Obituaries
NOTICE OF PASSING PRESTON “LEON” HINES
Preston “Leon” Hines passed away Friday, May 7th, 2021 at The John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., Monday, May 10th at Three Creeks Baptist Church.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, May 11th at Three Creeks Baptist Church with burial following at Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
OBITUARIES CHARLES DOUGLAS “DOUG” ADAMS
Charles Douglas “Doug” Adams, age 69 of El Dorado, passed away Thursday, April 29, 2021 in El Dorado, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Doug was born on January 13, 1952 in Hartselle, AL to the late
Alice Marie Snowden Adams and the Rev. Robert Alex Adams.
Doug graduated from
Louisiana Tech University with a
B.S. degree in wildlife management, with added hours in botany and zoology. Doug worked for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at the
Toledo Bend Fish Research
Station in Anacoco, Louisiana as an island, fisheries, senior field biologist, and as a master’s degree student, was a research assistant in forestry wildlife.
Doug later worked for the government in land management at
Lake Havasu, Arizona for many years before his retirement. Doug was an avid reader of books, a true outdoorsman, and especially enjoyed all wildlife and fishing.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, and a former wife, Darlene Booty.
Survivors include; one brother, Robert Allen Adams and wife Ruth of Henderson, NV; one sister, Marilyn Sue Grubbs and husband Perry of Okolona, MS; a former stepson, Jeremy of Louisiana; numerous nieces, nephews and his special K9 Companion, Daisy.
Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at the First Church of God, located on Mosby Street in El Dorado. Memorial services will be officiated by Rev. Bert Brown and assisted by Doug’s nephew, Reagan Grubbs.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God, which was Doug’s former Church. 918 North Mosby, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Bouquets of wildflowers, garden flowers or Daisies are welcomed. Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
JUDITH “JUDY” ANN CHOATE
Judith “Judy” Ann Choate, 76, of El Dorado passed away Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at her home. She was born August 12, 1944, in Little Rock to the late Garland and Mary Diemer.
Judy graduated from Camden High School in 1963; she was secretary of the senior class, a cheerleader, on the honor roll and a member of Girl Scout Troop 36.
She participated in many archery tournaments: 1961, which she won 3rd place in the Women’s Instinctive Division of the Fourth Pine Bluff Archery Club Indoor Shoot; in 1962 which she won the championship in the 75th class and the State Women Amateur champion.
Judy earned her undergraduate degrees in Education and Accounting in 1976 and Masters in Math and Science Education in 1999, both from Southern Arkansas University at Magnolia. She loved and enjoyed teaching and made that her life. She spent three decades educating students of this community in the El Dorado School District. She loved her students and went above and beyond for them and within Math Counts and Odyssey of the mind. She was recognized as 2002 Outstanding Educator of El Dorado High School.
Judy was a lifelong learner and espoused the value of education. In retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband and visiting with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers; Gerald and Harry Diemer.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Paul Choate of El Dorado; one son, Donald Cox (Christi) of Fayetteville and three daughters Sharon Cox Davis (Scott) of Fayetteville, Vikki Cox Harris (Ronald) of North Little Rock; and Emily Choate Wyatt (Todd) of El Dorado; 13 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and she was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.
The family would like to recognize Life Touch Hospice of El Dorado and our nurse, Hayden, for all her help throughout this time.
A very special thank you to Angie Manning for her loving care for Judy and our family and her support for Paul. Angie has been more than supportive, she has been an angel.
Visitation will be held, 9:00 AM, Friday, May 7, 2021 at College Avenue Christ of Christ with funeral services following at 10:00 AM with Gary Schloemer officiating. Burial will be at WyattParnell Cemetery under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels.
Pallbearers will be Brian Arnold, Adam Choate, Bret Garret, Steve Saulbury, Justin Tolin, and Bill Luther.
In Lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to Camp Kurios via College Avenue Church of Christ at 1817 N College Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730.
