LITTLE ROCK — OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.
INDEX
Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our Web site, Arkansas Online, www2.arkansasonline.com. Choose the Obituaries link under the News section on the top navigation menu.
PULASKI COUNTY
Harry H. Bacon, 92, of Little Rock. Thelma L. Bacon, 90, of Little Rock. Alfred “PaPa” Batemon, 87, of North Little Rock. Ywa’zia Arianna Butler, infant, of North Little Rock. Frank Wilson Campbell, 92, of Little Rock. Donald C. “Don” Hasler, 85, of Little Rock. Sir Landis Kristoff Howard, infant, of Maumelle. Michael Trujillo Lozano, infant, of Jacksonville. Tommy Joe Markham, 83, of Jacksonville. Leon Moore, 86, of Little Rock. Perry G. Pierson, 70, of North Little Rock. Frank Scott Ross Jr., 52, of Little Rock. Alice J. Samuel, 82, of Alexander. Bobby G. Teter, 75, of Little Rock. Edith Mae Gordon Warner, 92, of Little Rock. Crystal Amy Webster, 31, of Maumelle. Douglas Wilson, 87, of Little Rock.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS
ARKADELPHIA
Grace Jester Franklin, 88.
ATKINS
Carl Edward Embry, 83.
BEEBE
Robert Herman, 81. Grace Ann Lynn, 56.
BRINKLEY
Arnold E. Smith, 44.
BROCKWELL
Ardell Montgomery Owens Kent, 85.
CABOT
Clarence Numan Lucas, 92. Alexia Marie Rodriguez, infant, of Cabot.
CADDO VALLEY
Houston Haltom, 93.
CLARENDON
Larry Mavity, 63.
CLINTON
Wendy Lynn Freeman, 36.
CROSSETT
Jerry Allen Hawkins, 60.
DRASCO
Melvin L. “Marty” Endsley Jr., 48.
EDGEMONT
Paul Fredrick Mann, 82.
FAYETTEVILLE
Wilma Ruth Moren Samuel, 80.
HARRISON
James Wasson, 84.
HELENA-WEST HELENA
Reba Corder, 84.
HERMITAGE
Oma Lois Howard Crawford, 94. Mike Veazey, 52.
HOPE
Mary Sue Evans, 95.
JUNCTION CITY
Clarence C. Ritchey, 52.
KENSETT
Anna Brock Norman, 83.
LONDON
Luella Martha Jane Pless, 102.
MAYFLOWER
Robert Ray Cockerham Sr., 51. Frances Norman.
MCCRORY
Marvin Eugene Breckenridge, 54. Bernice Davis, 83.
MCGEHEE
Keith Collins Burchfield, 47.
MIDWAY
Thomas “Frank” Adkins, 81.
OZARK
Betty Sue “Susie” Via, 66.
PARKDALE
Herman Parker, 82.
PINE BLUFF
Nola Jenkins Ford, 92. JoAnn Harris, 45. R.D. Wright, 85.
REDFIELD
Wanda Sue Oates Little, 66.
RUSSELLVILLE
Cassandra “Cassie” Mallorie Tillman.
SEARCY
Richard Anglemyer, 86. Marie Butts, 87. Clayton Wayne Finley, 32.
SHERIDAN
Ruby Zelma Combs Slaughter, 98. Owen Key Williams Sr., 85.
SPRINGDALE
Dale Lee Casto, 50.
STAR CITY
Ronnie Henley, 31. James Donald Williams, 64.
WARD
Esteban “Paye” Villarreal Jr.
OUT-OF-STATE
GILBERT, Ariz.
Carolyn Crisp Cooke, 67.
RUSTON, La.
Robert Alex Laney, 77.
TAFT, Okla.
Odessier Stennis-Mays.
TUTTLE, Okla.
Robert Donald Lutze, 63.
CORDOVA, Tenn.
Jimmy Samuel Mosley, 68.
ARLINGTON, Texas
Howard T. Blackwelder, 89.
Pulaski County
HARRY H. BACON, age 92, of Little Rock died Dec. 26, 2009, at his home. He was born in Ferrell, Ark., and raised in Little Rock. He was an Electrical Engineer with AP&L, retiring in 1982 after 46 years.
He proudly served in Europe and North Africa during WWII in the Army Air Corps as Crew Chief for his B-26 Marauder, the “Miss Arkansas,” flying over 100 missions. He cherished the fellowship of the summer reunions with his buddies of the 444th Bomb Squadron, our extended family. He lived an exemplary life as a husband and father and he will be deeply missed. The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to Dr. James Grissom and the staff at Little Rock Hemotology and Oncology and Baptist Hospice.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Thelma; one sister, Claudia Fields; one brother, George Bacon; and daughter, Kaye Abrell. Survivors include his daughters, Nancy Mc-New (Mike), Judy Hayes (Bobby); and three grandchildren, Amy Atterberry (Ben), Balenda Metzger and Michael Inman; seven greatgrandchildren and five great-greatgrandchildren.
Graveside services will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Greg Kirksey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Association, 900 North University Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72207, (501) 664-3480; and/or Baptist Hospice, 11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210, (501) 202-7474.
To sign the online guest book, please visit www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.
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• –––––THELMA L. BACON, age 90, of Little Rock died Dec. 23, 2009, three days prior to the passing of her loving and devoted husband of 60 Years, Harry H. Bacon.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Leroy and Theo Miles; one sister, Margaret Austin; and daughter, Kaye Abrell. She is survived by her husband, Harry H. Bacon; one brother, Lynn B. Miles; daughters, Nancy McNew (Mike), Judy Hayes (Bobby); three grandchildren, Amy Atterberry (Ben), Balenda Metzger and Mike Inman; seven great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the loving care given to our Mimi by Baptist Hospice, especially her sweet Rebecca and Dee Dee. We will miss her deeply but are so blessed to have loved and been loved by her.
Graveside services will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Greg Kirksey officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Association, 900 North University Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72207, (501) 664-3480; and/or Baptist Hospice, 11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210, (501) 202-7474. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.
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• –––––ALFRED “PAPA” BATEMON, 87, of North Little Rock, Ark., passed away Dec. 27, 2009.
