Obituaries
MOTHER ARCIE NORMAN MASON GENTLE
Mother Arcie Norman Mason Gentle was gifted to this earth on May 15, 1927, in Urbana, Arkansas, to the late Henry & Lula Norman.
On April 16, 2024, Mother Gentle gained her citizenship in heaven.
Mother Gentle was proceeded in death by her Parents, late husband Rev. Lonnie Gentle; a son, The Right Reverend Bishop Joe B Mason; Daughters Roberta Mason-Williams Thelma Gentle.; her sisters Ester Norman-King, Bessie Norman-Gonzales, Allie Norman-Adams, Lillie NormanMcMurrian, Clara NormanMeeks, Dorcas Norman.; Brothers: Dorsey Norman, Waymon Norman, Henry Norman Jr; Collie Norman; Grandsons Victor & Kenneth Mason; A Son in Love Elmore McBee.
She leaves to cherish her Memories to her daughters Alberta Beavers-McBee, Mary (Sam) Ezell-Wallace, and Flora (Keith) Crumes, and Sons Ray Charles Gentle and Tommie (Rena) Gentle. A daughter in Love, Loretta Manning-Mason. A Sister Willie Mae Wallace, grandson Jimmie Ezell, niece, Zella Hicks. A Caregiver for 20-plus years, Joyce Avery. Bonus children Orlando Robinson, Barbara Osborne, Vanette Johnson, and Barbara White. Ten grandchildren, 29 great–grands, 11 great-great grands. Also, a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Public Visitation Friday, April 26, 2024, 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Sims Mortuary. Funeral Service Saturday, April 27, 2024 11:00 a.m. Zion Watch Baptist Church. Interment at Zion Watch Baptist Church Cemetery
BETTY OWEN MURPHREE
Betty Owen Murphree, known to her loved ones as “Pete,” died April 18, 2024, at Golden Age Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Denham Springs, Louisiana. She was 88 years old.
Betty was born June 5, 1935, in Three Creeks, Arkansas, the daughter of John Edgar Owen and Alcie Jane Hanry Owen. She was the baby of the family and the last surviving of 14 children, including three half-brothers. She graduated from Junction City High School, in Junction City, Arkansas. Betty retired from First National Bank in El Dorado, Arkansas.
In her leisure time, before she became so ill, Betty enjoyed reading, playing games on her iPad, and keeping up with family and friends on Facebook. Betty was known for speaking her mind. She was a cancer survivor and although dementia might have taken her memory, it never took away her will to live.
She survived many challenges over the last several months, and fought a hard battle until the end. She was loved by all and was a favorite of the many nurses who took care of her during her time at the nursing home, as well as her hospice nurses. The family is grateful for the care she received in her final days from the staff and nurses at Golden Age, as well as Life Source Hospice nurses, Amber and Katie. A special thanks to Life Source Hospice’s chaplain, Mr. Cedric, for ministering to her during her time in hospice. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her spouse James Douglas Murphree, her daughter Peggy Murphree Langley, her brothers Andrew Dayton Owen, Albert Houston Owen, Harvey Austin Owen, Roy Winford Owen, Edgar Harold Owen, Willis Thomas Owen, Samuel Givens Owen, Jerry Boyd Owen, Sr., and her sisters Ada Idell Owen Oliver, Lydia Elizabeth Owen Langley, Margie Nell Owen Sutton, Etta Claudine Owen Owens, and Mary Jane “Julia” Owen Davis.
Betty will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her surviving family members, son Mike Murphree of Russellville, Arkansas, daughter Patty Giovingo (Scotty) of Walker, Louisiana, grandchildren Norman Langley (Charlsie) of El Dorado, Arkansas, Ashley Ware (Lance) of Taylorsville, Kentucky, Tara Murphree of Little Rock, Arkansas, Jesse Tucker (Shelby) of Denham Springs, Louisiana, great-grandchildren Heaven Langley, Tessa Langley, Jackson Ware, Emma Ware, Bryant Ware, Veda Murphree, Ava Henley, Olivia Henley, Koda Tucker, and Kyler Tucker. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Tommy Murphree (Pat) and Jeff “Boo Boo” Murphree (Brenda), sister-in-law Pat Murphree; and son-in-law Ronnie Langley. Being a part of two large families she is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services in her honor will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Perry’s Funeral Chapel in El Dorado, AR, internment following at Arlington Memorial Park. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00pm until time of service at the funeral home.
Johnny Doyle Gathright, Jr.
