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, arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.
PULASKI COUNTY
Joseph J. Adams of Little Rock.
Dorothy Jane “Duke” Boedeker, 87, of Little Rock.
Lou Etta Brown, 92, of Cammack Village.
Stephen Loren Dobbins, 52, of Little Rock.
James Duck, 90, of North Little Rock.
Jean Ezzi, 86, of North Little Rock.
Craig Alan Frankson, 53, of Jacksonville.
Derek Dale Garrison, 52, of Little Rock.
Jean Harriett Geraci, 83, of Little Rock.
Raphael “Ray” B. Hartely, 78, of North Little Rock.
Norma Faye Hunnicutt, 74, of Little Rock.
Larry Wayne Jones, 62, of Little Rock.
Elroy “Pap” Kendrick, 73, of Little Rock.
Joseph A. Krenz, 82, of Little Rock.
Nancy L. Lewis, 74, of Little Rock.
Floyd Wilburn McMunn, 62, of Sherwood.
Christopher C. Mercer Jr., 88, of Little Rock.
Jim L. Montgomery, 81, of Little Rock.
Doris Mae Pulce, 85, of Little Rock.
Marion “Mickey” Roberts, 87, of North Little Rock.
Billy Bob Whitley, 69, of Rose City.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS
ARKADELPHIA Ed Flaig, 92.
ATKINS Virginia Lee Kinder Hays, 83. AUSTINBraylon Chase Besancon, infant. BATESVILLE Lottie Fay Bell Long, 79.
Billie Louise Tripp Porter, 85.
CAMDEN Donald Varnell Strange, 82.
CHEROKEE VILLAGE John Edward Dewey, 74.
CLARENDON Lottie Harris Simons, 100.
CLARKSVILLE Lola Marietta Kinman, 94.
COMPTON Joe Herbert Brisco, 94.
CONWAY James Donald Mabry, 85.
James Henry Polacek, infant.
Alfred Wesley Renfroe Sr., 78.
Dorothea Thompson, 89.
EL DORADO Malcolm Guthrie Parr, 70.
ENGLAND Charles Dale Ward, 77.
FLORAL Randy J. Lambert, 56.
FOX Donald Marion Hopper, 68.
GRAVELLY Jean Wood Swafford, 83.
HEBER SPRINGS Thomas Albert Herrington, 76. HOT SPRINGS Gordon O’Bryan, 77.
JUDSONIA Edith Marie Goodman, 72.
McGEHEE Beulah Fay Lemonds, 62.
McRAE Jessie (Leon) Hampton, 76.
MENA Lillian Lake Stewart, 96.
NEWPORT Phyllis Rudd.
PARIS Harold Dean Scrivner, 73.
PINE BLUFF David Stephenson, 65.
PLUMERVILLE Freddie Earl Eoff, 75.
RATCLIFF La Lonnie Ryles, 75.
REDFIELD Jim Stimson, 77.
RISON Darren Scott Snow, 23.
RUSSELLVILLE Joan Kuras, 74.
STAR CITY Peggy Jane Chism, 50.
WARREN Phillip Ray Bailey, 76.
Dora Gonzalez Rivera, 33.
OUT-OF-STATE
TULSA India Bracy Swepston, 91.
DALLAS Phillip David Smith, 39.
DENTON, Texas Erma Jennings, 86.
HOOKS, Texas Mona J. Rogers Boyce, 50. MADISON, Wis.
Elaine F. Ellibee, 88.
Pulaski County
JOSEPH J. ADAMS of Little Rock, passed on Nov. 9. He is survivedby his wife, Edna Adams; brother, Robert Adams; daughter, Cindy Hedges.
He was a retired branch manager for McKesson Chemical in Memphis and served in the Navy during theKorean War. Very gregarious, he was the life of every party, an avid golfer and story teller. He was a very generous man and devoted much of his time to Special Olympics. After a private ceremony and interment at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, he will be holding court in Heaven for eternity. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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DOROTHY JANE "DUKE" BOEDEKER, 87, of Little Rock died Nov. 22,2012. She was a homemaker and the loving and devoted wife of Ray Boedeker for over 59 years.
Duke was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Feb. 11, 1925, the daughter of Beatrice Long Cullen and HarryA. Cullen. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a sister.
She is survived by her son, William S. Boedeker and wife DeDe of Tulsa, Okla., and daughter, Janet Boedeker Farrell and husband Phil of Maumelle; seven grandchildren, Scott Boedeker and wife Melissa of San Diego, Calif., Dr. Daniel Boedeker and wife Ashleigh of Tulsa, Okla., Lee Boedeker and wife Kim of Arizona, Alex Boedeker of Tulsa, Okla., Shelby Farrell Divers and husband Dr. Fred Divers of Hot Springs, Hannah Farrell Harris and husband Ben of Fayetteville, and Max Farrell and wife Dr. Rachel Farrell of Bryant; nine great-grandchildren and extended family and friends, who will miss her.
Mass of Christian burial will be on Monday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church with Monsignor Francis I. Malone officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Rosary will be at 7:30 p.m. at the church on Sunday, Nov. 25.
Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 501-661-9111.
Please share your memories of Duke at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
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LOU ETTA BROWN, 92, of Cammack Village, passed away Nov. 23, 2012.
She was born in Saltillo, Ark., on Dec. 5, 1919, to the late George and Nonie Hall. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.
She was preceded in deathby her beloved husband, Richard R.Brown, and a daughter-in-law, Gay Brown. She leaves a loving family of seven children, Richard C. Brown (Millie), Kenneth Brown (Shirley), Jerry Brown (Shirley), Linda Colclasure, Terry Brown, and Larry Brown and Sherry Reznick (Greg), who took such devoted care of her.
She also left behind nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; each held a special place in her heart.
She was "Ma Brown" to all who knew her; she always had a kind thought and took care to call on those in need. She was our rock, and we will miss her greatly.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St. Burial will follow at Brown Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.
Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
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STEPHEN LOREN DOBBINS, 52, of Little Rock died Tuesday. He was born in Arkadelphia (1960) and is survived by his father, Graham B. Dobbins Sr.; mother, Carolyn Ridley Ross; stepfather, Owen Ross; two brothers, Graham B. Dobbins Jr. and Richard Ridley Dobbins; sister, Ann Mortenson; and many loving family members and friends.
Services will be held in Anson, Texas, at a later date.
Please visit www.cremationsofarkansas.com to sign the online guest register.
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JAMES ALBERT DUCK, 90, of North Little Rock, Ark., died Nov. 22, 2012. He was born in Itasca, Texas, on Sept. 30, 1922, to Joseph C. and Annie Fleece Duck. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, J.C. Duck; and his infant son, James M. Duck.
He attended Itasca High School and Hill County Junior College and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin, Texas. He was a licensed architect in the state of Texas and retired from the Corps of Engineers. He was a World War ll veteran and served on the Battleship USS New York.
