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 Bulear Mae Carter, 90, of North Little Rock.

Jimmy David Clark, 44, of Little Rock.

Michael Deshun Spencer, 30, of Little Rock.

Ronald Wilhelm, 67, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS ARKADELPHIA Curtis Gentry, 63.

BEEBE Michael Lynn Green, 35.

BRYANT Bill N. Boston, 88.

CONWAY Helen Roberts, 81.

CROSSETT Ira Oree Blann, 94.

DELIGHT Rachel J. Witt, 92.

DeWITT Ruby LaFaye Doerpinghaus Spears, 83.

EL DORADO Tommy Lee Knight Sr., 81.

Lawrence Robert Mitchell, 85.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE Peter Farrell Wise, 77.

JONESBORO Velma Pepper, 81.

MARSDEN Myrtle Partman, 87.

McGEHEE Jeffrey Christopher Lazarus, 52.

PIGGOTT Gene L. Yates, 86.

PINE BLUFF Carl Lee Lowe, 77.

Patsy Ruth Savage, 71.

Ora Lee Smith, 94.

RUSSELLVILLE Gerald Jay “Skip” Christy Sr.

Alice Haggard Jones, 78.

SHIRLEY David Earl Bradford, 52.

SPRINGDALE Lillian Louise Cook, 90.

WARREN Patricia Dogan Parnell, 79.

WHEATLEY Mammie McKisick 101.

WHITE HALL Corey Fitzgerald Atkinson Sr., 43. WILMAR Sadie Mae Brown, 81.

WILMOT Albertine Vaughns, 74.

OUT-OF-STATE OWENS CROSS ROADS, Ala.

Minnie Ruth Faust, 79.

THOMASVILLE, Ala.

Nancy Rufus Burchfield, 85.

STILWELL, Kan.

Martha Ann Brown, 72.

Pulaski County

BULEAR MAE CARTER, 90, of North Little Rock, passed awaySaturday, November 30, 2013. She leaves to cherish her memory; children, Sylvester Chandler, and Savannah Brooks (Cecil); one sister, Carrie Mae Ravery; 10 grandchildren,14 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 9, 2013, 11:00am at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1200 Hanger Street. The family will receive friends Sunday, December 8, 2013 from 4-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Personal and Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com. “We Care, When Caring Counts”.

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JIMMY DAVID CLARK, born March 14, 1969, died Nov. 30, 2013. He loved his family, Tracy, Angelica, Christina, and Jimmy David Clark Jr. His memory will live on in us as good thoughts enter our minds his legacy will live through his children and his spirit will live on forever. Cremation arrangements by Weems Family Funeral Services, Carlisle, Ark.

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MICHAEL DESHUN SPENCER, 30, of Little Rock, passed Wednesday,November 27, 2013. He leaves to cherish his memory, parents Adoulph and Carrie Spencer; daughter, Kaleigh Spencer; one sister, Joynita Holt (Reginald); two nephews, Jordanand Jaylen Holt; a special friend, Keyana McClina. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, 12 noon at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, 805 Atkinson Street, North Little Rock. The family will receive friends today from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Personal and Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Drive (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com. “We Care, When Caring Counts”.

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RONALD RICHARD WILHELM, was born August 29, 1946 and died unpeacefully on December 3, 2013 after a long and miserable set of illnesses. He started work at the age of 8 delivering newspapers, graduated from high school at North Little Rock High and went on to spend 5 years in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller.

He continued his education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and later at the University of Nevada at Reno, Nevada. Upon returning to Little Rock, he started work at Merrill Lynch Securities as a bookkeeper and worked his way up to being a financial analyst and money manager.

He leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Virginia Booker Wilhelm. He also leaves behind a special cousin, Dennis Langel (Patti), of Boston and Dennis’ two children and two grandchildren. He also leaves behind his precious aunt Mary Carreiro of Fall River, Massachusetts.

Ron did not have business clients; he had friends who were clients. Special thanks go out to those who called and visited him over the last 6 months. Extra special thanks to David Morton, MD who was a good friend for 30 years, and Guy Yaniger. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Memorials may be made to CHAMP Assistance Group (Assistant Dogs), 4910 Parker Road, Florissant, Missouri 63033 or Pulaski County Humane Society or group of your choice.

At Ronald’s request, there will not be a service. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.

Arkansas

ARKADELPHIA - Curtis Gentry, 63, Arkadelphia passed December3, 2013. Survivors, his siblings, Maretta Collier, Annette Gentry, Madene Gentry, Gloria (Troy) Avanzato, Nathan (Michelle) Gentry, Marcella Johnson, Mary (Leotis) Snowden, Harold (LaTonya) Gentry. Services Saturday 11 a.m. Delight Church Of Christ, Delight. Cremation services by Williams Funeral Home. Sign guestbook at http://www.funeralsatwilliams.com/.

