LITTLE ROCK — Obituary deadlines Because of production deadlines on Christmas Eve, obituaries for publication in Tuesday’s editions must be submitted by noon Monday.
OBITUARIES Information for the
obituaries and funeral notices
below was supplied to the Arkan
sas 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 website, Arkansas Online, at arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.
PULASKI COUNTY Robert Armond, 80, of North Little Rock.
Thomas Lee Baxley, 77, of Little Rock.
Angela Govan, 51, of North Little Rock.
William Graybill, 90, of Sherwood. Randen LaMar Hayes, 30, of Little Rock.
Donald Dean House, 80, of North Little Rock.
Delouis Hubbard, 73, of Little Rock.
Nancy Virginia Jackson, 92, of Hensley.
Virginia Ann Cheatham Miller, 95, of Little Rock.
Thomas Simmons, 80, of North Little Rock.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS BEEBE Betty Jean Huett, 84.
BRYANT Coyce Boone, 77.
CABOT Denzil Max Yarbrough, 83.
CHIDESTER Freddie J. Ponder, 71.
EUDORA Martha Mondragon, 47.
GREERS FERRY Charlotte Trahin Bogard, 61.
HEBER SPRINGS Kathryn W. Jones, 96.
JONESBORO Lewis Smith, 69.
JORDAN Glen Dale Friend, 74.
JUDSONIA Bruce Anthony Edwards, 40.
LACEY Edgar Lee Withers, 86.
MAGNOLIA Sonny Whittington, 73.
MENA Janet Day Pruden Bright, 64.
MONTICELLO Estella Batts Green, 102.
Linda Bostian Hoover, 61.
RISON Elizabeth “Lesa” Shores Johnson, 43 ULM Marie Engelmann Reitz, 92.
WOODLAWN Wanda Sue Williams, 74.
OUT-OF-STATE TUCSON, Ariz.
Faye Douglas Watson, 87.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
Roy Edward Baer Jr., 91.
OZARK, Mo.
Scotty Moon, 63.
VICKSBURG, Miss.
Valarie McNamar Branning, 81.
ROUND ROCK, Texas Faye J. Robertson, 93.
Pulaski County
ROBERT LEE ARMOND SR., 80, of North Little Rock, passedaway Dec. 19, 2012. He is survived by five sons, Raymond E. (Edwina) Conley of White Plains, Md., Ronald L. (Donna) Armond, Steven L. (Rose) Armond of Little Rock, Robert L.Armond III of North Little Rock, Derrick L. (Amy) Armond of Conway; seven daughters, Deborah L. Conley of Sherwood, Deborah L. Armond, Barbara J. Boone of North Little Rock, Ruth A. (Charles) Haygood of Sherwood, Rosalyn L. (Charles) Perkins, Karen D. Morris of North Little Rock, Cherryl P. (Robert) Brimley of Kingsland, Ga.; two sisters, Viola Cage of Sherwood and Luvenia Jordan of North Little Rock; 33 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Family hour: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at Eastern Star Baptist Church, 2700 E. Second Street, North Little Rock. Funeral service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Greater Second Baptist Church, 5616 Geyer Springs Rd., Little Rock. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 E. Broadway, North Little Rock, (501) 374-0111.
Sign online guestbook www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”
———◊———
THOMAS LEE BAXLEY, age 77, of Little Rock, passed away onDec. 21, 2012. He was born Jan. 9, 1935, in East End, son of Bernadine Lawhon Baxley Buckmaster and Willie Ray Baxley.
Tom graduated from Sheridan High School and ArkansasState Teachers College. He was a staff sergeant with the Air Guard. Tom began his insurance career with New England Mutual Life Insurance and was an agent with Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company. Tom was owner of The Pension Center Inc. and Baxley Financial Services, all of which specialized in insurance, pension, profit sharing, employee benefit programs and financialplanning services. He was a registered investment advisor and an agent with Union Central Life and Ameritas Investment Corporation along with being a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU). He was a life member of the Million Dollar Roundtable and past president of Little Rock Life Underwriters Association.
In 1973, Tom received the historic Quapaw Quarter plaque for restoring the Rozelle-Murphy House at 1301 Scott Street in Little Rock, which his insurance company used for its office.
