Obituaries
SUNDAY MELANIE ROWE
Melanie Kusin Rowe, who was a shining star to her family and to the corporate world, passed away unexpectedly in Austin, Texas on February 18.
Married for 42 loving years to her devoted husband Roger Rowe, she is also survived by daughter Avery Rowe Pollock, son-in-law Ben Pollock and their children Javier and Lucía, with another granddaughter on the way in May, as well as brothers Michael Kusin, David Kusin, Gary Kusin and wife Karleen, together with numerous nieces and nephews, their children, and countless friends around the globe.
Born to Barbara and Mel Kusin (of blessed memory) in Texarkana, Texas, Melanie graduated from Tulane University with an MBA and set her sights on a career in advertising in New York. Having an acute and keen sense of people and an innate set of people skills, she transitioned to a storied career in executive search with Russell Reynolds Associates, eventually moving to Heidrick & Struggles, and finally to Korn Ferry, where she served the past 14 years of her career as Vice Chair, leading CEO and Board placements, together with leadership transitions.
Melanie prided herself on finding out-of-the-box solutions and worked on multiple fronts to champion global women’s initiatives and had a strong track record of placing women and diversity candidates in CEO and board roles. Melanie worked with the top echelons of Fortune 500 corporations including retail, restaurants, and luxury brands as well as privately held companies and other product and service industries. She was recognized for mentoring and championing women and diverse leaders and was a visionary in how the shaping of corporate boards could result in innovative growth.
Melanie authored numerous articles and research regarding CEO succession and the nuanced dynamics between CEOS and their boards of directors; she was a frequent contributor to the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNN, and Harvard Business Review.
Melanie will be remembered for her joyous laugh, quick sense of humor, magical intuition, boundless spirit, innate kindness, and generosity. She genuinely saw beauty in everything and everyone. Traveling the globe from Africa to Europe to India, Melanie was compelled to hear the stories of everyone along her journey and took delight in their humanity, having an uncanny ability to meet everyone wherever they were at. Melanie had an acute fashion sense and love of the fashion world, was an avid cook, collector of art and meaningful objects from her travels. She was a cheerleader to her family, friends, and colleagues alike, and a lover of life. She will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of Melanie’s life will be announced later. The family requests that donations to honor Melanie’s legacy be directed to Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas: bit.ly/melanie-ppgt
TUESDAY WILLIAM BROWER JR.
William Scott Brower Jr., age 70, of Nash, Texas, passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024, at his residence in Nash, Texas. He was born on December 26, 1953, in Texarkana, Arkansas, to Scott and Benne Brower.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Star Brower and brother Keith Brower.
Left to cherish his memory is two sons Aaron Brower and wife Mandy of Maud, Texas and Micah Brower and wife Brittany of Maud, Texas; brother Kevin Brower of Nash, Texas; four grandson Seth Brower and wife Sarah, Nathan Brower, Caleb Brower and Eli Brower all of Maud, Texas; and a number of other relatives and friends.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
QUINCY COLLINS SR.
Quincy A. Collins Sr., 82, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away on February 11, 2024.
Mr. Collins was born on November 4, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas, to Arteria T. and Clarence Collins.
Quincy graduated from Dunbar High School and soon after he moved to California where he attended Pierce Junior College for medical. He also attended California State Universitynorthridge, where he majored in real estate, and Pacific Coast Technical Institute where he studied and became a certified welder.
He was a member of the Maranatha SDA church and held several offices within the church. He was also a member of the Bethel SDA church. He was a true believer and servant of the most high God.
Mr. Collins served as an Airman in the United States Air Force. He spent his working days as a property manager in San Diego, CA., a graphic designer, an employee of Golden State Hospital in Sylmar, CA., an employee of the papermill in Domino, TX., and as a master welder at General Dynamics in San Diego, CA.
He was an active member of his community and enjoyed donating his time and love to those who needed it, including feeding the homeless. He was a wonderful man, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Collins is preceded in death by his parents, and grandparents, Willie L. and Virginia Payne, Jaquetta Collins, and Michael Collins.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Charlene Collins; seven children, Antwion Collins and wife Neina, Tim Collins, Latanya Rhone, Shantell Padilla and husband Pete, Felicia Rutledge and husband Lewis, Quincy A. Collins Jr., Christopher Collins and wife Alma; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Kenneth Collins Sr. and wife Betty, Clarence Donal Collins, Jr., Peggy Thomas and husband Darryl, Debra Collins, and Beverly Cash and husband Antoine; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
Thank you, everyone, for your words of comfort, thoughts and prayers, visits, food, etc.
