Dorado Post Office where he retired serving the area for over 30 years. He was a member of Bethel Chapel Assembly of God Church from early in his youth to the present day. There he served as Sunday School Teacher, Song Leader, and Deacon. He was also part of the Ambassadors singing group. He was pitcher for the Bethel Chapel Co Ed softball team and surprised many people with his continued abilities in later life. He served on the Parkers Chapel School Board for many years and was a big supporter of all school activities. He was also instrumental in helping to getting the Parkers Chapel Water Association functional.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 46 years Norma Ellen, and one sister, Dorothy Moss.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Thetta Sue Beasley Carelock, four daughters, Elaine Whitman and husband Randy, Berniece Carelock, Linda Morgan and husband John, Myra Carelock all of El Dorado. He had ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, three sisters Fayrene Bailey of El Dorado, Melba Adams and husband Carl of West Fork, AR and Juanice Owers of El Dorado. He is also survived by four step children, Fred Riley of El Dorado, Lisa Hartsfield and husband Scott of Camden, David Riley of Camden, and Libbie Womack Jorn and husband Rich of Owensboro, Kentucky with nine step grandchildren and eleven step great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday October 15, 2020 at the Old Parkers Chapel Cemetery on Parkers Chapel Road with Rev. Steve Moss officiating. Visitation and viewing will be one hour prior to the service at the cemetery. Opportunity will be given to share good memories. Interment to follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Due to the Covid virus we are asking attendees to wear masks and social distance as much as is possible.
Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
MARY VIRGINIA SHAFFER “GINGER” HUDSON
Mary Virginia Shaffer “Ginger” Hudson, age 68 of Norphlet, AR, formerly of Springhill, LA passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020 at CHI Health System in Hot Springs, AR. Ginger was born on November 7, 1951 in Springhill to the late Mary Lois Jordan Shaffer and Jesse Melbourne Shaffer.
She worked for Brookshire’s Grocery Store for 35 years before her retirement, and was a member of First United Pentecostal Church of Norphlet. She was an animal lover and especially enjoyed taking in stray cats. She loved being outdoors, whether she was hunting, fishing or working in her yard, she enjoyed it all.
Ginger was preceded in death by her parents;
Survivors include; her husband of 48 years, Tom Hudson of Norphlet; one sister, Betty Minor and husband Glen of White Hall, AR; one brother, Jesse W. Shaffer and wife Theresa of Springhill; one niece, Leah Culbertson and husband Troy of Serepta; one nephew, Wesley Shaffer and wife Jen of Bradley, AR, along with six great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 1:30 pm on Friday, October 16, 2020 at Bailey Funeral Home in Springhill. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 pm at Springhill Cemetery with Rev. Nathan Dupree officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of Springhill.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
VELLA MAE GRIFFIN
Vella Mae Griffin, 86, passed away in Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday, October 11, 2020 at St. John Residential Care Homes. She was a resident of El Dorado for most of her life before moving to Texas City and later to Fort Worth to be close to family. She was born August 12, 1934, to the late Kermit C. Bridges and Mozell McGaugh Bridges.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 63 years, Malcolm Lee Griffin and brother, John Thomas Bridges.
Vella is survived by her daughter, Sandy Toups (Dr. Matt Toups); two grandchildren, Dr. Nolan Toups (Megan Toups) and Mandy Lester (Whit Lester) and two great-granddaughters, Ella and Phoebe Lester.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Graveside Service will be 1:00 PM, Friday, October 16, 2020 with Bro. Benji McCann officiating at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 815 Market Street, Galveston, Texas, 77550.
Online condolences at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com
MARILYN J. HOWE
Marilyn J. Howe, 69, of El Dorado, passed away Sunday, October 11, 2020 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. She was born November 24, 1950 to M.C. and Annie Mason Rogers in El Dorado, AR. She enjoyed reading, crafts, collecting elephants, and studying her Bible.
Most of all she loved spending time with her family.
Preceding her in death are her parents.
Survivors include her husband, James R. Howe; sons, Jeff R. Howe, James “Chris” Howe (Mindy), daughters, Sherry Ann Lasater (Dana), Robin Davies (Bo) all of El Dorado; brother, Jerry Rogers of Gladewater, TX; sister, Carolyn Jordan of El Dorado; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from noon until graveside service at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Wyatt Parnell Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors with Rev. Pat Daugherty officiating.
Condolences may be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
TIMOTHY HAMPTON
Tim was born on October 6, 1964, in El Dorado, AR, to Louis T. Hampton and Claudia Sanders. He accepted Christ as his savior and joined New Eastside Baptist Church. Tim enjoyed watching football and spending time with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Carrie James and Massie Lee Jackson, two brothers Jerome Hampton, and Curtis Unice.