He is survived by wife, Nancy Brooks Baxley; daughter, Dana Brooks Baxley; son, Michael Lee Baxley and his wife Mary Andrea Baxley; and grandchildren, Colin Thomas Baxley and Madelyn Grace Baxley, all of Little Rock. He is also survived by half-sister, Pat Buckmaster Wilson, of Benton; brother, Charles Ray Baxley of East End, and daughter, Elizabeth Baxley Quattlebaum, of Little Rock.
Tom was a longtime member of St. James United Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held for family members, with Reverend Greg Schick officiating. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark., (501) 224-8300.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
———◊———
ANGELA D. WILLIAMS GOVAN, 51, of North Little Rock, departedthis life Dec 19, 2012.
She was a member of St. Mark Baptist Church, and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She graduated from Camden High School, SAUMagnolia with an associate’s degree, and a BA degree from Philander Smith College.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Gloria Bealum. She leaves to cherish her memory: one son, Rogeric Govan; brothers, Michael Brown (Phyllis), Greggory Williams (Michelle); sister, Allison Stevens-Flagg; nieces, ShaTyra Williams, Keteira Jones (James), Chamica Brown; nephews, Steven Brown (Tashonna), Jerome Williams; four greatnieces; three great-nephews; other family and friends.
Family hour: 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at Robinson Mortuary Chapel, North Little Rock. Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St., Little Rock. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 East Broadway, North Little Rock, (501) 374-0111.
Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”
———◊———
WILLIAM D. GRAYBILL, age 90, of Sherwood, passed away Dec.20, 2012 at his home. He was born on Dec. 4, 1922 in Goshen, Ind.
Mr. Graybill was a realtor with his own company for five years. He was president of AssociatedCredit Bureaus of Arkansas and president of Tri County Board of Realtors, Heber Springs, Ark. Mr. Graybill was a member ofthe Gideon’s, member and Deacon of the First Southern Baptist Church, Cottonwood, Ariz., a member of Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church, Sherwood, Ark.
He was a United States Army WWII veteran who entered the Army in 1942 in Toledo, Ohio; in April of 1943 he landed in North Africa. He served in 354th Combat Engineer Battalion as a demolition man and land mine detection and removal specialist. He served in Africa and Europe until the end of the war in Europe. He was then shipped to the Pacific, (Philippines) in 1945 for the Japanese invasion. He was discharged in December of 1945 at Camp Atterbury, Ind.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Edith Graybill; brothers, Bob Graybill, Dale Graybill, Kenneth Graybill; his sister, Lucille Stull. Survivors include his wife, Sarah E. Graybill; son, Larry Graybill; granddaughter, Laurie (Dolph) Oglesby; greatgranddaughter, Robyn Oglesby, and one sister, Ruth Kufeldt.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 at Huson Funeral Home in Sherwood with the Service following at 10 a.m., and burial will be at 1 p.m. at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens in Heber Springs.
Sign online guest book at www.husonfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
Mr. RANDEN LAMAR HAYES, 30, of Little Rock passed Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012.
Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 at New Community Baptist Church by Pastor Patrick Lockett. Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Garden in Varner by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
Online Register: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.
———◊———
DONALD DEAN HOUSE, 80 of North Little Rock passed awayThursday, Dec. 20, 2012 with his loved ones at his side. He was born to the late Ernest House and Ruth House Sentell in Jacksonville, Ark. Donald was preceded in death by his parents;two step-sisters, Geraldine Cox and Allie Mae Freeling.
Donald retired after 40 years of service as district fire chief from the North Little Rock Fire Department. He was a member of Remount Baptist Church.
Donald was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Beverly “Patsy” House; one son, Donald Dale House and wife Donna of Jacksonville; three daughters, Dianne Hill of Portland, Ore., Lynelle Hallmark and husband, Larry of Beebe and Suzan Horton of High Point, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey House and wife, Laura, Heath House, Dana Hill, Danny Hill, Brent Hallmark and wife, Gina, and Scott and Cory Hallmark; three great-grandchildren, Ceileigh House, Addy Hallmark and Hayden Hallmark; one sister, Darlene Graves and husband, Reverend Paul; and a step-brother, James Sentell and wife, Clara; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501) 791-7400. Interment will follow at Harmony Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012 at the funeral home.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Remount Baptist Church, 401 Mission Rd. North Little Rock, Ark. 72118.
Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
———◊———
DELOUIS HUBBARD, 73, of Little Rock, departed this life Dec. 18, 2012.
