Obituaries
BILLY JOE BOWMAN
Billy Joe Bowman, 83, of El Dorado passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 at his residence.
Born August 4, 1939 in Norphlet, he was the son of Earl Byrd and Nannie Hortense Moore Bowman. B.J. had been a conductor for Missouri Pacific Railroad and later Union Pacific Railroad. He had attended Norphlet First Baptist Church and had been the caretaker of Rehobeth Cemetery.
Preceding him in death along with his parents were a son, Joe Mack Bowman, brothers, Lee Bowman and Bud Bowman and sisters, Juanita Lambert and Nan Stanley and great-grandchildren Brandon Glaze, Aria Edwards and Alex Newman.
Survivors include his daughter, Dana Glaze (Michael) of Pineville, LA, a brother, Harold Bowman (Mary) of Fayetteville, AR and a sister, Ann Gentry of Smackover, AR. Surviving grandchildren are Adam Glaze, Brittany Vaughn, Courtney Bell (Bryant), Shana Short (Curtis), Amy Edwards (Benji), and Timothy Bowman (Christina) along with great-grandchildren, Ethan Glaze, Sladen Williams, Jathan Glaze, Jackson Vaughn, Bailey Vaughn, Kolton Bell, Brantley Bell, Isaiah Trapp, Lexi Trapp, Sneaux Newman, Aubrey Newman, and Remington Poisso.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 30, 2023 at Young’s. Funeral services will follow in Young’s chapel with Rev. Doug Wills officiating. Interment will follow in Rehobeth Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
NORMA JEAN BRICKER
Norma Jean Bricker was born in Newton County IN, on November 29, 1936 and passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at her home in El Dorado, AR.
Norma enjoyed square dancing, country western dancing and ballroom dancing. She loved to travel and never met a stranger. She worked as a teachers aid in the El Dorado School System.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Dale Bricker, daughter, Michelle Eddleman of El Dorado, AR, son, Brian Bricker and wife Jean of Princeton, TX, two grandchildren, Blake Eddleman of Little Rock, AR and Morgan Eddleman of Dallas, TX and one sister, Betty Ostrom of Cicero, IN.
At Norma’s request no services will be held at this time.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to UCAPS, P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730
Cremation services provided by Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR
Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
GEORGE ALVIN HAYNES
George Alvin Haynes, 62, of El Dorado, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2023.
He was born on February 26, 1961 to Floyd and Lottie Lambert Haynes in El Dorado, AR. George was a self-employed commercial fisherman.
Preceding him in death are his parents; daughter, Amanda Fory; sisters, Mary Etta Cross, Vera Haynes, Edna Dearing; and brother, Floyd Lee Haynes.
Survivors include his son, Brandon Coke (Sabrina); daughter, Amber Jennings; sisters, Margaret Bird, Nancy Haymon; and nine grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Champagnolle Cemetery on Friday, April 28, 2023 with Rev. Tracy Roden officiating under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends after the service.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome. com
SUNNY PATRICIA MATHIS
Sunny Patricia Mathis was born on March 12, 1961, in El Dorado, AR, to the parentage of the late Mary Jo Jenkins and late T.C. Mathis.
Her legacy is passed on through her only daughter, Keoki Odems. She loved her family unconditionally and doted on her (5) grandchildren: Brittany Odems, DaQuecia Odems, Deshannon Stanley, Kayla Williams, and Keyunta Mathis. She adored her (2) great-grandchildren: Kyrie Swanigan and Zion Amias Odems, whom she called her “sweet swangs.”
She was preceded in death by her baby brother Delbert (Priscilla) Mathis of El Dorado, AR. She also leaves to cherish her memory (2) brothers and (3) sisters: Keith Ray of El Dorado, AR, T.C. Mathis of El Dorado, AR, Aldreama (Rodney) Harper of McKinney, TX, Penny (Sandy) Brown of El Dorado, AR, and Stephanie (Keith) White of El Dorado, AR and a host of cousins, relatives, and friends.
