Obituaries

LITTLE ROCK — 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

Winifred Eileen Embree, 77, of Sherwood.

Janita Ann Hoskyn, 73, of Little Rock.

Louis Wayne Huff, 61, of Mabelvale.

Gerald Dean Jones, 81, of Jacksonville.

Max W. Koehler Jr., 90, of North Little Rock.

Margaret J. Monahan, 72, of Little Rock.

Sylvia Russell, 94, of North Little Rock.

Muriel Ann Schiermeyer, 86, of North Little Rock.

Thearthur Young, 70, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

ADONA George Robert Lawrence, 50.

BLACKTON George Kirby, 88.

BROOKLAND Phil B. Hudson, 92.

CLARKSVILLE Huie Bird, 75.

FAYETTEVILLE Kay Yvonne (Rogers) Parker, 62.

MARVELL Louise Davison, 95.

MCCRORY Opal Amanda (Kissinger) Baker Siler, 98.

MCGEHEE Lois Butler, 84.

MCRAE Birdie May McCollum, 73.

MENA Doris Jeannine "Nini" Stevenson, 79.

NASHVILLE Lelia Maude O’Dell Tollett, 80.

PARAGOULD Cecil Thomas Cullens, 78.

PATTERSON Henry Alvin Atkins, 81.

STAR CITY Benjamin Clay "Benny" White, 66.

VENDOR William H. Riddell, 68.

WARD Lana Joy Bohannan, 54.

WYNNE Lucille Benefield, 82.

OUT-OF-STATE

PHOENIX Jeanne McCown Dellrie, 78.

DALLAS Frances Dulaney Taylor, 91.

Pulaski County

WINIFRED E. EMBREE, 77, of Sherwood, passed away Thursday, June 17, 2010. She was born to the late Charles and Emily Weidmuller in Paterson, N.J., on Oct. 17, 1932. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, John Embree; three daughters, Ruth Haefner (Chris) of Mansfield, Texas, Paris Embree (Michael Sternberg) of Arlington, Texas, and Amy Embree (Richard Friess) of Farmington Hills, Mich.; four grandchildren, Drew Haefner, Lauren Haefner, Braedon Friess, and Casey Friess; one sister, Ruth Parisen of New Jersey; and one brother, Daniel Weidmuller also of New Jersey. A visitation will be Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 4-6 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at 10 a.m. Sign the online guestbook at www.husonfuneralhome.com.

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JANITA ANN HOSKYN, of Little Rock, died Wednesday, June 16,2010 surrounded by family at St. Vincent's Infirmary Medical Center. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher who touched the people in her life witha gentle kindness. Janita was born in Cabot, Arkansas, January 10, 1937, to Aubrey and Evelyn Jones. She received a B.S. in Home Economics in 1958 and an M.S. in Child Development in 1964 from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She married John P. “Jack” Hoskyn of Stuttgart, Ark., in 1959. She began her teaching Career in an elementary school at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1961 during the time her husband was in the U.S. Army. Subsequently, she held teaching positions in schools in Knoxville, Tenn., and for many years in the Little Rock Public School District. She later became director of the reading program for the State Department of Education and served as the Chairman of the Literacy Committee of theArkansas State Reading Council. In the years prior to her retirement, she was a member of the faculty at UALR where she was involved in the reading program and taught remedial reading classes. After retiring in 1999, Janita pursued her longtime interest in writing, honing her skills in courses offered by the Department of Rhetoric & Writing at UALR. Writing provided a wonderful creative outlet for her as she wrote many stories about her life experiences. Janita loved reading, cooking, traveling and entertaining. She and her husband were blessed to have close friends who had similar interests and with whom they enjoyed frequent adventures involving those interests in recent years. This week, she and Jack have been traveling vicariously with a group of friends on an Alaskan Cruise, retracing one of her favorite travel experiences.She is preceded in death by her parents Aubrey and Evelyn Jones of Cabot.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, John P. “Jack” Hoskyn; one daughter, Jerri Hoskyn and her husband John Perez of Little Rock; one son, Mark Hoskyn and his wife Quinn Hoskyn of Fort Smith; one sister, Joyce Hatfield and her husband Marshall Hatfield of Hot Springs; two grandchildren Julia Perez and Brendon Clark; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham St., Little Rock, Ark., 72205. A memorial service in celebration of Janita’s life will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1101 North Mississippi Street in Little Rock. Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or to Camp Aldersgate. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