He was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church, having joined in his youth. At the time of his death, he was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, Ark.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Emma C. Duck of North Little Rock, and a nephew, Joe Thomas Duck of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by his wife's nieces and nephews, whom he felt were his own.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road in North Little Rock with a funeral service on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Funeral Home.
www.griffinleggettresthills.com. --◊--
JEAN EZZI, 86, of North Little Rock passed away Tuesday, Nov.20, 2012.
She is survived by her three sons: Tim Ezzi (Gaye), Tony Ezzi, Jerry Ezzi (Diane); sister, Ruth Gunter; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in deathby her parents, William and Gertrude Mathis Nail; husband, Santo Ezzi; nine brothers and sisters; and daughter-in-law, Deb Ezzi.
She was an officer for the Retail Clerks Association and retired after 25 years of service as a manager for the Kroger company. She was a long time member of the choir, Ladies' Guild and Eucharistic Ministries at her church of 64 years, St. Patrick Catholic Church. The things she loved most included cooking for her family, traveling with friends and spending time with her grandchildren. She will be most remembered for her smile, her ever optimistic spirit and her genuine love of people. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick Building Fund, 211 W. 19th St., North Little Rock, Ark. 72214.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 a.m., Tuesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m., Monday followed by a rosary service at 7 p.m., at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.
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CRAIG ALAN FRANKSON of Jacksonville passed away on Nov.22, 2012, in Little Rock. He was born May 10, 1959, in Greenville, Miss., to Wallace and Janice (Bradley) Frankson. He is preceded in death by his father and one brother, DuaneFrankson. Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Charlene, and his children, Brandy and Jason, Heather, Dustin and Christina and Blake. He is also survived by his mother and his grandchildren, Amber and Morgan.
His passions included outdoor activities, bee keeping, scuba diving, flying Cessna and home remodeling. He was a member of Sylvan Hills Church of Christ. He received a master's in computer science from UALR in 1984.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road in North Little Rock. Visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 23, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital.
www.griffinleggettresthills.com. --◊--
DEREK DALE GARRISON, 52, of Little Rock passed away Friday,Nov. 23, 2012. He was born on Dec. 11, 1959, in Richmond, Calif., to Dale and Tonia (Reed) Garrison. He was currently employed by Allied Plumbing Supply of Little Rock and was a reserve deputysheriff on their dive team for over 20 years and also worked 20 years for the Kroger stores.
He is survived by his wife, Melba Garrison of Little Rock; daughter, Jessie Lee Garrison of Little Rock; parents, Dale and Tonia Garrison of Little Rock; brothers, Marty (Lisa) Garrison of Bryant, Greg (Stephanie) Garrison of Little Rock; nephews, Drew Garrison, Cory Garrison and Eli Garrison, all of Little Rock; niece, Hannah Garrison of Bryant; stepdaughter, Scarlett McElyea of Sherwood; and stepson, Chris York of Cabot. He was also Grandpa Derek to a host of grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Little Rock Funeral Home with Mr. Michael Carger officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. in the Chapel of the Funeral Home.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (NW Corner of I-630 and Barrow Rd) (501) 224-2200.
Derek's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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JEAN HARRIETT GERACI, 83, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012. She was born March 15, 1929, in Oak Park, Ill., to the late Ralph Edward and Harriett Findley Arnt.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Geraci. She is survived by a son, Richard Geraci II of Little Rock, Ark.; a daughter, Ginger Thornton of Yucca, Calif.; and one grandson, Adam Farr of Los Angeles, Calif.
Entombment will be 10 a.m., Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Hot Springs, Ark. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark., (501)224-8300.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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RAPHAEL “RAY” B. HARTLEYJR., age 78, from North Little Rock, Ark., passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012. He was born on Monday, July 16, 1934, in Springfield, Mass., to Raphael Hartley Sr. and Lorraine Freniere Hartley.He was preceded in death by his parents.
Raphael is survived by his wife, Margaret Pope Hartley; his children, Raphael B. Hartley III of Virginia, John P. Hartley (Carolyn) of Iowa, Melanie M. McCabe (Stephen) of New Jersey, Timothy S. Hartley of New York, Andrew P. Hartley (Amy) of Virginia; and two stepchildren, Cindy E. Lau (Harry) from Arkansas and Edward C. Pope (Ruben), of Argentina; 16 grandchildren, Lindsey Hartley, Raphael Hartley IV, Catie McMahon, Christine McMahon, Joseph McMahon, Samuel Hartley, Kevin Hartley, Matthew McMahon, Jack Hartley, Annie Hartley, Chase Hartley, Kelsey McCabe, Cole Hartley, Betsy Lau, Samuel Lau (Molly)and Amanda Moore (Scott).
Ray was one of 14 children. The surviving siblings are Leonard Freniere of Missouri, Brenda Baer of New Hampshire, Marjorie Donahue and Sissy Amman of Massachusetts, Sandra Burrows of Connecticut, Bill Hartley and Judy Maynard of California and Geo Hartley of Rhode Island.
Ray honorably served in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years. He retired in 1998 from his career with Packard Instruments, medical research equipment sales. After retirement, Ray and his wife Margaret enjoyed extensive traveling to many countries and visiting his children's large families. Ray and Margaretcould always be found at the beach in February surrounded by their children and grandchildren.
A memorial service to honor Mr. Hartley will be held at 3 p.m., on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at St. Luke Episcopal Church, North Little Rock, Ark. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation in Mr. Hartley's memory be made to St. Luke Episcopal Church, 4106 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock.
Funeral arrangements by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501-791-7400. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
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NORMA FAYE HUNNICUTT, 74, of Little Rock passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012.
Norma spent her life making a home for her family. She loved the outdoors and camping and was a loyal razorback fan. Norma had a huge heart and treasured the time she spent with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Hunnicutt; her parents, Clinton V. and Blanche Daniels;her brothers, J.V., Tony, Harold and Paul Daniels; and her sister who was her best friend, Judy Watkins.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Johnny Gravett and his wife, Teresa;her stepson, Doug Hunnicutt and his wife, Mona; her four grandchildren: Charlie and Davis Hunnicutt, Christopher Godwin and Justin Gravett; and a host of extended family and friends.
Visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 26, from 6-8 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home, 10200 Highway 5 North, Alexander, Ark. 72002, (501) 455-1067. Graveside services will be on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Park.
Please share your memories of Norma at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.
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LARRY WAYNE JONES, 62, of Little Rock, Ark., born June 12, 1950,departed this life Nov. 16, 2012.
He served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a veteran in the Vietnam War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Jones and Jewel Shaw. He is survived by a stepfather, Robert Shaw; two daughters, LaSonya (Jeffery) Lewis and Patrech Jones; two sons, Jerold (Emma) Jones and Bretney (Quiana) Jones; siblings: Walter Jr., Linda Lois, Cathy Dianne and Joyce Ann; nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside service with honors will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 Maryland Ave., North Little Rock, Ark. Arrangements by: Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 South Chester St. Little Rock, (501) 372-1305.