He leaves to cherish his memories: children, Arlene Batemon of Jacksonville, Thurston (Gloria) Batemon of Pine Bluff, Clifton Batemon, Arvell (Ryan) McKinney of North Little Rock, Lillie (David) Robinson of Chicago, Ill., Sophia (David) Mills and Mary (Jonas) Smith of Sherwood; Goddaughter, Jo Ann Scott of North Little Rock; sister, Sally Mack of Tampa, Fla.
Visitation Jan. 1, 6-7 p.m. at Superior. Service Jan. 2, 2 p.m. at First Penecostal Church, 5302 Jacksonville Hwy., North Little Rock. Superior Funeral Service, 5017 East Broadway, (501) 945-9922. Trudean Long Brown “providing service your family deserves.”
Special thanks to the ICU staff and doctors of St. Vincent Hospital North.
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• –––––YWA’ZIA ARIANNA BUTLER of North Little Rock, infant daughter of Shawna Jordan and Ywatun Butler, passed away Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009. She is survived by one sister and two brothers. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at Arkansas Memorial Gardens. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home.
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• –––––FRANK WILSON CAMPBELL of Little Rock, age 92, passed away on Dec. 28, 2009. A retired postal employee and Army Master Sergeant serving in WWII on Kodiak Island.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Jo Campbell; his parents, CE and Annie Campbell; three brothers, Charles, James and Hugh; and one sister, Ruth Armstrong.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ann Moran; four grandchildren, Karen Dorris and husband Buddy, Tracy Sazama, Bobby Moran, and Major Scott Moran and wife Heather of Silver Spring, Md.; and three greatgrandchildren, Hanna Sazama of Little Rock, Ark., Sophia Moran and Noah Moran of Silver Spring, Md. Other survivors include his sister-in-law, Julia Campbell of Maumelle and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private burial service will be held at National Cemetery, Little Rock, on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Rodney Dennis officiating. The family requests a donation to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (NW corner of I-630 and Barrow Road), (501)224-2200. Mr. Campbell’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––DONALD C. “DON” HASLER, 85,
of Little Rock died peacefully the morning of Dec. 27, 2009, at Baptist Hospital. He was born March 4, 1924, in Guthrie, Okla., to the late Charlie Carl and Esther Sizemore Hasler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alyce Elizabeth Dowd Hasler.
He graduated Guthrie High in 1943 and attended Oklahoma University until entering the service in 1944. He entered basic training at Vance Air Force Base and acquired his flight wings in Victoria, Texas. He left the service with the rank of First Lieutenant.
Don retired from Nabisco Brands Inc. in 1989 after 42 years of service. He was a charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church, a member of the Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts of America and Amateur Radio Operator. Don and his wife Alyce were members of The Good Sam Club, Rock City Sams chapter.
He is survived by his five children, Dennis Hasler and wife Christine, Teresa “Tere” Hasler Arbogast, Mike Hasler, Mitch Hasler and wife Angela, and Donita “Dee Dee” Hasler Wehmer and husband Bill, all of the Little Rock area; 10 grandchildren, Eric, Evan, Kelley, Allison, Emily, Daniel, Cole and Lindsey Hasler, John Wehmer and Sean Arbogast, all of the Little Rock area; a sister, Moya Jean Hasler Carney and husband Jim of Mount Pleasant, Texas; and one surviving aunt, Wanda Sizemore Shepard of Midwest City, Okla.
A Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Little Rock. Visitation will immediately follow the Rosary at approximately 8:15.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31 at Christ the King with burial to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––SIR LANDIS KRISTOFF HOWARD, infant son of Shiree Howard of Maumelle, died Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009. He was born Sept. 9, 2009, in Little Rock. Survivors are his mother, Shiree Howard; sisters, Shanica Waters, Andreea Murray, Lakeen Howard; grandparents, Shirley and Kenneth Tyus, and Ralph Howard; a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, (501) 327-7727. Family hour Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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• –––––MICHAEL TRUJILLO LOZANO, 7 weeks old, infant son of Salvador and Latosha Trujillo Lozano, joined God, Dec. 23, 2009. He was preceded in death by Grandma Juana Lozano Rodriguez.
He is survived by brothers, Ethan, Salvador II and Toribio; grandparents, Marcos Trujillo Sandoval of Mexico, Sandra and Kenny Strickland of Jacksonville; and a number of great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Park.
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• –––––TOMMY JOE MARKHAM of Jacksonville, born Jan. 26, 1926, in Batesville to the late Tom and Ethel Poole Markham, passed away Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009, at the age of 83. In addition to his parents, Mr. Markham was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy Markham. Mr. Markham retired from Couples Rubber Company in St. Louis, Mo., after 32 years of service.
Mr. Markham is survived by his sister, Thelma Risk and her husband Charles; and his brotherin-law, Bob Newsom and his wife Barbara; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, in the chapel of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home with Brother Bob Slagley officiating. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. in Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville. Please sign the online guest book at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements are under direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.
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• –––––LEON MOORE, 86, Little Rock, departed this life Dec. 27. He leaves to cherish his memories: children, Bernice Enoch, Gloria Allen, Vickie (Melvin) Robinson, Doris Moore, Pamela (Willie) Graves, Larry, Charles, Lee (Tessie), Terry, Phillip (Kim), Douglas Moore; brothers, Robert and William Moore; sister, Quency Wheeler; 25 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.
Family hour: Friday 6:15-7:15 p.m. and Funeral Service: Saturday, 12 noon, both to be held at Robinson Mortuary Chapel. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Little Rock, (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.” –––––
• –––––PERRY G. PIERSON, 70, originally of East Peoria, passed away Dec. 28, 2009. He was born to Emerson and Isabel Pierson on Oct. 31, 1939, in Peoria. Perry served with honor in the United States Air Force, Marine Corps and Army Reserves. After retiring from Caterpillar, he moved to North Little Rock. He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Marjorie.
He is survived by his loving companion, Emily Allen; a brother, Corwin A. Pierson and his wife Charlene; and three children, Perry Todd Pierson, Kimberly Pierson-Kerby and Deborah Pierson-Hoemlein. Also surviving are six grandchildren, four nieces and five nephews.
Perry was a member of Liberty Fellowship Church in North Little Rock and a volunteer at the Amboy Community Food Pantry. He will always be remembered for his love of trains and travel, zeal for life, and his passion for good conversation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Amboy Community Food Pantry, 100 Auburn, North Little Rock, Ark. 72118.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, at Amboy United Methodist Church and a service will be held at a later date in East Peoria. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.
