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

Jan Whitmore Alter, 65, of Little Rock. Versie Scott Barnes, 99, of Little Rock. Bridgette Ann Burkhart, 54, of Little Rock. Tyrone Dillard, 67, of North Little Rock. Emma Jean Durnal, 85, of Sherwood. Rudolph Eagle of Little Rock. Guy Forrest Gardner, 63, of Little Rock. Margaret Garner, 60, of Jacksonville. Jim Harris Jr., 65, of Little Rock. Mildred Marie Lewis Hubbard, 82, of North Little Rock. Searcy Jackson, 73, of North Little Rock. William R. Lowe, 44, of Jacksonville. Brandon Preachers, 27, of Little Rock. Rawleigh Hazen Yates Ralls, 34, of Little Rock. Charles Randel, 85, of Maumelle. Cedric Lamont Reeves, 37, of Little Rock. Linda Poole Schock, 59, of North Little Rock. Margaret Ann Porbeck Smith, 85, of Little Rock. Martha Helen Williams, 89, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

ALEXANDER

Karen J. Ramos, 57.

ARKADELPHIA

Florida Mae Conner Gillette, 85.

BALD KNOB

Wilma Earline Vanoven, 61.

BATESVILLE

Mabel Ford Sinele, 89.

BEEBE

Matthew Blaze Young Boldin, infant.

BENTON

Nettie Ruth Mauldin, 78.

CLARENDON

Lee Chester “L.C.” Hardy Sr., 83.

CONWAY

William Kimbrough Manning, 87.

DARDANELLE

William Randall Guthrie, 61.

DeWITT

John Henry Gammon, 81.

DIAMOND CITY

J. Austin, 76.

ENGLAND

Viola Martin Mitchell, 84. Juanita Sims Ward, 88. Mamie Wohner, 85.

FAIRFIELD BAY

Larry D. Wood, 57.

FAYETTEVILLE

James Edward Scroggs, 87.

FIFTY SIX

Ilene N. McConnell, 83.

HEBER SPRINGS

J.W. Futrell, 79.

HINDSVILLE

Velma Gertrude Bolin, 85.

HOT SPRINGS

Wanda May Cozort Slaton, 83.

LAKEVIEW

Charles “Chuck” Stark, 57.

LONOKE

HD Rollins, Jr., 93.

MALVERN

Bobby Mathews, 73.

MAYFLOWER

Leroy Credit, 63.

MONTICELLO

Floyd Lenard Daniels, 86. Ruby Jewel Wells, 84.

MORRILTON

Betty Lou Dixon, 74.

MOUNTAIN HOME

Garold E. Flock, 90.

PERRYVILLE

Mary Melvina (Jones) Johnson, 88.

PINE BLUFF

Roderick Duane Dolls, 28. Edith Ray Bogy Fowler, 92.

SALEM

John Albert Stone, 71.

SCOTLAND

Willie T. “Bill” Morris, 76.

SEARCY

Bettye L. Ray, 78.

SHERIDAN

Elbert Lynn Valentine, 70. Norman Scott Weyer, 53.

SPRINGDALE

David Lee Mercer, 61.

STUTTGART

Rex Edward Boston, 8. Anthony Davon Thurmond, 19.

TUCKERMAN

Verbeth Davis Coe.

OUT-OF-STATE

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.

William Otto Porter, 96.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.

James L. Kittle, 68.

DECATUR, Ill.

Vernon Harry Patton, 62.

BOULDER CITY, Nev.

Williamson Glenn “Bill” Bass, 85.

FAIRVIEW, Tenn.

John Ronald Combs, 81.

IRVING, Texas

Dewana Clegg Clayton, 44.

MINERAL WELLS, Texas

Oren Ray Hunsaker, 81.

Pulaski County

JAN WHITMORE ALTER, 65, of Little Rock passed away December 9, 2013. She was born in DeWitt, Ark., September 26, 1948 in the clinic above Hampton Drug Company.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Thelma Whitmore and is survived by her two daughters, Shell Wilburn Cameron and her husband John Cameron of North Little Rock and Brie Alter and her husband Matthew Duvall of North Little Rock; her sister, Robin Maddox Dean and brother-in-law Gary Dean of North Little Rock; her brother, Kirk Whitmore and sisterin-law Mary Nell Whitmore of St. Charles, Ark.; and many nieces & nephews.

Jan was a long time employee of DeWitt Bank & Trust and a life-time member of the United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, growing things, and cross-stitching, but she LOVED Razorback Basketball, the White River Prairie, and all homeless animals.

Memorials can be sent to the ASPCA at http://www.aspca.org/ donate or your local Humane Society in her name. A memorial service will be held for her at the First United Methodist Church in DeWitt, Arkansas on Friday, December 13, 2013 at 1 p.m. For online condolences and guest register please visit www.cremationsofarkansas. com.

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•–––––VERSIE SCOTT BARNES, of Little Rock, finished her mortal journey at the age of 99 on December 9, 2013 in Sherman, Texas. Versie was born May 8, 1914 to James C. and Dicey Curtis Scott near Hector, Ark. She was the second oldest of 11 children and the last remaining member of that family.

