Obituaries

— 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

Grover Cleveland Allen Jr., 87, of Sherwood.

James “Jim” Mitchell Coates Jr., 86, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

ALEXANDER Thomas Daniel Singley, 77.

BAUXITE Peter J. Doran, 64.

BEARDEN Helen Lucille Mosley, 84.

BENTON Ima Dee Curtis Yates, 89.

CARLISLE A.C. Linn, 88.

CONWAY John Robert Shell, 87.

DeWITT Miriam Phyllis Jones Ridgway, 89.

Joyce Marie Smith Steward, 73.

DUMAS John Bennett Robertson Jr., 82.

FAYETTEVILLE Sam Adams, 82.

FLIPPIN Dorothy J. Rose, 102.

FORDYCE Marguerite Frances Cone, 97.

Karen R. Daniel, 55.

GREENBRIER Wavelon H. “Dutch” Yant, 84.

HAMPTON Robert Carl “Bear” Earnest, 61.

JEFFERSON Deborah Rene Cannon Wilson Roberts, 45.

MABELVALE Sandra Leah Blamberg, 52.

MAGNET COVE Jim Ballard, 72.

MAGNOLIA Carol Marie Price Goza, 55.

NEWPORT Ruby Walker, 94.

OLA Patricia “Patsy” Ann Lewis Kimzey, 51.

OMAHA Billy Wayne Mansfield, 75.

PINDALL Ethel I. Mills, 83.

PINE BLUFF Frances Geanette Madera Hoffman, 89.

PLEASANT PLAINS Harley Theodore Jaco Sr., 72.

SEARCY Virgil H. Lawyer, 88.

SPRINGDALE Hazel Lee Ray, 84.

OUT-OF-STATE

OTTAWA, Ill.

Joseph Dean Hudgins, 84.

HOUSTON Ethel Jaggers, 81.

Pulaski County

GROVER CLEVELAND ALLEN, JR., of Sherwood passed awaypeacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, September 13, 2012. He was born June 26, 1925 in Marion, Ark. Grover was a former member of Runyan Baptist Church,currently a member of Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church and retired from Missouri Pacific Railroad. He loved bowling, hunting, fishing, gardening and tinkering around the house.

He is survived by his children, Molly Allen Lunt, Melanie Allen Gring (Clayton, Jr.), John Roddey Allen (Rhonda), Melvin Lawrence Allen (Glenda) and Tracy Steele Allen; four grandchildren, Melanie Lea Helmick, Clayton George Gring III (Katherine), Whitney Lunt Barket (Jonathan) and Michael Allen Gring (Jennifer); seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; siblings, Mary Jane Smith, Beulah West (Bill) and Elizabeth Lichti (Larry); a very special close friend, Dorothy Shenebeck; and several extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover C. Allen, Sr. and Lucy Allen Glapenski; siblings, James Allen, Marion Glapenski and John Glapenski. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Elmcroft Assisted Living, Sherwood Nursing Home and Odyssey Hospice.

Grover was strong in his faith and so, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church, 9008 Hwy. 107, Sherwood, Arkansas 72120.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

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JAMES “JIM” MITCHELL COATES JR., died peacefully on September 10 in Frisco, Texas, at the age of 86 from complications of prostate cancer. He was born on August 16, 1926, in LittleRock, Arkansas, to Hilda Cornish Coates and James Mitchell Coates Sr. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mimi Coates Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Nelva, of Frisco; his brother, Edward Cornish Coates of Little Rock; and his children James (Jamie) Mitchell Coates, III (Chris) of Dallas, Cindy Coates Miller (Pat) of Little Rock, and Robin Coates Look (David) of Dallas. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Mat Miller and Marian Miller Steward (Eric) of Little Rock, Jay Coates IV, Tait Coates (Katie), Kate Look, Rob Look, and Wilson Look all of Dallas, and three great-grandchildren, Alex Miller, Miller Steward, and Marian Elizabeth Steward of Little Rock.

