Obituaries
CHRISTOPHER LYNN CARUTHERS
Christopher Lynn Caruthers, 54, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away March 10, 2023.
He was born October 20, 1968 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Donald Ray Caruthers and Shirley Kyle McCoy Caruthers-Cobb.
Christopher was full of life and very social; he never met a stranger. He loved music and you could always catch him singing. He loved Gospel and classic Country music; he also played the piano. He also enjoyed antique cars and among his favorites would always be a Cadillac. He was a driving force for reviving the Water Carnival Dance and was a former director.
Survivors include his partner, Dennis Headrick of Little Rock; sister, Dona (Gary) Moore of Tennessee; niece, Rachel Katie Caruthers; nephew, Trey Caruthers; great-niece, Evelyn Sloane Caruthers; aunt, Peggy Head, and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donnie Caruthers.
Pallbearers are Gary Moore, Scott Head, Jimmy Burton, Brent Hopkins, Eddie Johnson, and Tony Webb.
Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm Friday, March 17, 2023 at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Brother Michael Parmley officiating. Burial will follow at Alderbrook Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
JAMES THOMAS “JIM” MULLINS
“Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!”
After a lifetime of humble service to his country, community, church, and family, James Thomas “Jim” Mullins, 92, of El Dorado entered the gates of Heaven on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. He was born on October 26, 1930 to James Byron and Mary Cornelia McGough Mullins in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Jim spent his childhood in Lake Village, Arkansas, where he was valedictorian of his high school class. He then spent two years at College of the Ozarks before transferring to pharmacy school at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Jim began a lifetime of service when he enlisted in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict as a Specialist Third Class at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
Jim then moved to Union County in 1955. Over the years, he served the El Dorado community as a pharmacist at many pharmacies, including Harper’s, Union Memorial Hospital, Larry’s Rexall, Safeway, and Harvest Foods.
After retiring, Jim pursued many volunteer endeavors, including the Interfaith Health Clinic pharmacy. Another dear to his heart was the Medical Center of South Arkansas Auxiliary, where he served thousands of hours.
Jim was a loved and respected member of the El Dorado First Assembly of God Church, where he spent many hours volunteering his time. He was particularly proud of his landscaping work and keeping the church grounds looking beautiful. It was what he truly loved.
In 1999, Jim was recognized for his service as one of “Five Who Care.” In 2002, he was presented with the R.A. Vernon Memorial Award for outstanding Christian leadership by First Assembly.
A devoted Christian, Jim was particularly characterized by two fruits of the Spirit that the world desperately needs – gentleness and self-control. While these traits are often maligned in our society as weakness, those who knew Jim knew just how strong he was.
When Jim wasn’t busy serving others, he was adept at the fine art of “piddling” (i.e., the act of passing time, without waste or regret), an Arkansas tradition chronicled by no less than the venerable Southern Living. That being said, he never wasted a second.
Preceding him in death are his parents, brother, Richard Lee Mullins; and sister, Norma Jean Yager.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Dianne Michelle Jones (Kenneth) of El Dorado; sons, James Byron Mullins, M.D., of Dallas, Texas, and Jeffrey Alan Mullins (Shawna) of Plano, Texas; grandchildren, Kyle Michael Jones (Ashton) of Bellevue, Nebraska, Lauren Michelle Jones of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jack Grayson Mullins, Jenna Brooke Mullins, and Jessica Grace Mullins, all of Plano, Texas; and great grandchildren, Hannah McKenzie Johnson of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Bailey Reid Jones and Evan Michael Jones, both of Bellevue, Nebraska.
A visitation for Jim will be held Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at El Dorado First Assembly of God Church, 2225 West Hillsboro St., El Dorado, Arkansas 71730.
Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM at El Dorado First Assembly of God Church. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Jones, Kyle Jones, Kevin Crowley, David Henry, Michael Kornegay, and Larry Sipes.
Burial will follow at Rhodes Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Mullins family.
Memorials may be made to El Dorado First Assembly of God Church.