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ELROY “PAP” KENDRICK, 73, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away Nov.18, 2012, doing what he loved - best deer hunting. He retired from Smoky Hollow as a butcher. He was also a member of Institute of the Devine Metaphysical Research, North Little Rock.
Survivors include three daughters: Cathy Smith (Theodis), Geria Almuharmy and Llyweyia Rawlins, all of Little Rock, Ark.; two sons, Renard Kendrick (Gail) Little Rock and Cleveland Kendrick (Santorria) Detroit, Mich.; one sister, Ruthie Pearson (Thomas) Little Rock; three brothers: Herman Kendrick (Geneva), Harold Kendrick (Deloris) and Bernard Kendrick, all of Little Rock, Ark.; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a host of family and friends who will miss him greatly.
Home going services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012,at Greater Trinity Church of God and Christ, 2400 Wright Ave., Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow at Rest In Peace Memorial Garden, Hensley, Ark. Family visitation: 6-7 p.m, Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 South Chester St., Little Rock, (501) 372-1305.
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JOSEPH A. KRENZ, 82, of Little Rock passed in peace, surroundedby loved ones, on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. He was born on July 12, 1930, in Boone, Iowa, to his parents Anna and Joe Krenz. He grew up in Iowa along with his beloved older sister, Mary.
He received a B.S. degree from Iowa State University in Math and Statistics in 1952. In 1955, he earned his M.S. degree in actuarial sciences from the University of Iowa. He began his lifelong actuarial career as an assistant actuary at the National Old Line Insurance Company from 1955-1964. He went on to serve as the executive vice president and actuary, and later president and actuary, for American Foundation Life from 1965-1971. From 1971-1974, he was the life and health actuary for the Arkansas Insurance Department. In 1974, he opened a Little Rock Actuarial Consulting Office for Milliman & Robertson, a national actuarial consulting firm. Joe opened his own consulting firm in 1977, and practiced as an actuarial consultant to most of the small and medium-sized Arkansas insurance companies until 2012. He was a member of the American Academy of Actuaries.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Joe Krenz; his sister, Mary Blanshan; and his nephews, Gary and Steven Blanshan. Left to honor and remember Joe are his daughter, Karen Miller of Houston, Texas; grandson, Daniel Miller of Little Rock, Ark.; granddaughter, Sarah Miller of Houston, Texas; nephew, Mark Blanshan of Boone, Iowa; and special friend and ex-wife, Betty Krenz of Little Rock, Ark.
His passing on Thanksgiving Day symbolizes how thankful his loved ones are to have been blessed with him in their lives. His joy for life and the Dallas Cowboys, sense of humor, and ongoing support for those he loved will impact their lives forever.
Private burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, Ark.
A memorial celebration service will be held at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark., (501) 224-8300, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends after the service.
Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201, Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72201, or to the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock, c/o St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 North Mississippi Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72207.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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NANCY L. LEWIS, 74, of Little Rock died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012.
Survivors are a sister, Judy Fraga; nieces, Cynthia (Ronnie) Christie and Catherine (Joe) Ross.
Services for Ms. Lewis will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (501) 224-2200.
Nancy's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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FLOYD WILBURN McMUNN SR., 62, of Sherwood, born March 17, 1950, in Trumann, Ark., to parents Jessie and Mamie McMunn, passed away on Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Jennifer McMunn; two sisters and two brothers.
Floyd is survived by his son, Floyd McMunn Jr.; four sisters and two brothers.
To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.
Arrangements by Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.
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Attorney CHRISTOPHER C. MERCER JR., was born in Pine Bluff,Ark., March 27, 1924 to the late Castor C. and Tarvell Mercer. He is preceded in death by one brother, Harry Mercer and a sister-in-law, Pearl Herman. He entered his eternal home on Nov. 20,2012, in Little Rock, Ark.
He graduated from Merrill High School in Pine Bluff in 1942. In 1946, he received an A.B. degree from AM&N College (UAPB). In 1949, C.C. entered the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, as the third black student to enroll at the university, becoming one of the "Six Pioneers." In March 1954, he passed the Arkansas Bar Examination with the highest score. He received his law license on May 17, 1954, the same day of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education decision. He received his LLB degree from the U of A on Jan. 29, 1955.
He later served as executive director of the Arkansas Council on Human Relations and field secretary for the Arkansas chapter of the NAACP. During the "Little Rock Central High Crisis," he served as "aide-de-camp" to Mrs. Daisy Bates, counselor to the "Little Rock Nine," and drove five of them to and from school during their first semester.
During his 58 years in practice, he represented virtually every church denomination, served as a special judge in several courts in Pulaski County, was General Counsel for Shorter College in North Little Rock, Ark., and General Counsel for the international Connectional A.M.E. Church. He was the first African American in the South to be appointed Deputy ProsecutingAttorney in 1967.
He was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Little Rock, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the 20th Century Knights Social Club, and numerous other civic organizations. He received many awards for his excellence and tireless giving through his law practice and community service, including an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in May 2011 and the Silas Hunt Legacy Award in April 2012, both from the University of Arkansas.
C.C. married Inez LeMay in 1955, with whom he raised seven children. He later married Pamela James, with whom he had two children.
He is survived by his wife, Pamela; nine children; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one brother and numerous other family and friends.
Reflection ceremony will be on Monday, Nov. 26, from 6-8 p.m. and funeral services will be on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 10:30 a.m., both held at St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Arrangements by Mitchell Funeral Home, 1809 Caddo St., Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923, (870) 246-2611. The Body will lie in state at the church for one hour prior to funeral time.
Online guestbook: www.mitchellfuneralservices.com.
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JIM L. MONTGOMERY, 81, of Little Rock departed this life on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012 peacefully at home. Jim was born March 10, 1931, in Canton, Miss. to James Lester Montgomery and Estelle "Polly" Cauthen Montgomery.
Jim graduated from Canton HighSchool and Mississippi State University. He spent his entire career with Aetna Insurance Company as Employee Benefits Manager in Little Rock and Oklahoma City. Following retirement, he served five years, along with his wife Mary Frances, as camp director for Camp Mitchell located on beautiful Petit Jean Mountain.
He is pre-deceased by his parents; step-mother, Vivian Quinn West Montgomery Edwards; stepbrother, Robert H. West and his beloved wife Mary Frances "Miff" Williams Montgomery. He is survived by his brother, C. Robert Montgomery; step-sister, Anne Seay; his children, Polly Montgomery Deems (Don) of Little Rock, Cyndy Montgomery Tilden (Don) of Dallas, James "Jim" Montgomery (Tonya) of Denver; his grandchildren, Taylor and Alex Deems, and Parker, Westin, Madison, and Kelsey Montgomery, and 11 nieces and nephews. Caroline Stevenson, his loving and devoted companion, also survives him.