Preceding her in death were husband Garner Ray Barnes, infant daughter Marian Rae Barnes, and son, James William (Buddy) Barnes. She is survived by two daughters, Geneva Horton and Kathy Doggett of Sherman, Texas, and son Jerry Barnes of Poulsbo, Wash. She was grandmother of 13, great-grandmother of 26, and great-great-grandmother of two.

Services will be held at Ironton Baptist Church in Little Rock on Friday, Dec. 13. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. Burial and brief graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. at Tyro Cemetery near Star City, Ark. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home, a Smith Family Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.smithfamilycares.com.

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•–––––BRIDGETTE ANN BURKHART, 54, of Little Rock, Ark., born August 14, 1959, passed December 7, 2013. She precedes her parents; mother, Margaret and Wes Ziegler, father, James and Anita Castleberry. She is survived by her loving children, daughter Cortney Marchbank Clements, sons, Ryan and Adam Burkhart; and the love of her life, her granddaughter, Sadie Burkhart. Bridgette who was lovingly called “BiBi” also leaves behind her brothers, James, Brian, Chris and Nick Castleberry, and sister, Theresa Castleberry Webre and their families.

Bibi lived her life with compassion and those who knew her will never forget. Bibi was always the one to look out for others and think of them before herself. Her children were her life and all that she needed or wanted. Her dreams were not of this world rather the memories she made while in it. Never was there anyone who could see so much or make so much out of so little. She asked for nothing and gave everything. We will all miss you Bibi, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Go in peace and thank you for having blessed us all with your loving spirit.

A memorial celebration of Bibi for family and friends is planned for a later date and the family will pass that information once plans have been finalized. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Harmony Health Clinic at 201 E. Roosevelt Rd., Little Rock, Ark. 72206 or online at www.harmonyclinicar. org. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares. com.

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•–––––TYRONE DILLARD, 67, of North Little Rock, passed away on December 6, 2013. Loving memories are left to his devoted wife Glady’s; Dillard daughters Venita Winston-Bias (Wayne), Andrea Jenkins and Heather Davis; sons, Tyrone Gardner and Arlon Jenkins (Danyale); grandchildren, Patrick, Justin, Deyonte, Brandon, Jostin, Dillon, Kassidy, and Arlon; siblings, John, Grant (Cynthia), Barry Dillard, Janice, Johnnie (Victor), Willie Mae, Mattie and Vanessa; goddaughter, Marion; stepson, Thomas (Carol). Family hour Friday December 13 6-7 p.m. at 15th Street C.O.C., 915 Curtis Sykes Dr. Homegoing Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m. at McAlmont C.O.C., 1824 East 46th, N.L.R. Online guestbook superiorfuneralservices.com. Superior Funeral Service, 5017 East Broadway, (501) 945-9922. Trudean Long Brown “Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”

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•–––––EMMA JEAN DURNAL, 85, of Sherwood went to be with Jesus on Monday, December 9, 2013. She was born in Cotton Plant, Ark., to the late Elbert Porter and Frances Roden Welch. She is preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Lloyd Durnal and Hollis Zane Barentine; two sons, David Wayne and Dennis Zane Barentine; and a daughter, Christina Barentine.

Emma was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and was a Sunday school teacher for many years. Emma was known to make a pot of Chicken and Dumplings for someone who was sick or a friend that lost a loved one, she was the first one there with a helping hand and a heart full of love and kind words. She retired as bookkeeper and cashier also owned and operated Jean’s Pie Shop in Cabot. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by three daughters, Janie L. Hansen (Bob), Connie Taylor (Buddy) and Joy Stoneking (Steven).

Graveside service will be 11 a.m., Friday, December 13, 2013 at Bayou Meto Cemetery in Jacksonville. The Family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, December 12, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd. North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501) 791-7400.

The family wishes to thank everyone at Sherwood Nursing and Rehab for their loving care of their mother. We pray God will bless each one in a very special way. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ owens.

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•–––––RUDOLPH EAGLE departed this earthly life on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013, in Florence, Ariz. He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Rudolph Antoine Eagle, Calvin Lee Eagle; and a daughter, Tasha Veronica Eagle, all of Little Rock. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, 1 p.m. at Covenant of Zion Cathedral Church, 3023 W. 12th St., Little Rock. Local arrangements entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. (501) 372-4129. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.

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•–––––Dr. GUY FORREST GARDNER, 63, passed away on Dec. 9, 2013. He was born on June 7, 1950, in Russellville, Ark. His parents were Betty Lemley Gardner and Dr. Ellis Gardner.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Brigita Krasts Gardner; his son, Dr. Edward Gardner, and wife, Nancy, of Little Rock; Rebekah Gardner Feather and husband, Michael, of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Julianna and Audrey Gardner of Little Rock, Jacob Guy and Kathryn Feather of Dallas, Texas; his sister, Mary Gardner of Fayetteville; his aunt Wadena Lemely of California; his mother-in-law, Monta Krasts of Little Rock; and five nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother, Honorable Richard E. Gardner Jr.; and his grandson, Ellis Gardner.