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LOUIS WAYNE HUFF, age 61, of Mabelvale, Ark., went to bewith the Lord on Friday, June 18, 2010. He was born Oct. 17, 1948 in Little Rock, Ark., to the late James L. Huff and Louise Bunch Huff. He was the owner of Huff Service Company. Hewas a member of the Indian Springs Baptist Church, where although his abilities were limited, his heart was full of love for the children's ministry. He was also a former deacon at Sunset Lane Baptist Church. He was a 31 degree Mason at Westwood Lodge. He was a veteran in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed deer hunting at Hopewell Deer Camp in Warren, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James Jr. and Bobby Huff. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; son, Chris Huff and his fiancé, Meredith Pavan; daughter, Angela Huff and dear friends, Josh Henderson and Scott Cox; grandchild, Taylor Huff, and mother-inlaw, Mildred Cagle, all of Mabelvale; and a very extended family and many friends. Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at Indian Springs Baptist Church. Interment to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Monday at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark., 72209, (501) 455-5800. Memorials may be made to Indian Springs Baptist Church Children's Department, 23581 Interstate 30, Bryant, Ark., 72022-2616. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

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GERALD DEAN JONES, 81, of Jacksonville, passed away onSaturday, June 19, 2010 in Little Rock. He was born in Stuttgart on Feb. 11, 1929 to the late Robert Thomas and Wilhemenia Hahn Jones. Mr. Jones retired from the United States Air Forceafter 26 years of service, receiving many awards and flying over 2000 sorties. He served tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. Mr. Jones was a Lutheran, a very loving and selfless man who spent many hours with his grandchildren taking them many places on Sunday afternoons. He worked for AGL from 1977 to 2008. He was preceded in death by his sister Lida Carty, and his daughter Donna Denise Lenahan. He is survived by his daughter Debra (Walt) Smith of Little Rock; brother Roscoe Jones of Lake Hamilton; sisters, Patsy Hisaw of Louisiana and Gloria Diane Ferarra of California; brother Robert Kelly Jones of Stuttgart; five grandchildren, Nikki (Bryant) Sharp of Austin, Tony Lenahan of Little Rock, Timothy Lenahan of Cabot (who is currently serving in Afghanistan), Trey Smith and Audra Smith of North Little Rock; five great-grandchildren, TaylorCox of Austin, Jordan Weeks of North Little Rock, Emma Lenahan of Cabot, Kadence Sharp of Austin and Tristin Sharp, who has not yet arrived; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 6101 St. Vincent's Circle, Little Rock, Ark., 72205. Please sign the online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. (501) 982-2136.

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MAX W. KOEHLER JR., age 90, of North Little Rock, Ark., passedaway Saturday, June 19, 2010 in Little Rock. He was born Sept. 28, 1919 in North Little Rock to Max W. and Annie Mae Koehler. Max was a 32nd degree Mason in the Western Star Lodge No.2, a Shriner and a member of the Lakewood United Methodist Church for over 53 years. He began his business career as a salesman with Arkansas Printing and Lithographing Company of Little Rock and then retired as president of the Office Products Division of International Graphics, Inc. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Helen Sutton Koehler, and his brother Milton Koehler. Survivors include his son, Steve Koehler, and daughter-in-law, Kathy Ratcliffe Koehler, of Little Rock; granddaughter, Marian Hixson, and her husband, Jeff, of North Little Rock; sister, Dorothy Koehler Moseley, and brother J. C. Koehler of Sherwood; and special cousins, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of Max’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Rest-Hills Funeral Home in North Little Rock with the Rev. Richard Lancaster officiating.Family visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at Griffin Leggett Rest-Hills Funeral Home prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1922 Topf Road, North Little Rock, Ark., 72116. Steve and Kathy are deeply appreciative for the professional care and loving kindness provided by everyone at Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Little Rock. To view Mr. Koehler’s online tribute and guestbook, please visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