Jim was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and served in many leadership roles such as Senior Warden, Vestry Member, Search Committee Member, and was the proud Scout Master for Troop 7. He cared deeply about the scouting program and spent over 50 years assisting scouts with their goal of achieving their Eagle rank. He was an active member of Troop 045 for senior scouts and was very humbled to have the Troop 7 Scout Hut named for him. He also enjoyed the outdoors and spent many weeks on the Buffalo River and Big Piney Creek with the “Jasper in June” group. Hunting birds of any kind was a way to get away with his “hunting buddies.” He brought home duck, turkey, quail, pheasant, dove and some great stories to tell, as well. Jim enjoyed his many road trips with family and friends and the regular dinners out with the “birthday group.”
The family would like to thank his caregivers, Ann McElroy, Susie Parker, Shelby Wilkerson, Marilyn Anderson, and Erma Esau all ofwhom treated him with respect and compassion these last several years of his life. The family offers a special thanks to his personal physician and dear friend Dr. Harold Hedges. And, finally, the family is grateful to Arkansas Hospice for making his last days comfortableand giving him his wish to pass at home.
A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. Jim will be laid to rest in the columbarium located in the courtyard of the church. A reception will follow the service in the church's parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72207 or Boy Scouts of America, Quapaw Area Council, 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
"May God hold us all in the palm of his hand."
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DORIS MAE PULCE, 85, received her heavenly wings surroundedby family on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012. She’s preceded by: her son, Sylvester Pulce. Survivors include: daughter, Lois Pulce; granddaughter, Michelle Pulce; sister, Eloise Booker and Sandra Hill and many cousins from across the country.
Home going services Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, 11 a.m., Visitation: 10-11 a.m., prior to service, both services at Greater Archview Baptist Church, 1720 West 23rd Street, Little Rock. Interment: Rest in Peace Cemetery, Hensley, Ark.
Arrangements by: Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home (501) 372-1302.
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MARION “MICKEY” ROBERTS, 87, of North Little Rock, passed away, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012.
Arrangements pending by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.
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BILLY BOB WHITLEY, 69 of Rose City in North Little Rock, Ark. wasborn on Feb. 15, 1943 in Sardis, Ark. and passed away on Nov. 13, 2012. He was welcomed into the arms of His Daughter, Lori Dawn Whitley; his parents, R. E. "Bob" and Jessie Lee Whitley; andhis brothers, Lee Roy McSwain and Joe Robert Whitley. He had his first Thanksgiving with his daughter in twenty years and for that we are thankful.
He has gone ahead to prepare for, and leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Ruth Ann Whitley; son, Billy Joe Whitley and wife Chantae; granddaughter, Megan Kalee Whitley; uncle, Jess Whitley and lifelong friend and brother, Charles L. “Sonny” Russell.
Dad is a Mason and a member of the Rose City Masonic Lodge.
We are all better for knowing Him. He is well loved. He hasn't died... He never will. To me He is life.
Tell Someone You love Them, They need to hear it... You need to say it. Show kindness to a Stranger, it will be returned in time. Seek out Someone You have missed, You Both will be blessed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, Ark. 72202, (501) 364-1100 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, (901) 495-3300.
Memorial service will be held at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel at 3 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2012 with Brother Jess Whitley officiating. 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd. 72116. (501-791-7400)
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
Arkansas
ARKADELPHIA - Ed Flaig was born in St. Samarita Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 29, 1920. He was the only son of Lucille Crow and Edward Guy Flaig Sr., both from Danville, Ky.
He graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinnati and attended the University of Cincinnati. After college, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was stationed at Patterson Field. He went to officer training school at Miami, Fla., and Stanford, Texas. He then helped start the college training detachment at then Ouachita Baptist College in 1943. It was there he met and married Neno Nowlin in March of 1944. Shortly after, he was stationed on Guam. He was issued out of Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, and settled in Arkadelphia, Ark.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Neno Nowlin Flaig, and a grandson, Jim Guy Russell.
Survivors are three daughters, Gay Burch of Hot Springs, Gail Flaig of Arkadelphia and Sunny Flaig of California; son-in-law, Dr. Lan Burch of Hot Springs; and one grandson, Jarrod Russell of Boston, Mass.
There will be a family graveside service 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 at Rose Hill Cemetery with Dr. LeeMcGlone officiating.
Memorials may be made to Arkadelphia Library, 609 Caddo St.; the Clark County Humane Society, 627 Walnut St. Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923; and Odyssey Hospice, 10800 Financial Parkway Little Rock, Ark. 72211. Online guest register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.
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ATKIN - Virginia Lee Hays, 83, Atkins, died Thursday.
Funeral: 2 p.m., Monday at Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church near Atkins, burial in Mount Zion Cemetery near Jerusalem, by Shinn Funeral Service, Russellville. Memorials: Oak Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Visitation: 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Online obituary/guestbook: www.shinnfuneral.com.
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AUSTIN - Braylon Chase Besancon, infant son of Chad Willis and Misty Lynn Engler Besancon, went to Heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. Survived by parents; sister, Hayley Hann; and brothers, Hunter and Ethan Besancon.
Graveside service 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at Hazen Cemetery, Hazen, Ark. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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BATESVILLE - Lottie Fay Bell Long, 79, of Batesville, died Friday.
Survivors: children, Leasul Long, Larissa Hix; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Barnes Cemetery by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, Batesville. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Monday at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home.
Memorials: American Cancer Society, 901 N. University Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72207.
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BATESVILLE - Billie Louise Tripp Porter, 85, of Batesville, died Thursday.
Survivors: Son, Jeff Porter; daughter, Kay Pryor; two grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother.
Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Central Avenue United Methodist Church, Batesville. Burial: Campground Cemetery by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, Batesville. Visitation: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday at Roller-Crouch
Memorials: Central Avenue United Methodist Church, 1205 N. Central Ave., Batesville, Ark. 72501.
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CAMDEN - Donald Varnell Strange, 82, Camden, died Thursday. Survivors: wife, Audrey of Camden; son, Richard; grandson, Marcus; granddaughter, Lani Dunn all of Fort Worth, Texas; brother, Narval, of Bearden; sister, Lanell Peace, of Camden.
Visitation: Monday, 6-8 p.m., Proctors. Funeral: Tuesday, 2 p.m., Cullendale Assembly of God Church. Burial: Salem.
Online: proctorfuneralhome.com.
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CHEROKEE VILLAGE - John Edward Dewey, age 74, of Cherokee Village, Ark. died Nov. 24, 2012.
Memorial services are Nov. 30, 2012, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Tri-County Funeral Home in Highland. There will be a gathering at the Highland Elks Lodge in honor of John Dewey after the service.
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CLARENDON - Lottie Monee Rogers Harris Simons, 100, died Friday, Nov. 23, 2012.
Survivors: sons, Bob (Alpha) Harris of Judsonia, Joe (Barbara) Simons of Clarendon; daughter, Sissy Simons of Hazen; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren.