He attended Russellville public schools and was the Arkansas state AA golf champion in 1966. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a B.A. in chemistry. He received his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). His internship and residency in otolaryngology were also at UAMS. He practiced otolaryngology in Little Rock for 24 years. He discovered a talent for medical management and became a fellow of the American College of Physician Executives. He worked as a medical director for Arkansas Health Group and became the first chief medical officer for the Baptist Health System until his retirement in September of 2013.

He was a lifelong Presbyterian and an elder. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church where he served on the Relocation Task Force and the Pulpit Nominating Committee. He loved playing golf but was passionate about upland game bird hunting. He spent many days with his bird dogs in the fields of Texas, Kansas, North Dakota and his beloved Montana. He was a Kappa Sigma, fellow of the American College of Surgeons, fellow of the American College of Physician Executives, and a member of Pleasant Valley Country Club.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the physicians and nurses at Baptist Hospital who were excellent caregivers, friends and advisers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church or the Baptist Health Foundation in Little Rock.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. in Trinity Presbyterian Church. Jeff Price will officiate. Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

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•–––––MARGARET GARNER, 60, of Jacksonville passed Dec. 3. Loving memories left to husband, Jerry Garner; children, Kendra Thomas, Andre Jones and Briana Garner; two grandchildren, six brothers and two sisters. Visitation: Dec. 13, 6-7 p.m. at Superior. Homegoing celebration Dec. 14, 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 2200 Willow St., North Little Rock. Superior Funeral Services, 5017 E. Broadway, North Little Rock. (501) 945-9922. Online guestbook http://www. superiorfuneralservices.com/. Trudean Long Brown “Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”

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•–––––JIM HARRIS JR. of Little Rock, born Nov. 23, 1948, passed away Dec. 8, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Pandia Harris; one son, Elmoziel Harris; two daughters, Shantae Harris, Shaletha Harris; three sisters, Mary (Robert) Harris-Campbell, Wilma (Alfred) Horton, Palestine Fitzgerald; 13 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, special sisterin-law, Patricia Harris, a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, from 1-6 p.m. at Gunn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Gunn Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th Little Rock, Ark. 72204. (501) 660-4323.

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•–––––MILDRED MARIE LEWIS HUBBARD departed this life Dec. 6, 2013. Visitation: 12:30-6:30 p.m. Friday at Robinson Mortuary. Funeral service: 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Greater Second Baptist Church, 5616 Geyer Springs Road LR; Pastor David Featherstone, officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, LR (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”

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•–––––SEARCY JACKSON, 73, of North Little Rock passed Dec. 8, 2013. Loving memories left to children: Thomas G. (Bernice) Jackson III, Christopher (Diane) Jackson, Stacy Jackson, Faye (Joe) Jordan, Judy (Prentis) Grayson, Zetha (Terry) Smith, Georgia Kimble and Searcy Jackson; siblings: Lonnie Williams, Robert Williams Jr., Willie Williams, Daisey Dixon, Earsie Maxwell, Nellie Woolfolk and Sarah Riggs. Family hour Dec. 13, 2013, 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Superior. Homegoing celebration Dec. 14, 2013, 11 a.m. at King Solomon Baptist Church, 1304 Pine St., North Little Rock. Superior Funeral Services, 5017 E. Broadway, North Little Rock (501) 945-9922. Online guestbook http://www.superiorfuneralservices.com/. Trudean Long Brown “Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”

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•–––––WILLIAM R. LOWE of Jacksonville born Aug. 27, 1969, passed away Dec. 8, 2013. He is preceded in death by both parents, Willie R. Lowe and Annie Louise Lowe. He is survived by five sisters, Patricia Lowe, Norma (Herbert) Dotson, Donna Marie (George) Bamfoo, Gayle (Vance) Cunningham, Lesa (Michael ) Cox. Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, from 1-6 p.m. at Gunn Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at Gunn Funeral Home. Service entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. (501) 660-4323.

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•–––––BRANDON PREACHERS, age 27, of Little Rock passed away Dec. 9, 2013, at UAMS Little Rock. He was born on April 12, 1986, in Albuquerque, N.M.; and he was the son of Ronald and Karen Preachers. Mr. Preachers was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jacksonville, Ark., and enjoyed Razorback football, basketball and fishing.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather Royce Preachers. Survivors include his parents, Ron and Karen Preachers; brothers, Sean Preachers and his wife, Teri, and Justin Preachers; a grandmother, Johnnie Preachers; grandparents Earl and Goldie Restorff of Yamhill, Ore.; and a nephew, Ryan Preachers.

Visitation will be on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m. both at Huson Funeral Home Chapel at 7700 Highway 107 in Sherwood, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Brandon’s memory to the Brandon Preachers Memorial Fund at any Arvest Bank location. Sign an online guestbook at www.husonfuneralhome.com.

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•–––––RAWLEIGH HAZEN YATES RALLS, age 34, died in Minneapolis, Minn., on Dec. 8, 2013, after a lengthy illness. Rawleigh attended Pulaski Academy in Little Rock as well as Fay School and Brooks School in Massachusetts and UALR.

