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, arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.

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

Peter James Gee, 52, of Little Rock.

Kabineh Kabba, 52, of Little Rock.

Bonnie Lou Lawrence, 87, of Little Rock.

George Clinton Lovell Jr., 84, of Little Rock.

Lou Alice Puckett Patton, 74, of Little Rock.

Bonnie Jean Pool, 82, of Little Rock.

Thomas Shadeed (Belcher) Rasul, 65, of Little Rock.

Vinita Slagley, 82, of Little Rock.

Sheila Wells Stoner, 84, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

BALD KNOB Audrey Martin, 73.

BATESVILLE John Loseman Sr., 83.

CABOT Drexel Pierson, 72.

CROSSETT Yuvonne Chavis Thornhill, 67.

DES ARC Cannie Ruth Skarda, 82.

EL DORADO Princie Mae Murray, 90.

FAIRFIELD BAY Calvin L. Jacobson, 87.

FORT SMITH Mary Mitchell Couch Shipley, 85. HARRISON Patricia Porter, 72.

HEBER SPRINGS Sarah Louise Brown, 68.

LAKE VILLAGE Marjorie Eunice “Sugar” Bell, 87. LONOKE David Willis Williams, 30.

MALVERN Lewis “Dink” Spencer, 85.

Debra Kay Taylor, 57.

MARIANNA Betty Ann Hart, 71.

MAYFLOWER Stanford Lee “Stan” Myers, 76.

NASHVILLE Shirley Mae McGinley Evans, 82.

OAKLAND Loretta S. Yancey, 88.

PINE BLUFF Wanda Sue Grady, 60.

QUITMAN Etta Emerson, 97.

Fred Reed, 72.

REDFIELD Thomas Lester “Sonny” Taylor, 79.

SHERIDAN Dora Sue Robinson Doherty, 78.

Terry Ronald Green, 66.

YELLVILLE Mary Elizabeth Casper, 73.

OUT-OF-STATE

SHALIMAR, Fla.

Hazel Marie Pierce, 89.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.

Mary Myrtle Medearis, 97.

BARTONVILLE, Texas John Nelson Baker, 87.

Pulaski County

PETER JAMES GEE, age 52, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed awaysuddenly September 11, 2012 at Little Rock. He was born on July 9, 1960 in Liverpool, England to his parents Terry and Vera Connolly Gee.

Peter was the oldest of three. He was a longtime resident of Little Rock, Arkansas, for 23 years while employed by UAMS as an RN Physician Extender where he touched the lives of thousands of people as he looked after terminally ill cancer patients and their families. Peter enjoyed painting, animals, particularly his little dogs and his tropical fish. He loved films, was an avid reader and a real computer geek.

Peter will be remembered by his loving parents, Terry and Vera Gee of Warrington, Cheshire, England; two sisters, Kerry Jones (Glyn) of Hartford Cheshire, England and Susannah Stewart (James) Fairlie, North Ayrshire, Scotland; and four nieces, Emma, Naomi, Rachel and Rebecca. Peter is preceded in death by his loving partner, Michael Howard.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 661-9111 with Dr. Laura Hutchins officiating. Burial will follow at Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock. A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at the funeral home. To sign Peter’s online guest book, please visit www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

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KABINEH KABBA, 52, died September 14, 2012. Services will be this morning, Tuesday, at 9 a.m. atthe Islamic Center of Little Rock, 3223 Anna St., followed by interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Pine Bluff. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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BONNIE LOU LAWRENCE, 87, of Little Rock, passed away September 15, 2012. She was born December 25, 1924 in Cutler, Indiana, the daughter of John Leonard and Okle (Allen) Jervis. She was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy WAVES. She wasa homemaker and a member of Markham Street Baptist Church.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 61 years, Mack “Doc” Lawrence, and sister Gertrude Ricketts. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Beth Hannah and her husband Bill of Little Rock; son, John David Lawrence and his wife Beverly of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sister Virginia Paston of Elkhart, Indiana; grandchildren, David Hannah of Dallas, Texas, Kevin Hannah and his wife Wendy of Little Rock, Joshua Lawrence and his wife Leslie, Stacy (Lawrence) Brklacich and her husband Tony, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma; great-grandsons Hank, Sam and Max Hannah, Jake and Cade Lawrence, Brady, Chase and Mack Brklacich; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Chenal Heights Nursing & Rehab and Arkansas Hospice. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, September 20, 2012, in the chapel of the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