Visitation: 9-12, Monday, Bob Neal & Sons Chapel-Clarendon. Graveside services: 2 p.m. Monday, Shady Grove Cemetery.
Obituary/guestbook at www.bobnealandsons.com.
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CLARKSVILLE - Lola Marietta Kinman, 94, of Clarksville, Ark. died on Nov. 23, 2012.
Preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Flynn Carlisle Kinman.
Graveside services will be held Monday, Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. at the Oakland Cemetery in Clarksville.
Arrangements by Hardwicke Funeral Home.
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CONWAY - James Donald Mabry, 85, of Conway passed from this life on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012. Don was born in Montgomery City, Mo., on Aug. 28, 1927. He was a son to the late Grover and Cornelia(Worland) Mabry.
Mr. Mabry was a graduate of the University of Missouri at Columbia, where he obtained a degree in forestry. He was an Army veteran of WWII. While living in Crossett, he was a volunteer firefighter for the city of Crossett. In 1974, he moved his family to Conway and became an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved to garden and be outdoors. He was an avid quail, duck and pheasant hunter. Mr. Mabry was an expert at woodworking and antique furniture restoration. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annette Lewis Mabry.
Survivors include his daughters, Lisa Annette Mabry-Williams (Russ) of Conway and Laura Diane Sergeant (Edward) of Little Rock.
The family would like to thank Catherine Henson, Debra Boyd and Martha Caudel for the many years of excellent care given to Mr. Mabry during his illness.
The funeral mass will be held at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Conway, with Monsignor John F. O'Donnell officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Mausoleum.
The rosary will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Faulkner County Senior Citizens Center.
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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CONWAY - James Henry Polacek, infant son of David and Kristen Fielding Polacek, all of Conway, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, in Cincinnatti Children's Hospital.
He is preceded in death by hisGreat-Grandfathers, George Crosby and James Fielding.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his parents; a sister, Caroline Polacek of the home; paternal grandparents, Leonard and LisaPolacek Jr. of Pottsville, Ark.; maternal grandparents, Kenneth and Susan Fielding of Alexandria, Va.; great-grandparents, Sarah Crosby of Charleston, Ark., Leonard and Louise Polacek Sr., of Weston, Neb., Bill and Verla Sweere of Little Rock, Ark. and Julia Fielding of Jacksonville, Ark.; aunts, Katherine Fielding of Alexandria, Va., and Rebecca Polacek of Pottsville, Ark.; and an uncle, Daniel Polacek of Chattanooga, Tenn.
Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at Roller-Mc-Nutt Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Trip Leach officiating. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to SCID Angels For Life, 6923 Lacy Drive, Lakeland, Fla. 33813.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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CONWAY - Dr. Alfred Wesley “A.W.” Renfroe Sr., DVM, 78, ofConway passed away Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Conway. He was born Thursday, Dec. 21, 1933, in Fort Towsen, Okla., to the late George and Ara Adams Renfroe.
Dr. Renfroe was a graduateof Oklahoma A&M University, now Oklahoma State University. He had been a veterinarian since 1959, hewas a conceal carry instructor, a volunteer hunter-education instructor for the Arkansas Game and Fish. He loved deer hunting and telling stories. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve, serving in the Veterinarian Corps.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 47 years, Virginia L. Simpson Renfroe; sons, Todd A. Renfroe (Danielle) of Fayetteville, Ark., and A.W. “Butch” Renfroe Jr. (Debbie) of Conway; daughters, Janet Carlton of Russellville, Ark., Pat Hill (Tim) of Beebe, Ark., and Sandra Weaver (David) of Coconut Creek, Florida; 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, in the Chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home-Conway (501) 327-7727. A memorial service will follow at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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CONWAY - Dorothea F. Thompson, 89, of Conway passed away Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012. She was born Oct. 28, 1923, in Curtis Junction, Ark., to Lawrence V. and Addie Jane Hughes Freeman. She was a member of Standfill Baptist Church.
She is survived by her grandchildren: Melody Willoughby of Fort Smith, Kimberly Havniear of Jacksonville, Harold M. Heslep II of Sherwood and Stormy Mesecke of Cabot; grandson-in-law, Wayne Mullican of Conway; numerous great-grandchildren and greatgreat-grandchildren; two twin sisters, Maye Harris of Little Rock and Faye Barnard of Vilonia; and sonin-law, Harold M. Heslep Sr. of Fort Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas Archie Thompson; two daughters, Sandra Jane Heslep and Thomas Ann Wyles; and granddaughter, Tabitha Marilyn Mullican.
Services will be at a later date. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 758-1170.
Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.
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EL DORADO - Malcolm Guthrie Parr, 70, of El Dorado passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born Jan. 4, 1942, to George and Rachel Guthrie Parr in Sayre, Pa.
Malcolm retired from the military after serving eight years in the United States Air Force, three years in Alaska, 12 years in the United States Army attached to the National Guard. He spent 15 years teaching school, worked security for Biloxi, Miss., High School, and was a door greeter at the El Dorado Wal-Mart.
He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Taylor Phillips Parr of El Dorado; two daughters, Dana Gardner of Biloxi, Miss., Debra Mitchell of Athens, Ala.; two stepdaughters, Janet Lane (Ronnie) of Cabot, Ark., Lesha Singleton (David) of Benton, Ark.; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Dan Loomis officiating. Cremation services were provided by Young’s Funeral Directors.
An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
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ENGLAND - Charles Dale Wardof England went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012. He was born May 17, 1935, in Quitman, Ark. Dale worked for Foster White Drilling Co., was of the Pentecost Faith, loved to fish and playdominoes, and loved his family very much.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Keathly, and one brother. Surviving him are his wife of 27 years, Loretta Ward of England; three sons: Gary Dale Ward of Fordyce, Ark., and Charles Dewayne Ward of North Little Rock, Ark., and Chris Banks of Beebe, Ark.; three daughters: Pam Day and husband, Martin, and Tammy Gonzales and husband, Frank, all of North Little Rock, Ark., and Rhonda Adams of Scott, Ark.; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and one brother, Donald Keathly of England, Ark.
Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, and funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, all at Roller-England Funeral Home, 202 Stuttgart Highway, England, Ark. (501) 842-3939. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes/england.
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FLORAL - Randy J. Lambert, 56, of the Hutchinson Mountain Community, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at Memphis.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the Palestine Cemetery located in the Hutchinson Mountain Community. Visitation Monday, 6-8 p.m.
Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville.
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FOX - Donald Marion Hopper, 68, of Fox died Nov. 22, 2012, at Little Rock, Ark. He was born June 23, 1944.
Survivors: wife, Margaret; two sons, Jonathan and Jeremy.
Visitation 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. Funeral 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at Roller Coffman Chapel.
Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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GRAVELLY - Jean Wood Swafford, age 83, of Gravelly passedaway Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at Mitchell's Nursing Home.
She was born Dec. 26, 1928, in Gravelly, Ark., to the late Alfred Tillman and Lela Matilda Frizzell Wood.