He is survived by his parents, Barbara Yates and James Freeman; brothers, Creighton Ralls (Natalie) and Rawleigh H. Ralls IV (Kate); sisters, Elizabeth Gwatney and Devon Ralls; stepsister, Jennifer Freeman; and stepbrother, Michael Freeman.

Visitation will be held in Texarkana, Ark., at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Sugar Hill United Methodist Church, 1621 Sugar Hill Road, Texarkana, Ark. A memorial service followed by visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at Quapaw United Methodist Church, 1601 Louisiana St., Little Rock, Ark. No flowers please. Memorials in his memory may be made to your favorite charity benefiting youth.

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•–––––CHARLES RANDEL, 85, of Maumelle passed away Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. He was born in Rison, Ark., to the late William Robert and Daphne Davis Randel. He is preceded in death by his parents; two sons, William and Lewis Randel.

He served in both the Navy and Air Force. Charles earned a bachelor’s degree having attended the University of Arkansas and Georgia Tech. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He retired as a city planner at Metro Plan.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Charlott Cobb Randel; two sons, Robert Randel of Gulf Breeze, Fla., and George Randel of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Brandy Randel and William Michael Randel, both of Seattle, Wash., and Adrienne Randel of Manhattan, N.Y.; three great-grandchildren, Tori, Taylor and Tiffany; one sister, Kathleen Baluvet of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; and one brother, Joe Randel of Hot Springs, Ark.; and a host of other family and friends.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at First United Methodist Church in Maumelle. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

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•–––––CEDRIC REEVES, 37, passed away Dec. 5, 2013. He leaves to cherish his memories: mother, Gloria Reeves; Tamika Reeves and Sophia (William) Holden, Corey Reeves. Visitation will be 6-7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. Funeral service 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, both at Greater Galilee MBC. Services entrusted to Integrity Funeral Home, 206 W. Washington, Stuttgart, Ark. (870) 672-7221. Al/Philomena Allen owners www.integrityfuneralhome.us or Facebook.

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•–––––LINDA POOLE SCHOCK, 59, joined the angels 12-8-13, leaving behind the love of her life, Mark; son, Jeremy (Tang); grandchildren, Jacey and Emanuel; siblings, Jim, Nadene, Nancy, Jan; BFF, Betty Sue; and many friends and family. Visitation, 6-8 p.m., 12/13, Arkansas Funeral Care. Graveside service, 2 p.m., 12/14 at Mulberry Cemetery in England, Ark. Memorials may be made to the bank account of Jan I. Miller at any Centennial Bank. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.

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•–––––MARGARET ANN PORBECK SMITH, 85, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at Chenal Heights Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Little Rock, she was a daughter of the late Christine Kirspel and George F. Porbeck Sr. Margaret was a graduate of Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock and Webster College in St. Louis, where she received a bachelor’s degree in social work.

Margaret’s life was spent in service to others. She was active in the civil-rights movement and the war on poverty. As deputy director of the Economic Opportunity Agency, Margaret was instrumental in the development and implementation of the first Head Start program in Pulaski County, the VISTA volunteer program, and the establishment of the first alcohol rehabilitation house in Little Rock. She was also involved in other socially conscious programs such as the League of Women Voters, the Urban League, the Area Agency on Aging and Elizabeth Mitchell Children’s Center. If one aspect defined her life, it was that she was an advocate for the poor and a crusader for equality and justice.

Margaret is survived by three daughters, Ginger Smith of Little Rock, Jan Gresham and her husband, Pat Gresham, both of Little Rock, and Pat Tate and her husband, Byron Tate, of Pine Bluff; a son, Mike Smith of Collins; and three grandsons, Matthew Gresham of McRae, Andrew Gresham of Little Rock and Ethan Tate of New York City. Her companion of more than 45 years, Mike Cleary, now lives in Yellville.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, with Msgr. John O’Donnell officiating. Interment will immediately follow at the Columbarium at Holy Souls. Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Rice Depot. The family wishes to thank the staffs at Chenal Heights and Arkansas Hospice for their loving care. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

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•–––––MARTHA HELEN WILLIAMS, 89, of Little Rock passed away Dec. 6, 2013. Visitation will be this evening, Thursday, Dec. 12 from 6-8 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court (Northwest corner Interstate 630 and Barrow Road). Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Chapel, followed by interment at Edgewood Memorial Park in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Williams’ online guestbook may be signed at www. littlerockfuneralhome.com.

Arkansas

ALEXANDER — Karen J. Ramos, 57, of Alexander passed away on December 9th, 2013. She was born in Little Rock to the late Carl Ball and Marie McWilliams. She graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy and worked as a data analyst. Karen loved her family and treasured the time she spent with them. She enjoyed outdoors and loved animals.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of over 38 years, Raymond; her daughters Melissa Ramos and Kaitlyn Ramos; her grandson Kobe; her brother Bob and his wife Deb Ball and a host of extended family and friends, all who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Karen’s life will be held on Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home. Online guest register at www. griffinleggettforesthills.com.