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GEORGE CLINTON LOVELL JR., 84, of Little Rock died September16, 2012. Born July 18, 1928 in Benton, Arkansas, he was the son of George Clinton Lovell Sr. and Ina Johnson Lovell. He retired as Staff Sergeant with the United States Air Force. A member of Mabelvale United Methodist Church, he enjoyed traveling and duck hunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters. Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Lovell, three sons, Archie Lovell of St. Petersburg, Florida, Phillip Alan Lovell of South America and Adam Lovell of Colorado Springs, Colorado; two brothers, Leon Lovell of Benton, Arkansas and John Lovell of Hot Springs, Arkansas; two sisters, Evelyn Keyes of Benton, Arkansas, and Louise Edwards of North Little Rock, Arkansas; a step-daughter, Vicki Patterson of Kansas City, Missouri; a step-son, Dennis Lynch of Columbia, Missouri; and several grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock, (501) 661-9111, with Rev. Bob Marble and Rev. Roy Edwards officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Mabelvale United Methodist Church, 10500 Woodman St., Mabelvale, Ark, 72103. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

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LOU ALICE PUCKETT PATTON, 74, of Little Rock, passed away Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home where she had resided following a stroke in 2008. Her daughters Jimmie Lou and Gena and her sisters-in-lawBettye and Rosalie were by her side when she left this world and went to Heaven.

Lou was born December 5, 1937 in Cave City, Arkansas, to the late Zela and Vern Puckett. Lou graduated from Cave City High School in 1955. She worked for many years in the family companies: M&P Equipment Co. and Jimmy A. Patton Contractor. Lou began working for the Linkous Co. which launched her 20 year career in real estate. She retired in 2004.

Lou’s true passion in life was always her family. Her four daughters and six grandchildren were her focus. She was never too tired to babysit, prepare a meal, sew or fold laundry. Lou was a member of the order of Eastern Star Brady Chapter 634 and a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Lou was preceded in death by her brother, Max Puckett; her daughter, Michelle Patton; and her son-inlaw Mike Wallace. She is survived by her daughters, Nita Patton and Jimmie Lou Wallace both of Little Rock, and Gena Case and husband Greg of Sarasota, Fla.; her grandchildren; J.T. Head, Portia Bradford, Austin Wallace, Aaron Wallace, Kaitlyn Case and Jack Honeycutt; and former husband of 37 years, Jimmy Patton. Lou shared a very special bond with her sisters-inlaw. They were like sisters for almost 50 years.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander, with Reverend Greg Kirksey officiating. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300.

The family would like to express their sincere and heart felt appreciation to the staff of Good Shepherd and especially the loving care that Gussie Lowe provided their mother for four years. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

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BONNIE JEAN POOL of Little Rock, Arkansas, was born in Marshall, Arkansas, March 17, 1930, to Palmer and Kate Wilcox. After graduating from Dardanelle High in 1947, she attended Baptist School of Nursing and worked as an RN at Baptist for 41 years. In 1951, she met Hubert Pool on a blind date. A few short months later, they were married. She was a member of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir.

Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruth (Garvin) Goyne; sister-in-law, Pearl (Jesse) Wheeler; brother-in-law, Raymond (Muriel) Pool; brother-in-law, Cecil Marshall; and great grandson, Matthew Jones. She is survived by her husband of 60 years; sister, Ethel (Ed) Riggin; brother, JJ Willcox; sister-in-law, Ruby Marshall; three children: Kathy Rodgers; Lee (Kathy) Pool; and David (Debbie) Pool; grandchildren: Ellie (Michael) Jones; Jacob (Elizabeth) Rodgers, Tiffany (Justin) Dreher; Rachel Pool; Kristin Pool and Magan Pool; Bobby (Chelsea) Ballinger; Michelle (Tim) Smith; great grandchildren: Christopher; Jeremy and Taylor Rodgers; Zoe Watson; Maranda, Katelyn, Bradlee and Jessica Jones; Olivia and Mason Dreher; Parker and Aubrey Pool; Kaden and Carter Ballinger; and Elizabeth, Jamie & Skylar Smith; one aunt, Corinne George. Other family and special friends: Marie Hinton; Michelle Leatherwood; Kenny (Brenda) Rodgers; and Kendra, Lisa (Robert) Martin and Brittany; Jennifer Morrow; the special ladies at Baptist Hospice: Ms. Pat, Ms. Christie; Ms. Mary; Ms. Dee Dee and Ms. Tina.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at Geyer Springs United Methodist Church, officiated by Dr. Reverend Candace Barron. Interment will be at 16th Section Cemetery in Austin, Arkansas. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 (501) 455-5800. Memorialsmay be made to Geyer Springs United Methodist Church Food Pantry. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

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THOMAS SHADEED (BELCHER) RASUL, 65, passed away on September 15, 2012. He was born on April 3, 1947, to the late Dr. Rufus Belcher and Mrs. Zettie Belcher in Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Belcher. Thomas Rasul graduatedfrom Scipio A. Jones High School, Class of 1965. He attended Jarvis Christian College and later joined the United States Army, where he would serve in the Vietnam War.

Thomas Rasul leaves to cherish his wisdom and his memories three sons: Mikal Rasul, Na’eem Rasul and Karim Rasul; one daughter, Zakiyyah Rasul, and a step-daughter, Staci Croom-Raley (Brian); four sisters: Aretha Belcher, Brenda Webb (Danny), Sharon Parks and Shirley Belcher-Perkins; four grandchildren: Alexis Taylor, Mikiya Rasul, Kaden Rasul and Joshua Raley; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Services will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (501) 372-4129.

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VINITA (LINGO) SLAGLEY, 82, of Little Rock, formerly of Swifton, died Saturday. Vinita lived in Lynn, Arkansas, the first 18 years of her life. She graduated from Lynn High School in 1948. She moved with her family to Swifton when her father became farm manager for Sen. Robert Harvey. She married Devurn Slagley in 1949. She and her husband both worked in farming for the next 20 years. Vinita was an avid gardener, raising and canning her own vegetables. She especially enjoyed gardening during her retirement.

From 1970 to 1997, she was employed at the Swifton School. She enjoyed working those many years at the school and enjoyed the children and staff that she saw everyday. The work at school was more than just a job to her; it was a very special part of her life.

September 2010 she moved to the Good Shepherd Retirement Center in Little Rock to be near her son and family. This was a tremendous change for her, but she adjusted well and made many friends at the Retirement Center.

Preceding her in death are one son, Tommy Lynn Slagley; grandson, Jeremy Slagley; sister, Juanita Crays; three brothers: Joe, Edward and Tommy Lingo. Survivors include: one son, Bob Slagley and wife, Jan, of Little Rock; brother, W.R. Lingo; sister, Francis Decker; and grandson, Jonathan Slagley.

Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Swifton First Assembly of God with visitation prior to service at 9 a.m. Interment will follow in Swifton Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

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SHEILA WELLS STONER, 84, formerly of Stuttgart, Arkansas, butrecently from Little Rock, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2012. Sheila was the daughter of Lewis Wells and Selma Long, and wife of the late Frank Orr Stoner.

She is survived by four children: Frank L.Stoner, Suzanne Parchman, Gwen Corson and Carrie Smith. She has seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She recently resided at Good Shepherd Senior Living Center and was attending church at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock. However, she attended church for many years and remained a member of Grand Avenue United Methodist Church in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

A funeral service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St., Little Rock, Ark., on Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. A private burial will be held at Stoner Family Cemetery in Parkin, Ark.