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BEEBE - Michael Lynn Green, 35 of Beebe died Tuesday, December 3, 2013. A gathering will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2013 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway. Memorial service will be Noon Saturday, December 7th at the First Assembly of God, North Little Rock. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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BRYANT - Bill N. Boston, 88, a longtime resident of Bryant, passed away Friday, November 29, 2013 after a long battle with Alzheimers. Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and was loved by all who were fortunate to meet him. He was born in Wichita, Kansas to Paul W. and Gladys E. Norris Boston, where he resided for forty-six years beforemoving to Arkansas. Bill worked in the data processing field, and then went into cemetery property and prepaid funeral sales. He worked for Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, followedby many years with the Griffin Leggett Funeral Homes and Cemeteries.

A U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, Bill was wounded during the sinking of the destroyer, USS Longshaw (DD-559), near the coast of Okinawa on May 18, 1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his courageous service to his country. He was also a veteran of the Korean War.

Bill was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Albert Pike Lodge in Wichita. He was also a member of the Park Plaza Lions Club and later, the Bryant Lions Club.

Preceded in death by his parents, his son, Dale Eric Boston, and his brother, Fred Boston, he is survived by his wife, Coyla Brooke Boston; daughter, Jolene K. Gilmore and husband, Brian; son, Greg Boston and wife, Sandy; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Bill loved spending time with his family and playing golf. He also loved to travel as long as he was able.

Visitation will be Sunday, December 8 from 2-4 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services with Military Honors will be Monday, December 9 at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Tina Brown. Interment will take place in Wichita at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimers Organization, Research Division, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fla. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601 or online at www.alz.org. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Bill’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

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CONWAY - Helen Roberts, 81, of aConway passed from this life on December 4. A Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Garden in West Helena. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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CROSSETT - Ira Oree Burchell Blann, age 94, of Crossett, Ark. passed away on December 4, 2013 at Cherry Ridge Skilled Nursing Facility. She was born on April 12, 1919 in Crossett, Ark. to her parents, Lawson Elliott and Myrtle Elizabeth Sutton Burchell. Mrs. Blann had been a paper tester for the Crossett Company. She enjoyed watching football, gardening, camping and fishing. Mrs. Blann attended Wallers Chapel Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Adam Elbert Blann; her parents and a sister, Ruby Jewel Gray.

Survivors include one son, Tony Elbert Blann and wife, Pam, one daughter, Remona Blann Bishop, all of Crossett, Ark. and four grandchildren Lance Blann, Lissa Bishop, Whitney Blann Atwood and Adam Bishop.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Jones Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Toby Austin officiating. Interment will follow at Carlock Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Ark. (www.jonesservice.com). Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday at Jones Funeral HomeChapel.

Memorials may be made to Paragould Children’s Home, 5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, Ark. 72450 or Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 83, Crossett, Ark. 71635.

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DELIGHT - Rachel J. Witt, 92, of Delight, Arkansas, died Monday,Dec. 2, 2013 at Via Christi Hospital in Pittsburg, Kan. She was born May 12, 1921 at Summerfield, Louisiana, the daughter of John William Nolen, Sr. and Grace (Arant) Nolen. She attendedand graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Louisiana Tech University. After college, she worked as a Home Demonstration Agent and school teacher. In addition, she helped run the family business, Witt’s Dry Goods, for many years.

On Feb. 10, 1949, she was united in marriage to John H. Witt at Summerfield, Louisiana. He preceded her in death on April 2, 1999. Mrs. Witt was a member of the Delight United Methodist Church. While living in Pittsburg, she attended the First Christian Church. She was very active in the Lions Club and PTA and volunteered tirelessly for the American Heart Association many other civic activities.

She is survived by a son, John Witt of Tulsa, Okla.; three daughters, Paige Cortes of Pittsburg, Amy Browder of Hamburg, Pa., and Barbara Witt of Surrey, England; six grandchildren, and two nephews, Nic and Jim Herlevic. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, John William Nolen, Jr., a sister, Maxine Herlevic, and a nephew, Jeffrey Merrill Nolen.

Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Delight United Methodist Church in Delight with Rev. Fred Hunter and Rev. Pamela Estes co-officiating. The benediction will be given by Rev. Jim Henderson. Burial will follow in the Delight Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. The family suggests memorials to the Lions Club International or American Heart Association. Online guest register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

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DeWITT - Ruby LaFaye Doerpinghaus Spears, age 83, died Dec. 4, 2013.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mack Spears; son, Donald Ray Spears; parents, Herman and Annie Doerpinghaus; siblings, Bill Doerpinghaus and Leona Inman. Survivors are children, Mickey Kindrick, Gary (Sharon) Spears, Shelia (Wade) Currie, Julie Spears, and Chip Spears; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Peggy (Norman) Eason.