A Celebration of Mr. Collins’ life will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at Chapelwood Funeral Homenash, TX. Burial at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens will follow.
RAY RICHARDSON
Services for Ray Richardson, 84, of Linden, are 11AM Friday, February 23, 2024 at Douglassville Cemetery via Reeder-davis Funeral Home, Linden. Visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
MICHAEL AYERS
Family graveside services for Michael Ayers, 71, of Linden, are 11:30AM Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Caves Springs Cemetery, Linden, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Reeder-davis Funeral Home in Linden.
GARY GAMMILL
Services for Gary “Bush Hog” Gammill, 77, of Linden, are 2PM Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Reeder-davis Funeral Home, Linden. Burial in Linden Cemetery under direction of Reeder-davis Funeral Home, Linden.
JOHN HARDIMON
Arrangements are pending with R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC of Magnolia, AR, for 77 yr. old John Henry “Hawk” Hardimon of Magnolia, AR, who passed away Saturday, February 17th, at his home.
GEORGIA ROBINSON
Funeral service for Georgia Mae Robinson, 90 of Ogden, Arkansas is pending with Haynes Mortuary, Inc. She died on Sunday, February 18, 2024, in Ogden, Arkansas.
WEDNESDAY CARNELL THOMAS
Arrangements are pending with R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC of Magnolia, AR, for 89 yr. old Carnell Thomas of Emerson, AR, who passed away Monday, February 19th, at The Springs of Magnolia, AR.
CHARLOTTE DODSON
Services for Mrs. Charlotte Ann Dodson, age 66, of Hughes Springs, will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Reeder-davis Chapel. Burial in Dennis Cemetery, via Reederdavis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.
CHARLES PAGE
Services for Mr. Charles Page, age 77, of Hughes Springs, will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024 at Reeder-davis Chapel in Hughes Springs. Visitation 6-8 PM Thursday at the funeral home.
JOHN COATS
John Henry Coats, age 69, of Atlanta, Texas, went to be with the Lord Sunday, February 18, 2024 at his residence. John was born March 4, 1954, in Atlanta, Texas, to Henry and Patsy Coats. He was retired from U.S. Steel; and was a Baptist by faith. He enjoyed squirrel hunting, gardening and spending time with family.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Patsy Coats.
He is survived by his son, Philip Coats and wife Denver of Vidalia, Louisiana; special friend, Georgia Jones of Atlanta, Texas; siblings, James Coats and wife Shirley of Bivins, Texas, Joyce Garland of Wake Village, Texas, Betty Ober of Colleyville, Texas, Martha Burt of Atlanta, Texas, Mary Grogan of Atlanta, Texas, Wayne Coats of Atlanta, Texas; Patricia Walden of Atlanta, Texas, Carolyn Coats of Texarkana, Texas, Burl Coats of Atlanta, Texas, Travis Coats and wife Robbin of Atlanta, Texas; two grandsons, Kaden Coats and John Thomas Coats both of Vidalia, Louisiana; and a number of other relatives.
Graveside services will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at Beech Creek Cemetery, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service with Bro. Don Howard officiating.
Guest registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice.com.
CHARLOTTE YOUNG
Charlotte Marie Young, age 2, of Texarkana, Arkansas, passed away February 15, 2024 in Orlando Florida. Services will be 1pm Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Full Gospel Tabernacle.
MARY WHEELER
Mary Frances Wheeler passed away 2-18-2024. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Wednesday February 21, 2024 at East Funeral Home, Moores Lane. Service will be 11am Thursday at East Moores Lane Chapel.
LEROY ALEXANDER
Leroy Alexander, 72, of Texarkana, Texas passed February 17, 2024. Visitation Thursday, February 22, 2024, 3-5PM, Jones Stuart Mortuary. Graveside Service Friday, February 23, 2024, 2PM at Chapelwood with Pastor John Harris, Eulogist.