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•–––––ARKADELPHIA — Florida Mae Conner Gillette, 85, Arkadelphia, passed December 10, 2013. Survivors: children, Flora Stephens, Kevin Gillette, Karen Norris, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three greatgreat-grandchildren. Service 12 noon Friday, St. Ruth Baptist Church-Gum Springs. Services by Williams Funeral Home. Sign guest book at http://www.funeralsatwilliams.com/.

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•–––––BALD KNOB — Wilma Earline Vanoven, 61, of Bald Knob, died Friday. Survivors: son, Lee Tarwater (Brandie); daughter, Cheryl Calender (Dewayne); one sister; three brothers; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Visitation: Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. Services: Thursday, 2 p.m., Powell Funeral Chapel. Interment: Carter Cemetery. Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

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•–––––BATESVILLE — Mabel Ford Sinele, 89, of Batesville, died Saturday.

Survivors include her sons: Ford Sinele and his wife, Judy, of Little Rock and Raymond Sinele and his wife, Beverly, of Flora, Miss.; daughters: Belinda VanDenburg of Mansfield, Texas, Twanette Clark of Cabot, Ark., Lucinda Hankins and her husband, Parmer, of Oil Trough, Ark., and Teresa Long and her husband, Johnny, of Newport, Ark.; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a sister: Marilyn Sullivan of Cabot. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, G.H. Sinele; a precious grandchild, Andrew Burton Sinele, son of Ford and Judy; and her brothers, Henry Ford and Bill Ford.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Oil Trough Church of Christ with Sam Don Beasley officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Children’s Home, Inc., 5515 Old Walcott Road, Paragould, Ark. 72450; and Harding University Teacher’s Scholarship Fund, Alumni Office, P.O. Box 10768, Searcy, Ark. 72149. www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––BEEBE — Matthew Blaze Young Boldin, infant son of Matthew Boldin and Brittney Young of Beebe, Arkansas, went to be with Jesus December 7, 2013. Private family service will be held. Arrangements by Westbrook, a Smith Family Funeral Home. www.SmithFamily-Cares.com.

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•–––––BENTON — Nettie Ruth Mauldin, 78, of Benton, passed away December 10, 2013. She was born December 19, 1934 in Prattsville, Arkansas to the late Joe and Nealey Jones Beck. Nettie was a member of the Highland Heights Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don Mauldin; parents, Joe and Nealey Beck; three brothers, five sisters and great-granddaughter, Alex Wright. Nettie is survived by her son, Michael L. Hill of Bryant; daughters, Sherry Gage (Robert) and Pattie S. Moore (Ricky) both of Benton; sisters, Rosie Yarberry and Virginia Naylor; grandchildren, Tracy (Robert) Jones of Maumelle, Christy (Lee) Melder, Cabot, Amanda (Randy) Wright of Benton, Chelsea (Bradley) Shelman of Benton, Alyson (Gage) Neighbors of Benton; great-grandchildren, Logan, Carly, and Cooper Melder of Cabot, Jake, Beau, Kenzie Wright all of Benton.

Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10 a.m. Friday with Pastor Brian Moore of Highland Heights Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton. Pallbearers will be grandsons-inlaw. Visitation will be 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Friday before services at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations may be made to the Kenzie Christmas Fund at Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome. com.

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•–––––CLARENDON — Lee Chester “L.C.” Hardy Sr., 83, of Clarendon, died Friday, December 6 at his home in Clarendon. Four sons, three daughters, 22 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 greatgreat-grandchildren and a host of other relatives survive him. Visitation will be held Friday, December 13 from 6 until 8 p.m. at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 228 South 5th Street in Clarendon. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Clarendon. Interment will take place at Shady Grove Cemetery by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley (870) 734-2772. branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.com and Facebook: Branscumb Funeral Home.

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•–––––CONWAY — William Kimbrough Manning, 87, of Conway passed from this life on December 10, 2013. He was born on June 26, 1926 to the late Kenneth Leander and Beatrice (Smith) Manning in Red Hill, Ark. Kimbrough was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, served as Superintendent for Vilonia and Mt. Vernon School Districts, served in World War II in the United States Marine’s, and truly loved spending time with his family. He received his Masters in Education from the University of Arkansas, and attended Arkansas State Teachers College where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Kimbrough is survived by his loving wife Jo Ann Singleton Rice Manning ; children, Deborah Diane Almond (Jerry) of Conway, Denisce Darlene Warren (Michael) of Conway, William Kimbrough Manning II (Debbi) of Vilonia, Greg Rice (Sybil) of Texarkana, Texas, Sandy Rice Brewer (Mark) of Conway; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Geraldine Covington Manning; one brother, Robert Marlan Manning, and one sister, Burnell Chissoe Choate.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2013 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Ark., with burial to follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Shannon Keith Almond, Nathan Almond, Marcus Allen Brewer, Jason Almond, David Thomas Pearce, and William Kimbrough Manning II will serve as Pallbearers. Family condolences can be sent to www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––DARDANELLE — William Randall Guthrie, age 61, of Dardanelle died Tuesday, December 10, 2013. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013, at Fair Park Baptist Church in Russellville. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle. Online Guestbook and Condolences at www.cornwellfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––DeWITT — John Henry Gammon, 81, passed away Sunday, December 8th, after a long illness. Survived by wife, An, son, Gary (Carolyn) Gammon, daughter, Jodi Woods. Dad had four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren who he loved. Dad’s passion was the rivers and woods of Arkansas County and they will never be the same without him. Visitation will be January 5th from 1-3 p.m. at Essex Funeral Home. www.essexfuneralhome.com.