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• –––––FRANK SCOTT ROSS JR., 52, Little Rock, departed this life Dec. 23, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Luvenia Ross; children, Roderick, Roger Mardis, Shenice Battles; mother, Daisy Newsome; brother, Ricky Jynes; sister, Carolyn Jynes Simmons (Don); eight grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends.
Special Thanks to Dr. K. Arnaoutakis, UAMS and Hospice Home Care.
Family hour: Friday 4-5 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary Chapel. Funeral Service: Saturday, 11 a.m. at Greater St. John Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Little Rock, (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
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• –––––ALICE J. SAMUEL, age 82, resident of Alexander, passed away Monday, Dec. 28, 2009, at Bryant Healthcare Center. She was born March 14, 1927, in San Benito, Texas, to the late Cecil Woods and Elsie Marshall Woods.
Alice was a telephone operator for many years at Hughes Aircraft. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Samuel.
Survivors include one son, Roy Baker (Kathy) of Alexander; two daughters, Obie Ehlert (Wayne) of Cotulla, Texas, and Linda Cole (Terry) of Camden, Maine; one sister, Olive King (Harry) of Champaign, Ill.; seven grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.
There will be no services.
Online guestbook at www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.
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• –––––BOBBY G. TETER went to be his Lord on the morning of Dec. 28, 2009. He was born in Green Forest, Ark., on Jan. 30, 1934, to Willard and Mabel Teter.
Bob graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1956 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture. He then joined the United States Army and served until 1957 as a medical specialist. After Receiving an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, Bob worked for and retired from the United States Department of Agriculture as a County Supervisor for several counties in Arkansas.
Bob was predeceased by his first wife, Shirley Teter. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 24 years, Rose Teter; and children, Pamela Stringer of Republic, Mo., Darin Teter of Ward, Ark., Cheryl Delashmit of North Little Rock, Ark., Richard Ellis of Little Rock, Ark., Chuck Drennan of Sheridan, Ark., and Charlton Drennan of North Little Rock, Ark.; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Bob will be greatly missed by all who loved and respected the person he was in his life.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, in the chapel of Little Rock Funeral Home with Rev. Deanna McCormack officiating.
Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009, at Little Rock Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Quapaw Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Arrangements are being made by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark. 72205, (501) 224-2200. Bobby’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––EDITH MAE GORDON WARNER,
92, Little Rock, departed this life Dec. 25. Preceded in death by her husband, Theodis Warner; children, Byron, Robbie Fay Akins, Billy Hadley, Prentiss Jr., Gerald Gordon; parents, Phillip and Violet Porter Sr.; brothers, Phillip Jr., Merle, Howard Porter.
She leaves to cherish her memories: children, Phyllis Gordon, Dennis Gordon; brothers, Adrew, L.B., Wallace (Mary) Porter; sister, Charlotte Jackson; special daughter-in-law, Hazel Hadley; 17 grandchildren; a host of great- and great-greatgrandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Special thanks to Arkansas Hospice and her personal caregivers.
Family hour: Friday, 5-6 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary Chapel. Funeral: Saturday, 10 a.m. at Antioch Full Gospel Baptist Church. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Little Rock, (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
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• –––––CRYSTAL AMY WEBSTER, 31, of Maumelle, Ark., went to be with her Lord Dec. 27, 2009, in North Little Rock, Ark. She was born in Springdale, Ark., on March 20, 1978, to Robert Jackson Webster and LaDonna Dene Cornelius.
She attended Fayetteville High School, but graduated from Fort Zumwalt South High School in St. Peters, Mo., with honors. After high school she enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and began her nurses’ training at San Antonio, Texas. After her discharge, she graduated from the Fayetteville School of Cosmetology and worked for several beauty shops before returning to nursing school at NWACC. She was five months from receiving her RN degree from UAMS in Little Rock.
Crystal is survived by her fiance, Chris Covey of the home; her father, Jack Webster of St. Peters, Mo.; her mother, La-Donna Brown of Okeechobee, Fla.; her brother, Joshua Webster and his wife Jacqueline of Lowell, Ark.; her niece, Julie Webster, Lowell, Ark., who was the light of her life; paternal grandmother, Mildred Webster of Fayetteville, Ark.; maternal grandparents, Jim and Charlene Cornelius of West Fork, Ark.; uncles Bryan Webster of Tulsa, Okla., and Kenneth Webster and his wife Roma of Fayetteville; and aunt, Kathy Cornelius of West Fork, Ark.
Memorial services will be held at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville, Ark., at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to Ms. Crystal Webster Memorial Nurses Scholarship, UAMS, 4301 West Markham, Slot 529, Little Rock, Ark. 72205.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel. com.
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• –––––DOUGLAS WILSON, 87, of Little Rock passed away Sunday, Dec. 27, 2009. He is survived by his daughter, Judith (Robert) Booth of Little Rock.
Mr. Wilson was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jo Wilson. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online obituary and guest register at www. nlrfh.com.
Arkansas
ARKADELPHIA — Grace Jester Franklin, age 88, of Arkadelphia passed away Tuesday, December 29 in Arkadephia. Left to cherish her loving memory are daughters, Judy Fendley and her husband Hugh of Arkadelphia, Ann Hutto of Damascus, Jane Register and husband Mike of Monroe, La., sons, Buddy Franklin and wife Priscilla of Las Vegas, Nev. and David Franklin and wife Deana of Hot Springs, sisters, Amelia Hollingshead of Arkadelphia, Ruth Glover and husband Jim of Chula Vista, Calif., one brother Otis Jester and wife Lynn of Curtis, sister-in-law Erma Lea Jester of Waldo, Ark., brother-in-law Doyle Franklin and wife Anna of Oakland Community, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren, one step granddaughter, four step great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009, in the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Chapel with Brother Marvin Pate officiating.
Burial will be in the South Fork Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Sign on line guest book at www.ruggleswilcox.com.
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• –––––ATKINS — Carl Edward Embry, 83, of Atkins died Monday. He was a Navy veteran and Farmer. The Embrys were voted farm family of the year in 1967.
