Obituaries
SARA QUENCY BOOKER FINNELL
Sara Quency Booker Finnell, 70, of El Dorado, died October 31, 2023, in Little Rock. She was born February 23, 1953 in Conway, Arkansas, to the late George and Sadie Gilmore Booker. Sara was a graduate of El Dorado High School and earned degrees in Early Childhood Education from Southern Arkansas University. She retired from the El Dorado School System in 2015 after 40 years of service and was a longtime member of the East Faulkner Church of Christ.
Survivors include her brother, Bill Booker and his wife, Carolyn of Little Rock; a nephew, Four Meaher of Mobile, Alabama; nieces, Meg Meaher of Charlotte, North Carolina, Annie Meaher, of Mobile, Alabama, Sarah Meaher of Orlando, Florida, Helen Meaher of Mobile, Alabama, Sadie Wright of Concord, North Carolina; and her brother-in-law, Gus Meaher of Mobile, Alabama. Additional survivors include numerous cousins who were very special to her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Finnell, and her sister, Mary Lou Meaher.
Sara was a wonderful teacher to so many and a devoted caregiver to her parents.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Young’s Funeral Director’s, 508 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Arkansas. A private burial will follow the service.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Rhonda Gentry and her wonderful colleagues at CARTI and to the staff at Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road.
Memorials may be made to the CARTI Foundation, 8901 Carti Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. To sign the online guest book, please visit, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal
MARILYN GUNN GOBER
Marilyn Gunn Gober, age 81, of El Dorado passed away October 26, 2023. She was born in Crossett, Arkansas on May 12, 1942 to the late Early Guice and Gertie Cleo Sturdivant Gunn.
After graduating in 1960 from Strong High School, she worked in the tax department at Murphy Oil. Marilyn modeled at the El Dorado House, as well as Miss Union County and Miss Arkansas Donna Axum’s trunk show at the Country Club prior to her crowning as Miss America in 1964.
Marilyn retired after 32 years as a US Postal rural carrier. She also worked at J.A. West Company as a traffic director for local radio stations. Marilyn enjoyed genealogy, sewing, cooking and family reunions. Her family ties and connections were her passion, only second to her Great Love of God and Godly examples she set her whole life. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church where she taught Girls in Action, GA’S, and Evangelism. Marilyn volunteered as one of many for The Welcome Wagon, so one way or another she met most who moved to town. She worked The Southern Baptist Convention locally and with the Little Rock board of directors. She and Adah Mayhan worked on designing and teaching women to lean toward their colors using Color Me Beautiful swatches and fabrics to go with you shopping.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Bill Gober, parents Early Guice and Gertie Cleo Sturdivant Gunn; and niece Amber Ogle Dunn. She is survived by her daughter Kimberly (Jeff) Gober and son Jason (Johnye) Gober; grandchildren Bayley Gober, Brooke (Grant) Fletcher, Ila Hyams (Seth Bain), Jackson Hyams (Britney Loerwald), Maddy Purtle; and great -grands Lou and Oliver Purtle; twin sister Carolyn (Jim) Robnolt and sister Gwen (Ray) Ogle.
Visitation will be at Immanuel Baptist Church, 3209 West Hillsboro Street, El Dorado, Arkansas from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM on Thursday, November 2, 2023, with Funeral Service to begin at 1:00 PM. Burial to follow after service at Ebenezer Presbyterian Cemetery, Jones Lake Road in Strong, Arkansas. Flowers being handled by LaPegusus Florist in El Dorado, Arkansas.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, AR 72076. 501-9823400 Marilyn’s online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
WILLIS E. GRAYES
Bro. Willis E. Grayes was born in Huttig, Arkansas, to the late John T. Grayes and Lucy Atkins Grayes-James on June 20, 1946. He was one of ten children born to this union.
Preceding him in death were his parents, a loving wife, four brothers, and three sisters. He departed this life on Thursday, October 12, 2023, in Altadena, California. Willis was united in holy matrimony to Delores Grayes in Savannah, Georgia. To this union, one son was born and named Mario Grayes.