Public Viewing Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 10:00 a.m.-till service time at Fairview Faith and Worship Ministries. Funeral Service April 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Fairview Faith and Worship Ministries. Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
CLARA MAUD “MAUDIE” HODGES
Clara Maud “Maudie” Hodges age 93 of Madison, AL, formerly of Smackover, AR passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 in Madison, Alabama, after a brief illness. Maudie was born on July 13, 1929 in Ogemaw, AR to the late Lois Poindexter Renfro and Moscar Renfro.
She was a long, time resident of Union County and a member of Northwest Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle Preston Hodges and by six brothers and sisters.
Survivors include; a son, Gary L. Hodges and wife Patricia Bolding Hodges of Madison, Alabama. Grandson, Scott Hodges and wife Kathryn of Madison, Alabama and great grandchildren; Vivian, Jeffrey, Henry, and Lillian Hodges. Grandson, Gregory Hodges and wife Catherine of Madison, Alabama and great grandchildren; Wolfgang, Juliette, and Sebastian Hodges. Granddaughter, Dana Hodges Taylor and husband Nicholas of Madison, Alabama and great grandchildren; Wilson, Marianne, Finch, John Harvey, Peter and Fern Elizabeth Taylor.
Son, Wade Hodges and wife Jimmie Bird Hodges of Avon, Indiana. Grandson, Jason Hodges and wife Linda of Mahomet, Illinois and great grandchildren; Lindsey and Preston Hodges. Grandson, Travis Hodges and wife Gina of Indianapolis, Indiana and great grandchildren; Caleb and Connor Hodges.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 am followed by funeral services at 10:30 am on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Sye Duke officiating. Burial will follow at Lone Oak Cemetery, near Smackover under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
MORRIS ALVIN REYNOLDS
Morris Alvin Reynolds, 75, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2023, at Life Touch Hospice in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Morris was a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, and a “warrior.” Morris fought with courage and hope against Parkinson’s disease for ten years. He was an avid member of Healthworks Fitness Center, where he participated every week in Rock Steady Boxing alongside other “warriors” with Parkinson’s disease. Morris was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
Morris was born on February 24, 1948, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late Clifford Reynolds and Doylene Reynolds Young. Morris graduated in 1966 from El Dorado High School and attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of SAE fraternity. Morris graduated from South Arkansas University at the age of 65 and retired from Pilgrim’s Pride in 2009. Morris is also preceded in death by his sister Gail Taylor.
Morris is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Suzanne, daughter Millie Meyers (Randy), son Matthew (Barbara), son McCabe (Jennifer), and the joys of his life, his 11 grandchildren: Hannah, Rachel (Sawyer), Courtney, Cole, Sidney, Jack, Lucy, Reese, Ruby, Riley Kate, and Hank.
Morris is also survived by his “warriors” at Rock Steady Boxing, his friends, coaches, and volunteers at Healthworks Fitness Center. His family would like to say thank you to everyone who loved on him at Healthworks/Rocky Steady Boxing. Also, thank you to Wendy Bullock, his faithful and loving caretaker.
A celebration of his life will be held in his honor on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 2:00 pm with Father Robert. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be to Rocky Steady Boxing/ Healthworks Fitness Center to continue to support his passion. Please select “HealthWorks Fitness” as the Donation Type and put “Rock Steady Boxing” in the Special Instructions field when donating. https://sharefoundation.com/join-us/donate-now.html.
OSCAR THOMAS MURPHY
Oscar Thomas Murphy passed from this life Tuesday, April 25, 2023. He was born January 28, 1928 in El Dorado, AR to the late Charles “Pomp” and Sarah Murphy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings; his beloved wife of 58 years Dorothy Lee Hunt Murphy, and his great-grandchild Trent Canada.
Those left to cherish his memory include: three daughters Brenda Buckwalter and her husband Michael of Eldorado, AR, Donna Stokes and her husband Sam of Forest Hill, LA, Jackie Andras and her husband Michael of Prosper, TX; six grandchildren Jimmy Langley, Brandi James, Kristi LeBrun, Dana Lyles, Tyler Stout, Cole Stout; eleven great-grandchildren; eleven great-great-grandchildren; as a well as a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm Friday, April 28, 2023 at Ebenezer Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR, interment following at Arlington Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 until time of service at the church. Undertaking provided by Perry’s Funeral Chapel in El Dorado, AR.
JANE ADELE SPENCER
Jane Adele Spencer, age 79, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Silver Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation in Camden.