She is preceded in death by husband, Earl Hubbard Sr.; Willie Lee Johnson, mother; Idella Edwards, sister; brother, Ernest Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memory: eight children, Marilyn, Earl Jr, Levell, Carl, Vernon, Stacey, Lelia and Charo Hubbard; four siblings, L.D Johnson, Lavetta Johnson-Calbert, Willie Johnson, Erma Tidwell; 21 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a host of family and friends.
Visitation: 12-6 p.m. Friday and funeral service: 11 a.m. Saturday, both to be held at Robinson Mortuary Chapel, North Little Rock. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 E. Broadway, North Little Rock, (501) 374-0111.
Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust”
———◊———
NANCY VIRGINIA (HALE) JACKSON, age 92, of Hensley died on Saturday.
Funeral services 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Welch Funeral Home with Pastor Ricky Tipton officiating. Visitation 1:30 until services time at the funeral home on Sunday. Interment in Southfork Cemetery.
Memorials to Southfork Cemetery Fund. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign guest book.
———◊———
“Laugh, love your neighbor, those who aren’t your neighbor,just love people.”
That was VIRGINIA ANN CHEATHAM MILLER’S philosophy of life as spoken by her when crowned 2009 Arkansas Nursing Home Queen. Thecontest was featured in the New York Times Online in a video filmed by her grandsons, television documentarians, Brent and Craig Renaud. Virginia,”Ginny,” truly lived her philosophy. She was lively, loving and loved life.
She died at home, surrounded in person or in thoughts and prayers by those who love her Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, following a long illness.
She was born Sept. 12, 1917, in Chaffee, Mo., to Harry Val and Ethel Anna Hacker Cheatham. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1939 with a bachelor’s degree in home economics.
Ahead of her time, at a time when women rarely pursued higher education and did not travel alone, after receiving her degree, she went to work traveling southern Missouri establishing school lunch programs, a new concept under Roosevelt’s New Deal WPA. After being a “traditional” stay-at-home mother until her daughter began school, she became director of school lunch programs in Sikeston, Mo.A change in careers brought her to Cape Girardeau, Mo., where she was the sole social worker for the entire county, handling all matters concerning children.
A life-long passion was spectator sports, especially her beloved St. Louis Cardinals. This sprang from her childhood experiences in a small town with two big brothers who played sports.
Following retirement, she moved to Little Rock, Ark., becoming very active in the Family Life program at First Baptist Church. She and her friends spent many hours in activities in the church. It was there that she found a love for travel. Eight Baptist ladies, traveling in two cars, covered the U.S. As age made driving cross country unsafe, undaunted, they switched to bus tours, one taking them to Alaska and trips with groups from the church, a favorite being to Switzerland.
She is preceded in death by two brothers, Bert and Harry Cheatham, and two husbands, George Martin and Keith Miller.
She is survived by her daughter, Georgann Renaud Freasier;son-in-law, Ben Freasier; daughter-in-law, Denise Gibbs; granddaughters, Michele Renaud Adams, Rebecca Miller, Leslie Stolzer, Leesa Freasier, Laura McCarty; grandsons, Brent and Craig Renaud; great-grandsons, Taylor Adams, Peyton Adams, Taiyo Renaud, Landon Friend, Hayden McCarty, Zachary Stolzer, Jacob Stolzer, Christian Lambert, Jackson Lambert; greatgranddaughters, Caylann Stolzer, Katlee Freasier and Alexandra Miller. She is also survived by her extended family and friends, especially her special neighbor, First Baptist Family Life and traveling friend, Violet Miller. Special thanks to the staff at Emeritus Chenal Heights, Arkansas Hospice, especially hospice nurse, Vicky McElrath, R.N.
A funeral service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at 2 p.m. officiated by Rev. John Wright and Rev. Jim Lagrone. A service will be held at Ford and Sons Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, Mo., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. officiated by Rev. Mark Anderson. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Drive, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 or A.B.L.E. Paws, 3014 Valley Park Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72212.
Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
THOMAS O. SIMMONS, 80, of North Little Rock passed awayFriday, Dec. 21, 2012. After graduating from North Little Rock High School, he worked for Missouri Pacific Railroad for 10 years. He retired from the Arkansas Air National Guard and wasa retired captain from the North Little Rock Fire Department and serving in the fire marshal’s office. He was a member of Baring Cross Baptist and a master mason at Big Rock Lodge for 50 years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Connie S. Simmons; two daughters, Karen Simmons Ashley (Bryant) and Barbara Simmons Satterfield; son, Thomas Dean Simmons (Diane); four grandchildren, Lauren Ashley Montgomery (Blake), Daniel Ashley (fiance Andrea Nehus), Sy Satterfield and Bret Satterfield; two great-grandchildren, Clayton and Laney Montgomery; and brother, Jack Simmons (Marilyn). He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas O. Simmons, Sr. and Pearl Hand Simmons.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Baring Cross Baptist Church, 7541 Warden Road, Sherwood, Ark., 72120 or Arkansas Hospice, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116.
Funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday at Baring Cross Baptist Church, with a visitation at 9 a.m., before service time at the church. Burial will be 11 a.m., Friday at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.
Arkansas
BEEBE - Betty Jean Huett, 84, of Beebe, passed away Friday, Dec.21, 2012. She was born Dec. 3, 1928 in North Little Rock, Ark., a daughter of the late Amos Franklin and Melba Humphrey Mc-Cutcheon.
She lived the truest example of what it meant to be a servant of the Lord. She was a lifelong member of Asbury United Methodist Church. She unselfishly shared her gift of mercies with all she met. Her desires to serve her family, communityand her church superseded most.
Becoming disabled with crippling arthritis did not detour her from her passion to serve people. In her home, she celebrated with deep passion all holidays and birthdays. It was no secret in our home if it was your birthday; then it would be your “special” day!
This amazing lady possessed amazing talent in her cooking, sewing and crafts! If there was a fund raising project at church, she was cooking, baking or making some craft to help with the current cause. Not only was she an amazing servant of the Lord’s; she unselfishly gave her compassion to family members, neighbors and others who needed someone to listen to them. She would laugh with you and/or cry with you. Most importantly she did not dwell on someone’s mistakes. The one’s who were fortunate enough to have known this precious soul were truly blessed! The past eight years she battled vascular dementia, but even with this hideous disease slowly robbing her of her memories and cognitive abilities; she kept a loving spirit.
The impact she made on all will truly not be forgotten.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Edward Huett Sr.; siblings, Dorothy Steele, Charles McCutcheon, Peggy Brigmond and James Mc-Cutcheon.
She is survived by daughters, Deborah Martin and Teresa Huett Crawford and husband Darrell Crawford; stepson, Robert Edward Huett Jr. and his wife Nancy; grandchildren, Michael Martin, Kimberly Martin, Matthew Martin, Jamie Janelle Pree, Shayla Doris Crawford, Sierra Elizabeth Crawford and Robert Edward Huett III and his wife Jessie; two greatgrandchildren; nieces; nephews; Goddaughter, Debbie Snipes and husband Wesley Snipes; and a host of dear friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark., (501)224-8300.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
———◊———
BRYANT - Coyce Boone, 77, of Bryant, Ark., passed peacefullyinto the care of his heavenly Father on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. He was born on Nov. 3, 1935 to Frank and Maudie Boone.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, BillyCampbell Boone; brother-in-law, James Adams; sister-in-law, Edna Lee Boone; niece, Leslie Miller; and father and mother-in-law, Harold and Melba Jones.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leta Boone; daughter, Tamara Boone Newsom; sons, Ward Boone and wife Lora of Conway, Wade Boone and wife Carrie of Bryant; grandchildren, LeAron Newsom, Alex Boone, Anna Boone and Christopher Boone of Bryant, Ethan Boone, Gwen Boone and Kinsey Boone of Conway, John and Eric Newsom of Jonesboro and Brittany Green of Magnolia; greatgrandchildren, Addy and Aubrie Newsom; sisters, Imogene Miller (Holland) and Betty Jo Adams; twin brother, Curtis Boone (Carolann). He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.
He served his country in the Armored Division of the Army. He retired from Aluminum Company of America after 30 years. He was a member of the Bryant First United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan Sunday School class.
Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Ark. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the Bryant First United Methodist Church. Brother Hammett Evans will officiate. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Robert Cloud, Paul Halley, Barney Phillips, Don Elrod, Shelby Williams and Randy Maness. Honorary pallbearers are the Wesleyan Sunday School class, Frank Besancon and Phil Harris.
The family wishes to thank the many friends for their prayers, visits and phone calls. Memorials may be made to Bryant FirstUnited Methodist Church-Cole Halley Scholarship Fund-508 North Reynolds Road, Bryant, Ark. 72022 or your favorite charity.