His memories will be cherished by his sisters Dorothy Mitchell, Debra Glover, brothers LeRoy Russell ( Becky), Lewis T. Hampton ( Nina), sister in-law Connie Unice, a special friend Debra Lessie, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Walkthrough Visitation Wednesday, October 14, 2020, from 2:00- 5:00 at Sims Mortuary, Graveside service Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at Rehoboth Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www. simsmortuary.com. Face mask required, please
APOSTLE RUBY J. GREEN
Apostle Ruby J. Green was born July 3, 1949 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Aaron and Fannie Mae Allen.
Apostle Ruby accepted Christ as her savior and was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church, Cordell, in El Dorado, Arkansas. In 1982, she was baptized in the Holy Spirit, and began her ministry through a home bible study where she faithfully shared the good news of the Gospel and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Two years later, the ministry of Victory Bible Church was birthed where she remained a faithful and committed founder, pastor, overseer, and apostle until her heavenly transition. She was known as a true Apostle of Prayer.
She attended Washington High School and graduated from Southern State College in Magnolia, Arkansas, with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She was honored in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. She received her honorary Doctor of Divinity In Religious Education from Gospel Ministry Outreach Theological Institute, Houston, Texas. Apostle Ruby served as a Civil Service Commissioner, and prayer coordinator over the state, leading the Arkansas Apostolic Prayer Network for better than seven years. As a network leader, she remained connected to Global Spheres International and the Heartland Apostolic Prayer Network.
She led many prayer initiatives and spiritual journeys to shift the atmosphere of our state and to pave the way for change.
She married Robert Lee Green, Jr. and to this union, they were blessed with three children, Robin, Roderick, and Rory.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Robert L. Green, Jr.; three children, daughter Robin Green; two sons, Roderick Green (Yuteska), Rory Green (Sherelyn), all of El Dorado, Arkansas; grandchildren, Randon Green, Charity Green, Zoe Green, Ky’Angela Manning Green, Chloe Manning Green, Rod’Nia Green, Jaamal Green, Jaamar Green, Cornecia Gray, and Collin Gray; Two sisters, Apostle Debra Allen of Pembroke Pines, Florida and Olean Williams of El Dorado, Arkansas; Two brothers, Dr. Sherwin Allen (Jeanette) and Dr. Claudis Allen, both of Dallas, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Aaron and Fannie Mae Allen, and three sisters, Mary Joyce Solden (Glenwood) of El Dorado, Shirley L. Briggs of Nashville, Tennessee, and twin, Jessie Walker (Rodell) of Houston, Texas.
NORMA ROSE THOMPSON DEAN
Norma Rose Thompson Dean died in Little Rock, Arkansas of complications due to Covid-19 on October 10, 2020, at the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Royce Melvin Dean; her mother and father, Letha May Abram Thompson and Charles Webster Thompson; three sisters and their spouses, Lillian Virginia Thompson Robinson (Bill), Wilma Maxine Thompson Harden (Cecil), Olive
Vanita Thompson Tedesco (Victor), and a brother and his spouse, Ray Edward Thompson (Geneva).
She is survived by her son David M. Dean, M.D. (R. Renay Dean) of Little Rock, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Jessica Leigh Dean Rutherford (Blake Spencer Rutherford) of Washington, DC, and Rachael Dean Wilson (Eric James Wilson) of Alexandria, Virginia; a great granddaughter, Winifred Adeline Wilson of Alexandria, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
Norma was born on November 10, 1927 in Crossett, Arkansas.
Her family moved to El Dorado, Arkansas when she was very young and she lived most of her life there until moving to Little Rock in 2015 to be closer to her son. Norma and Royce were married in El Dorado on August 29, 1948. She worked as a secretary for Lion Oil early in her career and then as a bookkeeper for Evers, Cox & Gober for 32 years.
Norma’s greatest loves were her husband, son, granddaughters, and the First United Methodist Church of El Dorado. She took great pride in the town of El Dorado and in South Arkansas. She served for a time as the president of the United Methodist Women, Camden District, and was also very active in the Interfaith Help Services of Union County. She loved music and dancing, and sweets of any kind.
A special thank you goes to Norma’s niece, Gayle Burbank (Doug), for the time, effort, and lifetime support she gave to Norma and her family, especially in the last few years of Norma’s life. You are very much appreciated. The family would also like to thank Ebony Coats and Tiffany Gilbert of The Village at Valley Ranch who gave Norma outstanding love and care in the final years of her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
A private, graveside service will be held at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 South Hill Street, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730 or to Interfaith Help Services, 512 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Arkansas, 71730.
An online registry can be signed at www.youngsfuneralhome. com.
JAMES “KIRK” HUDSON
James “Kirk” Hudson, 51, passed from this life on October 13, 2020 peacefully at the John R. Williamson Hospice House following a lengthy illness. He was born on February 10, 1969 in El Dorado to Jimmy Hudson and Vickie Flournoy. Kirk formally worked for the City of El Dorado and presently owned Hudson’s Golf Cart.