Johnny Doyle Gathright, Jr. was born December 29, 1948 in Huttig, Arkansas to the late Johnny Doyle
Gathright, Sr. and Mary Emogene (Hunter) Gathright. Johnny graduated from Hutting High School in 1967 and continued his education at the University of Arkansas studying forestry.
In 1970, Johnny enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Johnny had a stellar military career where he trained as a Perishing Communication Specialist with the Pershing Nuclear Missile System (MOS); he was a 31D40 track 80 operator and team chief with the rank of Sergeant which was the primary communication used to deliver the launch code for the Pershing Nuclear Missile System.
He was assigned to Neu Ulm Germany 1st battalion 81st Artillery Willey Barracks Delta Battery Commo Platoon and was awarded a unit citation award the Pershing Professional Certificate and Pocket Rocket for outstanding performance of his duties. He also qualified and served on the 7th Army 5-man pistol team and competed in the 1971 International Small Arms and the P Competion at Graffenuar, Germany. Johnny worked as a forester for Plum Creek Timber Company before retiring after 44 years of dedicated service. Johnny loved fishing and hunting with family and friends. After moving to Mountain View, Arkansas, a town he loved dearly, he became a member of Arbanna Baptist Church where he loved to fellowship and was a powerful witness for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He enjoyed great preaching, Bible teaching, working at the church camp and studying from the 1611 King James Bible. His love of working landscape designs produced beautiful flowers and a passion for helping his neighbors and friends with their yard work needs.
Johnny loved listening to talented musicians and fellowship around Mountain View Pickin Park and the courthouse stage. He is survived by his wife of 51 years who he married on November 18, 1972, Effie Rose Pyle Gathright; his nephew, Jared Gathright; great-nieces, Madison Gathright and Natalie Gathright who lovingly referred to him as Pappy; sister, Dorothy Poole, and brother, John Paul Gathright; along with many extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Doyle Gathright, Sr. and Mary Emogene (Hunter) Gathright; brothers, Earnest Jene Gathright, and Donald Wayne Gathright. Visitation is Monday, April 22, 2024, from 1:00-2:00PM at Arbanna Baptist Church in Mountain View, vArkansas. Funeral services follow the visitation beginning at 2:00PM with Brother Jim Chandler officiating. Interment is at Flatwoods Cemetery in Mountain View, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Mark Davisson, Jared Gathright, Bob Poole, Lucien Casey, Ladd Sims, Bruce Johnson, and Kyle Ellis. Honorary Pallbearers are Willie Stiles, Dr. Andy Subramanium, Billy Wolfe, Don Norman, Bob Byrd, Danny Baldridge, Randall Norris, Jimmy Brumfield, Keith Jessen, and Jim Wood. Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, Arkansas is in charge of the arrangements.
BRENDA SUMMERS
Brenda Gail Ritchie Summers, age 70 of Hampton died Monday, April 22, 2024 at Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden. She was born February 9, 1954 to the late Tom and Joyce Ritchie. She is retired from Chemtura, where she worked for 17 years. She was also a sales rep for Rexel and Electric prior to Chemtura. She is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Dan Ritchie; Maternal grandparents, Larkin and Clemmie Williams; Paternal grandparents, Murry and Lucille Ritchie; two dogs, JoJo and Jackpot. She is survived by one aunt, Jeannette Avant; two nephews; numerous cousins and friends. Funeral services will be at a later date. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.
FULL OBITUARIES JUANITA CAMILLE VICK DUMAS
Juanita Camille Vick Dumas, 102, passed away last Thursday. She was born in Pine Bluff and moved to El Dorado at age 25, where she met her husband, R.C. Dumas. Juanita was a career counselor for the Arkansas State Employment Division in El Dorado. She and her spouse were members of Second Baptist Church and later Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Juanita was a Sunday school teacher for 60 years and a choir member for 40 years. Juanita loved music and enjoyed birdwatching in her later years, especially hummingbirds and bluebirds.
Juanita’s husband preceded her in death in 2007. She moved to Tulsa Oklahoma in 2009, where she lived at Prairie Rose Independent Living Center, until her death.
Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Dumas Tommey, two granddaughters, Jennifer Tommey Zoellner, Rebekah Tommey Ankney (Mat), and one great-grandson, Henry Zoellner, all of Tulsa. One niece, Barbara Dumas, of El Dorado.