The family will be at 311 Southwest 3rd Street, Bryant.
———◊———
CABOT - Denzil Max Yarbrough Sr., 83, of Cabot, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.
Funeral services are 10 a.m., Monday, Dec. 24, 2012, at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Cabot. Interment at Beryl Cemetery in Vilonia. Visitation is from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, 501-327-7727.
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
CHIDESTER - Freddie J. Ponder, 71, of Chidester died Friday, Dec. 21, 2012.
Memorial service for Mrs. Ponder will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at Proctor Funeral Home Chapel. Proctor Funeral Home of Camden is in charge of arrangements.
To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.
———◊———
EUDORA - Martha Mondragon, 47, of Eudora, Ark. died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012.
Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in Eudora. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Eudora Baptist Church with burial at Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Online guest book at www.griffinculpepper.com.
———◊———
GREERS FERRY - Charlotte Trahin Bogard, one of Greers Ferry’s earthbound angels, followed in her father’s footsteps to the Lord Friday after a truculent battle with cancer.
As an active member of the volunteer EMS and fire services, Mrs. Bogard touched many lives and was a true blessing to the community. Her infallible drive to help others will not be forgotten, and she will be remembered best as a loving servant to humankind.
She is survived by her mother, Leah Trahin; her husband, Gary Bogard and daughters, Rebecca Robnett Sandoval, Leah Harper and Helen Dunkerson as well as many grandchildren. She was preceded in death only by her father, Major General Jean Henry Trahin.
Visitation Sunday, 4-8 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Church at Brownsville. Funeral service Monday, 2 p.m. at the Church with Bro. Greg Carr officiating. Burial in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. www.olmstead.cc.
———◊———
HEBER SPRINGS - Kathryn W. Jones, 96, of Heber Springs died Thursday, Dec. 20.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Heber Springs Funeral Home. Visitation will be 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at the Heber Springs Funeral Home. Interment will be in Alabama.
Please visit www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com or call 501-887-9152.
———◊———
JONESBORO - Lewis Smith, 69, of Jonesboro died Thursday.
Survivors include wife, Glenda; daughters, Deanna Suchan and Sarah Coleman; two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and a sister.
Services were 2 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro.
Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
———◊———
JORDAN - Glen Dale Friend, 74, died Dec. 20, 2012. Memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. at Hall’s Chapel in Jordan, Ark. Arrangements by Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock.
———◊———
JUDSONIA - Bruce Anthony Edwards, 40, of Judsonia, bornJan. 9, 1972, in Michigan to parents, Marvin and Joyce Edwards, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Bruce is survived by his wife,Rebecca; his children, Krista Linn, Skye Conway, Amber Pulley, Kimberly Edwards, Hunter Ward and Angela Winders; his grandchildren, Aurora Linn, Rayne Conway, Raven Ward, Jaiden Winders, Brayden Winders; and his siblings, Marvin Edwards, Denitria Edwards, Marcie Speakman, and Joye Jordan.
To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.
Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.
———◊———
LACEY - Mr. Edgar Lee Withers, 86, of Lacey, Ark., died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. Survivors include a son and three daughters.
Services are Monday, Dec. 24, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Olive A.M.E. Burial in Friendship Cemetery under the direction of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg, Ark.
———◊———
MAGNOLIA - Sonny Whittington, 73, of Magnolia, Ark., diedFriday, Dec. 21, 2012, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, Ark.
Sonny was born March 4, 1939, in Rison, Ark., to the late James E. Whittington, Sr. and Alice (Brewer)Whittington and was also preceded in death by his brothers, Bennie Joe and Kenneth Whittington.
Sonny first came to Southern Arkansas University (SAU) as a beginning freshman student in the fall of 1957 when the school was Southern State College (SSC). He arrived with a half-scholarship to play football under Coach Auburn Smith who would have a tremendous impact on his life. Before the year was out, Sonny worked hardenough to earn a full scholarship. As a sophomore, he was quarterback for the Muleriders. When SSC’s all-American QB Calvin Neal returned from military service, he was shifted to play other positions, including tight end. He attended SSC when the bond between athletes and other students was strong, facilitated by the small size of the student body where everyone knew everyone else on campus and when professors knew students by name and often knew the students’ family, too. Years later, Sonny said that the greatest compliment he ever received as director of admissions at SAU occurred when someone said he reminded them of Milton Talley, the beloved dean of students at SSC, noted for his personal interest in every student he met.