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MARGARET J. MONAHAN, 72, of Little Rock, died suddenly onSaturday, June 19, 2010. She was born Oct. 8, 1937. Peggy, as everyone called her had a strong Catholic faith. She loved her church, her family, and her friends. Peggy worked forChrist the King Catholic Church from 1979 to 1983. She then became the secretary to the Superintendent of Catholic Schools. She worked for three superintendents, Sister Henrietta Hockle, Dr. Mike Rockers, and Vernell Bowen from 1983 until June 6, 2005, when she retired. Peggy grew up in New York City and married the love of her life, Robert Monahan, on May 25, 1957. Peggy and Robert (Bob) had two children, Larry Monahan and Margaret Monahan Hailey. Peggy is survived by her two children, Larry Monahan and Margaret Monahan Hailey and her husband, Scott; four grandchildren, Robert Hailey, Dylan Hailey, Jacob Hailey and Anthony Hailey. She is also survived by her sister, Evelyn Adams and her brother, Michael Joyce, his wife, Maureen, and their son, Michael. She had so many nieces and nephews who loved their “Aunt Peggy.” Everyone who knew her loved her. In her retirement she was active in her church, Building Bright Futures, Helping Hand, and more recently Hospice. Peggy spent most of her time with her children andgrandchildren. She loved watching her grandsons grow and was a big part in their lives. She was truly the meaning of the best mom and grandmother ever. Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 22 at Christ the King Catholic Church with a Rosary there at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday at Christ The King Catholic Church. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Christ The King Catholic Church, 4000 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock, Ark., 72212 or National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 NW 9th Avenue, Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

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SYLVIA RUSSELL, 94, of North Little Rock, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010. She was a homemaker and a member of Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in North Little Rock. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Laura Jean and Phil Hibma ofCalifornia; one son and daughterin-law, Eddie and Barbara King of North Little Rock; one sister, Faye Bryant of California; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Baptist Hospice. Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Arkansas Memorial Garden. Visitation will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., (501) 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.

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MURIEL ANN SCHIERMEYER, 86, of North Little Rock passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Kenneth Schiermeyer, and son, Walter Schiermeyer Jr. She is survived by two daughters, Mary Ann Yaich and Suzy Forster, both of North Little Rock; sister, Nell Belanger, of Meraux, La.; six grandchildren; and 13 greatgrandchildren. A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m., Tuesday at Pinecrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., (501) 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

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THEARTHUR YOUNG, 70, of Little Rock, departed this life June14, 2010. He leaves to cherish his memories: children, Larry Ross, Michael (Monica) Young, Rena (Freddie) Featherstone, Regina Webster; brother, Albert Young; sisters,Ethel (Zebbie) Upshaw, Rosie Young; nine grandchildren; two great grandchildren; ex-wife and special friend, Laura Young; other relatives and friends. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. today at Robinson Mortuary Chapel, Pastor David Featherstone officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Little Rock, (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.” Arkansas

ADONA - George Robert Lawrence, 50, of Adona passed away Friday, June 18, 2010. Survived by daughters, Denise and Christy Lawrence; father, Wallace Lawrence; step-son, Paul Bartley; sister, Debra Edenfield; brother, James Lawrence. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

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BLACKTON - George Kirby, 88, died Friday at Baptist Health medical Center, Stuttgart. Survivors: daughter, Mary Anne Hansell (Roger), of Stuttgart; granddaughter, Misty Hansell of Little Rock.

Graveside services will be Monday, June 21, 2010, at Blackton Cemetery, with Bro. Troy Vaughn and Rev. Kirby Vaughn. Arrangements by Brown Funeral Home, Clarendon.

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BROOKLAND - Phil Hudson, 92, of Brookland died Saturday. He is survived by his wife Elberta; son Tim Hudson; two grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Roller-Farmers Union Chapel. Burial will follow in Pine Log Cemetery. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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CLARKSVILLE - Huie Bird, 75, of Clarksville passed awaypeacefully at his home, June 19, 2010.

He was born on February 25, 1935 in Birdtown, Ark.

He was the youngest of ten children to Rosa Gordon Bird and Samuel Porter Bird.

After attending High School in Center Ridge, he began his career as a dragline operator at the age of 18. He worked in many areas of the country, including Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Arkansas. In addition, he worked for nine years on the Eastern Coast of the United States for American Dredging Company, dredging bay areas in New Jersey, New York, Maine, and New Hampshire. In 1969 he moved his family back to Arkansas, settling in Johnson County. He and his wife, Doris, purchased the Hartman store and later opened Birds’ Drive-In Restaurant & Recreation. During this time he was also employed by Garland and Peabody Coal Company as a dragline operator. In 1978 they sold their Hartman businesses and decided to pursue their dreams of owning and operating a motel. At this time, they purchased their first motel, an independent property known as The Caprice Motor Inn in Clarksville. This also included a restaurant and service station. Mr. Bird continued working for Peabody until 1980, and then focused full time on his new career in the hospitality industry. Over the past 32 years, they have owned and successfully operated twelve different franchised hotels, including properties in Oklahoma and Missouri, as well as Arkansas. Currently, Birds’ Hospitality, Inc. owns and operates the Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Clarksvilleand the Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Best Western Inn, all of Russellville. Mr. Bird was passionate about property development and throughout the years received many prestigious awards recognizing his successes and achievements.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Doris Bird; two daughters and sons-in-law, Peggy and Dan Cogan, and Nancy and Jim Rogers, all of Clarksville; three granddaughters, Chivon Cogan, Caitlin Rogers, and Crystal Martinez, and her husband Rolando Martinez, as well as three greatgrandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and nine older siblings, Esther McNew, Elbert “Eb” Bird, Ruth Bird, Fay “Slim” Bird, Ralph Bird, Imogene French, Robert “Tip” Bird, Dewey Bird, and Roy Lane Bird.