Survivors include his wife, Alma Jean Embry; son, Lynn Embry of Atkins and daughter Julie Embry of Little Rock.
Funeral is 2 p.m., Wednesday, at Lemley Chapel. Memorials can be made to Atkins First Baptist Church, 201 N. Church, Atkins, Ark., 72823. Online obituary/ condolences available at www. lemleyfuneral.com.
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• –––––BEEBE — Robert Herman of Beebe, Arkansas, died at the age of 81, at Beebe Retirement Center on December 25, 2009. He enlisted in the Navy at 17 years of age, serving two years in Vietnam. He was a specialist in electronics, an instructor, and navigator and invented a slide rule for the Navy. After 30 years as Commander in the Navy he retired in 1976 and settled in Beebe. He spent many years working for his community. He was a member of the American Legion, United Way, Kiwanis, Zoning Committee, ASU Beebe, Beebe Water Dept. and many others. He was an artist, carver, and author of poems and books, furniture maker and electrician. He was well liked and deeply respected by his peers, friends and family. He loved people and was a great thinker. Many people asked for his advice. He loved his family above all. He quietly helped many people during his lifetime. He would never discuss it. My mother would tell us stories. He leaves his daughter, Jan Childres of Beebe; grandsons Chuck and wife Erica and their children Laney and Alec of Georgia, and David and wife Christine and daughter Madison of Beebe. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores who died in 2004 and his son Bud who died in 1990.
He was our hero and our mentor. Now he is with Mother, which is all he wanted. He will be cremated and his ashes will be buried with his beloved wife of nearly 60 years. We will miss him terribly, but we know he is at last at peace and happy again. The proud family.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to prostate cancer research. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––BEEBE — Grace Ann Lynn, 56, of Beebe, Arkansas, was born March 1, 1953, at Hazen, Arkansas, to the late L. J. and Margaret Moss, and she died December 22, 2009. She was employed with the Dept. of Finance & Administration where she was a Document Examiner II for 28 years. She retired and later went back to work for the State DFA as a Service Representative in the Dept. of Motor Vehicles.
She is survived by her daughter, Rochell Reed and husband Danny of Hermitage, Tennessee; two granddaughters, Shayna T. Rhodes and husband Jason of Wilmar, Arkansas and Charisma D. Jackson of Hermitage, Tennessee; one great-grandson, Uriah Rhodes; two brothers, David L. Russell of Little Rock and Danny C. Curlett of Kennett, Missouri; a half-sister, Betty Jean Hamilton of Little Rock; and an aunt, Georgetta Penn.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, January 2, 2009, at Prairie Chapel Baptist Church in Hazen, with funeral to follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Green Grove Cemetery in Hazen. www.westbrookfuneralhome. com.
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• –––––BRINKLEY — Arnold E. Smith, 44, of Brinkley passed away December 26, 2009. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 31, 12 p.m. at Arkansas Land and Farm Development Corps in Fargo, Ark., and Saturday, January 2010, 12 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Lake Village, Ark. Burial will be in the Tolliver Cemetery in Lake Village under the direction of McNeal-Calahan Funeral Home of Brinkley.
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• –––––BROCKWELL — Ardell Montgomery Owens Kent, 85, died December 28. Funeral service will be Wednesday, December 30 at 11 a.m. at the Howard Memorial Chapel in Melbourne. Burial will be at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.
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• –––––CABOT — Clarence Numan Lucas, age 92, died December 29, 2009. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church of Cabot, a retired Nurses Aide from Fort Roots, and he loved fishing. He was a US WWII Veteran, having served in five major Campaigns, including Battle of Bulge and Normandy, recipient of two Bronze Stars, American Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Marksman Rifle Badge, and EAME Service Ribbon. Preceding him in death are his parents Owen and Mabel Lucas of Thermopolis, Wyo., a son Walter Lee Lucas, brothersin-law, Nelson and Jimmy Myers of Little Rock, and 13 brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years Macel E. Lucas; a son Michael (Danice) Lucas of Austin, granddaughters, Lucinda (Jason) Munnerlyn of Lonoke and Jessica (Jay) Chipman of Hot Springs, great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Rebecca Munnerlyn of Lonoke and Hayden, Gracie and Ava Chipman of Hot Springs; one sister, May Galutia of Selah, Wash., sister-in-law Francis Myers of Little Rock, and a host of nieces and nephews through the West. Clarence loved the Lord, he walked the walk, he ran the race and finished the course.
The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Graveside Services will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009, at Pine Crest Memorial Park, Alexander. Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome. net.
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• –––––CABOT — Alexia Marie Rodriguez, age 5 months, of Cabot passed away Sunday, December 27, 2009, in Little Rock. She was born July 29, 2009, in Little Rock to Luis and Jennifer Jones Rodriguez. Other survivors include her sister, Esabella Rose Rodriguez, maternal grandmother, Linda Harrison, maternal grandfather, Mark Jones, and paternal grandparents, Rosa and Jesus Rodriguez.
Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009, at St. Jude The Apostle Catholic Church with Father Matt Garrison officiating. Please sign the on-line guestbook at www. mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136.
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• –––––CADDO VALLEY — Houston Haltom, 93, died Monday, December 28, 2009, at his home in Bryant, Arkansas, with family by his side. Houston was born in DeGray, Arkansas, April 24, 1916, to father Omer and mother Maggie Lee McBrayer Haltom. Houston was a lifelong Caddo Valley resident, where he was very active in the community serving as the Mayor of Caddo Valley, volunteer firefighter for Caddo Valley Fire Department and Deacon Emeritus for the Caddo Valley Baptist Church.
He is survived by his sons: Kenneth and wife Betty of Benton, Arkansas, and Stephen and wife Pamela of Arp, Texas; two brothers, Clyde Haltom of Redding California, and Harold Haltom of Eufaula, Oklahoma; two sisters, Verna Mae Yancy of Farmington, Arkansas, and Alice Kirksey of Malvern; grandchildren, Crystal Kindervater and Lonya Robertson, both of Benton, Arkansas, Leticia Cross of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Sarah Haltom of Dallas, Texas, Felicia Haltom of Arp, Texas; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, January 1, 2010, in the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home Chapel in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, with Rev. Greg Kirksey officiating. Interment to follow at Caddo Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Caddo Valley Cemetery fund c/o John Frazier, 208 E. Dodson, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Sign online guestbook at www.ruggleswilcox.com.
