Obituaries
DR. CLAUDE DOUGLAS “BUDDY” BAKER
Dr. Claude Douglas “Buddy” Baker, son of Claude Austin Baker and Margaret Norman Baker, passed away March 5, 2023; he was born in El Dorado, AR on August 10, 1944. Dr. Buddy Baker was a 1962 grad from El Dorado High School and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas and his PhD in Biology from the University of Louisville. He was an award-winning teacher, researcher, department chair and biologist at Southern Arkansas University and Indiana University Southeast. Buddy had a deep interest in family genealogies in Columbia County, which led to him culminating his own book titled Samuel Baker, Revolutionary Soldier from Fauquier County, Virginia. He was a lifetime member of the alumni association and was a member of the SAU Board of Governors. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Magnolia, and a member of the Columbia County Republican Committee where he served on the state committee. Dr. Baker helped establish three Endowed Scholarships – Claude D. Baker-A Call to Service by Steve Moberly at IUS, William and Dorothy Craig music Endowment, Claude and Skeet Baker Endowed Scholarship in Marine Biology at SAU. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Professor William Perry Baker and Paul David Baker. Survivors include his beloved wife, Neva Braswell Baker; sons, David (Susan), Mark (Carla) and Michael Braswell; daughters, Phyllis (Mike) Skinner and Pamela (Rusty) McDonald; 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Theresa Baker and Colleen Sloan; and numerous nephews and nieces. Memorials may be made to the Claude and Skeet Baker Scholarship in Marine Biology at Southern Arkansas University Foundation, Inc., 100 East University, MSC 9174, Magnolia, AR 71753-218 or First Baptist Church Magnolia (Building Fund), PO Box 456, Magnolia, AR 71754. Visitation will be Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Magnolia with funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Dustin Wisely and Bro. Roger Dunlap officiating. The burial will be in the Magnolia Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia.
JANIS HYDE CAMP
Janis Hyde Camp was born January 6, 1936 in El Dorado Arkansas to Lucille and Paul Hyde. She was reunited with them on March 5, 2023 when she went home to be with the Lord. She graduated from EHS and the University of Arkansas top five in her class where she was a Pi Phi. She and Worth were married for 65 years.
She loved everyone and never met a stranger. She told everyone about Jesus and wanted all to have the opportunity to know Him.
She volunteered in all areas of the community and went on multiple mission trips in the US and abroad. She received the 2002 President’s Volunteer Service Award and was Arkansas Outstanding Young Woman of the Year in 1970.
She leaves behind her husband, children Rebecca Thompson (Bob), David Camp, and Karen McDonald (Keavin). Grandchildren Chisum, Cole and Clay (Julianna) Thompson, Jenny (Chris) Folsom, Nic (Amanda) Rand, AJ (Savannah) Rand, and great grandchildren Marlow and Troy Folsom. Samantha and Willa Stern, Morgan Jager.
In lieu of flowers please consider the First Baptist Church of El Dorado Summer Youth mission trip to tornado damaged Kentucky.
Her sisters Sutsy, Barbara and Nancy, the Hyde Girls, will be joining us for the celebration of life on Friday March 10, 2023 at 2:00 at First Baptist Church of El Dorado. Visitation at 1:00 in the Sanctuary.
An online guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
BESSIE CROWDER MATHEWS
Bessie Crowder Mathews passed into her eternal life on March 5, 2023 in Rockwall, Texas at age 97. She was born in El Dorado, Arkansas on July 16, 1925 to Walter and Clydie Smith Crowder.
She lived in El Dorado until the past few years, raised her family there, and was active in East Main Baptist Church, the DAR, garden club, and children’s ministries. Bess was highly creative and generous throughout her life. She truly lived a life of service to those less fortunate than herself.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Royce Dillard “R.D.” Mathews, sister Almeda Elliott, sister Sue Eileen Crowder, and brother Robert “Bob” Crowder. She is survived by her sister Betty Coleman of Woodland Park, CO, daughters, Kay Mathews of Lexington, SC; Robin Billings (Rodney) of Rockwall, TX; Paula Ellis (John) of Longview, TX; son, Dwayne Mathews of Pencil Bluff, AR.
