Obituaries

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 website, Arkansas Online, at arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.

PULASKI COUNTY

Gail Bradshaw-Lee, 55, of Little Rock.

Tina Marie Byrd, 40, of Little Rock.

Ardimisher Dixon, 85, of Woodson.

Isabell Elrod, 82, of Little Rock.

James Louis Foster, 90, of Maumelle.

Buddy Gerald Holland, 77, of Roland.

Elma Reed, 85, of Little Rock.

Boots Simmons, 78, of Little Rock.

Phillip Mark Smith, 43, of Little Rock.

Diana Marie Spencer, 64, of Jacksonville.

Charles Schuh Tenney, 73, of Little Rock.

Rose Lee Thomas, 58, of Little Rock.

Robert Allen Vaughn, 53, of Little Rock.

Phillip Ray Walker, 65, of Little Rock.

Reba Jo Freeman McDonald Walker, 68, of Little Rock.

Shirlene Wise, 57, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

ARKADELPHIA Jesse Edward Wood, 84.

AUGUSTA Mary Ayeni, 52.

BANKS Christine McFarland Munford, 98.

BENTON Christine Emma Cifaldi, 90.

Virginia Elizabeth Dale Lawrence, 80.

BLYTHEVILLE Bethel Ferrell, 85.

BRICKEYS Willie “Head” Powell, 70.

BRINKLEY Bobby Joshlin, 60.

CABOT Helen C. Lueck, 80.

COLT Paul Wayne Middleton, 40.

CROSSETT Fannie Curtis, 88.

DeWITT Tommy Lee Adams, 52.

Ella Ceola Simmons, 90.

FORREST CITY Jeannene R. Peoples, 78.

FORT SMITH W.R. “Bud” Harper, 81.

HAMPTON Henry Terrell Ables Jr., 70.

HARRELL Russell Lee Roshell, 65.

HARRISBURG Angela Meridith, 24.

HARRISON Jerry Mason, 73.

HATTIEVILLE Pat Campbell, 65.

LEXA Robert L. Scott, 75.

MARIANNA Stella Jane Green, 72.

MARSHALL Sibyl Massey Lawrence, 94.

McCRORY Charles Hill.

MELBOURNE Billy Joe Tatum, 80.

MONTICELLO Lucy Margarette Hotaling, 78.

MORO BAY Catherine Hoyle Pirtle, 96.

MOUNTAIN VIEW Carroll Dean Hicklin, 84.

PARIS EraGene Davis, 92.

PERRYVILLE Flonnie Mae Rackley, 81.

PINE BLUFF Darchie Lee Haltiwanger, 72.

Gloria Dean Owney Polk, 66.

POCAHONTAS Thelma LoDelia Beegle, 82.

POYEN Barry Bates, 54.

SCRANTON Toney E. King, 65.

SPRINGFIELD William Phinous Smith, 58.

SPRING HILL Tommy Smith, 48.

ST. FRANCIS Wilma Johnson, 62.

STAR CITY William Whipple, 89.

WILMAR Billie Gertrude Hopper, 79.

OUT-OF-STATE

BATON ROUGE Leona Reid Smith, 90.

TULSA Phronia Willeree Breeding Calloway, 89.

Patrick Wayne Hagins, 21.

MEMPHIS Edna Warren Smith, 68.

Robert Eugene Tipton Jr., 22.

Pulaski County

GAIL BRADSHAW-LEE, 55, passed away Sunday, March18, 2012. Gail graduated from Little Central High School in 1976. She leaves to cherish her memory; husband, John Lee; children, Dorrie, Jennifer, and Nathaniel Lee; mother, SylviaBradshaw; siblings, Oscar III and Bobbie Bradshaw, Jacqueline Marshall and Deborah Burton (Willie); one grandchild and a host of other relatives and friends. The last farewell and tributes to her life will be shared tomorrow, 10 a.m. at First Pentecostal Church, 5302 Old Jacksonville Hwy.

Mrs. Lee will lie in repose today from 12-6 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will receive friends from 7:15-8:15. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

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TINA MARIE BYRD, 40, of Little Rock, passed away March 25,2012. She was an employee of the Arkansas Heart Hospital Clinic for over six years. She is survived by her mother, Glenna Lusk of Colorado; daughter, Jessica Byrd and son, Justin Byrd, bothof Plainview, Arkansas; brothers, Roger, Greg and Lawrence; and fiance, Brent Knoedl; and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon, April 1 from 3-5 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be held on Monday, April 2 at 10 a.m. at First Assembly of God Church in North Little Rock, Rev. Rod Loy officiating. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Tina’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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ARDIMISHER DIXON, 85, of Woodson, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2012. She leaves to cherish her memory, children, Ardis Dixon (Stella), Ardie Triplet (Mike), Juanita Roberts, Ailean Dixon and Vanessa Foster, and a host of other relativesand friends. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

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ISABELL ELROD, 82, of Little Rock died Tuesday. Survivors include three sons, one daughter, two sisters, nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. Visitation 12-1 p.m. Saturday at Garth Funeral Home in Des Arc. Funeral servicesfollowing at 1 p.m. with burial in Sandhill Cemetery by Garth Funeral Home. www.garthfuneralhome.com.