Jim attended Little Rock public schools and graduated from Little Rock High School in 1942.He attended Yale University in New Haven, Conn., and left in 1944 to enter the U.S. Naval Officer Training program at Rice University in Houston, Texas, where he played varsity football for the Rice Owls. After the war, he returned to Little Rock to join the family insurance business, Coates & Raines, which was later acquired by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. Jim was appointed Regional Vice President for Fireman’s Fund and managed the regional multi-state insurance business of Fireman’s Fund in Detroit, Mich., and later in Tampa, Fla. He earned many awards for sales growth and management. Jim retired in Tampa and later moved to Frisco, Texas to be close to his family in Dallas.

Jim had a distinguished career in Arkansas, serving as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1951 to 1958. He served on the Little Rock School Board from 1962 to 1965, was President of the Little Rock Boys Club, and Chairman of the United Way of Pulaski County. He served on numerous boards and was dedicated to serving his community and state.

Jim was a founding member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock, Ark., where he served as a member of the Vestry, as Junior Warden, and as Senior Warden. He was active in church activities in both Detroit and Tampa, and later as a member of Christ Anglican Church in Plano, Texas.

Jim was a true Southern gentleman, always kind, generous, and forthcoming. He was a man’s man, athletic and fit. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed a good game of gin rummy with his friends. He was a former member of the Country Club of Little Rock and was the CCLR golf champion. He had strong family ties with all of his children and grandchildren, listening and leading them by example. His friends were many and loyal everywhere he lived and worked. His summers were spent at his family cottage on Lake Michigan at Epworth Heights in Ludington, Mich.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday at Christ Anglican Church in Plano. Interment will be at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock with a memorial service at 11 p.m. on Monday officiated by the Rev. Lisa Fry. Memorials may be made to Yale University, P.O. Box 2038, New Haven, Conn., 06521, or to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi, Little Rock, Ark. 72207.

Arkansas

ALEXANDER - Thomas Daniel Singley, age 77, of Alexander, died Thursday, September 13, 2012, at Little Rock CAVA Palliative Hospice. He was born December 5, 1934, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Sam and Estelle Singley, who preceded him in death. Tom was a tall gentle man who came to know the Lord as a boy in RA’s. A graduate of LR Tech, he served in the U.S. Army and was retired from Teletype (AT&T).

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Wilder Singley; two daughters, Joni (Jeff) Sohl and Lori (Bryan) Ware; one grand girl, Brianna Ware, all of Alexander; two brothers, Samuel Singley of Little Rock and Bobby Singley of Alexander; two sisters, Betty Curtis of Alexander and Sue Cardwell of Little Rock, and several nieces and nephews.

Tom was a deacon and a member of Bryant First Southern Baptist Church. He loved to sing; especially the old hymns. Tom had a second career in wood working. A friend once referred to him as “the other carpenter".

The family wishes to thank the staff at CAVA. No kindness went unnoticed.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 16, at Ashby Funeral Home. Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, September 17, at Bryant First Baptist Church with burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Rev. Jim Lagrone and Rev. Patrick Mead will be officiating. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

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BAUXITE - Peter J. Doran of Bauxite passed away on September 12, 2012, with his loving family by his side. He was born on July 25, 1948. For 40 years he was a BNSF Railroad Engineer, retiring in 2009. He is preceded in death by hisparents, James P. Doran, Pearl Keerps Doran, and his brother Michael Doran.

He is survived by his lovingwife Serena Doran; four daughters, Christine and husband Jamey, Joany, Shelly and Rachel; also six sons, Anthony and wife Hao, Robert Paul, Sam and wife Theresa, Adam and wife Jamie, Brandon and wife Kristi and Asa; also seven granddaughters, Kelsey, Becca, Alora Dale, Alora Gail, Zoe Jane, Adriana and Katelyn; seven grandsons, Christian, Paxton, Jared, Dylan, Isaac, Charlie, Alekzavier; and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly.

Peter enjoyed his grandchildren, games, and jokes and loved spending time with his family. He was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign Peter’s online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

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BEARDEN - Helen Lucille Mosley, 84, of Bearden died Thursday, September 13, 2012. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Bearden First Assembly of God Church with burial in Moss Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Proctor Funeral Home. To sign the online guest register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.

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BENTON - Ima Dee Curtis Yates, age 89, of Benton diedWednesday, September 12, 2012. She was born July 8, 1923, in Swink, Oklahoma. Ima was a retired LPTN and a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded indeath by her parents, Fred and Minnie Hathcock Curtis, husband, Dan Gilbert Yates, nine brothers and two sisters.