She was a loving grandmother to her surviving grandchildren Vicki Gilliam (Ken) of Jackson, MS; Vanessa Mayfield of Dallas, TX; Ronnie Hardcastle (Mary) of Wilmington, NC; Rebecca Lewis of Pflugerville, TX; Sarah Froese of Lexington, SC; Amy Billings of Las Colinas, TX; Carson Billings of Garland, TX; Scott Morrison (Heather) of Longview, TX; Katie Wilson (Derrick) of Austin, TX; and Andrew Ellis (Lindsay) of Dallas, TX.
She was blessed with 10 surviving great grandchildren, and 4 great, great grandchildren. She also leaves behind three special sisters-in-law, Sue Mathews of El Dorado, AR; Sonya Mathews of Huttig, AR; and Helen Bomar of El Dorado, AR. She had many beloved nieces and nephews.
Services will be held for family and friends at Young’s Funeral Directors in El Dorado, Arkansas at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 10.
Memorials may be made to East Main Baptist Church, 1903 East Main St, El Dorado, AR 71730 Condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
JO NELL KEENE GRIFFITH
Jo Nell Keene Griffith age 88 of Parkers Chapel, passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado. Jo Nell was born on May 9, 1934 in Louisiana to the late Lula May Jackson Keene and George H. Keene.
She was a former Member of Galilee Baptist Church, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and playing the piano and organ.
In later years, she and David joined Parkers Chapel First Baptist Church, where she enjoyed attending while she was able. She was the owner of Griffith Mobile Home Park in Parkers Chapel for many years and especially enjoyed going fishing with her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, David Griffith; one son, Michael Griffith; one grandson, Steven Griffith; one sister, Eloise Glover, and one brother, J.D. Keene.
Survivors include; one daughter, Kathy Hogue of Pea Ridge, AR; one son, Mark Randall Griffith of Parkers Chapel; seven grandchildren; ten great grandchildren, and one great great grandson.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at Bailey Funeral Home in El Dorado. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm at Scotland Cemetery, near Junction City, with Bro. Paul Purifoy officiating. Burial will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
ELIZABETH NELSON
Elizabeth Nelson, of El Dorado, passed away on March 3rd. Elizabeth was a real estate agent, a land developer and a home builder.
She was married to Oscar ‘Red” Griswold.
Elizabeth was predeceased by Oscar “Red” Griswold and her step child Mike Griswold. She is survived by step sons Ike and Mark Griswold, grand child Daniel, step grandchildren Catherine, Christina, Paul, Deanna, Robert and Johnathan. Along with step great grandchildren Crystal, Veronica, and step great great grandchild Isabella. May the road rise to meet you;
May the wind be always at your back;
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
May the rains fall softly upon your fields.