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JAMES LOUIS FOSTER, 90, of Maumelle, went to be with the Lordon Wednesday, March 28, 2012. He was born on April 24, 1921 in Electra, Texas, a son of the late James John and Effie Pauline Clardy Foster. He served in the United States Air Force in WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War, and retired from the military as a Master Sergeant after 30 years of service as a Flight Engineer. He was a member of the First Baptist Church ofLiberty City, Texas and a Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bill R. Foster and sister, Mary Jo Shanks. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Jemmie Lee Foster; son, John Foster (Rebecca) of Maumelle, Arkansas; daughter, Donna Matthews of Fort Worth, Texas; four grandchildren, Linsay Tusieseina and Matt Foster, Dana Cannizzaro and Craig Matthews; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, March 30, 2012, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m.Saturday, March 31, 2012, in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, with Pastor Debbie Robbins officiating. Graveside services with full military honors will be held 3 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012 at Holly Springs Cemetery in Spring Hill, Arkansas, with Brother Kenneth Bobo officiating. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 602 Main Street, Liberty, Texas 77575. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ chenal.

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BUDDY GERALD HOLLAND, 77, of Roland, departed this life

Thursday, March

29, 2012 after a

long battle with

cancer. He was

born July 29,

1934 in England,

Arkansas.

He was pre

ceded in death

by his parents,

loving wife of 37

years, ImogeneHolland, one brother and two grandchildren. Buddy is survived by seven sons, Gerald Holland of Bigelow, Keith Holland and wife, Cheryl of Bigelow, Mark Holland and wife, Connie of East End, Matt Holland and wife, Anna of North Little Rock, David Staggs of Roland, Delbert Staggs of Little Rock, Darryl Staggs and wife, Gayla of Mt. Vernon; sisters, Gail Clayton, Polly Smith and husband, Jay, Sheroll Pharris and husband, Larry, Kaye Arnold and husband, Mitch, all of Cabot; 17 grandchildren, 28great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton, Friday, March 30, 2012 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Graveside services by Ashby’s will be Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery with Pastor Jim King officiating. The family would like to thank his two loving caregivers, Christy Smith and Brooke Ragsdale. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

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ELMA REED, 85, of Little Rock, passed away Monday, March 26,2012. She leaves to cherish three special nieces and a nephew, Evelyn Hall (George), Doris Springer, and Calvin Hegwood and a host of other relatives and friends. The last farewell andtributes to her life will be shared tomorrow 11 a.m. at Hardy Funeral Memorial Chapel. Mrs. Reed will lie in repose at the funeral home today from 12 noon-5 p.m. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com

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BOOTS SIMMONS, 78, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord onMarch 28, 2012. Boots was born on July 5, 1933, in Augusta, Arkansas, to the late Ben and Agnes Simmons. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952-56 and was a veteran of theKorean War. He was a long-time member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, usher and nursery worker for over 40 years. He retired from Yellow Freight Trucking Company in 1995.

Boots will be remembered for his kindness and devotion as a husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle. He taught his niece, Terri, how to walk and he will be missed greatly by her, her husband, Hector, and their three children. He was lovingly known by his grandchildren as “Papa,” and took great pride in his daughter, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and two sisters, he is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Del Simmons; daughter, Robin Thomas and husband, Todd; three grandchildren, Drew Thomas and wife, Danielle, Luke Thomas and wife, Cayla, Brooke Thomas; two great-grandchildren, Braxton and Adison; and a sister, Virginia Kemp of Pryor, Oklahoma.

Services will be held today, Friday, March 30 at 10 a.m. at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Paul Sanders and Rev. Ted Stanton, followed by interment with Military Honors at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Geyer Springs First Baptist Building Fund. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 KnoedlCt., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Mr. Simmons’ online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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PHILLIP MARK SMITH, 43,of Little Rock, passed away Friday, March 23, 2012. Cremation services provided by Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbookvisit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

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DIANA MARIE SPENCER, age 64, of Jacksonville went to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 28, 2012. She was born September 24, 1947, in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to Johnnie and Dorothy Armbrust. She loved crafting, and she was a customer service representative for ARKLA for 29 years.

She is survived by her husband, Michael H. Spencer, children; Lisa Pierson, John Spencer, a sister, Brenda Burns, grandchildren; Katie Morrow, Kimberly Adams, Leanna Pierson, and McKayla Campbell.

A memorial service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

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CHARLES SCHUH TENNEY, 73, of Little Rock, passed away March 27, 2012. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Francis I. Malone today, Friday, March 30 at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, followed by interment with Military Honors at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mr. Tenney’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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ROSE LEE THOMAS of Little Rock, Ark., born October 5, 1952,passed March 19, 2012. She is survived by one son; Tracie Thomas, three daughters; Pamela (Andre) Ford, Angela (Demarcus) Foster, Christy (Brian) Wilson, 13 grandchildren, Tracie, Damone,Robert, Robin, Ronald, Roniquwa, Artiuna, Tanaigen, Makayla, Diamond, Alahnie, Brian Jr., Asharia; one great-grandchild, DeMarion; three sisters, Safronia Martin, Ida Mae Morris and Daisy (Ellis), Stepson; Steve Thomas Jr., a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Family Hour will be Friday, March 30, 2012, at Gunn Funeral Home Chapel from 6-7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012, 12 noon at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, 2621 Toltec Mounds Rd. #830, Scott, Ark. 72142. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 West 29th, LR, Ark. 72204.