Online condolences at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com
MICHAEL LEE DAVIS SR. (LEE LEE)
Michael Lee Davis Sr. (Lee Lee), 62, of El Dorado, AR, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021, at his residence. He was born August 19, 1958, in Union County to the late John L. Davis and AvaNell Davis Ball.
Michael accepted Christ at an early age. He was a 1977 graduate of El Dorado High School; he attended U.A.P.B. in Pine Bluff,
AR, where he also played football. He obtained a degree in water and solar energy. Michael worked for Sun Oil Co. for 25 years.
Survivors are his two sons, Michael L. Davis Jr., Curtis T. (Lisa) Davis, and six grandchildren, all of Bakersfield, CA. Two brothers, Marlon L., Ronnie W. (Patricia Ann) Davis, both of El Dorado, AR, Eight sisters Wanda (Johnny) Johnson of Little Rock, AR, Josephine Smith, Abbleane Davis of El Dorado, AR. Johnnie Mae Crudup, Girdie Grisby of Little Rock, AR, Connie J. (Charles) Osuala, Jequetta Robinson of El Dorado, AR, and Dovanna Spencer of Dallas, Texas. A host of nieces, nephews, and relatives who will miss him dearly. Celebration services will be held Friday, May 7, 2021, from 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in El Dorado, AR, for family and friends.
JOSEPHINE ARLA DUNWOOD
Josephine Arla Dunwood was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Monday, January 15, 1945. She was affectionately called “Arla” by her family. She was born to the late Lorraine Miller Dedrick and the late Theodis McGhee. She was preceded in death by her oldest daughter, Allison “Judy” Cook Lowe, and her oldest grandchild, Jennifer R. Cook. Also, she was preceded in death by three siblings, Artie Thomas Byrd, Sybil Byrd Clark, and Vititia Byrd Navarro.
She was a part of the generation that counted motherhood as a virtue because mothers knew the difference between a house and a home. Josephine’s goal in life was to make a loving home that would produce a tapestry of memories that her family would forever cherish.
She was that voice of wisdom and reason when the world seemed upside-down, and that vessel of hope and love that carried her family and friends safely across rivers of change in their lives.
Josephine was the mother of two beautiful daughters and had many close friends. Her passion and love for her daughters and grandchildren was exhibited daily because she was ever present in their lives. She touched their lives with her wisdom, her compassion, and contagious sense of humor.
Josephine received her early education in the public schools in St. Louis, Missouri. Later, she moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas where she graduated from Southeast High School. She pursued her degree in nursing and graduated from Oil Belt Vocational Technical, now East Campus of Southeast Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas.
As a nurse, her career began at Loma Linda Nursing Home in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Later she moved to El Dorado, Arkansas where she continued her nursing career. She had an outstanding career in nursing for 32 years. She retired from South Arkansas Medical Center in El Dorado formerly Union Memorial Hospital.
At an early age, she confessed a hope in Christ in the A.M.E. Church in St. Louis. Later, she joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas. In her church, she was a faithful member in service, working with the Church School, when she was able to attend due to the nature of her work. Her strong faith and belief in God allowed her an opportunity for Christian growth and a dedication to serve others.
She departed this life on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. She leaves to mourn her transition and cherish her memory, her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Kirk Davis of El Dorado, Arkansas, two grandsons, Joseph (Heather) Cook of Dublin, California, and Joshua Cook of Las Vegas, Nevada, four great grandchildren, London, Odyssey, Vivid, Joselynn, one brother, Rickey Bryant of Melbourne, Florida and three sisters, Marsha Byrd of Riverside, California, Muriel Thomas, Sharon (Larry) Ragland , her Uncle Horatius (Gloria)Williams, all of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family of Josephine Arla Dunwood rejoices in the amazing life she was fortunate to have lived. We feel very honored, privileged, and blessed to have been loved by this wonderful Christian woman.
Funeral services at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 6,2021 at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR.
DOROTHY CHRISTINE GRAYBILL
Dorothy Christine Graybill, 73 of Little Rock, AR formerly of El Dorado, AR; died on Monday, May 3, 2021 at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, AR.