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•–––––DIAMOND CITY — J. Austin, age 76, of Diamond City died December 4, 2013, in Flippin. Memorial services will be private. He is survived by five daughters: Deborah Shatto, Trudy Land, Cindy Dean, Stacey Austin-Sargent and Kathryn Waterman. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home.( 870) 425-2161. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––ENGLAND — Viola Martin Mitchell, 84, of England went to be with her Heavenly Father on December 10, 2013. She was born on May 7, 1929, in Clarksville, Arkansas. She was a wonderful person who loved her family very much. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading and sewing. She also loved her church family at Southside Baptist Church.

Viola is survived by sister, Daisy (Bob) Davis of Humnoke, brother Kenneth (Paralee) Martin of Ohio, brother, Reuben (Sandy) Martin of Ohio, son Lester (Paulette) Mitchell of England, son Jim (Ruth) Mitchell of England, daughter Vicki (Doug) Lacefield of Maryland, son D.J. (Kathy) Mitchell of Stuttgart, son Tim (Regina) Mitchell of England, son David (Lottie) Mitchell of England. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, James & Cecil Martin; brothers, Clarence Martin, Raymond Martin, Harry Martin; sister, Doris Fiener; and husband LN Mitchell.

Funeral Services will be at 2:30 p.m. December 14, 2013, at the Wilson Robison Chapel with visitation from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2013. Burial will be at Mulberry Cemetery of England. Wilson Robison Funeral Home of England will be in charge of the service.To view obit online go to www.wilsonrobisonfhengland.com.

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•–––––ENGLAND — Juanita Sims Ward, age 88, went to be with her Heavenly Father Tuesday, December 10th, 2013. She was born April 8th, 1925, to William and Mary Elizabeth Weidower Sims. Juanita was a member of Keo Baptist Church. She loved to fish and she enjoyed the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her husband Austin Ward; son: Steven Ward; brothers: Waylon Sims of Scott, Arkansas; Dalton Sims of North Little Rock, Arkansas; Harold Sims of Scott, Arkansas; sisters: Montene Garrison of Sherwood, Arkansas, and Betty Ketting of North Little Rock, Arkansas. Juanita will be missed by a host of loving friends, nieces and nephews, and a sister in heart: Mary Gunnel.

Funeral services will be Saturday, December 14th, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Roller England Funeral Home (501) 842-3939. The family will receive their friends at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in Mulberry Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––ENGLAND — Mamie Wohner, 85, of England, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 10, 2013, in England, Arkansas. She was born on February 28, 1928, in San Diego, Texas. She was the daughter of Juan Guajardo and Agueda Ramos. She was a homemaker and loved arts and crafts, ceramic painting and flower gardening and was a member of the County Line Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Goldes Wohner, her husband of 29 years; three brothers; and one sister. She will be remembered by her children: four sons: Johnny

Ybarra of Chicago, Ill., Robert (Kristi) Wohner of Cabot, Arkansas, Larry Wohner of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Ricky (Robbie) Wohner of England, Arkansas. One daughter: Sally (Jimmy) Miller of England, Arkansas. Seven Grandchildren, and thirteen Great-grandchildren. Three sisters: Helen (Darrell) Dandridge, Benton, Arkansas, Chelo (Bill) Pettit, North Little Rock, Arkansas; and three brothers: Johnny (Pat) Guajardo, Shirley, Arkansas, Larry (Johnnie) Guajardo, North Little Rock, Ark., Alex Guajardo, Jacksonville, Arkansas; many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Mamie’s life. Visitation was at Roller England Funeral Home, 202 Stuttgart Highway, from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. Services will be at the chapel of Roller England Funeral Home at 1 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2013, with Brother Eddie Addison officiating. Burial will be in Mulberry Cemetery. Arrangements are by Roller England Funeral Home, (501-842-3939). Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––FAIRFIELD BAY — Larry Wood, 57, of Fairfield Bay passed away Dec. 9, 2013. Family will receive friends Saturday, Dec. 14, at Shirley First Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Services at 11 a.m. Funeral services entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service, www.clintonfuneralservice.com.

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•–––––FAYETTEVILLE — James Edward Scroggs, 87, died on Nov. 17, 2013, at home in the house Jim built. He was born at home in Little Rock in April 1926.

Jim, as the youngest child, was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Effie Scroggs; siblings, Ernest and Jack Benton Scroggs; his beloved sister, Thelma Scroggs Guild; and his first wife, June Pickard Scroggs; and their daughter, Marilyn Scroggs Carson.