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ROBERT ALLEN VAUGHN, 53, passed away March 23, 2012. Services are Saturday, March 31 at 2 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), with interment at Cooper Cemetery in Malvern. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Online guestbook: www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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PHILLIP RAY WALKER, 65,of Little Rock, passed away Friday, March 23, 2012. Cremation services provided by Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbookvisit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

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Our precious loving Mother and MawMaw, REBA JO FREEMAN MCDONALD WALKER, 68, of Little Rock, went home to be with the Lord on March 28, 2012. She was born on April 6, 1943, to Jim and Flora Freeman in Sweet Home, Arkansas. Over the years, Mothertaught simple lessons like, it's better to give than to receive and love unconditionally, which she did.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband, Odell McDonald and brother, Sidney Freeman, she leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Floyd Junior Walker; daughters, DeeGee New, Dianna (Todd) Griffe and Dana (Ray) Harvey; grandchildren, Chris (Liz) New, Nicki (Doug) Harris, Alicia New, Kevin (Ashley) Johnson, Natalie Griffe, Zack Harvey and Victoria Harvey; great-grandchildren, Becka Mathews, Devin Johnson, Bristol Harris, Cash New, Jayden Harris and Aubrey Johnson. Also surviving are her brothers, Jimmy (Patsy) Freeman and Don (Marie) Freeman; sister-in-law, Pat Withem; mother-in-law, Helen Walker; stepchildren, Floyd (Dena) Walker, Jr. and Lisa Walker; step-grandchildren, Candi Walker and Tyler Walker; brother-in-law, Bobby Gene Walker; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Mother’s life will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 1 p.m. at Midtowne Church, 4037 Boone Road, Benton, with Pastor Doug Pruitt officiating. Memorials may be made to Easter Seals Arkansas, 3920 Woodland Heights Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Walker’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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SHIRLENE WISE, 57, of Little Rock, passed away March 21, 2012. She leaves to cherish her memory; children, Charles, Debra, Regina Page; and a host of other relatives and friends. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA - Jesse Edward Wood, 84, of Arkadelphia died Wednesday March 28, 2012 at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation. He was born November 6, 1927 in Clark county. Survivors include his wife, Nita Joyce Gaither Wood, two daughters Barbra Hemund and Lori Phelps, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was a retired carpenter and cattle farmer. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, March 31 at Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation. Sign on line guest book at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

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AUGUSTA - Mary Ayeni, age 52, of Augusta, died March 21, 2012. Survivors four brothers, Richard (Mary) Woods, Donald Woods, Larry Jackson, Bobby Woods; one sister, Teresa Woods. Memorial service, Saturday, 1 p.m., Rhodes and Son Chapel. Interment: Buckeye Cemetery by Rhodes and Son Funeral Home, Augusta and Mc-Crory.

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BANKS - Christine McFarland Munford, age 98, of Banks, Ark., died Thursday, March 29, at St. John’s Place, Fordyce. She was born September 17, 1913 at Banks, Ark., a daughter of the late Auburn McFarland and Hattie Smith Mc-Farland. She was a Methodist, a clothes designer for Kellwood Designer Company, Little Rock for 20 years; a Sears Roebuck provider, a longtime member of the Banks Extension Club and a member of the Banks City Council for 30 years. She married Morgan Munford on October 8, 1932 at Banks and he died March 3, 1995.

Surviving is a son David Munford, Tyler, Texas; a daughter Karen Archer, Fordyce, Ark.; a brother Roy Herbert McFarland, Jefferson, Texas; three sisters May Dean Sweatman, Camden, Ark., BobbieSue Whisenhunt, Fort Smith, Ark., and Nelsie Bershen, Monroe, La.; five grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Swan; three brothers A.J. McFarland, Curtis McFarland and Ernest McFarland.

Funeral services 2 p.m., Saturday, March 31, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in McFarland Cemetery at Banks by Frazer’s Funeral Home of Warren. Visitation 1 p.m. until service time at Frazer’s. Online obituary and guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

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BENTON - Heavenly Angels escorted Mrs. Christine Emma Cifaldihome on March 29, 2012 at the age of 90. Christine was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was a member of Benton First Assembly of God. She raised seven children, 22 grandchildren,34 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Vito and her son Thomas D. Cifaldi. She is survived by six children John and Jeanne Cifaldi of Valparaiso, Ind.; Vito and Janice Cifaldi of Marietta, Ga.; Shirley and David Frazier of Phoenix, Ariz.; Sandy Cifaldi of Benton, Ark.; Lisa and Bob Dillingham of Benton; Steve and Darlene Cifaldi of Benton, Ark.; Linda and Ken Robinson of Benton, Ark.; 22 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 30 at Griffin Leggett Forest Hillls, (10200 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander, Ark. 72002; 501-455-1067). To share your memories of Christine, please visit www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

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BENTON - Virginia Elizabeth Dale Lawrence, 80, of Benton passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012. Funeral service is 2 p.m., Saturday, March 31, 2012 at New Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Shaw with interment in New Friendship Cemetery. Visitation is from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday evening, March 30th at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047). Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.

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BLYTHEVILLE - Bethel Ferrell, 85, Blytheville, died, March 28, at Great River Medical Center. Survived by daughter, Judy Ellison; son, John Ferrell; sister, Teresa Thompson; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be March 30, 11 a.m., Maple Cemetery, Caruthersville, Greg Groves officiating. No visitation. Online register may be signed at cobbfuneralhome.com.