He accepted Christ at an early age and strongly believed in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He attended church at the Huttig Church of God in Christ in Huttig under the leadership of Elder Louis Cook.
He leaves to cherish his memory a son, Mario Grayes of Savannah, Georgia; one brother, Bobby Grayes, Pasadena, California; one sister, Retha Andrews, Altadena, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends
Service Saturday, November 4, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Andrews A. M. E. Church100 10th Street Huttig, Arkansas. Interment Harper Springs Cemetery Huttig, Arkansas, under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www.simsmortuary.com
DRAKE LEE HOWE
Drake Lee Howe was born in the arms of Jesus October 31, 2023. He was the infant son of Dustin Lee Howe and Baylie Paige Davis of El Dorado, AR.
Drake was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather David Lee Howe Jr., and the late Mr. and Mrs. David Lee Howe Sr.
Drake is survived by his parents; two sisters Hailynn Howe and Kaylie Dollar; two brothers Trenton Purvis and Dawson Howe; maternal grandparents Beth Craig and Brent Davis; and paternal grandparents Doug and Samantha Henley all of El Dorado, AR.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, November, 5, 2023 at Jolley Cemetery in Three Creeks, AR. Care and compassion provided by Perry’s Funeral Chapel 312 W Oak Street, El Dorado, Arkansas 71730. 870-863-0800. Online guestbook available at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com.
JAMES (JIM) VEAZEY KILGORE
James (Jim) Veazey Kilgore, 72, passed away on October 31, 2023 at home surrounded by family after a battle with liver cancer. Jim was born in Hampton, Arkansas on August 6, 1951. He was the fifth and youngest son of Earl C. Kilgore and Mable Veazey Kilgore. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Hampton.
Jim was a 1969 graduate of Hampton High School and went on to graduate from the University of Arkansas in Monticello in 1976 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Psychology. He served as President of the Student Body Government and participated in the debate team, Pi Kappa Gamma, and Young Democrats. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and an avid sportsman who enjoyed deer hunting and fishing.
Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Beth (née Dunn) and their children, Drew Kilgore (Lynn), Elizabeth Kilgore Johnson (Thomas), and Rachel Howard. Jim is also survived by eight grandchildren, Dakoda Kilgore, Breanna and Matthew Hall, Aiden and Patrick Johnson, Denver Arnold, and JoAnna and Mason Howard, and three great-grandchildren: Alayna, Jaxon, and Aubree Kilgore, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim is survived by one sister, Margaret Kilgore Marsh of El Dorado, Arkansas.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, William Earl Kilgore, Donald Casper Kilgore, Robert (Bob) Doyle Kilgore, and Joe Glenn Kilgore, as well as a nephew, Donald Earl Kilgore, his mother-in-law, Lera Mae Dunn, and father-in-law, William Thurston Dunn.
A memorial service will be held at Victory Baptist Church, 320 S. Second St., in Hampton, Arkansas 71744 on Friday, November 3rd at 10:30am with Brother Robbie Duncan and Brother David Inzer officiating. Following the service there will be a visitation in the fellowship hall. Crematory services are provided by the Benton Funeral Home, Fordyce, Arkansas. Special appreciation is given to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Rd, El Dorado, Arkansas, for care and service provided to Jim and his family. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Arkansas Wildlife Federation (arwild.org).
ROBERT DOUGLAS LEWIS
Robert Douglas Lewis, 76 of Mt. Holly, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Robert was born, April 25, 1947, in Magnolia, Arkansas. Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973, was a truck driver and a member of Salem Baptist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed yard work, and walking his dog Summer. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Douglas Harold Lewis and Marjorie Nell (Jameson) Lewis, and a son John Lewis. Robert is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dawn Lewis; a daughter Lisa Hackenberger and husband Jake; grandchildren, Ellie and Jonathaon Hackenberger all of Mt. Holly, Arkansas; and a brother Ronald Lewis and wife Cindy; and a host of extended family and friends. A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Chris Warr officiating. Visitation with the family will follow at the fellowship hall at Salem Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice.
BENNIE SAWYER McCLOY
Bennie Sawyer McCloy, age 85, of El Dorado, Arkansas went to be with her Heavenly Father on Thursday, November 2, 2023 surrounded by her family.