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• –––––CLARENDON — Larry Mavity, 63, died December 24, 2009, in Clarendon. Survivors are daughter, Sunshine (Bob) Conger of California; four brothers, Lester, Lonnie, Wade, Gene Mavity; sister, Mary Parker, grandson, Tyler Conger. Chapel services 2 p.m., Wednesday at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Clarendon. Burial in Shady Grove Cemetery. Guestbook/obit/www.bobnealandsons.com 870-747-3704.
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• –––––CLINTON — Wendy Lynn Freeman, 36, of Clinton, Arkansas, passed away Monday, December 28, 2009. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter and parents. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas.
Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009, at First Baptist Church Clinton, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Pee Dee Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes. com.
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• –––––CROSSETT — Jerry Allen Hawkins, 60, Crossett, died December 25, 2009. He is survived by four sons, four daughters, his mother, two brothers, four sisters, and 16 grandchildren. Funeral services are 1 p.m., December 31, at Gates Chapel AME Church; burial will follow at Carlock Cemetery under the direction of Cromwell Funeral Home Inc. www.cromwellfuneralhome.net.
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• –––––DRASCO — Melvin L. “Marty” Endsley Jr., 48, died December 28, 2009. Survivors include his mother, Carolyn Endsley; brother, Brian Endsley; sisters, Vickie Wilson and Tracy (David) Rateliff; nieces and nephew, Brittney Hipp, Colbey Frisbee, Cassie Endsley, and Maggi Endsley. Service Wednesday, 10 a.m., Olmstead Chapel. Interment, Sipes Cemetery. Olmstead Funeral Home.
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• –––––EDGEMONT — Paul Fredrick Mann, 82, of Edgemont died December 25, 2009. Survivors: daughters, Becky Bridges, Geneva Brown and Sara Mortimeyer; brothers, Ernest Mann Jr. and Bill Mann; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Yazell and Gladys Cox Middleton. Memorial Services: 6 p.m., Saturday, January 2, 2009 at Sunny Slope Baptist Church. Online Obituary: www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––HELENA-WEST HELENA — Services for Reba Corder, 84, of West Helena will be 10 a.m., Thursday, West Helena Baptist Church. Visitation:Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., Roller-Citizens. Burial: Sunset Memorial Park, West Helena. Survivors: three sons, six grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Services directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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• –––––HERMITAGE — Oma Lois Howard Crawford, 94, of Hermitage, Ark., died Monday, December 28. Survivors are one son, James Merl Crawford, Hermitage, Ark.; one grandson, Michael Crawford, Warren, Ark. Funeral services 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, Frazer’s Chapel. Burial Pattsville Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Online guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––HERMITAGE — Mike Veazey, age 52, of Hermitage, Ark., died Monday, December 28, at home. Funeral services 1:30 p.m. Thursday, December 31, Frazer’s Chapel. Burial Palestine Cemetery at Johnsville, Ark., by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, at Frazer’s. Online obituary and guest register www.frazerfuneralhome.com,
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• –––––HOPE — Mrs. Mary Sue Evans, 95, of Hope, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, December 27, 2009, in Hope, Arkansas.
Mrs. Evans was born December 14, 1914, to Charles Leroy “Roy” and Vera Murphy Anderson. She was married to the late Thompson “Buddy” Evans, Jr. Mary worked and retired from her family’s business at Anderson-Frazier Insurance Company. She also attended Hendrix College.
A special thanks to her extended family Jeannie and Yancy Reynolds, and Georganne Lowe Hairr. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. until service time which begins at 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2009, in the Herndon-Pharr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Keenan Williams officiating. Interment to follow in Rosehill Cemetery under the direction of Herndon-Pharr Funeral Home. View and sign the online guest book at www.pharrfuneralhomes.com.
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• –––––JUNCTION CITY — Clarence C. Ritchey, 52, of Junction City, Ark., died Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, December 31, at First Assembly of God in El Dorado. Burial will follow at Caledonia Cemetery directed by Young’s Funeral Directors. Visitation will be tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. www. youngsfuneralhome.com
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• –––––KENSETT — Anna Brock Norman, 83, of Kensett, Arkansas, and formerly of Beebe, died December 28, 2009. Anna died Monday in Forrest City, where she had been living recently and where she attended Bethel Baptist Church.
Anna was retired from Kellwood Manufacturing Co. She was born May 31, 1926, in Arnold, Kansas, to Joseph and Stella Pantel.
She is survived by two sons, James and Danny (Loretta) Brock of Beebe; three daughters, Laverne Askins of Beebe, Shirley Johnson (Charles) of Lonoke, Patsy (Carroll) Taylor of Forrest City; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Amata O/P of Great Bend, Kansas, and Betty Lou Evans of Denver, Colorado; and one brother, Earnest Pantel of Palisade, Colorado.
Anna was preceded in death by her husbands, Sanford Martin Brock and Alfred Norman; three brothers; two sisters; and two grandsons, Denver Taylor and Johnny Brock.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009, at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Beebe Cemetery. www. westbrookfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––LONDON — Luella Martha Jane Pless, 102, London, died Monday. Funeral: 10 a.m., Thursday, Mt. Carmel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Burial: Mt. Carmel Cemetery, London, by Shinn Funeral Service, Russellville. Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials: Mt. Carmel Cumberland Presbyterian Church Building Fund or Cemetery Association. Online obituary/guestbook: www.shinnfuneral.com.
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• –––––MAYFLOWER — Robert Ray Cockerham Sr., 51, of Mayflower passed away Monday, December 28, 2009. He was born on Monday, August 25, 1958, in Jersey City, N.J., to Charles and the late Magdalene (Hawks) Cockerham.
Bob a.k.a. “Big Daddy” Cockerham was employed with Smith Ford as a warranty administrator. He loved music, dancing, children, and attended all sporting events for Mayflower Schools where he was considered their #1 fan. He was Mayflower Baseball’s “Voice of the Eagles.” He stole everyone’s heart, lived life to the fullest and never met a stranger. Family was very important to him and he earned the title “Awesome Dad” and the affectionate title from his grandchildren of “Pawpaw.”