Born on March 10, 1948 in El Dorado, AR; she was the daughter of William A. Armer Sr. and Beatrice Major Armer. Dorothy was a member of the Calion Baptist Church. She retired as a dietician for Birch Tree Communities. Dorothy enjoyed arts and crafts along with begin outdoors in her yard or fishing. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and five sisters.
Survivors are a brother William A. Armer Jr. of Hemphill, TX; a special friend Carrie McClendon of Benton, AR along with several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be at 2 pm, Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Ebenezer Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Mark Staples officiating. The family will receive friends an hour prior to services at the cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
TINY ANN KEATON
Tiny Ann Keaton was born February 1, 1950, in Newell, AR. She was the daughter of the late Charlie Keaton and Annie Mae Keaton.
Tiny was preceded in death by her parents; One Son: Andrew Freeman, Three brothers; Charles (Virginia) Keaton, John Dillon; Robert Earl Keaton; Four Sisters; Virginia (James) Evans, Lucy Miles Glover, Shirley Moore, Harry Moore.
Left to cherish her memories her two sons; Charles ( Jean) Moody of junction City, AR, Michael Freeman Jr. of El Dorado, AR; One Daughter, Tina (Charles) Freeman, El Dorado, AR, and two sisters; Merul Cobbs of El Dorado, AR, and Christine ( Robert) Malone of Junction City, AR.
Five Grandchildren’s; La Quincy Miles; Marion Alderson; Teo Alderson; Keilyn Freeman; Tyana Hart
Six Great Grandchildren’s: Maryania Dade; La Montra Dade; Caleb Alderson; Brielle Hart; Brooklynn Hart; La Darius Hart, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Two special friends; Mary B and Louise Holmes.
Walkthrough Visitation Thursday May 6, 2021 at 1:00p.m5:00p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Graveside service Friday, May 7, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Beulah Grove Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com Face Mask required
HORACE MOORE JR.
Horace Moore Jr, 69 years old was born in El Dorado, AR. He was the oldest son of Horace Sr and Theresa Moore. He lived a life of dedication to his family, He was married for 48 years to his wife Marsha Moore and was the father of three children. Malcom Moore (Son), Janie Scott and Danielle Moore (2 Daughters). He was the grandfather of 4 grandchildren: Simone Moore, Jocelyn Scott, Micheal Moore and Aleisha Steward. He was proceeded in death by his father Horace Moore Sr and his brother Carl Moore. His survivors: Wife “Marsha Moore”; Mother Theresa Moore; Children: Malcom Moore, Janie Scott and Danielle Moore, and 4 grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service at the Mt. Willie Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Billy W. Miller presiding. The service will be Saturday, May 8,2021 at 11:00 AM. Anyone that would like to give flowers instead please give a donation to the Mt. Willie Baptist Church at PO Box 10113 El Dorado, AR 71730. Those who plan to attend the family request that you wear a mask. Professional care entrusted to Andrews Funeral Home of El Dorado.
SUE ANN PRIESTLEY MOORE
Sue Ann Priestley Moore formerly of Dubach, Louisiana, passed from this life on May 2, 2021. Sue Ann was the daughter of Joe T. and Grace Jones Priestley; she was born on July 31, 1932 in Natchez, Mississippi.
She grew up in Vicksburg, Mississippi and was a 1949 graduate of Harding Academy in Searcy, Arkansas. It was at Harding that she met and later married the love of her life, Jesse W. Moore. The majority of her adult life was spent as a resident of Dubach where she and Jesse raised their two children.
Sue Ann was an active member of the Ruston Church of Christ. Sue loved working with the Church and her fellow Christians. One of “Momma Sue’s” greatest Joys was caring for her family, but especially her grandchildren and great -grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents, her sister Marjorie Duggan and her husband of 68 years. Sue is survived by her son, Mark (Mary Beth) of El Dorado, Arkansas and her daughter, Becky Murphy (Tommy) of Ruston, Louisiana. Survivors also include her grandchildren Elizabeth (Blake) Williamson, Jennifer (Derrick) Cleveland, Amanda (Justin) Kavalir and Joe Murphy. Great-grandchildren include Grace and Walker Williamson, Laurel and Madeline Cleveland and Emma Sue, Abby Jo and Ella Rose Kavalir.