Kirk faced his journey with cancer with unbelievable faith, endurance and perseverance. He has been an inspiration to his family, friends, customers, nurses and all that have come in contact with him. If you ever spent any time with Kirk, you have heard these words, “If you don’t have the Good Lord, family and friends, then you don’t have anything”. Those words could not be more true and were evident in the life Kirk lived.
He was a man of Strong faith. He loved the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he loved fellowship with family and friends in the bay.
Kirk was known as Son, Husband, Dad, Papaw, Cuz and Uncle Kirk. He will be missed by so many, but we know by faith in the Lord, we will see him again.
Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Kristie Hudson; son, Joshua Hudson (Holly) of El Dorado; daughter, Madison Parker (Jesse) of Parkers Chapel; sister, Mona Murray of Hot Springs; brothers, Jonathan Hudson (Haley) of El Dorado, Lance Flournoy of El Dorado; and two beautiful granddaughters, Aubree Clair Parker and Emma Hudson both of El Dorado.
He is preceded in death by his step-father, Jimmy Flournoy, brother, Tony Hudson; and unborn grandbaby, Parker.
The family would like to thank the nurses at hospice for their kindness and gentle care during this process.
Visitation was held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Young’s Funeral Directors.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2020 at West Side Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Rhodes Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorial donations may be made to the John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730, #teamcorrie Cancer Foundation, 145 Parker Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730, or Parker Chapel First Baptist Church, 3816 Oleta Ave. El Dorado, AR 71730. Condolences may be made online at www. youngsfuneralhome.com
EVELYN KAY JONES
Evelyn Kay Jones, 58, of Urbana, passed away Friday, October 9, 2020 at home in Urbana.
Born on July 14, 1962 in El Dorado, she was the daughter of J.C.” Goober” Massey and Diane Graves Massey of Strong.
Evelyn was retired from the Union County Sheriff’s Office where she was a 911 Dispatcher and Jail Shift Supervisor.
She is preceded in death by her father; brother, John Allen Massey and a great nephew, Jaxson Lee Allen.
Survivors are her husband of 20 years, Ken Jones; a son, Jake Bennett of Strong; her mother, Diane Graves Massey of Urbana; a grandson, Ballard Bennett of Smackover; a sister, Lisa Dugal (Tad) of Strong; a niece, Ashley Simpson (Chris) of Strong; two great nieces, three great nephews and countless aunts, uncles and cousins along with many friends. She is also survived by her three fur babies, Roscoe, Holly and Zoey, that all loved to nap in the bed with her each afternoon.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Green Grove Cemetery with visitation from 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM prior to the service at the cemetery under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels.
Memorials may be made to Life Touch Hospice 2301 Champagnolle Rd. El Dorado, AR 71730.
Online condolences at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com
J. RICHARD MCCLENDON
J. Richard McClendon, of El Dorado, AR; died on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at his home following a brief illness.
Born in Strong, AR; he was the son of John Terrell McClendon and Zella Walton McClendon. Richard graduated from Southern State College and was a member of the Southern Arkansas University Alumni Association for many years. After college, Richard served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA in the late 50’s. He then started a career as an insurance agent retiring from American General Insurance after 32 years; during which he was a member of the El Dorado Life Underwriters Association. Active in the community, Richard was a member of the Union County Genealogy Society, the Union County Republican Club and First Baptist Church of El Dorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald and James B. McClendon, his sisters Lorene Gardner and Laura Sue Carr.
Survivors are a brother Ray McClendon of Strong along with several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services by Young’s Funeral Directors will be at 11 am, Friday, October 16, 2020 at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Strong with Rev. Brian Trostle officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Mike McGough, Lloyd Franques, Andy Chanler and Jeffery Sawyer.
The family wishes to thank Richard’s First Baptist Church Family and Rev. Brian Trostle for the fellowship and care they provide to Richard.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, 222 West Pope Avenue Monticello, AR 71655.
An online registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome. com
CHARLENE ROSS
The Lord graced this earth with an amazing encourager, Charlene Ross, born in El Dorado, AR on December 17, 1962, to her loving parents Charles E and Elizabeth Ross. She was the oldest of three daughters, and she fiercely loved and protected her sisters.