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy (Allison) Cockerham; son, Robert Ray Jr., and Hailey Cockerham; three daughters, Brandi and Allen Henson, Niki and Danny Hughes, and Ali Cockerham; five grandchildren, Brianna Robinson, T.J. Robinson, Twyla Cockerham, Robert Ray Cockerham III and Keira Hughes; parents, Charles and Carole Cockerham; and three sisters, Denise Tate, Debbie and Hank Williams, and Donna and Gary Garrison.
Services will be held at 1 p.m., on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, with Brother Allan Hudson officiating.
Burial will follow in Mayflower Cemetery with Trent Carter, Butch McPeak, Johnny Hurt, Daniel Addie, John Pipkins, Greg Bolton, Will Decker and Rick Frye serving as pallbearers; Mayflower High School Baseball Team, Mayflower High School Football Team, and the Senior High Cheer Squad will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Memorials may be made to: Mayflower High School Athletic Department C/O John Pipkins, 15 Old Sandy Road, Mayflower, Arkansas 72106. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes. com.
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• –––––MAYFLOWER — Frances Norman of Mayflower, Ark. The Gates of Heaven are open, another angel is going home. For a short time, the family that’s left behind are saddened at the loss of their fishing buddy, great cook and loving Mother. She’s gone to join hand in hand with husband Willis Norman, parents, and son.
Survivors: three daughters, Brenda Glover, Mary Pafford and Tina Fowler of Mayflower, Ark.; son Larry Norman of Little Rock, Ark.; sister Eunice Ethridge, and a brother James Moore of Morrilton Ark.; ten grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
Funeral service is 1 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009, in the Chapel of Griffin Leggett Funeral Home-Conway, with Chaplain Gordon Lemings officiating. Burial will follow at Beulah Cemetery outside Atkins. Online guest registry is available at www.griffinleggettconway.com.
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• –––––McCRORY — Marvin Eugene Breckenridge, 54, died Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2009. Visitation: 1-2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. at Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home, McCrory. Interment: Fakes Chapel Cemetery. Survivors: one son: Jimmy Don Breckenridge, Malvern, fiance Robin Toney, Mc-Crory; one brother: James Breckenridge, McCrory. Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home Directors, McCrory. (870) 731-2551.
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• –––––McCRORY — Bernice Davis, age 83, of McCrory, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009. Survived by one brother, Donald Davis of Little Rock. Graveside visitation, Wednesday 10:30 a.m., Fakes Cemetery. Graveside service, 11 a.m. Arrangements, Rhodes and Son Funeral Home, Augusta & McCrory.
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• –––––McGEHEE — Keith Collins Burchfield, 47, of McGehee died December 17, 2009 in Little Rock. Survivors, his father, mother, one stepson, one brother and one sister. Visitation, Wednesday 5-8 p.m. at Griffin Funeral Service. Funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday at McGehee First Baptist Church by Griffin Funeral Service of Mc-Gehee.
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• –––––MIDWAY — Thomas “Frank” Adkins, 81, of Midway died December 28, 2009. Survivors include wife Mary Adkins; four sons, David Adkins, Carl Adkins, Tommy Adkins, Keith Southard; four daughters, Betty Teague, Maxine Coggins, Joanne Hicks, Wilma Teegarden. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday at Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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• –––––OZARK — Betty Sue “Susie” Via, 66, of Ozark was born Feb. 1, 1943 in Lake Village to Louis and Thelma (Smith) Averitt and passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Ozark Nursing Home where she was a resident. She was a Case Manager for Centers for Youth and Families of Little Rock and she was a Baptist and a woman of faith.
She is survived by her only son, Noel Dean “Dino” Via; three sisters Judy Averitt, Pat Kyle and Dottie Davis; two brothers, the Rev. “Biff” Averitt and Steve Averitt; two grandchildren, Breana Lou Via and Robert Caleb Dean Via. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Jim Averitt.
The body will be cremated under direction of Shaffer Funeral Home of Ozark. A celebration of her life will be held Wednesday December 30, 2009, 2 p.m. at the home of Robert and Lisa Via of Ozark.
To leave an online condolence to the family visit the Web site: shafferfuneralhomeweb.com.
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• –––––PARKDALE — Mr. Herman Parker, 82, of Parkdale, died Friday, December 25, 2009. Funeral services are 11 a.m., Saturday at the Union Baptist Church. Burial will be in the Zion Hill Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com.
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• –––––PINE BLUFF — Mrs. Nola Jenkins Ford, 92, of Pine Buff, passed away, Sunday, December 27, 2009. Her services will be Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Rose Hill MB Church by Reverend G.L. Ford at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
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• –––––PINE BLUFF — JoAnn Harris, 45, Pine Bluff, Ark., passed December 21, 2009. Survived by daughter, Talitha MaLave, mother, Elizabeth Harris, siblings; Curlee Harris, Jeanette Harris, Linda Allen. Funeral Services January 2, 2010, 12 p.m. Damascus Missionary Baptist Church Grady, Ark. Services entrusted to Presidential Funeral Home, 206 Washington Stuttgart, Ark. 72160 (870) 672-7300.
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• –––––PINE BLUFF — Mr. R.D. Wright, 85, of Pine Bluff, passed away, Sunday, December 27, 2009. His service will be Thursday, December 31, 2009 at Faith Presbyterian Church by Pastor Harlis Wright at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
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• –––––REDFIELD — Wanda Sue Oates Little, 66, of Redfield went to be with the Lord December 29, 2009 after a long but fearless battle with illness. A daughter of the late Lee Oates and Geneva Rinehart Oates, Sue was born July 18, 1943 at Little Rock and graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1961. As a homemaker, Sue loved to cook for her family and friends, she was also a member of Redfield United Methodist Church.
She was also preceded in death by her brother, Arthur Taylor Oates and an infant sister Joan Marie Oates.
Sue is survived by her husband, John Little, whom she married May 29, 1963 at Little Rock; a son, John Robert Little, III, a daughter, Jami Lee Travis (Nathan); brothers, Fred Oates (Donna), Jerry Oates (Edith), Bill Oates (Lou Ann); sister, Jane Marsh; three grandchildren, Baxley, Blaise, Baelin, and many other loving family and friends whom she loved dearly.
Funeral Services will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Redfield United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Redfield Cemetery by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial may be made to: Redfield United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 232, Redfield, Ark. 72132. Online condolences: FullerFunerals.com.