Jane was born on November 3, 1943 in San Diego, CA.; she was the daughter of Elray H. and Edith Pearl Griffith Fife. Jane was a retired teller of First Financial Bank in El Dorado. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, her flowers, spending time with her grandchildren and was of the Pentecostal faith. She also played the piano for the church.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Deborah Elliott; grandson James Wenger; brothers Johnny Fife and husband William Borden.
Survivors are her sons Dwayne Spencer and David Spencer (Jennifer); brothers Donald Fife of Searcy, AR and Ronald Fife (Mary) of Gainesville, MO; father of her children William Spencer of El Dorado, along with grandchildren Jill Sweet, Kayla Murphy, Ryan Murphy (Alexis), Julie Ann Spencer and Haley Spencer; great grandchildren Landry, Carter, Tinsley, Raydon, John, Murphy, McKinsey, Madison, Noah and Lyla.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Young’s Chapel with Rev. Brian Williams officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00 - 2:00 P.M., prior to the service. Burial will be at Mt. Horeb Cemetery at Frenchport under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolence may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the family.
BRANDON TRESHUN ‘TREY’ MACK
Brandon Treshun ‘Trey’ Mack was such a special bundle of love and an amazing gift to both his maternal and paternal families. With his bright eyes, contagious smile, and loving heart, Trey brought immense joy to his family and friends. Brandon was baptized at Beulah Grove Baptist Church at the age of two. He was raised by God-fearing grandparents and parents and was taught to believe in The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. He grew as a rambunctious, inquisitive, adventurous child who, as a toddler, was fascinated with police officers, motorcycles, sneakers, and basketball. Trey had a wonderful sense of humor. He had a genuine love for all people, his many dogs, and his horse. Trey attended Morning Star Head Start, Yocum Elementary, Washington Middle School, Barton Junior High, and El Dorado High School. Trey was preceded in death by his Great Grandparents: Lizzie Ramey, Phillip and Elan Pearl Mack, Mattie Smith, and Mary Dawson. He leaves to mourn his Father: Brandon Andre Mack; Mothers: Kimberly Mayweather (Emmanuel), Ola Williams (Donald); Grandparents: Andre’ Mack, Donald Williams, Michael and Willie Mae Dawson; Three Sisters: Kharmia Dawson, Lamya Holliday, Melody Holliday; Four brothers: Kyce Mack, Jordan Mack, Kion Mayweather, an unborn baby brother; Three exceptional confidants: Leah Thomas, Kyra Dawson, Donnae Washington; Special Aunties/Bonus Moms: Michelle Dawson, Cherelle White, Linda Nelson, Cynthia Nelson, Donna Washington, Barbara Floyd, Brenda Smith; Uncles/Bonus Dads: Robert Nelson (Jackie), Corick Williams, Charles Slade (Jackie), Greg Heard (Erica); Three nephews, two nieces, a host of very special, loving cousins, relatives, and friends. Funeral Service Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Victory Church. Interment will be at Mt. Zion Lisbon Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
DOROTHY ANN DUMAS MARKS
Dorothy Ann Dumas Marks, age 93 of El Dorado, AR passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. Dorothy was born on May 15, 1929 in the Dumas City Community of Union County, AR to the late Ellie Gertrude Harrell Dumas and Henry Ellis Dumas. Dorothy was a lifelong member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she was faithful to attend until the very end. She formerly taught Sunday school and was on the building committee. She formerly owned and operated The Party Shop Bakery for many years. She was a former Union County Fair Board member and was very active in 4H, where she was a 4H leader. She was also very active in the Lisbon Home Extension Club. She enjoyed cooking and making Jelly. She was an excellent seamstress and especially enjoyed hosting parties. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, of 66 years, William H. “Bud” Marks; two daughters, Carol Dees and Gail Griffith; one great granddaughter, Lilly McConnell; three brothers, Roy Dumas, Ralph Dumas, and Alfred Dumas; three sisters, Aline Doerner, Shirley Gunter, and Patricia Mills. Survivors include; four daughters, Judy Floyd of Arlington, TX, Linda Daniels of Van Alstyne, TX, Barbara Marks of El Dorado, and Betty Ferguson of Texarkana, AR; eight grandchildren, Reck McConnell, Trevor McConnell, Jackie Floyd, Trey Floyd, Heath Lotz, Heather Scheaffer, Michael Stegall, and Michelle Pearson; ten great grandchildren; special friends, Joe Willett, Bob Willett, Minnie Thompson and Buddy and Kathy Jackson, all of whom were always checking on Mrs. Marks and were willing to help, along with numerous nieces, nephews and countless other special friends. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Ebenezer Baptist Church, with Bro. Steve Pelz officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Burns-Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home. Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net
MELVIN POOLE
Melvin Poole passed from this life Wednesday, April 26, 2023. He was born September 10, 1932 in Strong, AR to the late Walter and Clara Poole. He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 54 years Barbara Ann Poole; two sisters Polly Norris, and Marzell Winans; one brother Robert Poole; and one son-in-law Scotty Harper. Those left to cherish his memory include: three daughters Stacy Upton and her husband Steve, Cindy Burson and her husband Joey, and Kathy Harper; one son David Poole and his wife Brenda; eight grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Saturday April 29,2023 at Perry’s Funeral Chapel in El Dorado, AR, interment following at Strong, Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00am until time of service at the funeral home.