Memorials may be made in Sheila’s name to Grand Avenue United Methodist Church, 705 S. Grand Ave., Stuttgart, Ark. 72160. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com Arkansas

BALD KNOB - Audrey Martin, 73, of Bald Knob went to be withthe Lord Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012 at her home. She was born July 12, 1939, in Stuttgart a daughter of the late James Garrett and Mildred Irene Hildebrand Byers and was a very loving mother, grandmother,great-grandmother and wife. Audrey was a faithful member of the New Bethel Baptist Church, where she was involved in many activities. She was a 1957 graduate of Bald Knob High School and a very civic-minded person, having served numerous years as Girl Scout Leader and as a volunteer at the White County Medical Center in Searcy. She enjoyed quilting, gardening and cooking for family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Kenneth Martin; children, Marla Gurkin, Tanya Mullen and Marty Martin (Shelia); six grandchildren, Justin Wallace, Megan Glaze (Kris), Sara Wallace, Matthew Martin, Demi Gurkin and Garrett Gurkin; great-grandchildren, Jameson and Jemma Glaze; brothers, Gary Byers (Bobbie Ann) and James Byers (Ann); sisters, Dottie Byers and Priscilla Robinson.She was preceded in death by a sister, Jyme Byers.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home. Services will be conducted on Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 at 10 a.m. at the New Bethel Baptist Church with interment following in Shady Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

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BATESVILLE - John Loseman, Sr., 83, of Batesville died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012. Survivors: wife, Rosemary Loseman; son, John Loseman Jr.; grandchildren: Judy Loseman, Tiffanie Goodson, Andrea Mc-Murray, Robert Allan McKinney III; great-grandchild, Madelynn Rose McMurray. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Batesville, with private burial following services. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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CABOT - Drexel Pierson was born May 14, 1940, to Autis andAnna Pierson. Drexel left this life into the arms of his Lord on Sept. 15, 2012 at the age of 72. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cabot for 39 years.

Preceding Drexel in deathwere his parents; two brothers, C.C. and Vaughn Pierson, and loving son, David Pierson. Surviving him is his loving wife of 49 years, Freda; a wonderful daughter, Patty Pierson; two fantastic grandsons, Keith (Ashley) Pierson and Kyle Pierson (Fiancee Amber Davis) of Searcy; loving mother-in-law Myrtle Broyles; one sister, Barbara (Carl) Gillihan; one brother, Williard (Inez) Pierson; sister-in-laws, Beth Pierson and Leta Engle; one brother-in-law, Douglas Engle, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation Friday, Sept. 19, 2012, from 12 noon until 2 p.m., with the service at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Cabot with Brother Dick Avey officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel cemetery under the direction of Thomas Funeral Service. To send online condolences, visit www.thomasfuneralservice.com.

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CROSSETT - Yuvonne Chavis Thornhill, 67, of Crossett, died Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Pine Forest Missionary Baptist Church, with burial in Prairie Grove Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at the church. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.joneshartshorn.com.

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DES ARC - Cannie Ruth Skarda, 82, of Des Arc died Sunday,Sept., 16, 2012. She was born Jan. 20, 1930 in Paris, Ark., to Claron and Natalie (Walt) Childress.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe Skarda,and a great-grandson, Christian Whittaker. She is survived by four sons: Mike (Karan) Skarda, Britt (Karen) Skarda, Pat (Linda) Skarda, Scott (Deborah) Skarda; a very special brother and sister-in-law, Claron “Buddy” (Ann) Childress; five grandsons: Peter, Casey (Leah), Corey (Candace), Abram, Adam; six granddaughters: Shannon (Marc) Pelletier, Ginger (Chris) Whittaker, Natalie (Brent) Staley, Brittany (Nick) Lord, Kelcie (Tyler) Huffstickler, Audrey (Drew) Mitchell; 11 greatgrandchildren, and several nephews and nieces. Her sons are officiating.

Cannie was blessed with a generous Christian spirit and a wonderfully “wicked” sense of humor. Pallbearers are Peter Skarda, Casey Skarda, Corey Skarda, Adam Skarda, Abram Skarda, Lucas Childress, Levi Childress. Visitation is 6-8 Tuesday at Garth Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19 at Gospel Mission Church in Des Arc with burial in Lakeside Cemetery by Garth Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the church of your choice or any charity. On-line guest register www.garthfuneralhome.com.