Visitation will be today 1 to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church with funeral service following at 2 p.m. Burial will be in Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens by Essex Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 608 S. Grandview Dr., DeWitt, Ark. 72042.

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EL DORADO - Tommy Lee Knight, Sr., 81, of El Dorado, died Nov. 30 at his home. Memorial service 10 a.m., Saturday at Young’s Chapel. Services are under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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EL DORADO - Lawrence Robert Mitchell, 85, of El Dorado, died Nov. 26 at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Memorial service 2 p.m. Sunday at Young’s Chapel. Services under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. An online guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE - Peter Farrell Wise of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas died Nov. 29 from complications due to stroke at age of 77. Born Oct. 26, 1936 in Chicago to Edward Wise and Margaret Golden, the first of three children; followed by Sister Anne (Wise) Kidd of Appleton, Wisconsin and Brother Neal Wise of Austin, Texas. By age twelve, Peter lost both his parents.

He and his siblings were then raised by an uncle and aunt, Dr. Peter Golden and Dorothy Golden who preceded him in death. He excelled in sports, especially basketball and golf and competed at the Varsity and State tournament level. He served in the Army and was a MASH ambulance driver in Korea, hence his propensity for aggressive driving.

Peter earned an MBA from the University of Florida in Healthcare Administration. In 1960 he married Cynthia Rayburn and had four children, Peter, AllyCatherine, Patricia and Stephen. They divorced in 1976 and year’s later annulment was obtained. In 1993, he married Marilyn (Weierbach) Barr and embraced her children David, Gary, Teresa, and eventually grandchildren.

At age 62 he retired from Healthcare Administration and pursued his lifelong love of golf. Besides being an accomplished and sometimes temperamental player, he became a certified class A club maker. Always together with Marilyn who he loved dearly, they traveled the U.S. assembling a vast collection of classic clubs, gold club components, and friendships.

Besides marriage, family, work, golf, and key friendships, Peter defined himself by his Catholic faith and Irish Catholic heritage. Ultimately his strong faith gave him true peace.

A memorial mass and gathering will be announced in the coming year in Hot Springs Village. Peter’s humor, intelligence, guidance and driving will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the care of CedarVale Funeral Home. Guests may register at http://www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com/.

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JONESBORO - Mrs. Velma Pepper, 81 of Jonesboro, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2013. Graveside services will be Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Pine Log Cemetery. No visitation is planned. Services are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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MARSDEN - Myrtle Partman, 87, of Marsden, died Monday. Survivors son, Gregory (Mary) of Warren; siblings, Columbus of Marsden, Colonvia of Atlanta, Ga.; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Services Saturday, 1 p.m., Weary Rest Baptist Church, Marsden. Visitation Friday, 12:30-6 p.m. Marks Funeral Home, Fordyce.

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McGEHEE - Jeffrey Christopher Lazarus, 52, of McGehee, Ark. died Wednesday. Visitation 5-7 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2013 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, Ark. Funeral Services at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013 at First Assembly of God in McGehee, Ark. Burial at Dermott Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.griffinculpepper.com.

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PIGGOTT - Gene Yates, 86, of Piggott, Arkansas, passed away December 4, 2013. Services are December 7, 2013, at 2 p.m. Burial is in Piggott Cemetery in Piggott, Arkansas. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation begins at 11 a.m. until service time.

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PINE BLUFF - Mr. Carl Lee Lowe, 77, of Pine Bluff passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Funeral Service will be 10 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013 at New Morning Star MBC by Rev. Alvin Lowe. Burial will be in Prairie Lake Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. Online Register: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Patsy Ruth Savage, age 71, of Pine Bluff, Ark. died Wednesday, December 4, at her home. Funeral services 1:30 p.m. Friday, December 6 at Frazer’s chapel. Burial in Outlaw Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation 12:30 p.m. till service time on Friday at Frazer’s Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Mrs. Ora Lee Smith, 94, of Pine Bluff passed away on November 29, 2013. Funeral Service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013 Highland MBC by Rev. Christopher Mack. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Section of Graceland Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. Online Register: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

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RUSSELLVILLE - Gerald Jay (Skip) Christy Sr. of Russellville passed away Saturday, November 30, 2013. Survivors: wife, Doylene Christy; sons, Steven Foster and Clayell Christy. Memorial services: 2 p.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Cornwell Chapel, Dardanelle. Arrangements are By Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guest Book and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.