Graveside services will be Wednesday, May 5, 2021, 10:30 a.m., at the Hamilton Cemetery in Dubach, Louisiana. Visitation is scheduled Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston, Louisiana. Bro. Jim Davis will officiate under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston.
A special Thank You, for the care given to our mom for her nurses and staff of Princeton Place, Premier Hospice and Dr. William Sanders.
Pallbearers’ are Blake Williamson, Derrick Cleveland, Justin Kavalir and Joseph Murphy.
Memorials can be made to Ruston Church of Christ, 2300 Woodward Ave., Ruston, Louisiana 71270 or Christian Home, 100 W. Hardy St., Morrilton, Arkansas, 72110.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
SARAH ELIZABETH PRICE
Sarah Elizabeth Price, age 36, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by comfort and love on May 4, 2021 in Fayetteville, Ark. Her beloved Great Dane, Ollie, along with close family and friends, were lovingly watching over her as she finally left her body after a 12-year battle with Ocular Melanoma. As someone who has touched countless lives, Sarah left our world a more beautiful place than when she found it. She has had a magnetic zeal for life since her birth on April 8, 1985, in El Dorado, Ark. Throughout her life, she loved being outdoors, spending time with her family, going on adventures with friends, and living life to its fullest. An alumni of Little Rock Central High School, University of Arkansas, and University of Texas at Dallas MSA program, Sarah was highly regarded by her professional colleagues and gave back to professional organizations in her industry. She was active in her community and supported various causes including human rights, animal rescue, the arts, access to health care, and the environment.
Sarah is survived by her parents, Jim Price (Michelle Price) and Becky Thurman (Walter Thurman); two siblings, Jessica Price Easter (Stephen Easter) and James H. Price; her dog, Ollie; many adoring aunts, uncles, cousins, and fur-cousins; and her close friends and all of their children who know her as, “Aunt Sarah.”
The love that Sarah gave to the people and creatures in her life is something everyone should aspire to embody. Her generous spirit will continue to embrace us with kindness, compassion, conviction, and courage.
Her family and friends would like to invite you to celebrate her life in Fayetteville, Ark., on Thursday, May 13th for a fundraiser to support research at the Ocular Melanoma Foundation. Time, location, and how to donate will be announced on her Facebook page and at www.bernafuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Sarah’s Honor to http://www.ocularmelanoma.org/M-SarahPrice
MARTHA JO “SUZY” RINEHART
Martha Jo “Suzy” Rinehart, age 67 of Hampton died Friday, May 07, 2021 at Life Touch Hospice in El Dorado, Arkansas. She was born January 6, 1954 in Hampton, Arkansas. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and was a retired dispatcher for the Calhoun County Sheriff office. She is preceded in death by her parents, Homer Webb and Jeanette Hannegan Webb; husband, Tony Rinehart; daughter, Monica Jo; one brother, Benny Webb; and one niece, Cindy Cole. She is survived by two brothers, Eddie Webb and wife Linda of El Dorado, Mike Webb and wife Brenda of Hampton; two sisters-in-laws, Mischelle Webb of Cabot, Ginger Crotty and husband Mike of Hampton; one brother-in-law, Mark Rinehart of Hampton; special friends, Rhonda Ward and Julia Ann Hannegan both of Hampton; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday 10:00 am until 11:00 am at Antioch Baptist Church near Hampton. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am with Rev. Mike Nutt officiating. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.
IDA REE WILLIAMS
Ida Ree Williams was born October 12, 1959, to the union of Mack and Avon Pevey Williams.
April 23, 2021, the angels came and carried her to a much deserved and unexpected rest.