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EL DORADO - Princie Mae Murray, 90, of El Dorado passed away Sept. 15, 2012. Visitation will be today from 6 to 8 p.m. at Young’s. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at Young’s Chapel. Burial will follow at Conway Cemetery in Conway, La., under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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FAIRFIELD BAY - Mr. Calvin L. Jacobson, 87, of Fairfield Bay, Ark., died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012. He is survived by his brother, Randy Jacobson, and a niece, Terri Ann Joens, both of Iowa, and many close friends and relatives. Cremation arrangements by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Ark. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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FORT SMITH - Mary Mitchell Couch Shipley died Saturday, Sept.15, 2012. She was born June 7, 1927, in Little Rock and was predeceased by her first husband, William Couch of Hot Springs. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith and wasactive in her church and community.

A memorial service will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at First Methodist Church Sanctuary in Fort Smith. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

She is survived by her husband Harry; four daughters, Mary (and Mark) Moll of Fort Smith; Christiann (and Don) Downing of Atlanta, Ga.; Jessie Couch of San Carlos, Calif., and Elizabeth (and Eric) French of Shepherdsville, Ky.; and four grandchildren, Thomas (and Meredith), Mary and Catherine Moll and Mary Lowell Downing; three stepchildren, Ben (and Lane) Shipley of Fort Smith; Frank (and Mary) Shipley of Crossville, Tenn.; and Heather (and George) Vent of Rockwall, Texas; and six stepgrandchildren, Margaret, Caroline, Benjamin, Meredith and Reid (and Margo) Shipley and George Vent.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Chapter F PEO and members of the Builders Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to either, the First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th, Fort Smith, Ark. 72903 or The Salvation Army, 301 North 6th, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901. To place online tributes, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

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HEBER SPRINGS - Sarah Louise Brown passed away in the BaptistMedical Center in Little Rock on Sept. 14 after a valiant fight against breast cancer. She was born Nov. 9, 1943, in Crawfordsville, Ark., to the late James Clovis Baxter and Maggie Loraine(Houston) Baxter. She graduated from Crawfordsville High School, where she was a standout basketball player and cheerleader for the football team. She attended Draughon Business College in Memphis, Tenn., and married Don Brown in 1964. She has been the office manager at Heber Springs Clinic for the past 32 years.

Sarah was better known as “Momma” to her children, “Nana” to her grandchildren and “Brownie” to many of her friends. She was loved by so many and touched the lives of everyone she met. Her love and energy were boundless. She had a large extended family of people that considered her a second mother, mentor and friend. She was an amazing cook, was blessed with a beautiful voice and her positive, selfless way of living was infectious. The joy of her life was spending time with her grandchildren and going to watch their football/basketball/baseball/ softball/soccer games, dance and choir programs.

Sarah was a strong faithful Christian woman who passed peacefully into God’s arms with her children by her side. For many, this world will not be the same without her in it. She will be missed desperately by all that loved her.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Ray Baxter of Olive Branch, Tenn. She is survived by her husband, Donald L. Brown of Heber Springs, Ark., and her three children, Wayne Brown and his wife, Angela of Greenbrier, Ark., Elizabeth (Beth) McDearmon and her husband Todd of Greenbrier, Ark., and Brian Brown and his wife Crystal of Conway, Ark.; two brothers, Houston Baxter of West Memphis, Tenn., and Doug Baxter of Collierville, Tenn.; threesisters, Sue Allensworth of West Memphis, Ark., Pat Kennedy of Savannah, Tenn., and Jackie Chaney of Crawfordsville, Ark., as well as her 10 grandchildren, Jacob, Erica, Sean, Brianne, Dylan, Grant, Hunter, Halle, Jackson and Faith. Sarah is also survived by other relatives and many friends.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. at Olmstead Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012 at 10 a.m. in the Quitman Baptist Church with Bro. Bennie Foster and Bro. Bill Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.