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• –––––RUSSELLVILLE — Cassandra “Cassie” Mallorie Tillman died Saturday, December 26, 2009. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 2 p.m. at New Hope Cemetery. Visitation: Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle.
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• –––––SEARCY — Richard Anglemyer, 86, of De Soto, Texas, formerly of Searcy, died December 27, 2009. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, Searcy. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at White County Memorial Gardens. For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes. com or call (501) 268-3546.
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• –––––SEARCY — Marie Butts, 87, of Searcy, died December 27, 2009. Visitation will be 6–8 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Thursday, December 31, in the Mausoleum of Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Searcy. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com or (501) 268-3546.
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• –––––SEARCY —Clayton Wayne Finley, 32, of Searcy, died Sunday, December 27. He was born June 6, 1977 in Conway, Ark., the son of Gary and Paula Shirley Finley. Clayton was an EMT with MEMS of Little Rock.
He is survived by his wife, Tracey Finley of the home; a stepdaughter, Kendra York; a grandson, Jager York; his parents, Gary and Paula Finley of Lepanto; a brother, Jeremy Finley and his wife Lillian of Paragould; a niece, Alexandria Finley; a nephew, Bradley Hooks; his grandparents Kenneth and Pauline Tipton of Blytheville.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Powell Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
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• –––––SHERIDAN — Ruby Zelma Combs Slaughter, 98, of Sheridan, Ark., died Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Sheridan Healthcare and Rehab. She was the oldest living member of First Landmark Baptist Church in Sheridan.
Survivors, Son, Howard Laronne Slaughter (Stacy) of Sheridan; daughter, Helen Harper of Sheridan; Sister, Etoile Dobson of Pine Bluff; four grandchildren; two step grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four stepgreat-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday, Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial: Lost Creek Cemetery. Visitation: prior to service from 1 p.m. until service time. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.
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• –––––SHERIDAN — Owen Key Williams Sr., age 85, of Sheridan died Monday, December 28, 2009 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Della Mae Williams of Sheridan; son and daughterin-law, Owen Key and Becky Williams Jr. of Searcy; daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia (Cindy) and Brady Pye of Sheridan; grandchildren, Jessica Williams of Fayetteville, Amber Williams of Searcy, Timothy and Brianna Pye of Sheridan; nephews, Jerry (Christine) Williams of Bella Vista, Ark., Kenneth (Mary) Williams of Hamburg, Ark.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday December 31, 2009 at First Baptist Church in Sheridan with Dr. Sam Adkins and Dr. Tommy Cupples officiating. Burial will follow in Lost Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Buie Funeral Chapel in Sheridan.
Pallbearers are; Justin Morris, Dr. Larry Frisby, Mac Dixon, Mike Belt, and Harvey Skorcz, and Jeremy Morris. Honorary pallbearers are: Bobby Pinson, Loren Baggett, Norman Frisby, Jimmy Koon, Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts, and Scoutmasters. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 1201 South Rock, Sheridan, Ark. 72150, or Boy Scouts of America troop #60 in care of Sheridan Rotary Club, P.O. Box 338, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150. Please sign the online guestbook at www.buiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan.
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• –––––STAR CITY — Ronnie Henley, 31, of Star City died Tuesday. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Griffin Funeral Chapel in Star City. Burial will be in Holly Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City.
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• –––––STAR CITY — James Donald Williams, 64, of Star City, died Monday. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Griffin Funeral Chapel in Star City. Burial will be in Mt. Home Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City.
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• –––––WARD — Esteban “Paye” Villarreal, Jr. passed away on Monday, December 28, 2009. He is survived by a host of family and friends. Funeral services on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at 10 a.m. in chapel of Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home.
Rosary will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 with visitation to follow till 8 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Ark. 72117, (501) 835-3515. To view the entire obituary please visit www.griffinleggettresthills. com.
Out-of-state
GILBERT, Ariz. — Carolyn Crisp Cooke, 67, died on December 23, 2009, in Gilbert, Arizona. She was born in Marvell, Arkansas, on May 31, 1942, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Cameron Crisp (Aileen Griffin Crisp). She attended Good Luck grade school and graduated at the top of her class from Marvell High School in 1959.
While studying at Arkansas State, she and her childhood sweetheart were married in the Salem Baptist Church, Cypert, Arkansas, on August 26, 1962. She attended Arkansas State and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Education and completed a Master’s degree in English Education from Arizona State University. In 1966, after graduating from Arkansas State, she moved with her husband and daughter to Arizona, where she has lived for the past 43 years. She taught English for one year at Paradise Valley High School. Then, she accepted a teaching position at McClintock High School in Tempe, Arizona where she taught until her retirement. Carolyn was a member of the First Christian Church of Tempe for many years and served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, VBS coordinator, youth sponsor and wedding coordinator. During her tenure at McClintock High School among her many awards, Carolyn received Teacher of the Year recognition from the Tempe Diablo club. She served as English department head, and also served on many curriculum and advisory boards for the Tempe Union High School District. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she sponsored the senior ski club, and was football and basketball cheerleader coach. She established and developed the first computer lab at McHS. She retired after 29 years. She was also a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.
Carolyn is survived by her husband of 47 years, Richard Frazier Cooke; her two children, Stephanie Biffle and Richard Cameron Cooke; their spouses, G. Leslie Biffle Jr. and Eva Marie Cooke; her grandchildren, Malachi Samuel Biffle, Molly Elizabeth Biffle, Rachel Cameron Cooke, Ethan Matthew Cooke, and Noah Lee Cooke; her brother, Floyd Cameron Crisp Jr.; sister, Alda Rae Hall; and sisters-in-law, Barbara Crisp and Elner Crisp. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Daniel Boone Crisp and Elbert Mac Crisp; and infant twins, Earl and Mearl.
Services for Carolyn Cooke will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009, at Bob Neal & Sons Brickell Funeral Home in Marvell, Arkansas. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at Bob Neal & Sons Brickell Funeral Home. Burial will be at Cypert Cemetery in Marvell, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Allen Crisp, Curtis Crisp, Steven Crisp, Pointer Hall, Sr., John M. Hall, Phil Hall, Pointer Hall, Jr., Kevin Hall and Jeffery Crisp. Honorary pallbearers are Floyd C. Crisp, William Samuel “Sam” Cooke, Jr., Thomas “Tom” Patterson Cooke and John “Jack” Royal Cooke.