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BRICKEYS - Willie “Head” Powell, age 70, of Brickeys, Ark., died on March 22, 2012. Visitation, Friday, March 30, 2012 from 1-5 p.m. at Marianna Funeral Home, 28 Court Street, Marianna, Ark. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church in Rondo, Ark.

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BRINKLEY - Bobby Joshlin, 60, died Tuesday. Survivors, wife, Connie Joshlin; daughters, Jennifer (Dustin) Gordon, Lindee (Josh) Salley; brothers, Mack (Helen) Seymore, Paul Seymore, David (Lana) Joshlin, Kenny Joshlin, Gary (Joy) Joshlin; grandchildren, Brilee Medford, Millie Gordon, Sheridyn Salley, Turner Salley. Services 11 a.m., Friday, First Baptist Church, Brinkley. Bob Neal & Sons. Guestbook www.bobnealandsons.com.

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CABOT - Helen C. Lueck, 80, of Cabot died Monday, March 26,2012. She was born September 6, 1931 in Rochester, Minn., to the late Fred and Effie Bates Meyer. Mrs. Lueck was of the Lutheran faith and was a loving mother and grandmother. She residedin Chicago, Ill., South Bend, Ind., and then Cabot. She was very active in the Republican Party and served on the election commission for Lonoke County.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Lueck was preceded in death by three siblings. She is survived by her sons, Randy McNeir and his wife, Yaeko and their children, Kenneth and Sonja, and Robert McNeir, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 1, 2012 at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home (501) 843-5816. Please sign the online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

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COLT - Paul Wayne Middleton, 40, Colt, died Wednesday. Survivors wife, Renea; daughters, Megan and Chloe; mother, Betty; one brother, Chris; one sister, Lora. Funeral services 10 a.m., Saturday at Thompson-Wilson Wynne Funeral Home. Burial at Hughes Cemetery. Visitation Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home, (870) 238-9400. www.thompsonwilsonfh.com.

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CROSSETT - Fannie Curtis, 88, of Crossett died Saturday. Survived by three sons, and four daughters. Funeral Service is Friday, March 30, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Gates Chapel A.M.E. Church. Visitation 6-8 p.m., Thursday at Funeral Home. Burial in Westview Cemetery under the directions of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg, Ark.

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DeWITT - Tommy Lee Adams, 52, of DeWitt, born October 26, 1959 in DeWitt, Ark., to Virgil and Mattie Adams, passed away on Monday, March 19, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Billy D. Adams; and one sister, Lillian Rose Adams Gregory.

Tommy is survived by two children, Stacy Adams and Cindy Adams. He is also survived by nine siblings, Shelby (Mary) Adams, James (Ida) Adams, Claud (Marcella) Adams, Don (Carla) Adams, Rodney Adams, Jennie (Danny) Shepherd, Mary Lou (Homer) Johnson, Goldy Doherty; and Katherine (Duwane) Stillwell; and six grandchildren, Trenton Crook, Serena Crook, Dawson Crook, Hannah Tucker, Alexis Tucker, and Riley Tucker.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Chute Cemetery in Ethel, Ark. To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.

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DeWITT - Ella Ceola Simmons, age 90, died March 28, 2012. She was born April 12, 1921, to Earl and Clairetta Harris. Ella was a member of First Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir. She worked as a manager of Young’s Discount Store and Alco, where she was lovingly known as “The Mother of Alco.”

Ella was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Ralph Simmons; four sisters, Norma Townsel, Coma Spriggs, DeVona McCoy, and Clairetta Clemmer. Survivors include: daughter, Karen Richardson of Carlisle; son, Greg Simmons (Louise) of Austin; brother, Earl (Marti) Harris of Stevensville, Mich.; four grandchildren, Shelley Mitchell, Almyra, Tommy Mitchell Jr., Stuttgart, Christie (Chris) Abbott and Trey (Dana) Simmons, all of Austin; seven great-grandchildren, Clint (Bridget) Nordberg, Mitchell(Tiffiney) Nordberg, Allison Lisko, Elaina Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Jordan Reed, and Macee Abbott; three great-great-grandchildren, Landon Lisko, Kayden Nordberg, and Hunter Layman; and special friend, Clara Fitzpatrick.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Essex Funeral Home. Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church with burial in Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church.

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FORREST CITY - Graveside services for Jeannene R. Peopleswill be Monday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery followed by a celebration of her life in the narthex at First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street in Fort Smith. Jeannenedied Monday, March 26 at the age of 78. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, Ark. Viewing will be Sunday, April 1, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Edwards Funeral Home.

She was born July 18, 1933, in Lincoln, Arkansas. Her parents were Naomi and Paul Rapier. She graduated from Van Buren High School in 1951 and was proud to be a member of the 1951 Arkansas state champion basketball team. She held various full- and part-time jobs throughout her life, including management of the family’s dry cleaning business. Far and away, however, her primary occupation was that of loving wife, mother, and homemaker. Jeannene and her husband, Sam, raised four children while traveling throughout the United States and Europe attendant to Sam’s military career. After retiring from the military, Sam and Jeannene lived in Springdale for about eight years and then moved to Forrest City where they resided for the last 35 years of their lives.Jeannene was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Forrest City, and also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging.