Visitation with be held at 9 a m, at Ebenezer Church, El Dorado, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a m, on Monday, April 29th, with Rev. Steve Peltz officiating. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Rest Haven Memorial Garden. Young’s Funeral Home will assist. Memorials can be made to the Veterans Administration of Arkansas at 501-257-3288, or https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/ or the Tulsa SPCA, tel:918.428.7722 or email:info@tulsaspca.org.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Dumas family.
MYRNA CORLEY GATHRIGHT
Myrna Corley Gathright, of Smackover, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024 in Bryant, Arkansas.
She was the daughter of William Ed Corley and Ola Mae Fincher Corley. She loved to travel, cook, bake, spend time with her grandchildren and had a wonderful sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bernard Gathright and siblings, Bill Perry, Mildred Daniel, Frank Corley, Henry Corley, Brenda Darden and Gary Corley.
She is survived by her son, John Douglas Gathright (Ariana) of Benton; daughter, Misty Dawn Boswell (Heath) of Smackover; brothers, David Corley (Judy) of Smackover, Mervyn Corley (Janice) of El Dorado; grandchildren, Katelyn Osborn (David), Katherine Matthews (Madison), Ryan Jerry (Meagan), Alisha Douglas (Mike), Emily Lawson (Tim), Caleb Gathright, Abigail Gathright, Xavier Gathright; nine great grandchildren and also dear to her was Daryl and Charlene Minor of Smackover.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Smackover followed by the funeral service at 11:00 A.M., Dr. Scott Hinton and Rev. Carly Davis will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the care givers - Dr. Keith Davis and Smackover Family Clinic, Jennifer Davis and Smackover Pharmacy, Nurse Practitioner Karen Everett and to her caretakers Lakesha Canada, Zina Lynn, Heather Oats and Haley Langley.
Memorials may be made to www.davidjeremiah.org.
Condolences can be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Gathright family.
JAMES MAURICE PEEL “MAURICE”
James Maurice Peel “Maurice”, of El Dorado, was born April 15, 1943, in Jonesboro, LA, to the late Vivian Thornton Peel and James Murray Peel.
His sister, Myrna DeCou, preceded him in death. He died April 22, 2024, at Oak Ridge Health and Rehab.
His son, David Maurice Peel, and his wife of nearly 59 years, Patricia Elmore Peel, will hold dear the memory of him. Other relatives include granddaughter, Hillary Bradford, nephew, Mitch DeCou (Kim), niece, Lesley Simpson (Al), niece, Lauren Phillips (Shane), nieces, Celeste Hernandez (Dennis) and Hannah Carter, nephew, Aaron Hunter and brother-in-law, Larry Elmore.
Maurice’s goal in retirement was to read all the books he ever wanted to read, but what he did instead was to continue his education. His life-long interest in learning led him to earn a master’s in business from Memphis State University, and after retirement an undergradu--
ate degree in environmental science and a master’s in biological science from Louisiana Tech. He briefly taught biology at South Arkansas Community College.
He graduated from Jonesboro High School, Jonesboro, LA and from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology.
While at Louisiana Tech he met his future wife, Patricia Elmore.
He loved watching trees grow so he built a greenhouse and sold trees online. He built a workshop for his 1949 Ford truck and later his 1971 Mustang.
Maurice retired as the Manager of Marketing Operations from Murphy Oil. His office workers volunteered that he was a good boss.
He became the first director of St. Paul Methodist Church’s food pantry. The church gained an active member when he joined it, as he headed several committees over the years.
He knew how to organize, follow goals, delegate, and complete his pursuits at his job and in hs volunteer work. He was the man you wanted on a committee or to head it.
His love for his wife and son knew no bounds, and although he was a man of few words, his actions were loud. He always completed what he promised he would do.
Thank you to the caring nurses and aides of Oak Ridge Nursing, Gentiva Hospice and Baptist Health Hospital in Monticello, AR.
Visitation will be at St. Paul Global Methodist Church, corner of 8th Street and College Avenue from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024. Rev. Randy Rowlan will lead the service at 1:00 p.m. under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Interment will follow in Jonesboro, LA, in the Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery.
Alzheimer’s started taking away his memories and activities several years ago. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Paul Global Methodist Church, or any of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) charities.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome. com for the Peel family.
CAROL REAMES MORRISON
Carol Reames Morrison, 83, died April 20, 2024. Previously from El Dorado, she was the wife of
Rev. Garland Morrison, pastor of several churches throughout Arkansas and Indiana. She is
survived by her husband, 4 children, 5 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She is
pre-deceased by 1 son. Services will be April 25 at Immanuel Baptist Church, Little Rock.
Online guestbook at www. smithfamilycares.com.