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LAKE VILLAGE - Marjorie Eunice “Sugar” Bell, age 87, of Lake Village, died Monday, September 10, 2012, at her home in Lake Village. She was born March 27, 1925, in Holcomb, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Edward Bell and Ruby Minyard Bell and was a retired secretary and a Baptist. She is survived by a sister, Ruby Joyce Bell of Lake Village, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Tuesday September 18, 2012, at Bishop Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at Bishop Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mark Rowland officiating. Burial will follow in the Lake Village Cemetery, under the direction of Bishop Funeral Home of Lake Village. www.bishopfuneralhomeinc.com.

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LONOKE - David Willis Williams, 30, died September 14, 2012. He is survived by his parents Gerald and Carol Williams; one daughter, three brothers, and five sisters. One brother precedes him in death. No service is planned at this date. Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. www.boydfuneralhome.net.

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MALVERN - Lewis “Dink” Spencer, 85, of Malvern, born August 9, 1927, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on September 16, 2012. Visitation: Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 6-8 p.m., Atkinson Chapel. Funeral services Thursday, September 20, 2012, 10 a.m., Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel, Malvern, Ark. Interment: Cooper Cemetery Guest register www.Atkinsonfuneralhome.net.

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MALVERN - Debra Kay Taylor, 57, Malvern, died Thursday.

Survivors: mother, Bobbie James; daughters, Rashada, Katara, Kenya and Cierra Taylor; 11 grandchildren; sister, Karen McCloskey; motherin-law, Odelia Lock. Services Wednesday, 11a.m., Greater New Hope Baptist Church. Services by Williams Funeral Home-Arkadelphia. View video tribute and sign guest-book at www.funeralsatwilliams.com.

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MARIANNA - Betty Ann Hart, 71, of Marianna, Arkansas, passed away September 16, 2012. Betty is survived by her husband, James Ed Hart of the home; six sons and four daughters; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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MAYFLOWER - Stanford Lee Myers (Stan), 76, of Mayflower,previously of North Little Rock, left this earth to be with his heavenly Father, September 14, 2012. He was born April 26, 1936, in Algoma, Wisconsin, to Harold and Natalie Myers.

Stan had battled Multiple Myeloma cancer for 18 months but actually died of a heart attack. Through it all he was still able to give praise to his Lord for carrying him through the hard times. He was a Korean War Veteran having served in the Air Force for four years.

Stan had been an insurance salesmen in the North Little Rock and Little Rock area for many years before retiring in 2001 to take care of his father. He took great pride in being able to help his clients with their insurance needs.

For the past four years he had lived in Mayflower and was a member of Central Baptist Church in Conway. Prior to that he had been a member of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock for 25 years where he taught preschool Sunday School classes for 20 years.

Stan had a great love for building and flying model radio controlled gliders. He spent many happy hours at the sod farm in Scott with his flying buddies, especially his dear friend Keith Maddison.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law, Mary Gossard, and foster daughter, Tammy McGee. Survivors left to cherish memories of Stan include, his wife of 53 years, Mary Jo Goodman Myers, of Mayflower; sons, Scott Myers (Kimberly), of Maumelle, Mark Myers (Luann), of Mayflower; granddaughter, Amanda Myers, of Mayflower; step-grandchildren, Wendi Blanton (Kevin) of Beebe, Joseph Francis (Kala) and stepgreat grandchildren, Bailey, Hailey, Kailey Jo and Ethan. He is also survived by a sister, Barbara Balliet, of Elk Grove, California; brother-inlaw, Robert Goodman (Mary Jane), of Springdale, as well as aunts,cousins, nieces and nephews.

Special thanks is extended to the medical and support staff of the VA Hospital in Little Rock for the excellent care given to Stan over the years, especially his cancer doctor, Muhammad A. Khan, M.D. The family also wishes to express gratitudeto the members of the “Young at Heart” class at Central Church in Conway for their ministry to Stan during his most recent illness.

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Baptist Children’s Homes, P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, Central Baptist Church, Music Program, 3333 Dave Ward Drive, Conway, Arkansas 72034 or Park Hill Baptist Church, Children’s Ministry, 201 East C Avenue, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday in the North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Burial will be in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

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NASHVILLE - Shirley Mae Mc-Ginley Evans, 82, of Nashville, formerly of Benton and Bryant, died September 15, 2012. Graveside services 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2012, at Pinecrest Cemetery, Bryant, under the direction of Nashville Funeral Home. Online guestbook; www.nashvillefh.com.