Jeannene is preceded in death by her husband of almost sixty years, Samuel M. Peoples; her parents, Naomi and Paul Rapier; and her sister Nadine Higgins. She is survived by her sister, Paula Williams (Bill) of Van Buren; her brother, Dan Rapier (Joyce) of Van Buren; her aunts, Peggy Baber (Jim) of Bella Vista and Robbie Toothaker (Jack) of Van Buren; four children, Tonia Jones (David) of Little Rock, Greg Peoples (Georgia) of Springdale, Mark Peoples of Little Rock, and Tim Peoples (Josephine) of Austin, Texas; seven grandsons, Dylan Jones (Laura) of Little Rock, Matt Peoples of Austin, Texas, Tyler Jones of Little Rock, Jake Peoplesof Austin, Texas, Luke Peoples of Austin, Texas, Drew Parker (Bethanny) of Conway, and Samuel Peoples II of Sherwood; and one great-granddaughter, Lily Jones of Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Forrest City. To place online tributes visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

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FORT SMITH - W.R. “Bud” Harper, 81, passed away March 28, 2012,in Fort Smith. He was born January 6, 1931, in Fort Smith to Raymond and Helen Jones Harper. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean conflict. He served on the SebastianCounty Quorum Court from 1980 to 1983 when he was elected County Judge. He served as County Judge until August 1997, when he resigned to take an appointment as director of the Arkansas Emergency Management under then-Gov. Mike Huckabee. In his retirement he served on the board of Arkansas Tech University.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery with military honors.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; one daughter, Kimberly Jo White and her husband Brad, of Fort Worth, Texas; one son, Dr. Mitchell Harper and his wife Robin, of Fort Smith; one sister, Betty Griggs of Fort Smith; and seven grandchildren, William, Sarah Jo, and John Harper Reynolds, Elizabeth and Chandler Harper, Blake and Sarah Katherine White. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Raymond Harper; his two sisters,Helen O’Neal and Doris Parker; and his grandson, Jeremy Harper.

Visitation will Friday, March 30, 2012, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to: St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 5401 Free Ferry Rd., Fort Smith, Ark. 72903, or to Arkansas Tech University, 1509 Boulder Ave., Room 210, Russellville, Ark. 72801. Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

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HAMPTON - Henry Terrell Ables, Jr., 70, of Hampton died Thursday, March 29, 2012, at Monticello. Born February 25, 1942, at Hampton, he was a son of the late Henry Terrell Ables Sr. and Faye Parker Ables. He was a carpenter and U.S. Navy veteran.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dana Ables. He is survived by his son Marc Ables and wife, Jaime, of Hamburg; daughter, Cindy Milligan and husband, Larry, of Wilmar; brother, Kenneth Ables and wife, Beulah, of Hampton; sister, Meredith Bryant and husband, Charlie, of Woodberry; four grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012, at Pickett Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Hampton/Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.

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HARRELL - Mr. Russell Lee Roshell, 65, of Harrell passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Services are Saturday, March 31, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Harrell by Rev. Theodis Shelton at 2 p.m. Visitation Friday, March 30, 2012, from 4-6 p.m. at Brown-Williams Funeral Home at Fordyce.

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HARRISBURG - Angela Meridith, 24, of Harrisburg, died Wednesday. Angela was born June 11, 1987, in Memphis. Graveside services are at Liberty Church of Christ Cemetery in Jonesboro, Saturday at 3 p.m. Visitation is at Jackson’s Harrisburg Funeral Home, Saturday from 12 noon until service time. Arrangements by Jackson’s Harrisburg Funeral Home.

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HATTIEVILLE - Pat Campbell, age 65, of Hattieville, went to heaven, on Tuesday, March 27, 2012. Funeral services: 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at Harris Chapel. Burial: Bryant’s Cove Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Family hour: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 30, at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

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LEXA - Robert L. Scott, age 75, of Lexa, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012. He is survived by his wife, Sara; son, Keith; daughter, Carolyn Lee (Peter); and granddaughter, Shelly Scott. Mr. Scott retired after 32 years of service from NRCS and was a member of the Cleburne Avenue Presbyterian Church. Graveside services for Robert Scott will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena. Dr. Don Montgomery will officiate. Service will be directed by Roller-CitizensFuneral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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MARIANNA - Stella Jane Green, 72, of Marianna died March 28, 2012. Remaining family includes children Don Earls Sr., Lonnie Earls Sr., Tony Earls, Teresa Green, Lucille Pippenger, and Debbie Fraze; other relatives. Services are Friday, March 30, at 10 a.m., Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, Marianna. Burial Marianna Memorial Park. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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MARSHALL - Sibyl Massey Lawrence, 94, of Marshall died Tuesday. Survived by son Michael (Dean) Lawrence; daughter: Martha (Max) Kasselman; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services 2 p.m. Saturday at Roller Coffman Chapel with Gary Ragland and Kenny McDaniel officiating. Burial in East Lawn Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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McCRORY - Charles Hill, Mc-Crory, died Tuesday. Survivors: wife, Cora; children, Alfred, James, Jayson, Glen, Debra Roe, Pamela McKee, Joyce Hill; siblings L.D., Walt, Faye Hill, Lois Venible, Shirley Shell, Pat Phillips; 26 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren. Funeral Saturday, 10 a.m., Ephesus Church of God, McCrory. Visitation, Friday, 6-8 p.m., funeral home. Directors: Thompson-Wilson, McCrory.