Until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand
LENA MORENE (MOMO) HOLDER
Lena Morene (MoMo) Holder left this earth on March 5, 2023, she was 92 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny and Lena Meggs, 3 sisters and 2 brothers. She is survived by her 4 daughters, Deborah (Mike) Flehr, Denise (David) Henry, Lisa (Earnest) Chickadel, and Robin (David) Hill, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren and 1 sister, Agnes Smith. Morene raised 4 daughters on her own. She was a strong, Christian lady and God’s Word was her daily inspiration and God always took care of her. Her favorite saying was, “But God…”, reminding herself that nothing was impossible with God. Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Young’s Chapel with Pastor James Bolding and Adam Ketchum officiating. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetary under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home. The family will be at the Hill’s home at 149 Kay Drive in Parkers Chapel. Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
MARGARET TATUM LARK
Sister Margaret Tatum Lark was born on November 28, 1945. She was the firstborn child of Maudie Mae Williams Tatum and the third child of Lindsey Tatum. Margaret passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at St. Joseph Hospice in Shreveport, LA. On October 6, 1973, Mrs. Margaret was united in holy Matrimony to Joshua Lark, and they shared many years of happiness. Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, the late Joshua Lark, parents Lindsey Tatum and Maudie Mae Williams Tatum, and two sisters Helen McCuriches, and Ruth Tolefree. Mrs. Lark leaves to cherish her memories her son Roderick King Sr. of Bossier City, La, two grandchildren Roderick King Jr. of Houston, TX, Broderick King of Texarkana, AR, and one godchild Breanna Riley, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives, and special friends who will cherish her memories and special love, she will truly be missed. Public Visitation Friday, March 10, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral service to be held Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at El Bethel Baptist Church, Three Creeks, AR. Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
A.F. HENLEY
A.F. Henley, better known as Buddy, left this life and met his savior on March 10, 2023. Buddy was born to Rex and Pearl Henley of Norphlet February 5 1939 and was the baby of 8 siblings.
Buddy graduated from Norphlet High School where he met his life-long sweetheart. He and Patsy Fuller began to “go together” as 8th grade friends. Some 70 years later they would be celebrating their 65th anniversary in July of this year.
Buddy and his “boys” owned Henley Feed and Farm Supply for 42 years where he made many life-long friends. He loved his customers who were so much more to him than just that.
Buddy was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Pearl Henley, seven brothers and sisters, Doris, Imogene, Floyd, David, Allen, Francis Coy, and Joann. Buddy was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Faye.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Patsy Joan, 3 children, Pat, Ray (Becky) and Nikki (Jeff Avery); 7 grandchildren, Jessica (Jackson), Ben (Kelsey), Garrett (Mary), Sarah, Anna (Collin), Brett (Hanna), and Jana; and 13 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Norphlet Methodist Church.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, March 13, at the First Baptist Church of Norphlet.
Memorials can be made to: Open Hearts Ministries, 608 Carol Ave, El Dorado AR 71730.
Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
LARRY ALTON JOHNSTON
Larry Alton Johnston of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away surrounded by family on Monday February 13, 2023, at the age of 75 after a long battle with dementia. Larry was born on December 15, 1947, in Hope, Arkansas to Ellen Margaret and Alton Theodore (Punkin) Johnston. He graduated from Hope High School and received a degree in accounting from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Larry served in the Air Force for 4 years and the reserves for 2 years. He spent the majority of his career working for the Social Security Administration in El Dorado and Camden, Arkansas. Larry was a giving person and always made sure family and friends had a good time. He lived life with a patient easy-going manner and often shared stories from his childhood and time spent in the Air Force, as well as life lessons and the occasional joke. Larry enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons. He would have a blast in the summer time camping on the old river, fishing and just hanging out with his sons. He also enjoyed playing golf and spending time at the lake. He was a big kid at heart and had no problem going off the rope swing with the youngsters. Larry loved listening to music, especially the oldies. He enjoyed classic cars and cruising around in his 1969 Mercury Cougar that he purchased when he was in the Air Force. Larry also loved spending time with his three grandchildren. Most of all Larry was a great mentor, proud father, and a loving husband. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife Emma of 52 years; 2 sons, Courtney of Beaumont, Texas, Andrew and wife Christine of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren, Nicolas (14) and Olivia (11) of Houston, Texas, and Lucas (11) of Beaumont, Texas; sister Priscilla Davis and husband Leon of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and several nephews, nieces, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in El Dorado, AR on March 11, 2023, at 2 pm. Memorials can be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Mary’s Church in Larry’s name.