Memorials may be made to the Mercy Gilbert Hospital c/o CHW Foundation-East Valley, 1875 West Frye Road, Chandler, Arizona 85224. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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• –––––RUSTON, La. — Robert Alex Laney, 77, of Ruston, La., died December 29, 2009, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, Arkansas, following a lengthy illness.
Born August 16, 1932, in Junction City, Arkansas, he was the son of James Alvin and Mary Lou McDuffie Laney who preceded him in death along with a sister, Catherine Laney Couch, brother, Ben F. Laney and an infant brother and a niece Mary Lou Wheelus Hagan.
Mr. Laney graduated from LA Tech with a B.A. in education and received his M.A. and A.B.D. in education and administration from the University of Arkansas. He taught biology and English for seven years at El Dorado High School, after which he taught social studies and English at A.E. Phillips Lab School on the LA Tech campus for 37 years.
Mr. Laney had been recognized as Louisiana High School Teacher of the Year in 1979, American History Teacher of the Year for the State of Louisiana in 1985 and was chosen as LA Tech Alumni of the Year in Education in 1989.
He was the ultimate teacher in his approach, attitude and the way he dressed, always in a suit and tie (he had more ties than anyone you would ever know). He made a point of knowing all the students from Kindergarten on up and was loved by students and staff alike.
He was life-long member of Scotland Presbyterian Church at Junction City, serving as superintendent and teacher in Sunday School, deacon and elder and was always a choir member.
He was an avid LA Tech fan, one of the original members of the Lady Techster’s Booster Club and a great advocate of LA Tech on all levels.
No one could have asked for a more devoted son, brother, uncle or friend. He devoted his life to loving and serving others.
Survivors include a sister, Yvonne Laney Wheelus of Farmerville, La.; brothers, James A. Laney Jr. (Helen) of Luling, La., Billy Wayne Laney (Carolyn) of Junction City, La., and Marcus W. Laney (Mary) of Orlando, Florida. Also surviving are 12 nieces, Betty Couch Adams, Belinda Wheelus Taylor, Sue Couch Whiddon, Alaine Wheelus Primm, Janet Laney King, Sharon Laney Grove, Anita Laney Bond, Vicky Laney Hamaker, Sandra Laney Bryan, Bonnie Jean Wheelus Jerry, Stephanie Laney Bailey, and Allison Laney Dunham along with a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 31, 2009, at Scotland Presbyterian Church in Junction City with Rev. Sam Shepperson officiating. Interment will follow in the Scotland Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home in Junction City from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening. The family will gather at the Couch family residence, 400 North Elm, Junction City, Arkansas.
Memorials may be made to Scotland Presbyterian Church or Cemetery, 2046 Wesson Road, Junction City, Ark. 71749 or to the Robert Alex Laney Scholarship Fund #1503 (checks payable to LA Tech Foundation), P. O. Box 3138, Ruston, La. 71272.
Please sign the online registry at www.baileyfuneralhome.net.
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• –––––TAFT, Okla. — Services were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, at the Wright Funeral Home, Coweta, Okla., for Mrs. Odessier Stennis-Mays of Taft, Okla., formerly of Little Rock, who was pronounced dead Dec. 18, at St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, Okla. She had been a kidney patient at Tulsa Nursing Center, Tulsa, Okla.
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• –––––CORDOVA, Tenn. — Jimmy Samuel Mosley, 68, passed away Monday, December 28, 2009, at Saint Francis Hospital in Bartlett, Tenn. He was a member of Bellevue Baptist Church since 1991 and active in his Sunday School Class. He retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 34 years of service and had enjoyed the past eight years of retirement with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rose Mary Mosley of Cordova, Tenn.; his daughter, Deanna Mosley Jones; son-in-law, Brian Robert Jones; grandchildren, Olivia and Brady Jones of Collierville, Tenn.; and sister Annie Virginia Garlington of Bearden, Ark.
He is preceded by parents, George and Ruby Mosley of Bearden, Ark.; and brothers George and Roy Mosley of Bearden, Ark.
Visitation is December 31, 2009, at the Benton Funeral Home in Bearden, from 1-2 p.m. with the burial service at 2 p.m. at Moss Hill Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.
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• –––––ARLINGTON, Texas — Howard T. Blackwelder, Lieutenant Colonel US Air Force (retired) died on Saturday, December 26, 2009 at the age of 89, and just short of his 90th birthday. Prior to moving to Texas to be with his family, he had been a long time member of Lakewood United Methodist Church, North Hills Country Club and a life member of the Retired Officers Association. He was an avid golfer and loved walking, home repairs and working on his lawn and flower beds and helping others.
Colonel Blackwelder was a veteran of WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam era, having flown 41 heavy bomber missions against the Japanese and participated in six battles in the southeastern Pacific theater. He completed many other assignments, including one year in Iceland where he commanded a remote early warning radar site and back in the mainland served seven years in Titan I and Titan II missiles. His last five years of military service were spent at Little Rock Air Force Base as a missile crew commander and later as Deputy Commander for Operations in the 308th Strategic Missile Wing. Colonel Blackwelder retired from the Air Force in 1970. After retiring from the Air Force, he worked as a letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service until his final retirement in 1985.
Colonel Blackwelder was born January 10, 1920 in Hickory, North Carolina to Lindsey Roscoe and Ida Kate (Carter) Blackwelder. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul; sister, Helen; his wife of 58 years, Sarah; and infant son, Gary.
Survivors include son Ron and wife Kristen of Houston, Texas, son Rick and wife Debby of Arlington, Texas; brother Clay of Arizona, brother Bob of Indiana; grandchildren Kerri and husband Allen Smith, Amanda and husband Richard Hartman, Andrea Blackwelder, Gary and wife Tricia Blackwelder and Diane and husband Zac Thomson. He was blessed with two great-grandsons and in 2010 would have welcomed two more greatgrandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the America’s Fallen Heroes Fund, financially supporting families of Servicemen and Servicewomen killed in Iraq and Afghanistan (www.americasfallenheroesfund.org). Private burial will be at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Lancaster officiating. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.
Arkansas, Pages 18 on 12/30/2009