She was a retired secretary for Fourche Valley School. She was a lifelong member of Gravelly United Methodist Church in Gravelly and Henderson United Methodist Church in Little Rock. She was also a 65-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star with Florence Chapter No. 15 and Gravelly Chapter No. 580. Jean served as grand warder in 1961 and grand representative to Kansas in 1967. She was preceded in death by her husband, George S. Swafford, and a brother, Perry Wood.
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Donna Swafford of Carlton, Ore.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Lois and Tom Craig of Little Rock, Ann Swafford of Gravelly, Mary and James "Bo" Sale of Bryant; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, 10 a.m. at Gravelly United Methodist Church with Rev. Lacey Minnie officiating. Interment will be Parks Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Donald Trampp, Aaron Craig, Steven Craig, Hunter Craig and Jerad Owens. Visitation will be Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville.
Online guestbook and condolences www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.
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HEBER SPRINGS - Thomas Albert Herrington, age 76, of Heber Springs, Ark., passed away Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012, at his home. Born in Thomaston, Ga., on Nov. 26, 1935, he was the son of the late Dewey Camron and Ruby Dupree Herrington.
Mr. Herrington was employed as an area director for Cameco Industries, working in Europe and Africa. He proudly served our country in the United States Marines, attaining the rank of corporal. Mr. Herrington was a member and served as a governor of the Moose Lodge. His religious belief was Baptist.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Herrington was preceded in death by his siblings, Cecil Herrington, Pauline Dupree, Opal Herrington, Olnie Herrington, Bradford Herrington and Mae Godwin; and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Herrington is survived by his wife, Bonnie Herrington; three children, Connie Heidari and her husband, Mohammad, Trish Parish and her husband, Roger, and Mark Herrington and his wife, Tiffany; two brothers, Charles Herrington and Fred Herrington; 10 grandchildren, Andre Heidari, Josh Hudson, Hannah Hudson, Maggie Shaver, Adam Kirk, Sara Kirk, Dawn Masson, Lauren Hudson, Corey Hudson and Tyler Hudson; and seven greatgrandchildren.
Mr. Herrington is also survived by other relatives and his many friends.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Nov. 25 from 6-8 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Monday, Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m. in the Olmstead Chapel with Rev. Chris Rollins and Rev. Salquie Norsworthy officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. www.olmstead.cc.
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HOT SPRINGS - Gordon O'Bryan Sr., age 77, of Hot Springs, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012.
He was born on Oct. 6, 1935, in Kingsland, Ark., the son of Edgar O'Bryan and Willie Graves O'Bryan. On May 25, 1954, he was married to Nelle Hunt. He was the retired owner and operator of Go Distributors, a member of the Piney Baptist Church and Gideons, International.
Survivors are his wife, Nelle O'Bryan of Hot Springs; four sons and daughters-in-law, Gordon Jr. and Nancy O'Bryan of Little Rock, Dan and Melba O'Bryan of White Hall, Tony and Jeanie O'Bryan of Hot Springs, and Pat and Shelly O'Bryan of Sheridan; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his brother, Harold O'Bryan of Cabot; and his sister, Margaret Broadnax of Edmond, Okla.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, in the Piney Baptist Church with Bro. Larry Catcher officiating. Immediate family committal services will be held in the Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons, International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, Tenn. 37214-0800 or to Piney Baptist Church, 3150 Albert Pike Road, Hot Springs, Ark. 71913.
Guest registry is at www.davissmith.com.
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JUDSONIA - Edith Marie Hoofman Goodman, 72, of Judsonia, passed from this life Nov. 24, 2012, at Oakdale Nursing Home. She was born July 14, 1940, in Searcy to the late Jeff and Helen Rosenbaum Pasley.
A hardworking woman, Mrs.Goodman retired from the Eaton Corp.; she was an avid supporter of the American Cancer Society and Muscular Dystrophy Association. She cherished her family dearly. She loved watching the Cardinals play but not quite as much as being game-side at her children’s and grandchildren’s games.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by twohusbands, Hardy Eli Hoofman and Johnnie Mac Goodman; two sons, Michael Heath Hoofman and Jeffery Dean Hoofman; one stepson, Robert Mac Goodman; one grandson, Jeremy Scott Holland; and two sisters, Joann Mathis and Linda Maxwell.
She is survived by two sons, Dickie Hoofman and wife Debbie of Beebe, Hardy Eli Hoofman Jr. of Longview, Texas; one daughter, Cheryl Walker and husband Keith of Pangburn; two step daughters, Becky Cochran and Neva Taylor; daughter-in-law, Cathy Hoofman; five brothers, Doyle, Doyne, Martin, and Danny Pasley and Cliff Hoofman; one sister, Carol Gowen; eight grandchildren, Michael Pisano and wife Emily, Mandi Clark and husband Zeb, Barbara White and husband Kevin, Ashley McKinney and husband Casey, Joshua Walker, Mattie Ballentine (Bryson Scott), Jessie Cochran, and Derrick Langley; four great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Preston Clark, Somer White, and Jameson Langley; as well as two special friends, Jackieand Joe.
Visiting hours are 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, at Howell Cemetery in Clay.
Condolences may be left at www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.
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MCGEHEE - Beulah Fay Lemonds, 62, of McGehee, born March 24, 1950, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. She was Pentecostal and a member of Tabernacle of Faith in McGehee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Allie and Walter Varnell, and granddaughter, Brittany Faler. Beulah is survived by her children, Melissa Faler and husband, Butch, Terry Lemonds, Sharon Miller, Joann Lemonds, Billy Joe Lemonds and wife, Heather, and Christina Lemonds; three sisters; three brothers; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m., onSunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at Tabernacle of Faith, 113 Friedman Street, McGehee, Ark., with the service following at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Walnut Lake Cemetery in Dumas Ark.
To sign her guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care, 501-982-3400.
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MCRAE - Jessie (Leon) Hampton, 76, of McRae, Ark., born April 19, 1936, to Jeff and Jewel Haslip Hampton, departed this life on Nov. 22, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Jennie Hampton, three sisters and one brother. He is survived by his wife, Jimma Hampton of McRae; two daughters, Jeanene Perdue of Beebe and her children, Jessie Perdue and Michella Tippitt and Tiffany Coley, and LaDonna Mason of McRae and her children, Tonya Taylor and Haley Voiles; five sisters, Carol Schwartz, Donzie Anderson, Rosie Rogers, Maggie Bealland Adell Hill; four stepchildren, Bob and Doug Morris, Dixie Shearer and Mitzi Schreiber; nine stepgrandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at McRae First Baptist Church, with burial in Lebanon Cemetery. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.
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MENA - Lillian Lake Stewart, age 96, of Mena, formally of Ozark, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012.
Funeral services, Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at the First Presbyterian Church in Ozark, Ark., at 2 p.m. Interment: Highland Cemetery in Ozark.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home of Mena. Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com.