BUCK LEWIS
Buck Lewis died February 17, 2024. Services will be 11:00 A.M. February 22, at Siloam Baptist Church in Simms. Visitation will be the evening before at Bates Family Funeral Home.
THURSDAY ANN JONES
Ann Jones, age 81, of Texarkana, Texas passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024. She was born on August 5, 1942, in Monroe, La. She was a graduate of Northeast Louisiana State College and a member of AOII sorority. She was an accomplished tennis player and bowler.as a military spouse, she traveled the world and supported her husband in his career. She is a former teacher and girls basketball coach at West Monroe High School. Her hobbies included gardening, playing cards and entertaining members of the local Military Officers of America Association chapter. Ann was a lover of all animals, but especially horses.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years Douglas Jones of Texarkana, TX; two sons and daughter-in-law, Greg and Cindy Jones of Texarkana, TX and Neal Jones of Bush, LA; daughter and son-in-law, Allyson Jones Hughes and Randy Hughes of Waynesboro, PA; nine grandchildren, Nina Hughes, Ian Hughes, Alexis Jones, Andrea Jones, Brandon Jones, Tabitha Waldon, Jon Colwell, Andrea Dalton and Erica Nash; three great grandchildren, Cadence Nash, Nolan Colwell and Sawyer Nash.
Celebration of Life Service will be 10:30 am Saturday, February 24, 2024, at East Memorial Chapel-moores Lane with Pastor Joe Asbell officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the the direction of East Funeral Home-moores Lane.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Salvation Army or any veterans groups.
Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
JAMES MARTIN
James “Peewee” O’neal Martin, age 79 passed away on Monday, February 19, 2024. He was born on July 7, 1944 in Texarkana, AR. Peewee retired after 40 years from J A Riggs Tractor Company.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Murry and Wana Martin, three sisters, Glory Jean Martin, Wana Sue King and Linda Gennings; brother, Charles “Cookie” Martin.
Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, Derrel and Liz Martin of Mt Juliet, TN; two sisters, Judy Purtle of Hope, AR and Brenda Negus of Conway, AR; nephew like a son, Chris Martin and his wife Ann of Greenbrier, AR; nephew, James Gennings and his wife Dena and a number of other nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 2 pm Friday, February 23, 2024 at East Memorial Chapel-downtown with Rev. Wallace Edgar officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home-downtown.
Family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, February 22nd, at the funeral home.
Memorials can be made to the Texarkana Animal Shelter.
Online tributes can be posted at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
MARILYN MCMANNUS
Marilyn Mcmannus, age 97, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, in Texarkana, Texas. Graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday February 22, 2024, at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hope.
FRANCISCO CRUZ
Services for Francisco Cruz, 81, of Hughes Springs will be 11AM Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Reeder-davis Chapel. Burial in Woodlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Reeder-davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.
RONNY GOLDEN
Graveside services for Ronny Golden, 74, of Hughes Springs are noon Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Dennis Cemetery, via Reeder-davis Funeral Home, Hughes Springs. He passed Monday, February 19, 2024 in Longview, Texas.
FRIDAY JOHN JACOBS
John Wayne Jacobs, 78, of Texarkana, Texas, passed away on February 17, 2024, at his home in Wake Village, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and a life rich in accomplishments and relationships.
John Wayne Jacobs was born to Essie and Andrew Jacobs on February 26, 1945, in Texarkana, Texas. He was the eighth child of nine children. A proud graduate of Macedonia High School in 1966, John furthered his education by attending Texarkana College where he earned certification as a journeyman. His career was marked by dedication and excellence; he worked as a millwright operator for Globe Union also known as Johnson Control for 23 years and at International Paper Mill of Domino until retirement in 2012.
In 1967, John married Maggie Williams, and together they built a family filled with love and laughter. Their union was blessed with two children, Tyrance and Tara who in turn gave John the joy of being a grandfather to Cedricka,’ Jazzmin, Jordan, Jacoby, and Taylor. John’s role as a family man was one he cherished above all others.
John loved his Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all his heart. He began and ended his day studying God’s word. John was member of Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church. He looked forward to attending weekly Wednesday night prayer meetings and fellowshipping with members each Sabbath. John’s life was rich with hobbies. He was an auto enthusiast, often found repairing relatives and friends’ vehicles, attending Nascar races with his son-in-law and watching on live races with his favorite snack, popcorn. John’s intellectual curiosity was satisfied through his love of reading, trivia challenges, and crossword puzzles.