JOSEPH SHANE “BO” DEWS
On February 15, 2023, Joseph Shane “Bo” Dews concluded his earthly journey and went home to be with Jesus.
Shane was born in El Dorado, AR on December 18, 1980. From the time he was young, Bo was an energetic, joyful and inquisitive child, a “rescuer” of creatures and all things that slithered. He knew the reptile kingdom by heart and would never pass by a turtle without helping it cross the road.
Shane loved fishing, sports and was an avid golfer. He was a collector of sports cards and memorabilia, with a mind that could spout off any sport statistic or history a person could ask for. He had an uncanny eye for structuring fantasy football lineups that would pay and loved strategizing with his sister Ashlea. A gifted wordsmith, he found his niche writing the sports column for the local paper when he was in High School. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan and, as a born Arkansas Razorback, he learned to call the Hogs at a very young age.
After graduating from Park River High School, Shane attended Louisiana Tech and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. He was a talented, awarded salesman and loved working with people. To really know Shane was to know that his personality was bigger than life itself. He was always entertaining and would come alive to tell compelling stories with twists and turns and inevitable punch lines. He loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh. Joy was in the very fabric of his being. Always with high energy, Shane was a fitness enthusiast and was passionate about all things related to exercise physiology and kinesiology. Shane loved all types of history. He would carry on conversations with everyone and had particular affection for the elderly and children. Whether it was hanging out with his niece and nephew, Tyler and Maecy, or his little cousins Gavin and Jackson, he loved the opportunity to be just another kid in the room albeit, a loud one. He enjoyed spending time with his family and looked up to his brother Jon especially, sharing rounds of golf when possible. And, most precious to him was time spent with his beloved papaw at the farm in Spearsville, LA.
From a young age, Shane felt a calling on his life that remained a constant. He had a gift of scripture and could quote and explain biblical history like only a bible scholar could. He always sought the truth with vigor. He had an unwavering faith in God and a true heart for Jesus. No matter what his own struggles may have been, Shane lived his life with passion and compassion, serving and seeking to fulfill the needs of others and teaching many of the hope and love to be found in Jesus.
While we mourn, and will miss him dearly, we are grateful to know that he ran his race with perseverance, he changed many lives - he is healed, he is at peace and has joined the cloud of witnesses to cheer us all on. We live to see him again.
Shane has joined in heaven, his grandfathers Joseph E Dews Sr and Charles “Pete” W Ferguson, and his aunt, Sherry Ferguson.
He is survived by his father, Joseph E Dews (Mary), mother, Wanda Ferguson Dews, Grandmothers Janet Ferguson and Bettie Dews, brother, Jon Toland and sister, Ashlea (Harold) Dews; Aunt, Melody Ferguson Lyman; Uncles Charles (Janet) Ferguson, John (Beverly), Jim (Valarie) & Gary (Lisa) Dews; His nephews and niece, Tyler and Maecy Toland and JJ Rundel. He has a multitude of friends who miss him deeply, along with a large extended family.
Shane had a burden for the less fortunate, the homeless and those struggling with sobriety or addiction. He recently said “I am called to teach and evangelize” and he fulfilled this calling. While he struggled greatly at times, these struggles gifted him with an empathy for others, enabling him to make meaningful impacts on countless lives. If you knew him, you loved him and he would ask that you honor his life by extending your hand in a random act of kindness, acknowledging that we never know the struggles that others may be facing.
Due to Shane’s love for Jesus, his ashes will be scattered in Galilee where Jesus began His ministry.
Shane is now living a favorite verse of his:
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere…” Psalm 84:10
LARRY PHELPS
Larry Phelps ended his earthly struggle at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital in West Monroe, LA. On Friday, March 13, 2023, he entered heaven at 7:25 p.m. at age 68.
Larry was born September 30, 1954 to the late William Fred and Lou Ella “Sissie” Phelps in El Dorado, AR.
Larry worked several jobs in his lifetime from the oilfield to the sawmill, but the only job he really loved was playing and singing in a band; where he became known around the area as “Bear”.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his second wife Jerry Sue Beene.