Her memories will forever be cherished by her loving parents Charles E. and Elizabeth Ross; two devoted sisters, Tanya (Tony) Meeks, Belinda Gail Ross; a longtime beloved friend: Devonnia Neal; a Favorite Furry Nephew Pup, Bandit Meeks Ross; Aunts: Earlean Dunn, Smackover, AR; Vera Jones Mt. Holly, AR, Pearlie Brown, Holly Springs, AR; Joann Ross, Inglewood, CA; Joan Ross, Smackover, AR, and Michele Mack, Oakland, CA; Uncles: WC Ross, Freddie (Jewel) Ross, both of Flint, MI, Ben (Effie) Ross, Atlanta, GA; Julius (Gloria) Ross, Flint, MI.; Eddie (Fundia) Ross, El Dorado, AR; James (Eddie Jo) Mack, Dublin, CA; adorned godsons Darrick Henry, Walata Henry, Ebedmelech Henry, Asa Henry, Sosthene Henry, and Onesimus Henry, and a host of other relatives, co-workers, and friends who she always kept in touch with.
Walkthrough Visitation Saturday, October 17, 2020, from 11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral Services Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 2:30 p.m. and Viewing will be from 1:30 p.m. Until 2:30 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church Parking Lot. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Mausoleum. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuay.com. Face mask required, please
TAMMIE TERESA SKINNER
Tammie Teresa Skinner, age 55, of Louann, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2020. She was born March 1, 1965 in Gladewater, Texas to the late Relda Jean Daily Pesnell and William Edward Pesnell.
Tammie enjoyed going to crystal mines and collecting crystals, camping, fishing and had an extraordinary talent of baking. She was a member of Norphlet United Pentecostal Church.
Tammie was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Michael Skinner; two children, Benji Olds and Jonathan Skinner (Magan); eight grandchildren; four brother in laws, Johnny Skinner (Jenny), David Skinner (Valerie), Don Skinner (Connie) and Jackie Skinner (Cathy); one sister in law, Regina Skinner and best friends; Evelyn Hearnsberger and Jenny Skinner.
Visitation will be held 6:008:00 PM, Friday, October 16, 2020 at Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Graveside Services will be 10:30 AM, Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Liberty Cemetery with Brother Nathan Dupree officiating under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Interment will follow at Liberty Cemetery.
Online Condolences: www.perrysfuneralchapels.com
RICHARD THOMAS WALLER
Richard Thomas Waller, 75 of Urbana, AR; died on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at his home following a long illness.
Born on May 18, 1945 in El Dorado, AR; he was the son of William Rudolph Waller and Irene Ballard Waller. Richard served in the Marine Corps and retired from Great Lakes/Lanxess. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening with his brothers. Richard was a member of Urban Church of Christ.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 47 years Bettye Pratt Waller.
Survivors are sons Randy Waller of Houston, TX and Matthew Waller of Mssouri; a daughter Theresa Thomas of Urbana; brothers David Waller, Winston Waller (Phyllis) and Danny Waller (Janice) all of El Dorado; grandchildren Shannara Holt, Joshua Mann, Cameron Waller and Noah Waller.
Graveside service by Young’s Funeral Directors will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 15, at Urbana Cemetery with Tommy Bennett and Paul Dunn officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Berean Children’s Home, Inc. 1180 Berea TR. S.E. Bogue Chitto, MS 39629 or to El Dorado Hospice.
An online registry is available at www.youngfuneralhome.com
BONNIE JO WILLIAMS
Bonnie Jo Williams, 82, El Dorado, AR; passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Advanced Health and Rehab. She was born on June 21, 1938 to Barnie Greer and Myrtis Allgood Greer in Haynesville, LA.
She worked at Murphy Oil from 1963 - 1996 and retired as a supervisor P/E Accounting. She was a member of Calion Baptist
Church, Desk and Derrick and the Medical Center of South Arkansas Auxiliary.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. today in the chapel of Young’s Funeral Directors with Rev. Mark Staples officiating.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Colquitt Cemetery near Haynesville, LA.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Condolences may be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
LINDA WILLIAMS
Linda Williams was born August 1, 1949, to Clayburn and Jessie Reed in El Dorado, Arkansas. She departed this life on Friday, October 9, 2020, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Linda fell deeply in love and married her soul-mate Pete Williams on April 17, 1971. To this union was born three children: Barry Jerome, Laquita Gail, and Veronica Lynn.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents Clayburn Reed and Jessie Mae Reed-Thigpen, and her step-father Tommie Thigpen, her daughter Laquita Gail, and her son Barry Jerome.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Pete Williams, her daughters Veronica Williams and Sylvia Wynn; her brothers Jimmy Reed, Sr. (Joanne), Mark Reed, Sr. (Maxine), and Sampson Williams (Brenda); her sisters Myrtis Rodgers, Jacqueline Rhodes, Pamela Christian, and Sylvia Ellis; her grandchildren Nadia, Adrian, Alicia, and Andrew; and her great-grandchildren Ryan, Jayron, Victoria, Sylvia, Zelda, and Jermani
Walk Through Visitation Wednesday, October 14, 2020, from 2:00p.m.-5:00pm Graveside Service Thursday October 15, 2020, at 11:00a.m. at Mt. Willie Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at simsmortuary.com. Face mask required, please