PERRY LEE EDDLEMAN
Perry Lee Eddleman, 61, of Junction City passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023. He was born on November 13, 1961, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Perry was great husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He loved to fish and often shared his fishing tales; he was an explorer who wanted to see it all. Perry was an outstanding high school athlete in Football and Track & Field. To know him was to love him, as cliché as that sounds, it was the absolute truth. Perry had a servant’s heart, having served the people of Union County for nearly 40 years. In 2003, Perry took his ability to serve to another level by opening Perry’s Funeral Chapels. He helped those who were grief stricken and suffering during their darkest times. Perry has shaken thousands of hands, offered a firm pat on the back, and a great big hug to numerous people over the years. He was a lighthearted, comical soul who only saw the good in people. Survivors include his wife, Alicia LaGrone Eddleman; son, Blake Lee Eddleman (Steven); daughter, Morgan Bailey Eddleman; mother, Jenny Bone (Wayne); sisters, Cara Lakey (Brent), Dori Coleman (Bryan), and Marilyn Eddleman; step-children, Caleb Foret (Callie), Cole Foret, Landon Foret, Haley Smith (Matthew), and Allison Sharp; grandson, Cullen James Foret; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding him in death are his father, Frank Eddleman, his maternal grandparents, and his paternal grandparents. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 8:00 PM on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 11, 2023, conducted by Bro. Terry Smith an Bro. Billy Smith Jr. at Murmill Baptist Church. Family and friends may send condolences to the family at www. perrysfuneralchapels.com
LILLIE MAE MOORE
Lillie Mae Moore was born on March 22, 1934, to the late Layfatte Jones Sr. and the late Letha Bradley Jones. She received her heavenly wings on March 1, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers, John Jones and Layfatte Jones Jr., sisters, Daisy Sherman and Willie Mae Jones, one daughter Mae Jackson, and one granddaughter, Moneak Moore. Her memories will be cherished by her three son’s Charles Moore of Junction City, AR, David (Lacie) Moore of Palestine, TX, and Lamontra Frazier of Desoto, TX; Four Daughters, Marcellia (John) Meeks of Junction City, AR, Shirley (Michael) Meeks of Junction City, AR, Donna Cheatham of Junction City, AR, and Ruby (Michael) Christian of El Dorado, AR, Two brothers Luther Jones, of Ashtabula, OH, Charlie (Pauline) Jones of Morrilton, AR, Sister Frances Payne of Morrilton, AR, 13 grandchildren, 14 greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces, cousins, friends, and relatives who will miss her dearly. Public Visitation Friday, March 10, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral service Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church. Mask Required. Interment at Community Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
CATHERINE SUE (COUCH) WHIDDON
Catherine Sue (Couch) Whiddon was born November 5, 1948 and passed away March 4, 2023 at the age of 74 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House after suffering a stroke on January 17, 2023. Sue grew up in Junction City, Arkansas, the daughter of William L. “Buddy” and Catherine Couch. She graduated from Junction City High School, as valedictorian, and Louisiana Tech University. She did graduate work at Oklahoma City University. She was a certified Montessori Teacher, taught at Junction City Schools, Children’s House of Learning, Mt. Holly Schools, El Dorado Elementary and Middle School and First Baptist CLC. She worked all together in Arkansas School Systems for 31 years. After retiring from teaching, she was the prayer coordinator at First Baptist Church for 10 years. Sue was an avid reader and lover of the outdoors. A proud mother, who was always involved in whatever her sons were doing. She was a selfless individual who placed others ahead of herself! She always had something on the stove and everyone was welcome to eat and always enjoyed her cooking. Her witty humor often times would catch you off guard, but you couldn’t help but laugh when you looked up and saw her holding back laughter with a grin. Sue was preceded in death by her parents William L. “Buddy” and Catherine Couch, grandparents, Alvin and Mary Lou Laney, W.M. Foster and Geraldine Couch, and nephew, Will Adams. She’s survived by her husband, Dan G. Whiddon, Jr., sons, Trey Whiddon (Jessica), of Texarkana, Chris Whiddon (Amanda) of West Monroe, LA, grandchildren, Aidan, Sadie, Bowen, and Ashton, and step grandson, Tripp. She loved all her grandchildren, A Joy in Her Life! She is also survived by her sister, Betty Couch Adams of Batesville, AR, three nieces, Dana Blume DanPlantus of Houston, TX, DeAnn Blume Welch of Phoenix, AZ, and Katie Adams Treubig of Birmingham, AL. Thanks to all the nurses at the John R. Williamson Hospice House-Life Touch Hospice. What a God Sent Place! Also a special thanks to the nurses at Baptist Health Center in Little Rock for their kindness and care! The visitation will be on Tuesday, March 7th from 5:00-7:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in the Parlor. A memorial service will be on Wednesday the 8th at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church of El Dorado or to the Charity of Donors’ Choice. Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com