Those left to mourn his passing are: his children, a son, Jacob Kain Phelps; two daughters Ansley Marie Phelps and Marlowe Lindsey Phelps; brother Lloyd Phelps and his wife Judy; nephew Michael Phelps; niece Jeannie Thompson and her husband Todd; and great-nieces Abigail and Sarah Thompson; as well as a host of extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Strong, AR, followed by interment at Ebenezer Presbyterian Cemetery, Brother Terry Smith and Brother Todd Thompson officiating. A time of visitation will be held just before the service from 12 -2 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to the Ebenezer Presbyterian Cemetery fund.
ANITA CHARLENE ODOM
Anita Charlene Odom, 84, of El Dorado went to Heaven, with her daughter at her side, on Monday, March 6, 2023 at her residence. She was born January 7, 1939 to John Lloyd and Bertha Marie Oates Kundert in El Dorado, AR.
She was retired from the El Dorado School District, where she worked as a Teacher’s Aide, and she was a member of the First Christian Church.
Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband, Henry Clayton Odom; her special cousin, Mary Gamill, and her friend, El Wanda Pipkin.
Survivors include her daughters, Kathy McCormick, Lisa Pearson both of El Dorado, Tammy Wright (Scott) of St. Charles, MO; grandchildren, Kristin Maroney (Jeremy), Blake Pearson (Whitney), Cristina Pletz (Michael), Robin Wright; great grandchildren, Davis and Brayden Pletz, Colin and Gemma Maroney, and Branton and Bryar Pearson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023 in Young’s Chapel with Bro. Robert Lee and Bro. Tyler Williams officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorials may be made to Beech Springs Camp. Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Odom family.
ADAH M. MAYHAN
Adah M. Mayhan of El Dorado, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at the Lifetouch hospice house. She was born in Gould, Arkansas on December 14, 1935 to the late Edward B. Foreman and Marie Huitt Foreman.
Adah was preceded in death by her parents and her 2 sons Steve Mayhan and William Ray Mayhan.
Adah leaves behind her husband Robert L. Mayhan; daughter Cindy Greer; grandchildren Allen Pearson of Elm Grove, Louisiana, and Eric Pearson (Shannon) of Smackover, Arkansas; great-grandchildren Katherine Pearson, Zackley Pearson, Nathan Pearson, and Whit Pearson; sisters Betty Taylor (Bob) of Memphis, Tennessee, Ann Poteet of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Jimmie Carter (Dale) of Little Rock, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.
Adah was a faithful member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas for many years. She was a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the choir, and Chairman of the Ladies Luncheon Ministry.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Betty and April for the love and care that they showed to Adah.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 1:00pm with a visitation starting at 12:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas. Interment to follow at Smyrna Cemetery in El Dorado, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Operation Christmas Child and the Women’s Ministry or Music Ministry of Immanuel Baptist Church of El Dorado.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
JERRY D. RAINEY
Jerry D. Rainey was born August 9, 1932, to Sam Bo and Bobbie Lee Rainey in Mount Holly, AR.
Jerry married Magdalene Shears, and this union was blessed with three children: Nathan, Elnora, and Mary Jean. Later he married Maudie, and this union produced one child, LaTanya Rainey of Chicago. He also has a son,
Robert Rainey of Detroit.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers John Culp,
S.J. Culp, Timothy Culp, Eddie
Rainey, and Sammy Rainey, and sister Ethel Palmer; and grandchildren, Eric and Mona Cain.
Jerry’s legacy will be cherished by his sons Nathan Rainey of
El Dorado and Robert Rainey of Detroit, Michigan, and his daughters Elnora Rainey Harris of El Dorado, Mary Jean RaineyJohnson (Eddie James) of El Dorado, Latanya Rainey-Brown of Chicago; his sister Francis Gray of California; bonus children Laura Nell Ritchie Johnson, Loretta Whatley (Tommy Lee), Tori B. Perry (David), and Phoebe Harris; a host of nieces and nephews, 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Public Visitation Friday, March 17, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Sims Mortuary, Funeral Service March 18, 2023, 11:00 am at Greater Paradise Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com