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MELBOURNE - Billy Joe Tatum of Melbourne, a nationally knownwild foods authority. Acclaimed author. Gourmet chef and epicurean expert. International traveler. Unofficial ambassador to the world for Arkansas. Billy Joe Tatum was all of these thingsand more, but to those who knew her and loved her, she was simply “Billy” or just “B.J.”

A beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Billy Joe passed away on March 26, 2012, at the age of 80. Born in Little Rock on February 15, 1932, Billy Joe and her family moved several times during her childhood due to her father’s position as a Southern Baptist minister. She eventually graduated from Ozark High School and attended Ouachita Baptist University and the College of the Ozarks, where she studied music. In 1950 while attending Ouachita Baptist University, she met the love of her life, Harold “Hally” Tatum. The two were married in 1951 and began raising a family that would include four daughters and a son.

“Doc” Tatum opened his practice in Melbourne in Izard County in 1958, and Billy Joe took on the unpaid role of receptionist and medical assistant. The only physician in Izard County at the time, Hally made numerous house calls, assisted by Billy Joe. It was during these house calls to rural patients, many of whom paid their medical bills with game and wild foods, that Billy Joe began to appreciate the potential of natural fare and medicinal herbs. In 1970, she approached the publisher of The Ozarks Mountaineer, a local publication that focused on arts and crafts, folklore and gardening, about writing a free-lance article on wild mushrooms, establishing a relationship that would continue for more than two decades. She wrote the Mountaineer’s “Ozarks Cookery” column in the 1990s and collaborated with her sister, Ann Taylor Packer, on a book published by the magazine in 1987 entitled “The Ozarks Collection: the Best Recipes From the Heritage andTraditions of a Storied Region.”

Billy Joe’s reputation as an expert on all things edible in the outdoors extended beyond Arkansas with the publication of her “Wild Foods Cookbook & Field Guide” in 1976. She would appear on “The Dinah Shore Show” and “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” to promote her book, still considered one of the finest of its kind ever published. Her lectures at the Smithsonian Institute, the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View (where she served as the facility’s “herb doctor” in the mid-’70s) and numerous colleges earned her a wealth of fans who saw her as a successor to Euell Gibbons, the author of “Stalking the Wild Asparagus.”

A founding member of the Committee of 100, a group of volunteers responsible for promoting the Ozark Folk Center across the state, Billy Joe took her commitment to her work and her community very seriously. What little free time she had she devoted to seeking out thrift stores and yard sales, combing row after row of trinkets and novelty items to find bargains that she or someone she knew would come to treasure. BJ was a member of the First Baptist Church in Melbourne. She especially enjoyed her Sunday school class.

Her extensive knowledge of country living was matched only by her generous nature, with her home just outside of Melbourne a constant flurry of activity. Billy Joe was known to invite people she barely knew to spend the night in her home, with artists, musicians, dancers and writers passing time in the spacious three-story A-framedomicile she dubbed “Wildflower. Her expansive living room was constantly filled with visitors and an endless string of parties, one of which was featured in a 1979 article in People magazine. The party’s guest list included then Gov. Bill Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton as well as Winthrop Paul Rockefeller, who purchased the party at the Arkansas Arts Center’s semiannual Tabriz auction the year before.

Billy Joe’s later years saw her travel abroad numerous times with family and friends, visiting locations such as Scotland, Germany, England, Eastern Europe, Greece, Costa Rica, Thailand and Ireland. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Harold Tatum; her brothers, Dr.Jack Taylor of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Ira Taylor of Miami Beach, Fla.; and her sister, Sammy Denhoff of Chula Vista, Calif.; as well as her children, Angel Craddock of Nashville, Tenn., and her husband Michael; Lisa Tatum of Maumelle; Lori Purtle of Melbourne and her husband, John; Maury White Quo of Little Rock and her husband, Geoff; and Toby Tatum of Lake Village, Ark. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren (Rory Abraham, Maggie and Nick Bruner, Larissa and Caleb Purtle, Nic and Zac Tatum, and Emma and Annie Quo); and 5 great-grandchildren (Violet and Sacnite Abraham, Matthew Englehardt, and Micah and Clara Bruner); and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, W.O. and Minnie Belle Taylor; her sisters, Ann Taylor Packer and Idavonne Rosa; and her brothers, Orville Taylor and James Taylor.

The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at UAMS and Arkansas Hospice for their excellent care of Billy Joe during the last week. Also, many thanks to Dr. Bob Walton for his care and friendship to BJ over the years.

Billy Joe will certainly be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to know such an interesting and dynamic woman. She was definitely one of a kind.

A celebration honoring Billy Joe will be held Saturday, April 7, at First Baptist Church in Melbourne at 1 p.m. Friends and family are welcome at Wildflower after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Manna House Food Pantry, Box 344, Melbourne, Ark. 72556 (870) 368-7111.

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MONTICELLO - Lucy Margarette Hotaling, age 78, of Monticello died March 28, 2012, at the Baptist Medical Center, Little Rock. She was born February 15, 1934. Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday at the Enon Baptist Church. Burial in Enon Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., Saturday morning preceding the service. Memorials; Enon Baptist Church, 2927 Hwy. 35 E. Monticello, Ark. 71655. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.