JAMES PATTERSON
James Patterson, of El Dorado, AR, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2023. Survivors include his daughter, Mitzi Thompson; grandsons, Jonathan Thompson (wife, Audrey), Justin Thompson (wife, Rachel); great grandsons, William, Edward, John Ray; great granddaughter, Adeline; along with numerous loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Lloyd Patterson and Velma Ruth Smith Patterson; his loving wife of 62 years, Geraldine Witherington Patterson; sister, Martha Ann Patterson Rankin; and brother, Rudolph Patterson. James was born and raised in El Dorado, AR and worked for Columbia Chemical. He was a member of Calion Baptist Church and was a Mason. He will be sadly missed. The Patterson family would like to offer special thanks and appreciation to Angela Patterson for her care and compassion during this difficult time. A gathering of friends and family will be held at Young’s Funeral Directors, 508 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 5pm to 7pm. Graveside services will be held at a later date under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to UCAPS, PO Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730. Condolences can be expressed to the Patterson family at www. youngsfuneralhome.com
MAXINE BRANTLEY OSBORN
Maxine Brantley Osborn, 98, of El Dorado, AR passed away Friday, March 10, 2023 at Timberlane Health and Rehab. Maxine was born February 18, 1925 in Crigler, AR to the union of Charles Brantley and Corinne Hollenshead Brantley. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joe Allen Osborn, one granddaughter, Nicky De Traz, three brother, and two sisters. Maxine was a wife, mother, grandmother, AKA,” Mamaw White Hair”, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She was loved by many and she loved her family with her whole heart. She cooked for many family holidays, where her family would gather at her house. Maxine always supported her family no matte what. She loved attending her families sports activities, dance recitals, graduations, weddings and the births of many. Maxine was always ready to go to anything her family was involved in. She will be remembered for the many memories created with her family. Survivors include two daughters, Martha McCurry, Becky Newton and husband Tommy, two sons, James “Smokey” Osborn and wife Edna, Ricky Osborn and wife Linda, ten grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, six great great grandchildren, one sister, Katie Boyd. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon Monday, March 13, 2023 at Bailey Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023 at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens with Rev. Carly Davis officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR. Pallbearers will be Marcus Osborn, Rusty Osborn, David Osborn, Tyler Osborn, Cash Stone, Korbin McAuliffe. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Lifetouch Hospice.
PEGGY ANN THOMPSON
Peggy Ann Thompson, age 83, of Junction City, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Sheridan Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Peggy was born in Hazen, AR. on November 26, 1939 she was the daughter of Porter and Lorene Gallaway Hudson. A homemaker, Peggy was active in the Eastern Star and was of the Baptist Faith. She worked several years at the Krogers in Magnolia. Peggy enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Betty Snead and Sue Coker, a brother Bill Hudson and her husband Joe Robert Thompson. Survivors are a daughters Becky (Jim) Austin of Pine Bluff and Tamera (Toby) Russell of El Dorado; sons Robert (Monica) Thompson of Sheridan and Terry Thompson of Tennessee; along with 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a great great grandson. Graveside memorial service at Jolley Cemetery at 2 pm, Wednesday, March 15, 2023 with Bro. Sean Lupton officiating. Cremation services provided by Young’s Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Association, 225 North Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, ILL 60601 Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Thompson family.