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NEWPORT - Phyllis (Manuel) Rudd, of Newport died Wednesday.
Survivors: her husband, AD; sons, Ronny and Roger Rudd; daughter, Darlene Shipman; brother, Thomas Manuel; sisters, Lois Carrick and Raye Tubbs; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers and sisters-in-law.
Funeral: 2 p.m. Monday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Clark Cemetery. Visitation: Sunday, 5-8 p.m. www.jacksonsfh.com.
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PINE BLUFF - David Stephenson, 65, of Pine Bluff passedaway Thursday, Nov. 22, 2012. He was born Aug. 10, 1947, in Coshocton, Ohio, to Allen Boyce and Mildred Joyce Brown Stephenson. He was a United States Air Force veteran and worked for Applied Industrial Technologies for 39 years. He loved taking pictures, nature and old cars.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick Stephenson. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Donna Hooks Stephenson of Pine Bluff; sister, Judith Huffer of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews and brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday in the North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in Edgewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.
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PLUMERVILLE - Freddie Earl Eoff, age 75, of Plumerville woke up in heaven Saturday morning, Nov. 24, 2012. He was born June 10, 1937 in Portland Bottoms in Plumerville.
He was a member of Mt. View Missionary Baptist Church atop Woolverton Mountain. Fred was married to Mary Rebecca-Becky (Harwood) for 49 years. They were the parents of a daughter, Sharon Leigh and husband James Wilson of Plumerville and a son, Garrett Daniel and wife Carrie Eoff of Jonesboro; and grandparents of Geoffrey Brian, Juleighanna Paige, and Jacquelynn Hope Wilson of Plumerville and a soon to be born grandson Kipton Reed Eoff of Jonesboro.Fred's brothers Grady Eoff of Plumerville and Mike Eoff of Delight and sister, Betty Bishop of Plumerville also survive him. Preceding Fred in death were his parents, Grady and Hettie Gordon Eoff; brothers Hoover, Pat, and James Gordon Eoff; and sisters Lorene Lee and Pearl Stane, his twin.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 at Harris Funeral Home in Morrilton with Bro. Cleo Young, pastor of Mt. View Baptist and Bro. Bill Griffith pastor of Plumerville First Baptist officiating. Burial will be at Plummerville Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 25 at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.
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RATCLIFF - La Lonnie Ryles, 75, of Ratcliff, Ark., passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 in Fort Smith, Ark. She was born Aug. 7, 1937 to Lonnie and Ethel Ladd Bangs.
La Lonnie was a retired teacher serving both the Booneville and Magazine School Districts for many years and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Booneville, Ark.
She enjoyed shopping with her grandchildren, cooking for her family and playing the piano at many weddings and funerals.
Graveside service will be held at 4 p.m., Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Booneville, Ark., under the direction of Roberts Funeral Home.
She is survived by her husband, David Ryles of the home; two daughters, Dave Ann Pennington of Little Rock, Ark. and Dayna McGuire and husband Tim of Bentonville, Arkansas; one son Brad Ryles of Booneville, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Brittany Camp, Jessie Ryles, Brad Lee Ryles, Dr. Layna Williams and Tiffany McGuire; one greatgrandchild, Reiss Ryles.
The pallbearers will be Marvin Richardson, Daniel Reese, H.B. Griffey, Jerry Collier, Alan Guise, Johnny Williams, Marion Mathis.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Peachtree Hospice, 2910 Jenny Lind, No. 4, Fort Smith, Ark., 72901.
To sign online registry, go to robertsfh.com.
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REDFIELD - Dr. Jim Stimson, 77, of Redfield, died Thursday. He was a was a retired dentist, having had practices in both Newport and later Redfield.
Survivors: wife, Sue Fitzgerald Stimson; children, Mel Stimson, Scott Stimson and Kim Malone; brother, Dr. Cary Stimson; grandchildren, Josh, Anna, and Ben.
Graveside services: 1 p.m. Monday, at Redfield Cemetery. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306.
To sign the online guestbook: www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.
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RISON - Darren Scott Snow, 23, of Rison died Thursday.
Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26 at Bishop Funeral Home. Funeral services are 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27 atBishop Funeral Home Chapel in Lake Village.
Burial will be in Montrose Cemetery. Complete obit at: www.bishopfuneralhomeinc.com.
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RUSSELLVILLE - Joan Kuras, 74, of Russellville, died Wednesday.
The funeral mass will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, at St. John's Catholic Church with burial in Rest Haven Memorial Park by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation is at the church 9 a.m. until service.
The obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
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STAR CITY - Peggy Jane Bennett Chism, 50, of Star City, died Tuesday.
Funeral services are 10 a.m., Tuesday at Griffin Funeral Chapel in Star City. Bros. Don Borland and Gary Bell will officiate. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.
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WARREN - Philip Ray Bailey, age 76, of Warren, Ark. died Saturday, Nov. 24, at WPNH. Graveside services 10 a.m. Monday, Nov 26, at Oakland Cemetery.
Visitation 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday at Frazer’s Funeral Home. Online obituary/guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome.com.
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WARREN - Dora Velia Gonzalez Rivera, age 33, of Warren, Ark. died Friday, Nov. 23.
Rosary services with Father Anthony Robbins will be 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at Frazer’s. Visitation 7-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, at Frazer’s. Funeral services 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, Frazer’s.
Burial Oakland Cemetery. www.frazerfuneralhome.com.
Out-of-state
TULSA - India Bracy Swepston, born Oct. 22, 1921, in Monticello,Ark., passed away on Nov. 20, 2012, in Tulsa, Okla.
India was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents, Harry and Annie Hankins; and her brothers, Carroll and Sterling Hankins. Survivors include her three children, Carol Duncan and her husband Bill of Millersville, Md., Gene and his wife Heather of Tulsa, Okla., Paul and his wife Barbara of The Woodlands, Texas. She is also survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, James Duncan, his wife Wendy and their children Addison and Megan of Reston, Va., Elizabeth Duncan of Washington, D.C., Tim Swepston and his wife Emma of New Orleans, La. and Tim’s son, Fain Swepston of Nashville, N.C., and Alex Garrison of Tulsa, Okla.
India graduated with a teaching degree from Henderson State Teachers College, taught elementary school while her husband Gene was overseas during WWII and later was a reading tutor in Little Rock. She spent over 30 years engaged in creative writing at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She was a published and award winning poet and short story writer, her first published article appearing in True Confessions in 1972. Her favorite memories were travels to Buffalo River, DeGray Lodge for the eagle watch, New Year's Eve at the Red Apple Inn, New York to the theater, travel throughout Europe, the Little Rock Dance Club, Bookfellows, Henderson War Years reunion group, the season subscription to The REP and St. Paul Methodist Church. At St. Paul she was a Sunday school teacher, president of the Women’s Society and wrote the annual Christmas play.