Arrangements are under the care of Hardwicke Funeral Home in Clarksville.

Visitation is to be held at Hardwicke Chapel on Monday, June 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The funeral service will take place at Cherry Street Baptist Church in Clarksville, where Mr. Bird was a member, on Tuesday, June 22, at 10 a.m., with burial following at Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers are Mike Wilson, Don Highfill, Ronnie Ashlock, Terry Blackard, Ben Powell, John Burke, and Steven Sosebee. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Cogan, Harold Lewis, C.O. Blackard, Toby Wilson, Roy Goodin, Dr. John Werner & Don Johnson.

Memorials may be made to the University of the Ozarks, 415 North Collage Ave., Clarksville, Ark., 72830 or Cherry Street Baptist Church, P.O. Box 378, Clarksville, Ark., 72830.

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MARVELL - Louise Davison, age 95, died Sunday. Survivors: son, Ben B. Davison and wife Lou Ann; three grandchildren; Anna Davison Miller and husband Jason, Larry Davison, and Phillip Davison; two great grandchildren; Ian and Elliana Miller. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Monday. Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, Bob Neal & Sons-Brickell Funeral Home Chapel. Guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com.

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McCRORY - Opal Amanda (Kissinger) Baker Siler, 98, of McCrory, passed away Wednesday. Visitation was Sunday, June 20 from 1-5 p.m. at Rhodes Chapel, Augusta. Service was Monday at 10 a.m. at Rhodes Chapel, Augusta with burial at Augusta Memorial Park. Arrangements by Rhodes and Son Funeral Home, Augusta & McCrory.

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McGEHEE - Graveside services for Lois Butler, 84, of McGehee will be held Tuesday, June 22, at the New Hope Cemetery in Rison, Ark. Visitation will be Monday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Survivors are one son; two sisters; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in McGehee.

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McRAE - Birdie May McCollum, 73, of McRae, Ark. died Sunday, June 20, 2010. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe, Ark. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23 at Westbrook Funeral Home. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.

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MENA - Doris Jeannine "Nini" Stevenson, age 79, of Mena, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2010 in Mena. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at 10 in the Beasley-Wood Chapel. Interment will follow in the Witherspoon cemetery in Vandervoort, Ark. under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

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NASHVILLE - Lelia Maude O’Dell Tollett, age 80 of Nashville, Ark., died Saturday, June 19, 2010 in Nashville. Services will be Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Immanuel Baptist Church with Bro. Billy Dawson officiating. Interment will follow in Restland Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Nashville Funeral Home.

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PARAGOULD - Cecil Cullens, 78, of Paragould died Friday. He is survived by his wife Rosie; three sons; four daughters; seven grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; a brother; and two sisters. Services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Roller-Farmers Union Chapel.

Burial will follow in Caldwell Chapel Cemetery. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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PATTERSON - Henry Alvin Atkins, 81, died Saturday. Visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2010 and services Tuesday, 10 a.m., Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home, McCrory. Survived by his wife, Helen Mason Atkins of the home; nieces and nephews; and a sister, Francis. Thompson-Wilson Funeral directors, 870-731-2551.

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STAR CITY - Benjamin Clay “Benny” White, 66, of Star City, died Saturday at his home. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Greenmount Cemetery in Lincoln County.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online obituary at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

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WARD - Lana Joy Bohannan, 54, of Ward died Saturday, June 19, 2010. She was born June 24, 1955, in Hot Springs, S.D., to the late Elias James and Mable Roberta Hager Bsharah. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bohannan was preceded in death by her twin sister Shawna Bsharah. Mrs. Bohannan is survived by her husband, John Bohannan of Cabot; two children Brandon James Bohannan of Cabot and Autumn Briceleigh Bohannan of Ward; as well as two sisters, Joella Wood and June Blankenship, both of London, Ark.; and a granddaughter, Summer Bohannan. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the directions of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816.