Jim is survived by his second wife, E. Jane Scroggs; and his sons, James Aubrey Scroggs and wife, Betsey, Silver Springs, Md., Jeffrey Scott Scroggs and wife, Maggie, Raleigh, N.C.; and stepson, Charles R. Ashley and wife, Naoko, of Japan; and stepdaughter, Ann and husband, Richard W. Penhallegon, Fayetteville; grandchildren, Frank Kris Carson, Australia, James Ian and Elizabeth Scroggs, Maryland, Justin Ashley and wife, Kim, Moses Lake, Wash., Summer Ashley, Portland, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Savannah and Everett Ashley, Moses Lake, Wash., and Fiona Carson, Sidney, Australia. Jim also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews.

During the Great Depression, Jim’s family lived around and in Jacksonville, Ark. He attended Jacksonville schools and graduated Little Rock Central High School in 1943.

During WWII, Jim was trained as a radioman and radio repairman. While as an undergraduate at the University of Arkansas, he worked as a radio engineer for a local radio station. Jim graduated the U of A with a degree in mathematics in 1949. He attended graduate school at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va., and the University of Houston, and received a PhD in mathematics from Rice University in 1957.

Jim Scroggs worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company as a geophysicist and as an applied science representative for IBM.

Jim chose to dedicate his professional career to the University of Arkansas as professor and chairman of the Mathematical Science Department. He established the first computing center on the campus and was a charter member of the Arkansas Academy of Computing. He was a 50-year member of the Mathematical Association of America. Jim was chair of the Campus Faculty and the Campus Council. Jim also taught mathematics in India; as a Fulbright professor at Cuttington University College in Liberia and as a member of Partners of the Americas in Bolivia. Finally, he was a member of the U of A Retirement Association.

Jim Scroggs, a lifelong Presbyterian, was an elder at First United Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville. He was a lifetime Rotarian and was delighted by the local students who were part of the Rotary Youth Exchange. He was a Boy Scout leader for Troop 77. Trips down the Buffalo River with the math department or Ozark Society were highlights for him. Jim served on the board of Butterfield Trail Village for many years and many other organizations.

A memorial service for Jim Scroggs will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 14, 2013, at First United Presbyterian Church, 695 Calvin St., Fayetteville, Ark.

Nelson-Berna Funeral Home and Crematory handled the cremation arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial service contributions may be made online or by check to the Scroggs fund at: Jim Scroggs Memorial Scholarship, University of Arkansas, 300 UNHS, U of A, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701; First United Presbyterian Church, Memorial Fund, 695 Calvin St., Fayetteville, Ark. 72703; or Ozark Society Foundation, 615 Rockcliff Road, Fayetteville, Ark. 72701.

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•–––––FIFTY SIX — Ilene N. McConnell, 83, of Fifty Six, Arkansas, passed away December 10, 2013 in Mountain View, Arkansas. A visitation will take place on Thursday, December 12, 2013, from 12-2 p.m. at Fifty Six Missionary Baptist Church in Fifty Six, Arkansas. The funeral service will follow beginning at 2 p.m. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––HEBER SPRINGS — J. W. Futrell, age 79, passed away Sunday. Survivors: wife Lucille, daughter Donna Dunn, three granddaughters, DeVanna George (Doug), Sandy Davis, Michelle Pardue (Adam), sister, Shirley Lowe, nieces and nephews, six great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Memorial service December 14, 2 p.m., Corney Creek Church, Junction City, Ark. www.dwightfamilyfuneral.com.

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•–––––HOT SPRINGS — Wanda May Cozort Slaton, 83, of Hot Springs, passed away Monday, December 9, 2013. She was born on April 12, 1930, in Salem, Arkansas, to Oscar Cozort and Audie Bolen Cozort.

She was survived by her four sons, David Slaton (Lou)of Dallas, Texas, Dale Slaton (Gerre) of Edmond, Okla., Don Slaton (Cathy) of Hot Springs, Ark., and Doug Slaton of Wilson, Ark., daughter, Donna Vincent (Allen) of Benton, Ark.; 10 grandsons, Sam Slaton (Sarah) of Dallas, Texas, Chris Slaton (Jenny) of Hot Springs, Ark., John Slaton (Amy) of Amarillo, Texas, Jim Slaton (Jaclyn) of Jasper, Texas, Ben Slaton, of Harrison, Ark., Ray Slaton of Hot Springs, Ark., Wes Slaton of Harrison, Ark., Art Slaton of Hot Springs, Ark., Jake and Luke Vincent of Benton, Ark.; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Wanda was a member of First Baptist Church of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Wanda sang in the choir at Wilson First Baptist Church for many years where she also taught Sunday school to the youth. She was a volunteer at National Park Medical Center and volunteered with ESL classes. Her hobbies included playing cards-Canasta and Skip-bo, gardening, and watching her grandsons play ball.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 12, 2013, at First Baptist Church from 1-2 p.m. with the service to follow at 2 p.m. Rev. John McCallum will be officiating. Burial will be Friday at 12 noon at Roller Swift Cemetery in Osceola, Ark., with visitation at First Baptist Church in Wilson, Ark., following.