Survivors, sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth and Barbara Yates, Texas; Dan and Shelia Yates, Benton; Paul and Ora Lee Yates, Benton; Fred (Al) Yates and wife Janie, Benton; daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen (Cathy) and husband Mack Sides, Benton; brother, Murl Curtis, Hot Springs; sisters, Louise Carney, Centennial, Colorado; Ira B. Curtis, Dumas, Texas; nine grandchildren and eighteen greatgrandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Ashby’s.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Bolin Cemetery in Paron. Ministers will be Bro. Freddie Blohm and Bro. Vance Nutt.

Pallbearers: Wayne Hutchison, Don Benham, Philip Shepard, J. W. Deere, Joel McPherson, Jim Grubbs, Reuben Deere. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

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CARLISLE - A.C. Linn, born July 15, 1924, to Cassie and Carrie Linn of England, Arkansas, died September 14, 2012. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, a retired farmer, and also a member of Masonic Lodge #51. Preceding him in death are his parents, daughters Shirley Wyatt and Margaret Virginia Shipman, and grandson Richard Leon Goacher.

He is survived by his wife Zada Linn; daughters Mary Linn of Carlisle and Jennette Wilkins of Glendale, Arizona; four grandsons Brian and Greg Wyatt of Carlisle, Allen Goacher of North Little Rock and Tyler Wilkins of Glendale, Arizona; eight greatgrandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, September 16, at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 17, at the funeral home with Interment in Hamilton Cemetery. Online guest book, www.boydfuneralhome.net.

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CONWAY - Dr. John Robert Shell, of Conway, died Thursday, September 13, 2012. He was born August 16, 1925, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and was a son to Claude Irving and Eula Evelyn Hartsell Robertson Shell.

He is survived by his wife of 64years, Gwendolen Rees-Jones Shell.

John graduated from Pine Bluff High School and earned a BA in Economics and Bus. Admin., from Maryville College, in Maryville, Tennessee. Following college graduation, he worked in the family business, Shell-Ross Company & Seedsmen, in Pine Bluff. Even after formally leaving the family business, he continued as an inactive partner until the business was sold in 1974. Pursuing a call to the ministry, he left Shell-Ross and enrolled in Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas. He ultimately earned three degrees from the institution. The first was a Master of Divinity in 1954. He subsequently obtained a Master of Theology in 1961 and additionally earned a Doctorate of Ministry in 1979. Dr. Shell was ordained to the office of Deacon, Presbyterian Church, US, in Central Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff, in 1947. He also served for two years as Chairman of theBoard of Deacon.

After completing his doctoral studies, John and Gwen focused a portion of their ministry by helping couples work on enhancing their marriages and relationships. The Shells became certified counselors in marriage enrichment by the Association For Couples in Marriage Enrichment (ACME) in Winston Salem, N.C.

Dr. Shell was called to serve two pastorates during his ministry. He first served as pastor of the Presbyterian churches in Dermott and Tillar, Ark. In this capacity, he was ordained on July 11, 1954 as a Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church, US, and installed as Pastor of the churches in Dermott, and Tillar. They family moved from Dermott in 1958 when John was called to be pastor of First Presbyterian Church, in Conway, Ark. He was installed there in October 1958. He continued to serve the Conway church until he officially retired as pastor of the Conway church in early 1989. He was elected Pastor Emeritus on November 12, 1989, of the Conway church. During his years in Conway, John also served as Stated Supply Pastor of Cove Chapel Presbyterian Church in Martinville, Ark.

For two years following retirement, John and Gwen served as Volunteers in Ministry at Presbyterian Mo-Ranch Conference Center in Hunt, Texas. Following service at Mo-Ranch, John served as Interim Pastor at Presbyterian churches across Arkansas in Dermott, Walnut Ridge, Benton, Stuttgart, Clarksville, Mountainburg, Beebe, Mena, and Pine Bluff (Belair church).