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RUSSELLVILLE - Alice Haggard Jones, 78, of Russellville died December 3rd. Funeral is 7 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2013, at Humphrey Chapel. Visitation 6 until service time Friday. Burial at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Council Hill Cemetery near Muskogee, Oklahoma by Humphrey Funeral Service of Russellville. The full obituary at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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SHIRLEY - David Earl Bradford 52, of Shirley, Arkansas passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013. He was born February 28, 1961 in Ozark, Arkansas to J.D. and Ruby Ann (Abercrombie) Bradford.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.D. Bradford. He is survived by his loving wife June Marie (Willits) Bradford of the home, mother, Ruby Ann Bradford of Clinton, Ark.; two sons, Rodney and Tish Bradford of Clinton, Ark.; and John B. and Jovita Crownover of Jacksonville, Fla.; two daughters, Kayla and Michael Roberson of Bee Branch, Ark.; and Joy Wright of Tulsa, Okla.; five grandchildren, Kaylea and Emma Roberson, and Isabelle, Dixie, and Justice Bradford, one sister, Sadie and Joe Cargile of Greenbrier Ark.; nephew, Jeremy Biggs, and many close friends.

Pallbearers: Rodney Bradford, Allan Bradford, Jason Bradley, Rory Bradley,and Michael Roberson. Honorary Pallbearers: Donald Bradford, Darrell Allen. Visitation will be 1 p.m. and Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 6, 2013 atFirst General Baptist Church Clinton, Arkansas. Burial will follow in Pee Dee Cemetery. Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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WARREN - Patricia Gayle Dogan Parnell, age 79, of Warren, Arkansas died Friday November 29, at Greenbrier. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday December 7, at Oakland Cemetery in Warren. Arrangements by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Online guests may register at www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

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WHEATLEY - Mammie McKisick, 101, of Wheatley, Ark passed away Nov. 28, 2013. Services will be December 8, 2013 at Wheatley Civic Center, 12 noon. Visitation is Saturday December 7, 5-7 p.m., at Mt. Zion MBC, Goodwin, Ark. Arrangements entrusted to Mc-Neal-Calahan Funeral Home: 208 E. Cedar, Brinkley, Ark.

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WHITE HALL - Mr. Corey Fitzgerald Atkinson Sr., 43, of White Hall passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Rose Hill MBC by Rev. Richard Hart. Burial will be in Canaan Cemetery at Tarry by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.Online Register: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

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WILMAR - Mrs. Sadie Mae Brown, 81, of Wilmar, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. She was born May 11, 1932 in Bolton, Miss. Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 7 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial in Campground Cemetery. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

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WILMOT - Mrs. Albertine D. Vaughns, 74, of Wilmot, Ark., died Friday, November 29. She was a retired teacher for the Hamburg School District. Survivors include her husband of 44 years, Peter Vaughns, two daughters, two sons, four grandchildren. Services are Saturday, December 7, 2013 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist in Wilmot. Burial in Second Baptist Cemetery under the directions of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg, Ark.

Out-of-state

OWENS CROSS ROADS, Ala. - Minnie Ruth Faust of Owens Cross Roads, Ala., formerly of Arkansas, age 79, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Whitesburg Gardens in Huntsville, Ala. Mrs. Faust was born and raised in Arkansas and moved to Alabama in 2009. She loved to sew. She made Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls for her friends. She also loved quilting, other crafts and gardening. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by her children Rodney Faust (Adela) of Owens Cross Roads, Ala. and Norma Pitts of Montrose, Ala., her grandchildren Colin Pitts, Corey Pitts, Lee Faust, Roy Faust and Sam Faust. She was preceded in death by her parents Roy Edward Lee and Louise Munger Lee and her son Mark Faust. There are no services planned at this time. Hampton Cove Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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THOMASVILLE, Ala. - Nancy Rufus Burchfield, 85, of Thomasville, Ala., died December 4, 2013. Funeral will be 11 a.m., Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Jones Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Pinewood Memorial Park under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Ark. (www.jonesservice.com). Visitation from 10-11 a.m., Saturday.

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STILLWELL, Kan. - Martha Ann Brown, 72, died November 21, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Gordon Brown of Scott, Ark. and her son Darryl Brown and his wife, Arlette of Bartlesville, Okla. She was a fun-loving, sweet and spunky lady who loved animals and especially her birds Gabby and Bongo and her little guy, Nutmeg. She was a floral designer for many years and flowers were always her passion. She adored pandas and penguins and was the type of friend who others counted on. She will be missed. Martha will be buried alongside her son, Kelly; they are now reunited after many years. Services honoring her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, December 7 in the chapel at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Ark. For those who care to, please send any donations in Martha’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.