BRYANNA NICOLE SHAVER
Bryanna Nicole Shaver, age 20, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. She was born on October 26, 2002 in El Dorado, AR. Bryanna loved cats, and she was an avid member of Meet Me at the Court. She attended Harmony Grove Baptist Church and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Preceding her in death are her grandmother, Mary Lou Price; and uncle, Adam Duft. Those left to cherish her memory are her mother, Helen Monrreal (Manny); maternal grandparents, Beatrice and Tommy Duft; fiancé, Houston Merritt of Camden; sister, Carmyn Monrreal of El Dorado; cousins, Isabella Duft Ruiz, Bradley Duft; and aunt, Amy Duft. A memorial gathering will be 2 pm, Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Harmony Grove Baptist Church. Memorials can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, AR 72212. Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the family.
BETTY JO VOORHIES
Betty Jo Voorhies, 90, of Jacksonville, AR and formerly of El Dorado passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Spring Creek Health and Rehab in Cabot, Arkansas. Born December 2, 1932 in Griffin, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Charles Henry and Lela Elizabeth Crews Lamb. Betty was a Certified Nurse Anesthetist and was self-employed and had been a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Preceding her in death along with her parents was her husband, William Henry Voorhies, sisters, Blanche Marie MacDonald and Doloris Thomas, a niece, Gail Wood, a nephew, Jerry Thomas and great-nieces, Kelly Thomas and Kimberly Wood. Survivors include a son, James Ray Voorhies, of Little Rock, a nephew, Don Thomas of Jacksonville, AR and nieces, Patricia Gibbs of Hot Springs, AR and Brenda Robinson of North Chesterfield, VA. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. Cremation services were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors. Condolences may be made online at www.youngsfuneralhome. com Jane Adele Spencer, age 79, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Silver Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation in Camden. Jane was born on November 3, 1943 in San Diego, CA.; she was the daughter of Elray H. and Edith Pearl Griffith Fife. Jane was a retired teller of First Financial Bank in El Dorado. She enjoyed hunting and fishing, her flowers, spending time with her grandchildren and was of the Pentecostal faith. She also played the piano for the church. Jane was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Deborah Elliott; grandson James Wenger; brothers Johnny Fife and husband William Borden. Survivors are her sons Dwayne Spencer and David Spencer (Jennifer); brothers Donald Fife of Searcy, AR and Ronald Fife (Mary) of Gainesville, MO; father of her children William Spencer of El Dorado, along with grandchildren Jill Sweet, Kayla Murphy, Ryan Murphy (Alexis), Julie Ann Spencer and Haley Spencer; great grandchildren Landry, Carter, Tinsley, Raydon, John, Murphy, McKinsey, Madison, Noah and Lyla. Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Young’s Chapel with Rev. Brian Williams officiating. A visitation will be held from 12:00 - 2:00 P.M., prior to the service. Burial will be at Mt. Horeb Cemetery at Frenchport under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
CHARLOTTE A. ZEEK
Charlotte A Zeek, age 86, of Louann, Arkansas passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Zeek family.