He received a B.S.E. from SSC in 1961 and was hired by his alma mater, Rison High School, as coach and history teacher. After six years there, he became head football coach at Pine Bluff High School and enjoyed great success. In December 1968, Coach Raymond “Rip” Powell asked him to join the Muleriders as an assistant coach. He served during one of the team’s greatest eras of winning football. He later attributed his success in recruiting to lessons he had learned from Coach Powell, particularly an approach that treated each student as unique and special, meriting the “personal” touch which became the hallmark of Sonny’s successful career after football. In the spring of 1979, he became director of admissions and recruiting at SAU. He served in this position for two decades.
Sonny developed the first true marketing plan for SAU, and his office grew over time from himself and a part-time secretary to a fully-staffed office of three full-time recruiters and support personnel. He always paid close attention with personal visits to all schools in SAU’s prime recruiting territory in a 150-mile radius from Magnolia. He went out of his way to make friends with each school’s superintendent, principal, and counselor. And he developed programs designed to appeal to the kinds of students and parents found in these locales. Often, he engaged in recruiting students one-by-one by finding how SAU might meet the needs of particular students. And when he found a student wanted or needed a program not found at SAU, he would help put the student in touch with a recruiter from another school. His personal and caring approach found much success. During the 23 years in which he directed recruiting, the student body increased an average of 60 students per year, growing from 1,739 in 1979 to 3,127 in 2001 when he retired. In 2012 he was inducted into the Southern Arkansas University Sports Hall of Fame.
Sonny was a member of the Central Baptist Church, Kiwanis Club, past President of (ARTA) Arkansas Retired Teachers Assoc., past president of (ArkACRAO) Arkansas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and was the Little League Baseball Coach for the Boys and Girls Club for many years.
He is survived by his wife, Sherry Whittington of Magnolia; son, Mike Whittington and wife Dianna of Ft. Smith; daughter, Whitney Whittington of Magnolia; granddaughter, Bailey Whittington, and grandson, Stratton Whittington, both of Ft. Smith.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Dec. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Central Baptist Church with Dr. Mike Seabaugh officiating with interment following at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home Inc. of Magnolia.
Pallbearers will be the Bereans Sunday school class at Central Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Barney Hugh Reeves, Cotton Staten, Claude Wilson, Ed Nipper, Gary Weed, and Jim Garrett.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family requests memorial donations be made to the James “Sonny” Whittington Endowment, SAU Foundation, P.O. Box 9174, Magnolia, Ark. 71754-9174.
———◊———
MENA - Janet Day Pruden Bright, age 64, of Mena, died Dec. 19, 2012.
Survivors include sister, Jeanne Godbold of Hot Springs Village; brother, Jerry Pruden of Hope.
The burial at Cedar Point Cemetery in Pasco, Ohio, at later date. Cremation services by Bowser Family Funeral Home of Mena.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com.
———◊———
MONTICELLO - Estella Batts Green (Auntee), 102, of Monticello, died Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012. She was born March 10, 1910, in Monticello.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial in Brooks Chapel by Stephenson-Dearman. Visitation: 5-6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
———◊———
MONTICELLO - Linda Bostian Hoover, 61, of Monticello passed away Dec. 21 at her home. She was born on Oct. 21, 1951, in Monticello to Victor “Son” and Myrtle Barnett Bostian.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial in Union Cemetery in Rye. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
———◊———
RISON - Elizabeth “Lesa” Shores Johnson, age 43, of Rison, died, Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012.
Graveside services were 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012 at Graceland Cemetery with Dr. Walter Van Zandt Windsor officiating.
Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216. Online condolences at www.buiefuneralhome.com.
———◊———
ULM - Marie Engelmann Reitz, 92, died Friday.
Survivors; daughter, Dianne Moritz and husband, Buddy of Stuttgart; son-in-law, Doyle Sullinsof Ulm; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Services were Saturday at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ulm with burial in Lone Tree Cemetery in Stuttgart. Obit/guestbook/www.bobnealandsons.com.
———◊———
WOODLAWN - Wanda Sue Williams, 74, of Woodlawn died Saturday.
Services are 2 p.m. Monday at Griffin Funeral Chapel in Star City. Burial in Friendship Cemetery, at Woodlawn. Visitation 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials to Hospice Angels in Pine Bluff. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service, Star City.