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OAKLAND - Loretta S. Yancey, 88, a resident of Oakland, passed away Saturday, September 15, 2012, at the Baxter Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at the Conner-Hankins Funeral Home Chapel. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.conner-hankinsfuneralhome.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Mrs. Wanda Sue Grady, 60, of Pine Bluff passed away Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012. Services will be Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012, at Brown Funeral Home Chapel by Bobby Young at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.

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QUITMAN - Etta Emerson, passed away at age 97. Survivors: daughters Willie Wilkinson and Barbara Parks Crenshaw of Quitman; son, Carl Jones of Amarillo, Texas; many grandchildren, greatgrandchilddren and great-greatgrandchildren. Memorial Services Saturday, September 22, at 11 a.m., Family Funeral Service Chapel in Heber Springs by Phillip Trusty. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

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QUITMAN - Fred Reed, age 72, passed away Saturday. He was a Baptist and enjoyed his family and friends. Survivors: wife Dovie of Quitman, eight children, four brothers and sisters, 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Graveside services Thursday, 2 p.m., Goodloe Cemetery, Quitman by Family Funeral Service of Heber Springs. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

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REDFIELD - Thomas Lester “Sonny” Taylor, 79, of Redfield, Arkansas (Orion Community) went to be with Jesus on September 15, 2012 at UAMS. He was born on February 23, 1933 to the late Lester Ardell Taylor and Johnnie Saline Camp Taylor. In addition to hisparents, he was preceded in death by a son, Thomas “Tommy” Taylor Jr., a sister, Mary Saline Dickens and brothers, J.W. Taylor and Benny Taylor.

He was a very dedicated Christian man, father, husband, grandfather and papaw who loved the Lord. He was a member and retired Deacon of Orion Missionary Baptist Church in Redfield, Arkansas. He had a loving and giving heart, always wanting and giving hugs and shaking your hand. He never met a stranger and loved to talk about the Lord, his service time and his heritage. He retired from the United States Navy after 20 years of service all over the world and the Unites States as a Chief Petty Officer. He served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as peace time. He loved his country, was very patriotic, and was committed to representing the U.S. Navy in every way possible. He was a skilled carpenter and millwright for many years and worked at NCTR. Even after two strokes and other medical problems, he continued to be as active as possible. He always loved working with his hands and he was determined to do as much as possible even with his disabilities.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Annie Harlene (Owen) Taylor of Redfield; Son, Joseph A Taylor and wife May Ellen of Muldrow, OK and a daughter, Sandra Taylor Smith of Redfield; Six grandchildren, Charity, Melanie, Bethany, Gabe, Jordan, Alex and Abigail. Two great-grandchildren, Kyrie and Travis; a sister, Shelba Taylor Parker and husband Jim of Andrews, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, friends and church family.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at Orion Missionary Baptist Church in Redfield with Bro. Jimmy Easley, Bro. John Mooney, and Bro. Jerry Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Orion Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Mike Owen, Jeremy Rook, Edgar Porter, Neal Porter, Adam Ashley, Andy Ashley, Mike Hood, Kenny Ashley, Ted Owen, and David White. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

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SHERIDAN - Dora Sue Robinson Doherty, 78, of Sheridan died Saturday. Survivors: daughters, Carolyn, Pauline; daughter-in-law, Linda; three grandchildren, Angie, Wendy and Leslie; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Wilma and brother, Calvin. Funeral: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Chapel. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan, (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

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SHERIDAN - Terry Ronald Green, 66, of Sheridan, Arkansas, died Saturday. Survivors: wife, Anne Green; step-sons, Stephen; Terry; step-daughter, Debra Lynn;sister, Delores Kingston; nephew, Cody Kingston. Funeral: 10 a.m., Wednesday, chapel. Burial: Marvin Chapel Cemetery. Visitation: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan, (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

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YELLVILLE - Mary Elizabeth Casper, 73, of Yellville, formerly of Mt. Judea, died Sunday in Yellville. Arrangements are private under the direction of Conner-Hankins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family of Mary Elizabeth Casper. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.conner-hankinsfuneralhome.com.