Predeceased by his parents, eight siblings, son Tyrance Wayne Jacobs, and granddaughter Cedricka Antoinette Jackson, John’s memory is honored and kept alive by his wife, Maggie, daughter Tara and son in law Cedric Jackson of Texarkana, one daughter in-law Regina Jacobs of Texarkana, Texas, four grandchildren: Jazzmin Jackson of Everman, Texas, Jordan Jacobs of Houston, Texas, Jacoby Jackson of Starkville, Mississippi, and Taylor Jacobs of Everman, Texas, and a close-knit family of nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.
John’s wisdom, joy, and warmth he brought to life will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His was a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire.
Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church 489 South Kings Hwy Texarkana, Texas. Burial in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens under the direction of Jones Stuart Mortuary.
GEORGIA ROBINSON
Mother Georgia M. Moses Robinson was born March 10, 1933, in Bradley, Arkansas to the late George Moses, Sr. and Maggie Lee Means Moses Pearse. Mother Robinson was a remarkable woman who lived a full and meaningful life. She was a devoted wife to the late Administrative Assistant Veotis Robinson, Sr. for almost 68 years, during which time they brought into the world 15 children and now remain 11 living.
Mother Georgia M. Robinson was preceded in death by her husband, Administrative Assistant Veotis Robinson, Sr., as well as three sons: Baby Wash Robinson, Veotis Robinson, Jr, and Thurman Carter, and one daughter: Baby Jeanette Robinson, also preceded in death by Gladys Pimpeton, Irene Johnson, Betty Pearse, sisters and George Moses, Jr., and Curtis Pearse, brothers. Eleven living children survive her: Linda J. Hobbs of Ogden, Arkansas, Barry R. Robinson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jackie R. Robinson (Bobbie) of Wake Village, Texas, Annette Chavers of Ashdown, Arkansas, Colleen D. Robinson of Dallas, Texas, Felecia Thomas (Reggie) of Texarkana, Arkansas, Rufus Robinson (Dewanda) of Ogden, Arkansas, Donna Brewer (Jimmy) of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Lekaty Hatley (Melton), of Douglasville, Texas, Warren Robinson (Valarie) of Little Rock, Arkansas and Holly Stephens (Gerrod) of Grand Prairie, Texas and 7 living siblings: Corene Moses Carper, Levern Thompson, Annie Marie Moses and Dewayne Moses of Bradley, Arkansas, Nellene Cyrus of Little Rock, Arkansas, Willie Pearse, Jr. and Margaret Pearse Henderson. 51 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
Visitation for Mother Robinson will be 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, February 23rd at Northside COGIC, 501 Bridgeman Dr., Nashville, AR.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, February 24 at The Greater College Hill COGIC, 2101 Hays, Texarkana, AR.
Online registration is available at www.haynesmortuary.com.
KIMBERLY KEMPF
Kimberly Dickerson Kempf was born February 22, 1974, in Atlanta, Texas to the parents of the late Grover Dickerson, Jr. and Maurine Dickerson.
Kimberly attended and graduated from Lindenkildare CISD in Linden, Texas. Kim loved life, her family, and extended family. She later moved to Rowlett, Texas and resided there with her husband and family until her demise on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
Kimberly was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Dan and Inez Richardson, Sr., paternal grandparents Grover and Mamie Dickerson, Sr., her father Grover Dickerson, Jr., two brothers Charles and Sedrick Dickerson, and her oldest sister Sheila Dickerson Lewis.
Kimberly is survived by her husband Darrell Kempf, her mother Maurine Dickerson, her daughter Sharenee Dickerson, two sons Damarcus Dickerson II and Dacorius Dickerson, her bonus daughters: Fayth Dickerson, Mariah Dickerson, Sierrah Dickerson, Jasmine Jones, Chasity (Jeffrey) Thompson and Stacy (Gabriel) Gonzalez, her bonus sons: Quaint (Jamie) Kempf, Darrell Kempf Jr, Decorian Hendrix, and Michael Johnson.