She was born on April 28, 1938 in McGhee, AR, the daughter of John C. Sawyer and Bessie Hoover Sawyer. She enjoyed reading, and playing golf with her husband, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a member of East Main Baptist Church.
Bennie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years, William “Melvin” McCloy, an infant brother and her brothers Bruce, Fay and James Sawyer.
Survivors are a daughter, Donna McCloy of Magnolia; sons, Bill McCloy (Tammy) and Mike McCloy (Kim) both of El Dorado; a sister, Ruth Haley of McGehee; grandchildren, Kris McCloy, Randall McCloy, Olivia Howard (Gerald), Morgan Parry (Craig), Lauren Roberts (Matt); great grandchildren, Kaden, Hudson and Beckett McCloy, Trey Howard, Nora and Halle Parry, and Rhett and Wyatt Roberts.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Young’s.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at East Main Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Huffty officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven
Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to East Main Baptist Church, 1903 East Main St., El Dorado, AR 71730, Hope Landing, PO Box 10215, El Dorado, AR 71730, or to Arkansas Hospice-Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730
Condolences can be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the McCloy family.
SUSIE J. McGOUGH
Susie J. McGough, 96, joined her loved ones in their heavenly home on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Born in Springfield, Missouri, Susie and her family came to Smackover, Arkansas in 1935. Susie later made her home in El Dorado, then Baton Rouge, and Forsythe, Missouri before returning to El Dorado in 2005.
Widow of Virgil Ray McGough, Susie is survived by her children, Ruth, Virgil Jr, Sharon and Shirley. Susie has nine grandchildren, many great grandchildren and a few great, grandchildren.
Preceding her in death are her parents; William F Thomas and Ida Evelyn Collins Thomas: brothers, Joseph Glen, Miles, Kenneth,Eugene, Herbert and her sisters, Thelma Lee and Rosemary Louise.
Susie was most proud of her long nursing career as a Registered Nurse. She retired from Our Lady of the Lake, Baton Rouge where served as head nurse of EENT. She was included one year in Who’s Who in American for her nursing service. After losing her beloved husband, Virgil, she devoted her life to her animals and few friends. She will be missed and remembered well. Private graveside services will be held at Rhodes Chapel Cemetery, 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 6, 2023. Interment to follow under the direction Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR, no visitation is planned before services. Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
Dossie LaVerne Pugh, born on March 27, 1932, passed away recently. Her vibrant spirit and charismatic personality left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.
LaVerne was a beacon of support in her community and devotedly volunteered at the
Medical Center of South Arkansas
Auxiliary notable service organization. Her friendly demeanor will be sorely missed by all.
Laverne worked for J&M Poultry,
Pilgrim’s Pride, and Conagra before retirement. She loved working with her flowers and sewing, especially quilting.
LaVerne was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Genie
Wilson, brothers Buddy (twin),
Lank, Otis, Willis Wilson and three infant brothers also sisters Chloe
White, Ella Beck, and Sue Long and daughter-in-law Anita Pugh. Their memories and virtues will be enshrined in Laverne’s Legacy forever.
She is survived by Sons Randy, Kenny (Carol), and Tommy (Bonita) Pugh of El Dorado. Grandsons Wesley, Courtney, Dane Pugh, John and Jeremy Carelock, Russell Stone (Allison) Granddaughters Shana (Bill) Welch, Kayla (Blake) Stockstill, Ashely Pugh and special grand dog Sadie.
Her Surviving sister Janice (Jimmy) Tucker will cherish the bond they shared.
She is also survived by numerous niece, nephews and Great grandchildren. Each of these family members holds countless cherished memories of La Verne and will carry forth her warmth and Love.
LaVerne Pugh, a radiant spirit, Kind-hearted woman, and a cherished family member will forever live on in the hearts of her loved ones. Her legacy will be carried forth by those who had the honor of knowing her and being part of her life.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Young’s.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at Rose Hill Cemetery near Gurdon, AR under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Thank you to Oakridge Health and Rehab for the care you have given our Mother, we are forever grateful.