Out-of-state

SHALIMAR, Fla. - Longtime Shalimar, Florida resident HazelMarie Pierce, 89, passed away in her sleep at Holmes Regional Hospital, Melbourne, Florida after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, M. Sgt. Ralph G.Pierce, in 1997 and beloved grandson, Ryan in 2001. She is survived by her son and daughter in-law, Ron and Denise Pierce, Indialantic, Florida, daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Tony Calderone of Huntington Beach, Calif., and three grandchildren, Justin, Philip, and Tanner. A brother, Arthur Allen, Stuttgart Arkansas, also survives.

As a loving, soft spoken lady, and devoted military wife, Mrs. Pierce traveled to deployments in England, The Philippines, and several domestic assignments with the culmination of these relocation’s to Eglin A.F.B., Florida. M Sgt. Pierce retired from Eglin in 1973. The family maintained residency at nearby Shalimar thereafter.

Many interests fulfilled her life. Maintaining 60 years of membership in the Eastern Star, and active participation in activities at Cinco Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach, Florida were particularly noteworthy. A keen interest in sports was a hallmark to all who new her. Daily perusal of the broadcast schedule for the Braves, Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, and Duke Basketball teams fulfilled many hours. Her favorite channel was ESPN, and she never met a basketball or football game she didn’t like. Marie played organized Girls basketball throughout her youth. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation and services will begin 10 a.m. at Cinco Baptist Church on Thursday, September 27, with burial following at Beal Memorial Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Mary Myrtle Medearis, 97, ofSaratoga Springs, N.Y., passed away peacefully of natural causes early Sunday morning, September 16, 2012, at Wesley Health Care Center.

Mary’s father was an Arkansas country doctorduring the depression, and her mother was a piano teacher. Surrounded by music all her early life, she decided to attend Juilliard School of music in New York, where she graduated in 1937. She married Richard F. Reeves and lived first in Somerville, N.J., and then Gwynedd Valley, Pa.

In 1941 she wrote a best-selling novel about her Arkansas days and her parents and family, titled Big Doc’s Girl. She spent her life teaching piano, eventually moving to Boulder, Colo., and then to Washington, Ark. While there, she helped found the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives, serving as its Director for a number of years. She also spent several years as a “writer-in-residence” at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., before retiring and moving to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in 1996 to be near family.

Mary was pre-deceased by her former husband, Richard F. Reeves, her sister, Melicent Kate Medearis, and her brother, Robert Anderson Medearis. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Louella Medearis Michnewicz of Denver,Colo.; sons Richard E. (Dorcas) Reeves of Huntsville, Ala., and Robert Anderson (Barbara) Reeves of Ballston Spa, N.Y.; daughters, Phoebe Elizabeth Wood of San Antonio, N.M., and Mary Jennifer (Mark) Allen of Kalispell, Mont. Also surviving are seven beloved nieces and nephews, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mary will be remembered by her family and all those friends who knew her, for her unquenchable positive attitude towards life, and her ability to see the good in everything. At Mary’s request her body is being donated for medical research at the Albany Medical Center; a memorial service will be arranged in the near future in her home state of Arkansas.

The family is eternally grateful to all the wonderful care-givers at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs: their warmth and human compassion are unequalled anywhere. Memorial contributions may be sent in Mary’s name to: The Wesley Foundation, Wesley Health Care Center, 131 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 12866. Please indicate “memory of Mary Medearis” in the memo line.

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BARTONVILLE, Texas - John Nelson Baker, 87, of Bartonville, Texas died Saturday. Survivors: wife, Aileen Baker; daughters: Nancy Harris, Beverly Barnes, Colyn Bryant, Sandy Sticha; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Services: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Charlotte Church of Christ. Burial: Hopewell Cemetery, Cord, by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home, Batesville. Visitation: 1-2 p.m., Tuesday at church. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

Arkansas, Pages 10 on 09/18/2012

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