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MORO BAY - Catherine Hoyle Pirtle, age 96, of Moro Bay, Arkansas, died Thursday, March 29, at Hillcrest Nursing Home, El Dorado, Ark. She was born September 29, 1915, at Banks, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Charlie Hoyle and Etta Rowland Hoyle. She was a graduate of the Hermitage Public School System, was a member of the Moro Bay Baptist Church and a retired employee of the Hermitage School System. She married Ira E. “Jr.” Pirtle on February 12, 1944, atWarren, Arkansas, and he died May 9, 2011.

She is survived by a godchild Karen Hickman Jones, Dallas, Texas; a very special friend Linda Sweeney, Moro Bay, Ark; five nephews and nine nieces. She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Howell Hoyle, Mett Hoyle and Rowland Hoyle, and 4 sisters Mable Bethea, Anna Breeding, Julia Martin and Dean Williams.

Funeral services 10 a.m., Saturday, March 31, at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Shady Grove Cemetery at Jersey, Ark by Frazer’s Funeral Home of Warren. Visitation 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, March 30, at Frazer’s. Online guestbook: www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW - Mr. Carroll Dean Hicklin, 84, died March 28, 2012, in Heber Springs. Survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by his wife and son, parents, brother and sister. Funeral service is 10 a.m., March 31, 2012, at Roller Crouch Chapel, Mtn. View. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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PERRYVILLE - Flonnie Mae Rackley, 81, of Perryville, passed away Wednesday, March 28. Graveside Service: 10 a.m., Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Kennerly Cemetery in Roland with Gerald Alexander officiating. Service and Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons of Morrilton. You may sign the online guest book at: www.bobnealandsons.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Mr. Darchie Lee Haltiwanger, 72, of Pine Bluff passed away Monday, March 26, 2012. Service will be Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Bethany Chapel Baptist Church by Pastor Renice Davis at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. Online Register: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Funeral services for Gloria Dean Owney Polk, 66, of Pine Bluff, died March 23, at her home, will be Saturday, 11 a.m., Mt. Carmel MBC. Burial: Graceland Cemetery by Perry Funeral Home. Survivors husband, Rev. Jimmy Polk of Pine Bluff; nine sisters and brothers; seven children; five stepchildren; nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

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POCAHONTAS - Thelma LoDelia Beegle, 82, passed away at Randolph Home peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. She was born April 28, 1929, the daughter of the late A.N. Marshall and Mary Sue Baker Marshall.

She is also preceded in death by her sister Hazel Naney. Survivors include her daughters; Barbara (Lawrence) Bergman of Pocahontas, Carolyn Jones of Jonesboro, Charlene (Stanley) Schulte of Little Rock; one son, Mark Beegle of Jonesboro; granddaughters, Tracie Bergman of Jonesboro, Brin Schaechtel of Memphis, Tenn., Haley Beegle of Jonesboro; grandson, Matthew Beegle of Jonesboro; great-granddaughter, Morgan Martin of Batesville and one niece, Peggy Lindsey of Pocahontas.

A member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where she enjoyed serving her church in holy hour each week. She was a retired employee of Brown Shoe Company of 29 years. She loved working at St.Paul Daycare after her retirement for enjoyment, where she was affectionately called “Granny”. She loved solving cross word puzzles, attending her grandchildren’s activities and drinking coffee.

Anyone who wishes to make a memorial in honor of Mrs. Beegle, may do so to St. Paul Catholic Church in Pocahontas. Memorial service will be private and held at a later date. McNabb Funeral Home was in charge of making arrangements.

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POYEN - Barry Bates, 54, of Poyen died March 29, 2012. Survivors are wife, Sherrie Bates; daughter, Tabitha Blank (Tony); brother, Donnie Bates (Esther), and many extended family members. Visitation is Friday, March 30th, 6-8 p.m., Regency Funeral Home, Malvern. Services are Saturday, March 31st, 2 p.m., Regency Chapel. Interment, Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery. Guestbook, regencyfuneralhome.com.

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SPRINGFIELD - William Phinous Smith, 58, of Springfield, passed away Wednesday, March 28. Survivors: son, George (Tammie) Helms; daughters, Lois Smith, Sara Estep; sister, Nicie Ann Smith. Funeral Services: 2 p.m. Friday, March 30 at the Mallettown Methodist Church. Visitation: 12-2 p.m. prior to service. Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons, Morrilton. Obituary/photo/ Guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com.

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SPRING HILL - Funeral service for Mr. Tommy Smith, 48, of Spring Hill, Arkansas will be 3 p.m. Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the Brazzel/ Oakcrest Funeral Home Chapel, Hope, Arkansas. Burial to follow in Anderson Cemetery, Spring Hill, Arkansas. Rev. Revel Kidd officiating. Arrangements by Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope. Online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.

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ST. FRANCIS - Wilma Johnson, 62, of St. Francis, Ark., passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012. Services are Friday, March 30, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Randy Dalton officiating. Burial is in Gravel Hill Cemetery in St. Francis, Ark. Visitation begins 10:30 a.m. Friday until service time.