In addition to his wife, Gwen, he is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth Jane Shell Hanschu and husband Dan of Neosho, Mo.; sons: Martin William Shell and wife Lee Ann of Los Altos, Calif., Paul Calvin Shell of North Little Rock, Ark., and Philip Andrew Shell and wife Leah of Little Rock, Ark.; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents, a son, John Robert (Bobby) Shell, Jr.; brothers, Claude Irving Shell, Jr. and Thomas Martin Robertson, and a sister Doris Elizabeth Robertson.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church in Conway with Rev. Drew G. Travis officiating. Interment will be 11 a.m. Monday at Shell Cemetery in Grant County, under the direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway (501-327-7727).

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Conway or your favorite charity. On line guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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DEWITT - Miriam Phyllis Jones Ridgway, 89, of DeWitt died Thursday, September 13, 2012. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 15 at DeWitt Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

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DEWITT - Joyce Marie Smith Steward, 73, of DeWitt, died September 13, 2012. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, September 16th, at Essex Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens. Visitation is 5-7 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.

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DUMAS - John Bennett Robertson, Jr. of Dumas, Arkansas, died September 14, 2012. Visitation held September 15, 5-7 p.m., Griffin Funeral Home Chapel. Services held 2:30 p.m., September 16, 2012, First Baptist Church, Dumas burial in Walnut Lake Cemetery. Memorials: First Baptist Church or Delta Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Griffin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

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FAYETTEVILLE - Sam Adams of Fayetteville, formerly of Newport, died Sunday. Survivors: children, Douglas Adams, Susan Adams Day and Scott Adams; their mother, Tillie Adams; a niece he raised, Rose Higgin; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; great-great-granddaughter; brother, Guy Dale Adams, sisters, Betty Coleman, Doris Ware, Joanne Burgess; nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation: Saturday, 1-3 p.m. Funeral: 3 p.m., Saturday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. www.jacksonsfh.com.

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FLIPPIN - Dorothy J. Rose, 102, of Flippin, died September 14, 2012. Funeral for Mrs. Rose will be 3:30 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2012, at Flippin Christian in Flippin, Arkansas. Visitation: 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Interment will follow at Flippin Cemetery in Flippin, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Burns Funeral Home, Yellville.

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FORDYCE - Marguerite Frances Johnson Cone, 97, of Fordyce, died Thursday. Graveside services are 10 a.m. Saturday at Leek Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

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FORDYCE - Karen R. Daniel, 55, of Fordyce died Tuesday, September 11, 2012. She was born June 4, 1957, in Fordyce, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents, John “Bill” William and Ludy Ruth Wagnon Gray; brothers, Roger Dale Gray and John Gray; sisters, Cynthia Gray and Jeanine Reaves and one niece, Trinity Ann Schwab.

She is survived by her husband, George L. Daniel of Fordyce; son, Kelly (Eva) Nance of Bearden; daughter, Kristal (Mike) Courtney of Camden; brothers, Randy (Brenda) Gray of El Dorado, DeMoyne (Elizabeth) Gray of Harmony Grove; three grandchildren, Johnathan Womack of Bearden, Amber Nance of Bearden, Kiera Courtney of Camden; mother-in-law and father-in-law, George and Ethel Daniel of Kingsland.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Burial at Williams Cemetery near Banks. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.

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GREENBRIER - Wavelon H. “Dutch” Yant, 84, of Greenbrier,passed from this life on Thursday, September 13, 2012. He was born on May 30, 1928, in Greenbrier, to the late Robert D. and Velva L. (Smith) Yant.

He was a loving father, bigbrother, and great uncle to all his nieces and nephews. He had a passion for singing County Bluegrass music. He owned a paint store for many years and retired from AmTran.

He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Johnson; step-son Ray Sturgeon; step-daughter, Debbie Sturgeon; four sisters, Helen Kokemuller, Del Simmons, Sandra Reeg, and Rue Yount; three brothers, Erby Yant, Landon Yant, and Dwayne Yant; two ex-wives, Frances Dickerson and Lucy Yant; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Dutch is preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert Yant; grandson, Jonathan Johnson; brother, Nathan Yant; and sister, Voneda Rice.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2012, in the chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier. Burial will follow at Cadron Valley Cemetery with Ricky Yant officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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HAMPTON - Robert Carl “Bear” Earnest, 61, of Hampton, died Thursday, September 13, 2012, at the VA Hospital in Little Rock. Graveside services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Earnest Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce/Hampton. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.