She is preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Sam Williams, Roy J. Williams, Willie T. Williams, Dutch Williams, Lynzel Williams; two sisters, Betty Wright Stanley, and Lynell Williams; two aunts, Hazel Heard of Spearsville, La, and Vilma Montgomery of Crossett, Arkansas.
Her lasting memories will be cherished by her daughter Betty Faye (Andrew) McBride of Texas, four Grandchildren Sarah Williams, Najee Christopher, Alexandria Williams, Victor Miller Jr. Four brothers Willie Lee Williams, Jimmy Williams, Chester Williams, and Jerry Williams, all of El Dorado, AR. One uncle James Williams of Junction City, AR, one aunt Lilly Pearl Pevey of Monroe, La, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday, May 7, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral service Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at http://www.simsmortuay.com Face mask required.
DEANNA GAYLE ROGERS
Deanna Gayle Rogers age 79 of Smackover, passed away Sunday, May 2, 2021 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado. Gayle was born on April 3, 1942 in Hot Springs, AR to the late
Madge Chitwood Southerland and Elza H. Southerland. Gayle was a retired feed registrar for
ConAgra Poultry Co., serving
20 plus years before her retirement. Gayle attended First
Baptist Church of Smackover for many years and was a former active, disaster relief and Hospice volunteer. She was a member of the Master
Gardener’s Club and especially loved vegetable gardening and flower gardening.
Gayle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband,
Donald Ray Rogers; one son,
Billy Rogers; son in law, Doug Perry; and a brother in law, Marvin Aly.
Survivors include; three daughters, Rebecca Sterling and husband Fred of Hot Springs, Donna Norsworthy and husband Jason of West Fork, AR, and Kathey Perry of El Dorado; eight grandchildren, Chase Sterling, Rachel Sterling, Chasity
Birkeland, Tad Rogers, Jacob Norsworthy, Abigail Norsworthy, Isabella Norsworthy, and Maegan Perry; seven great grandchildren, and a sister in law, Jean Aly.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by funeral services at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Smackover, with Bro. Carley Davis officiating. Entombment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, AR under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
CAROL TYNER SIMMONS
Carol Tyner Simmons age 58 of El Dorado passed away Sunday, May 2, 2021 at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock, AR. Carol was born on June 21, 1962 in Memphis, TN to the late Betty
Lou Hardy Tyner and James
Lamar Tyner. Carol enjoyed all the good times spent at the deer camp, she loved to fish and was an excellent cook. She loved spending time with all of her family, but especially with her grandkids.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents and by one son,
Josh Koon.
Survivors include; three sons, Gary Koon, Rocky Koon and Tommy Koon all of Little
Rock; one brother, Don Tyner and wife Linda of Memphis,
TN, and by her two precious grandchildren, Karley Koon and Wesson Koon, both of Parkers Chapel.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Tracy Roden officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home. Cremation services were provided by Bailey Funeral Home. Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
ROBERT SPIVEY
Robert Spivey was born at home on June 3, 1959, as a twin to the late Earnest Spivey and Marie Taylor Spivey in El Dorado, AR. He was called home on Friday, April 30, 2021, at his residence to be with our heavenly father.
Robert, affectionately known as “Skeet Champ,” attended
Fairview Elementary School and was a graduate of El
Dorado High School Class of
1977.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. Six brothers Earnest
Jr, Willie Earl, Clarence, Melvin,
Jessie, and Dewayne. And his twin sister Robbie.
He leaves to cherish his loving memories his sisters Joyce
Westbrook, Betty (Anthony)
Caldwell, Earnestine (Travis)
Turner, and Cynthia Ford, all El Dorado AR. Two brothers Dennis Spivey of El Dorado AR and James Douglas of West Helena AR. His God Mother, Ms. Celia Richard, best friend Greg Hayes, and a host of family and friends.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday, May 7, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.5:00 p.m at Sims Mortuary, Funeral Service Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Baptist Church parking lot. Interment will be at Arlington Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com Face Mask required.