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WYNNE - Lucille Benefield, 82, of Wynne, died Friday in Wynne. Survivors are sons, Wayne Benefield of Cherry Valley, Johnny Benefield of Wynne; daughter, Margaret Kemp of Jonesboro; one sister; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Graveside services are Monday, 9 a.m., Lewis Cemetery in Hickory Ridge. Kernodle Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.kernodlefh.com.

Out-of-state

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Jeanne Mc-Cown Dellrie, 78, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2010, in Phoenix, Ariz. She was the daughter of the late George Snell McCown and Gladys Edington McCown. She was born in Dumas, Ark. on July 5, 1931.

She received a BA degree from Ouachita Baptist University.

Her parents; her husband William Dellrie; a sister, Janis Mc-Cown McCaw; and a daughter Jane Anderson Shaw preceded her in death.

She is survived by two brothers, George Snell McCown Jr. of Ukiah, Calif. and John Edington McCown Sr. of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; a daughter Betty Anderson Gaiser of Richland, Wash.; and three sons, George Harvie Anderson of Napa, Calif.; Frank Adam Dellrie of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Eric Edington Hartman of Ozark, Mo. Visitation held at 2p.m. Thursday, June 24, 2010 at the Griffin Funeral Home Chapel, followed by memorial services at 3 p.m. with Rev. Edgar Joe Gannaway officiating. Inurnment following in Walnut Lake Cemetery.

Arangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Ark. (870) 382-4352.

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DALLAS, Texas - Frances Dulaney Taylor, 91, of Dallas, bornon Dec. 14, 1918, went home to be with the Lord on June 16, 2010, after a brief illness.

Fran was born to parents John and Mayfred Dulaney of Coffeeville, Miss. The family movedto Earle, Ark., when Fran was a toddler. She was one of five children. After growing up in Earle, she attended Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas, and Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she received a B.A. (1941) and M.S.-Ed. (1951). A gifted teacher, she got her first teaching job in 1941 at the elementary school in Turrell, Ark.

She married her sweetheart and fellow schoolteacher Gilford Dudley Taylor Jr., on Dec. 7, 1942, on the day of his graduation from flight school in Pensacola, Fla. While Fran was expecting their first child in 1943, her husband - then a U.S. Marine WWII divebomber pilot - was lost at sea, and his body was never recovered.

Their only son, G. Dudley Taylor III, was born on Sept. 22, 1943, and Fran began her new life as devoted mother and beloved schoolteacher. In 1950, she moved to Little Rock with her son to take a teaching job, and she joined her neighborhood church, Pulaski Heights Baptist, the same week. She enjoyed teaching for more than 50 years, mostly in the Little Rock School District, and was involved in many church, civic and social organizations, including Gold Star Wives. Even after her retirement, Fran returned as a reading specialist and was inducted into the Retired Teachers Hall of Fame in 1999. In 2004, she moved to be near her family in Dallas, where she became an active member of the Joy Sunday School Class at Park Cities Baptist Church. For fun, Fran loved to share jokes, play bridge, shop, and travel with her friends to Mount Nebo, Ark, and with her family to Amelia Island, Fla.

With her beautiful white hair and easy-going demeanor, she was the epitome of genteel Southern hospitality. Fran is predeceased by her parents John Bonds Dulaney and Mayfred Upchurch Dulaney, husband U.S. Marine Capt. Gilford Dudley Taylor Jr., brother Tom Dulaney and sister Carolyn Minieris. She is survived by many family members including son G. Dudley Taylor III and wife Charlotte; granddaughter Amy Catherine Davis and husband Bill; grandson Gilford D. Taylor IV and wife Katy, great-grandchildren Louis Giles Horn V (Gil), Gilford Dudley Taylor V (Nick), Bo Davis, Will Davis, and Hannah Davis, all of Dallas, Texas; brother John Dulaney Jr.; and sister Betsy Dulaney Held, and numerous nieces and nephews including Arkansas natives Kitty Held Mason, Tom Teeter, Jim Teeter, Joe Teeter, Ruskin Teeter, Mary Elizabeth “Doy” Taylor Branch and R. Dudley Taylor. Graveside services will be Tuesday, June 22, at 1 p.m. at the Old Baptist Cemetery in Center Valley, Ark., near Russellville. Officiating at the service will be Rev. Rodney Schell, Exec. Pastor, Park Cities Baptist Church of Dallas, Texas, and Rev. James Munns, Assoc. Pastor, Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, Little Rock. Arrangements are by Griffin-Leggett Funeral Home (Little Rock) and Humphrey Funeral Service (Russellville). For more information, please see www.humphreyfuneral.com. Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church.