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JEFFERSON - Deborah Rene Cannon Wilson Roberts, 45, of Jefferson, passed away Saturday, September 8, 2012. Survivors: husband, Brian Roberts; son, Marvin Ray Wilson Jr.; daughter, Tiffany Daniel; grandson; mother, Patsy Cannon; maternal grandfather, Elmer Billingsly; and grandmother, Adeline Billingsly. Graveside 2 p.m. Monday, Memorial Park Cemetery by Cranford Funeral Home (www.cranfordfh.com).

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MABELVALE - Sandra Leah Haley Blamberg 52, of Mabelvale, went to be with the Lord on September 12, 2012, with her loving family by her side. She was born on October 17, 1959, in Huntsville, Alabama.

She was very devoted to her children and loved to cook and cross-stitch. She is survived by her loving husband, Bobby Blamberg, three sons; Kyle Weston Haley and his fiancee Carrie Jackson, Cody H. Blamberg and Robby R. Blamberg; five grandchildren; her loving mother Jackie Malloy Yelverton; and her loving father John Darrell Yelverton.

She will be dearly missed by her aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of family and friends. A celebration of her life will be heldon Monday, September 17, at 2 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. To sign Sandra’s online guest book visit www.dialanddudlyfuneralhome.com.

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MAGNET COVE - Jim Ballard, 72, of Magnet Cove, died Thursday, September 13, 2012. Survivors: wife: Charline Gentry Ballard; daughters: Dana Hughes and Debbie Gray; sister: Charlotte Loftin; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Visitation, Sunday, September 16, 2-4 p.m., Regency. Service: Monday, September 17, 10 a.m., Regency. Interment, Magnet Cove Cemetery. Arrangements: Regency Funeral Home. Guestbook: regencyfuneralhome.com.

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MAGNOLIA - Carol Marie Price Goza, 55, passed away Friday, September 7, 2012, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Little Rock, Ark. Graveside memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2012, at Marysville Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors with Rev. Larry Goza officiating. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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NEWPORT - Ruby Walker, 94, of Newport died Thursday. Survivors: sons, Garland, Jimmy and Jerry Walker; daughter, Betty Sides; daughter-in-law, Cherry Walker Hunter; twenty grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; three great-greatgrandchildren; and two special caregivers. Funeral: 10 a.m. Monday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Gracelawn Cemetery. Visitation: Sunday, 5-8 p.m. www.jacksonsfh.com.

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OLA - Patricia “Patsy” Ann Lewis Kimzey, 51, of Ola, was promoted to glory on September 12, 2012. A celebration of Patsy’s life will be at 2 p.m., September 15, 2012, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church at Birta. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday, at Humphrey Funeral Service, Russellville.

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OMAHA - Billy W. Mansfield, 75, Omaha died September 13. Survivors: wife, Wanda Jean Mansfield. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, at the Batesville Speedway in Locust Grove. Gathering of Remembrance from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 18, at Compass Church in Moorefield. Arrangements by Twin Lakes Cremation Society & Funeral Home.

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PINDALL - Ethel I. Mills, 83, died Wednesday at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville. Survived by two daughters, Shirley Tate and Geneva Daugherty. Graveside service 2 p.m. Saturday at Glencoe Cemetery near Pindall by Roller-Coffman Funeral Home of Marshall. No visitation. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Funeral services for Frances Geanette Madera Hoffman, 89, of 1302 Nebraska Street, who died September 13, 2012, at White Hall Nursing and Rehab Center in White Hall, Arkansas, are scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, September 17, 2012, at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with Stephen Harrison officiating. Burial will be inMeans Cemetery in Hampton, Arkansas.

She was born October 9, 1922, in Hampton, Arkansas. A daughter to the late Wiley Ellis Madera and Edna Florence Dalton Madera; both of Hampton.

She was raised and educated in Hampton and attended Hampton schools. She moved from Monticello to Pine Bluff in 1953 with her husband who was a welder for Central Moloney. She worked for Georgia Pacific Corporation for 28 years as an Inspector; retiring in 1985. She attended church at the Sixth Street Church of Christ for many years. In recent years, she attended Family Church in White Hall.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, George Travis Hoffman, who died in 1998; her brothers, John D. Madera of Houston, Texas, and Lawrence Madera of Harrell, Arkansas.