Grandchildren: Damarcus Dickerson III, Ivin Dickerson, August Dickerson, Justice Williams, Jaeden Dickerson, A’miley Manning, Nakeya Salahuddin, David (Paige) Dennis, Tajuan Salhuddin, Dylan (Angel) Dennis, Amanda Thompson, Alicia Thompson, Jordan Kempf, London Kempf, Holland Kempf, Tamra Gonzalez and Leo Gonzalez. Great grandchildren: Audrey Dennis, Easton Dennis, Brayden Frederick, Blakely Dennis and Braxton Dennis.
Sisters: Jamie (Andre) Johnson, Carla (Twin Hall) Dickerson, Angela (Joe) Conkleton Jr, Paula (William Beasley) Fields, and Kathy (Murphy) Rose.
Brothers: Cory Dickerson, Phillip Dickerson, Darrell Dickerson, Danny (Anna) Dickerson, Steven Dickerson, Patrick (Monique) Dickerson, and Winston (Yolanda) Richardson.
Godchildren: Bleu Underwood and Keilani Thompson, her children father and friend Damarcus Williams, and special friends: Nina Wyse, and Charity Godwin, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation Friday, February 23, 2024 3:00-5:00 PM at Jones Stuart Mortuary 115 E. 9th Street Texarkana, AR.
Funeral Service Saturday, February 24, 2024 11:00 AM Linden High School with Pastor Murphy Rose, Eulogist. Burial in Gum Springs Cemetery Douglasville, Texas.
SHANE LAMPKINS
Memorial services for Shane Lee Lampkins, 37, of Texarkana, Texas are 11:00 AM Saturday, February 24th 2024 at the Pine Street Church of Christ, 722 Pine Street, Texarkana, Texas, via Haynes Mortuary.
ROSEVELT WATSON
Services for Rosevelt Watson, 87, of Texarkana, Texas will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 24th, 2024 with viewing beginning at 10:00 AM at the Haynes Mortuary, Inc., 7238 W 7th St, Texarkana, Texas.
EDWARD HOLDEN
Edward Holden passed away February 20, 2024. Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. February 23, at Woodmen Cemetery under the direction of Bates Family Funeral Home.
JOHNNY WILLIAMS
Johnny R. Williams, 58, of Douglassville, Texas passed February 15, 2024. Visitation Friday, February 23, 2024, 3:005:00, Jones Stuart Mortuary. Graveside Sunday, February 25, 2024, 1:30 PM, St. John Cemetery, Douglassville, TX.
SATURDAY RITA BRADSHAW
Rita Mae Bradshaw, 69, of Texarkana, AR, unfortunately departed from us to rest with the Lord on Sunday, February 4th, 2024.
Rita was born February 24th 1954 in Lucerne, WA. She was a loving wife, mother, and mawmaw that enjoyed painting in her free time. She was preceded in death by her parents Deltia Lee Davis and Annie Novella Davis, sister Sherley Davis, brother George (Red) Davis and grandson Jon Mikale Ivy.
She was survived by her husband of 53 years, Ray Monroe Bradshaw of Texarkana, AR; two daughters Kim Ivy and Casey Bradshaw (Chris Nichols) and son and daughter in-law Brandon (Tracie) Bradshaw; grandchildren Dylan (Jessica), Bailey, Grace, Jayden, Clarissa, Marissa, Kamryn, Kelsey; and two great grandchildren Owen and Sterling; sisters Patricia Davis, Linda (Davis) Millis, Peggy (Jackie) Henderson; brothers Russel (Tammie) Davis, and Ronnie (Debbie) Davis, and many loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family will have a private celebration of life on March 9th.
DAVE WYNN
Funeral services for Mr. Dave Henry Wynn will be 2pm Sunday at New Light CME Church in Nashville. Viewing will be 1-2pm Sunday prior to services. Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.
JANET PHILLIPS
Services for Mrs. Janet Phillips will be 2:30 Saturday at Hicks Chapel. Visitation is 12:30-2:30 prior to service. Burial will be at Giles Cemetery in Hope. Arrangements entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.
ANNIE FRANKS
Funeral services for Mrs. Annie B. Franks, 85, of Hope will be 11am Saturday at Garrett Chapel Baptist Church in Hope. Arrangements are entrusted to Hicks Funeral Home, Inc.