Online obit www.griffinfuneralservice.net.
Out-of-state
TUCSON, Ariz. - Faye Douglas Watson passed away peacefully inher sleep in Tucson, Ariz., on Dec. 17, 2012. Faye was preceded in death by two husbands, Willard L. Douglas Sr. and J. William Watson. Both gentlemen were Methodist ministers.
Faye was bornNov. 14, 1925, to Frank Birdwell Wiygul and Izola (Wood) Wiygul in Dorsey, Miss. The family moved to Keiser, Ark., in 1939. It was in Keiser where she met and married Willard Douglas. Willard died in 1976, and two years, later Faye married J. William Watson. After Rev. Watson retired, the couple moved to Marion, Ark. Rev. Watson passed away in 2001 and Faye remained in the home until 2005, when she moved to West Virginia to be near her son Willard L. Jr.
Faye had three sons by her first husband, Willard L. Douglas Jr., Gifford Douglas and Stephen Douglas. Gifford and Stephen are both deceased. Faye is survived by her son Willard, his wife, Martha; granddaughter, Heidi (Jim) Landon and great-grandson, Max. She is also survived by three stepdaughters, Annelle (Vic) Saig, Linda (Jim) Crane and Pat (Joe) McGill; seven stepgrandchildren, Bill Saig, Victor Saig, Michael Saig, Chris Crane, Christy Crane, Stephanie McGill and Jennifer McGill; as well as several stepgreat-grandchildren. She is survived as well by numerous nieces and nephews.
Faye was also preceded in death by her five brothers, Frank Wiygul, Jim Wiygul, Charlie Wiygul, Joel Wiygul and F.B. Wiygul, and one sister, Kathryn Tindall.
Faye was a mother, homemaker and pastor’s wife in various places in northern Arkansas including the Jonesboro area, Caraway, North Little Rock, Bald Knob, Tuckerman, Leachville, Marion, Fort Smith and Marianna. At different times, she worked as a bookkeeper for the Rural Electric Coop in Jonesboro, Ark., Fidelity National Bank, West Memphis, Ark., and The Bank of West Memphis. From 1989 until her retirement in 2002, she served as the insurance and benefits coordinator for the Arkansas Conference of the Methodist Church.
A burial of the cremains and memorial service are planned for Jan. 14, 2013, in Marion, Ark. The private burial service will be conducted at 9:30 a.m. at Crittenden Memorial Park and the memorial service, to which anyone who knew Faye is invited to attend, will be at the Marion United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m., on that day.
———◊———
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Roy Edward Baer Jr., 91, passed away Dec. 18, 2012.
Roy was predeceased by his parents, Roy Baer and Agnes Riedmiller Baer, and by his sisters Patricia Doyle and Juanita Enderlin. He is survived by his wife, Marge; his sons, Charles (Donnell) and Doug (Laura); his grandchildren, Ken (Bridget), Mike, Doug Jr., Havey and Chris; his great-grandsons, Chase and Logan; and his sister Dorothy Pumphrey of Little Rock, Ark.
———◊———
OZARK, Mo. - Scotty Moon, 63, of Ozark, Mo., left Earth on Dec. 20.
Born April 4, 1949, to David and Margaret Moon, he is survived by his wife, two sons and daughter. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and sister, Dolly Davis.
Services will be at Greenlawn Funeral Home East, Springfield, Mo.
———◊———
VICKSBURG, Miss. - Velma Valarie Branning, 81, of Vicksburg, died Saturday at River Regions Hospital in Vicksburg.
Preceded in death by her husband, Leonard McNamar; son Robert McNamar; great-grandson, John Cadena; and parents, David and Ruby Myers Allen; and two brothers, William and David Allen Jr.
Survivors, three sons, Richard, David and Mark McNamar; a daughter, Tonya Dunn; a sister, Mary Powers; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be Sunday 6-8 p.m. at Bishop Funeral Home in Lake Village. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Faith Fellowship Church in Lake Village. Burial will follow under the direction of Bishop Funeral Home of Lake Village, Ark.
———◊———
ROUND ROCK, Texas - Faye J. Robertson, 93, of Round Rock, Texas, formerly of Little Rock, passed away Dec. 19, 2012. She is survived by her son, Lloyd Robertson Jr., and his family of Round Rock.
Graveside services were held Friday at Little Rock National Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth. Online guestbook: www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
Arkansas, Pages 18 on 12/23/2012