Survivors include her son, Randall Hoffman of White Hall; her Sister, Zora Madera Calvert of Warren, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Mark and Melissa Hoffman; two great-grandchildren, Cameron A. Roberts and Colton M. Hoffman; and a multitude of friends who knew and loved her.

The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, September 16th at the funeral home. Online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

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PLEASANT PLAINS - Harley Theodore Jaco Sr., 72, of Pleasant Plains died Thursday. Survivors: Wife, Leah Jaco; Sons, Harley, Tommy, John, Charles, and Jimmy Jaco; brothers: Le-Roy, Jimmy, Richard, J.B., and Leon Jaco. Service: 2 p.m. Sunday, Blackland Freewill Baptist Church, Pleasant Plains. Burial: Putman Cemetery by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, Batesville.Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Roller-Crouch. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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SEARCY - Virgil H. Lawyer, 88, of Searcy, died Sept. 13 at his home following complicationsfrom Alzheimer’s disease. He was born July 17, 1924, in McKenzie, N.D., to the late S.A. and Olive Lawyer. A 1942 graduate of Harding Academy and a 1946 graduate of HardingUniversity, he was also a retired minister and a retired professor of history at Harding. Following graduation he married Lou Dugger, and the couple spent five years in Japan, helping establish Ibaraki Christian College and High School. He received a Master of Arts in speech and history and political science from North Texas University in 1955 and did doctoral work while teaching speech at Texas Tech University. He also assisted in the establishment of Lubbock (Texas) Christian University in 1957. He was a member of the College Church of Christ, first in 1941 when his family moved to Searcy and since 1961 when they returned.

He joined the Harding faculty as dean of students and director of admissions. From 1972 until his retirement in 1989, he taught in the department of history. Also, in order to enhance the natural beauty of the Harding grounds, he initiated and directed the planting of azaleas and dogwoods throughout the campus. As a minister, he served churches in Fort Worth and Justin, Texas; Kennett, Mo.; and Step Rock, Pangburn, Forrest City, Heber Springs, and Coy, Ark.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, Lou Dugger Lawyer, he is survived by three daughters, Lauren Reese and her husband Mike of Fort Worth, Andee Cone and her husband Jimmy of Little Rock and Jan Underwood andher husband David of Searcy; six grandchildren, Beau Jennings, Blair Jennings, Patrick Cone and his wife Lauren, Alex Cone and his wife Krista, Matthew Underwood and his wife Liz, and Luke Underwood and his wife Juliana; great-grandchildren Eliot Cone and Anderson Underwood, and Ellie Underwood, soon to be born; a brother, Jack Lawyer ofConway and a sister, Mary Jo Ross of Austin, Texas, and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his twin brother Vernon and by six other brothers, Robert, Dean, Ray, Paul, Doug, and Kenneth Lawyer; and two sisters, Roberta Mitchell and Lois Conn.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, September 16, 2012 at the College Church of Christ by Roller-Daniel Funeral Home. The family will receive at a reception in the Family Room following the service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harding University Virgil and Lou Lawyer Study Abroad Scholarship Fund or the Campus Beautification Program, Box 12238, 915 East Market St., Searcy, Ark. 72149. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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SPRINGDALE - Hazel Ray, 84, Springdale, Ark., formerly of West Memphis, died September 12, in Springdale. She attended Richland Baptist Church. Survived by Max Ray, Russell Ray, Mitch Ray and Dan Ray. Services are 2 p.m. September 15, Cobb Funeral Home Chapel. Burial in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation 1-2 p.m. Sign guestbook, cobbfuneralhome.com.

Out-of-state

OTTAWA, Ill. - Joseph Dean Hudgins, 84, formerly of White County, died Friday. Services: 10 a.m. Monday, Powell Funeral Chapel, Bald Knob. Interment: Cedar Grove Cemetery, Floral. Visitation: 3-6 p.m. Sunday. Survivors: Wife, Rita; four daughters; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; five brothers; four sisters. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

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HOUSTON - Ethel Jaggers, age 81, of Houston, Texas, died September 11, 2012. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Saturday, September 15, at Rison Baptist Church. Visitation is 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday prior the Service at the church. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216. Online condolences: www.buiefuneralhome.com.

Arkansas, Pages 14 on 09/15/2012

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