The family would like to thank Good Shepard Retirement Center of Little Rock, Cypress Springs Alzheimer's and Memory Support of Tulsa and Rose Rock Hospice of Tulsa for their loving care and comfort. A memorial will be held in Arkansas on a yet to be determined date. Friends may contribute in her name to St. Paul Methodist Church, 2223 Durwood Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72207 (501) 666-9429.
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DALLAS - Phillip David “Dave” Smith of Dallas, Texas, left thisworld on Nov. 11, 2012, at the age of 39. Dave was a veteran who served his country in time of peace and war with the United States Air Force. Dave's interests and talents in technology andathletics served his country, his clients, his family, and his friends, well.
Survived by his loving family: daughters, Faith and Grace Smith; parents, Phillip D. and Vicki J. Smith; sister, Niki (Ken) Wass; grandmother, Martha Ann (Rhoads Norwood) Montgomery; aunts, Sandy (Tom) Webb, Sheryl Norwood; uncles, Mike (Kathryn) Smith and Joel (Barbara) Norwood; nieces, Christine and Jessica Wass; nephew, Ryan Wass; the mother of his children, Joy Norton Smith; and many cousins and friends who were family to David. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Bea Smith; and RE Norwood Jr.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, at Griffin Leggett - Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, NorthLittle Rock, Ark. 72117, and inurnment at North Little Rock, Ark., Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
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DENTON, Texas - Erma Jennings, 86, of Denton, Texas, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2012. She was born April 17, 1926, in Bee Branch, Ark., to Richard Hickey and Maud Williams.
Erma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph Jennings; a brother, Cecil Pettie; and a sister, Hazel Hegi. Her survivors include a daughter, Belinda Beasley and husband Phil, of Denton, Texas; granddaughter, Charissa Barnes and husband Paul Barnes, of Henderson, Nev.; three great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Bryn, and Talan Barnes, of Henderson, Nev.; Rosanna Markman, and husband Austin Markman of Las Vegas, Nev.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the entire staff at Sterling House of Denton Assisted Living Facility for their kind, loving care. We are also grateful to the staff of Ardent Hospice for providing such loving support for Erma and her entire family. Both the staffs at Sterling House and Ardent Hospice team were special angels at a very difficult time for the family.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012, at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Arrangements provided by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home in Little Rock, Ark., (501) 224-8300.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
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HOOKS, Texas - Mona J. Rogers Boyce, 50, of Hooks, Texas died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012 at her home. She was born on Oct. 16, 1962 in Stuttgart, Ark.Mrs. Boyce was a member of Myrtle Springs Baptist Church, member of American Society of Hand Therapist, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc., National Boardfor Certification in Occupational Therapy Inc. She was employed at Christus St. Michael Hospital as a certified occupational hand therapist.
Mrs. Boyce was preceded in death by her father Troy P. Rogers.
Survivors include her husband Charles “Chuck” Boyce of Hooks, Texas; daughter, Sara Michaela Rogers of Hooks, Texas; mother, Helen B. Rogers of Little Rock, Ark.; brother and sister-in-law William R. and Cindy L. Rogers of Conway, Ark.; sister, Marilyn J. Rogers of Texarkana, Texas; nephew and his wife, Blake and Karen Rogers of Greenbrier, Ark.; niece and her husband Stephanie and David Simmons of Bryant, Ark.; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Sharon Harris of Nash, Texas; nephews, Chad, Cliff and Cody Harris of Dallas and Texarkana, Texas; niece, Carly Taylor of Texarkana, Texas and many more family and friends.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, 2012 at East Memorial Chapel-Moores Lane. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery under the direction of East Funeral Home-Moores Lane. Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012 at East Funeral Home-Moores Lane.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Hospice of Texarkana, Texas.
Online tributes can be sent at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.
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MADISON, Wis. - Elaine F. Ellibee (Mrs. Ben B.) entered heavenand eternal peace on Saturday evening, Nov. 17, 2012. On Saturday night, Elaine decided she had completed her life’s work of raising her family and accomplishing what she needed to in hercareer to join Ben in heaven.
Elaine Margaret Franke Ellibee was born April 9, 1924 to Arno and Alma (Schmidt) Franke in Miner, Ill. Much of Elaine's childhood was spent in the Midwest - between Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. The Franke’s had many friends and family that Elaine was blessed to have in her life - the Schmidts, Dittmers, Peines, and Rischs. All loved and cared for her in innumerable ways and gave her life gifts that she ultimately gave to others.
Elaine was a proud graduate of Elmhurst College (B.S. Biology) and went on to receive her Masters of Nursing from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. Elaine's higher education was always a great source of pride and her strong values of lifelong learning she not only passed to her own children, but the nursing professionals and students that she worked with and taught over the years.
Her educational success allowed her to transition into a thriving nursing career. As a registered nurse, Elaine accomplished much and contributed greatly to nursing education and leadership at the local, state and national levels. She quickly rose from a staff nurse in Cleveland, Ohio to a nursing instructor; and then led staffs as a director of nursing at hospitals in Missouri, Iowa and Wisconsin. From the hospital level, she then had the opportunity to lead at the state level as a Wisconsin State nursing practice consultant and then the Wisconsin State Director of the Division of Nursing from1974-1980. Even after her retirement to Arkansas, Elaine loved her time as a research and nursing studies coordinator at the Baptist Medical System School of Nursing in Little Rock, Ark.
With her career positions, Elaine’s enduring focus in nursing was superior patient care and continuing education for nursing leaders. As a result, she was recognized by numerous state and national nursing organizations. Elaine held leadership positions with the Wisconsin Nurses Association; Wisconsin League of Nursing and was the first president of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. In Arkansas, she was a board member and chair for the Cleburne County Hospital in Heber Springs; as well as a member and president of the Baptist Medical Center Auxiliary Board in Little Rock.
Although she was proud of her career, she was most proud of her family. Husband, Ben, Margaret (daughter), and Chris (son) were the lights of her life. She demanded much and had high expectations, but was always there with hugs, kisses, a good teasing, and endless love. She also loved her purses, stylish shoes, and dry brandy manhattans.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben in 2000. She is survived by her children - son, Chris and wife Sue Mattes Ellibee; and Dr. Margaret (Muggy) Ellibee and partner Sue Ball. She also is survived by her three stepchildren and their families, David and Lana Ellibee, Linda and Ron Devillier, and Merri Oxley.
Our family would like to extend our thanks to Dr. Lisa Grant, Dr. Paul Hick; Rhonda of Dr. Grant's team; Agrace Hospice, and the entire staff of Capitol Lakes Health Care Center. Your love, care, and compassion helped Elaine be more comfortable every day. A memorial service celebrating Elaine's life will be held on April 20, 2013.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Pulaski Technical College Foundation, North Little Rock, Ark.; Agrace Hospice, Madison, Wis.; or Capitol Lakes Staff Appreciation Fund, Madison, Wis. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wis 53705. 608-238-3434. Please share memories at: www.cressfuneralservice.com.
Arkansas, Pages 20 on 11/25/2012