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STAR CITY - William Whipple, 89 of Star City, died Wednesday. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Church at Star City. Bro. John Fuqua will officiate. There will be no formal visitation. Burial at Country Village Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

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WILMAR - Billie Gertrude Hopper, 79, of Wilmar passed away March 29, 2012 at Drew Memorial Hospital in Monticello. She was born April 9, 1932 in Lenox, Tenn. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Enon Cemetery at Rye. Memorials: Oak Grove Freewill Baptist, c/o Jackie Pace, 2017 Hwy. 35 West, Monticello, Ark. 71655. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

Out-of-state

BATON ROUGE - Leona Reid Smith, a retired R.N. and homemaker, resident of Baton Rouge and native of Bryan, Texas, she died of a stroke on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at Ollie Steele Burden Manor. She was 90. A private service will be held later. She is survived by a son, Dr. James Dumont Smith and wife Rebecca; two grandchildren, Chalin Smith Carlson and husband Jeff, of Alexandria, Va., and Hillary Smith Polito and husband Adam; three great-grandchildren, Macy Carlson, Maggie Carlson and HelenRose Polito. Preceded in death by parents, Norma and Howard Reid; husband, Edgar D. Smith; brother, Howard Reid; sisters, Sally Perry, Beatrice Parker, Thelma Reid, Bernice Porter and Tommie Macon. She was an avid golfer and loved fishing. Special thanks to Delores DeBenedetto and Judy Smith at Lake Sherwood Village and the staff of Ollie Steel Manor. Rabenhorst Funeral Home, (225) 383-6831, in charge of arrangements.

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TULSA - Phronia Willeree Breeding Calloway, 89, formerly of Holly Grove, died Wednesday. Survivors: daughters, Phyllis Calloway, Jan Calloway Baxter, Tulsa, Okla.; brother, Marion Breeding; sister, Mildred Sanders; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Visitation Saturday, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Fowler Funeral Home Chapel, Brinkley, Ark. Services at 2 p.m. Burial in Macedonia Cemetery, Holly Grove.

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TULSA - Patrick Wayne Hagins, 21, of Tulsa, Formerly of Fordyce, died March 23. Survivors include his parents and a sister. Services are 1 p.m. Saturday at the Southside Baptist Church. Burial in Ebenezer Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.

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MEMPHIS - Edna Warren Smith, 68, of Memphis and of the Baptist faith, died March 26, 2012. Visitation will be from 12 noon until service at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 1 at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Poplar. She is survived by one daughter, Angela (Neill) Renwick of Marietta, Ga.; one son, Matt (Camilla) Smith of Memphis; one sister, Kathy Stephens of Hot Springs, Ark.; two brothers, Lowell Warren of Arlington, Texas and Dee Warren of McRae, Ark.; three grandchildren, Kristen McCutchen, Danielle Smith and Jaden Smith.Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.memphisfuneralhome.net. Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Garden, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee.

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MEMPHIS - Robert Eugene Tipton Jr., 22, died on March 26 ofnatural causes while in attendance at High Point University in High Point, North Carolina. He was born on February 10, 1990, attended Presbyterian Day School and Memphis University Schoolin Memphis, and graduated from the Carlbrook School in Halifax, Virginia.

Robert had many talents and interests, but his greatest love was his family, accompanying his mother on a vacation, or escorting his sister in Carnival Memphis. Throughout Robert’s life, his maternal grandparents, Lib and George Dunklin of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, who predeceased him, encouraged and supported him in all of his endeavors and remained steadfast in their love for him, and throughout his life they remained close to his heart.

A natural runner and accomplished track athlete, Robert won the Shelby League’s Dan Griffin Outstanding Award in 2005. In 8th grade, he broke the MUS middle school two-mile cross-country record, and in 9th grade, as a star runner on the Varsity Cross-Country team, he tied the high school one-mile track record and was the only 9th-grader on the MUS Varsity Cross-Country team who placedrunner-up in the state.

Robert loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed duck hunting and skeet shooting at his family’s 5 Oaks Lodge in Humphrey, Arkansas. His varied interests included concerts and music, as well as science and technology. On his many travels, he especially enjoyed the culture of Japan and the excitement of New York.

Robert’s sensitive heart endeared him to all who knew him. The messages his friends have left on his Facebook wall attest to his kindness and caring nature: “You never failed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces,” “You are the most loving and tender person that I have ever had the privilege of calling a friend,” “You taught me how to really care for people,” “You made me love life and want to live every day to the fullest,” “I’ll miss your big smile and big hugs,” and “Shine down upon us.” His sister Mary posted: “I love you more than the world, brother. As my angel,please never leave my side.”

Robert leaves his mother, Deborah Dunklin Tipton, and sister Mary Elisabeth Black Tipton of Memphis; his father, Dr. Robert E. Tipton Sr. of Terre Haute, Indiana; his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. George Hillary Dunklin Jr. of Humphrey, Arkansas; his cousins, Megan, Hillary, and Lauren Dunklin; and his great aunts and uncles, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dunklin Sr. of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Mr. and Mrs. Louis M. Dunklin of Dallas, Texas.

A Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis, with graveside services at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 2, at Graceland Cemetery in Pine Bluff by Ralph Robinson & Son.

The family requests that memorials be sent to Memphis University School, 6191 Park Avenue, Memphis, Tenn., 38119, or to the Tennessee Wildlife Federation, 300 Orlando Avenue, Suite 200, Nashville, Tenn. 37209.

And finally, from another friend: “I would say Rest in Peace, but no, that’s not you. Rest not, Rob, and be not at peace. Instead, explore and dream and risk and challenge and love like you always have.”

We take comfort in knowing that Robert is in heaven with God and his beloved grandparents CiCi and Gang-Gang. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.