Pallbearers will be Sam Slaton, Chris Slaton, John Slaton, Jim Slaton, Ben Slaton, Ray Slaton, Wes Slaton, Art Slaton, and Luke Vincent. Honorary pallbearer will be Jake Vincent.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church #1 Jackson St., Wilson, Ark. 72395. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome. com.

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•–––––LAKEVIEW — Charles “Chuck” Stark, 57, of Lakeview died November 26, 2013. Born June 27, 1956. A Celebration of Life will be 3-5 p.m. December 15, 2013, at the Twin Lakes Baptist Youth Center in Mountain Home. Arrangements are by Conner-Hankins Funeral Home. The online obituary and guestbook are available at www. conner-hankinsfuneralhome.com.

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•–––––LONOKE — HD Rollins Jr., age 93, passed away December 10, 2013. He was born in Lonoke August 21, 1920. He served in the armed forces from 1942 to 1946. He toured overseas and received his Victory Ribbon, American Theatre Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon and Good Conduct Ribbon. He was a farmer and was self-employed for years. He was a member of Caney Creek Baptist Church and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Huet Sr. and Donnis Rollins of England, Arkansas, wife, Donnie Mae Rollins, and son, John Larry Rollins, both of Lonoke, and nine siblings. Survivors include a brother, Byron Rollins of Kansas City, daughter-in-law, Nancy Rollins (Darrah) White, grandson, John Bradley Rollins, granddaughter, Michelle Rollins (Brook) Knox, and two great-grandchildren, Brayden Knox and Logan Knox, all of Lonoke.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, December 12 at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Lonoke Cemetery. Memorials can be made to American Legion Baseball Scholarship Fund. www.boydfuneralhome.net.

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•–––––MALVERN — Bobby Mathews, 73, Malvern, died December 10, 2013. Survivors, wife, Patsy Rhoads Mathews; sons, Vincent Mathews (Julia) and Michael Mathews (Lanna); grandchildren, Preston Leonard and Eli Mathews; brother, Larry Mathews (Yolanda); sister, Linda (Calvin “Bud”) Spainhour. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. Arrangements, Regency Funeral Home. Guestbook, regencyfuneralhome.com.

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•–––––MAYFLOWER — Leroy Credit, 63, Mayflower, departed this life December 5. Survivors, brothers, Charles, Andrew, Joseph, Wayne Credit. Funeral services 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec 14, Palarm Chapel Baptist Church, Mayflower. Visitation 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday at the church. Interment: Palarm Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, Conway. (501) 327-1124. www.larrygacklinfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––MONTICELLO — Floyd Lenard Daniels, 86, died on December 7, 2013, at his home in Monticello. Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 14 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Burial with Military Honors at Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

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•–––––MONTICELLO — Ruby Jewel Wells, 84, of Monticello, died Monday, December 9, 2013, at the Woods Nursing and Rehab Center in Monticello. Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13 at Rose Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to service at the church. Arrangements are by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

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•–––––MORRILTON — Betty Dixon, age 74, of Morrilton, passed away, December 6, born on May 24, 1939, to Cora and John Sliger. Survivors include: two sisters, one brother, host of other relatives and friends. Memorial service: December 14, 2 p.m., Harding St. Church of Christ annex. Arrangements by Rosewood Cremation, Obit/Photo/ Guestbook www.rosewoodcremation.com.

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•–––––MOUNTAIN HOME — Garold E. Flock, age 90, of Mountain Home, died Wednesday. Funeral Service: 2 p.m. Monday, Roller Funeral Home Chapel. Interment: Fairview Cemetery. Survivors: wife, Ethel Flock; daughters: Peggy Latham, Sandra Shoras; sister: Sharon Johnson; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––PERRYVILLE — Mary Melvina (Jones) Johnson, 88, of Perryville, died Monday, December 9, 2013. She was the widow of W.E. (Snookie) Jones and Virgil Johnson. Mother of four children, Sue Vaught, Margie Bodily, Jane Hutchinson and Willie Jones. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, December 12, at Perryville Church of Christ with burial at May Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

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•–––––PINE BLUFF — Mr. Roderick Duane Dolls, 28, of Pine Bluff, Ark., passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013. Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2013, at St. Paul MBC by Rev. Melvin Harrison. Burial will be in Forrest Lawn Memorial Garden by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. Online Register: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

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•–––––PINE BLUFF — Edith Ray Bogy Fowler, 92, of Pine Bluff, passed away Monday, December 9, 2013. Graveside services will be Thursday, 2 p.m. at Flat Bayou Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. at the Fuller Funeral Services. Online condolences: Fuller-Funerals.com.

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•–––––SALEM — John Albert Stone was born in Tupelo, Ark., on Aug. 14, 1942, son of J B and Donnie Francis (White) Stone. He departed this life Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, at Fulton County Hospital, in Salem, Ark., at the age of 71 years, 3 months and 27 days.

John was united in marriage to Claudia Henderson on Dec. 14, 1962, in Tupelo, Ark. He was self-employed as a painter for many years. John was a member of the Gideons, VFW and the Salem First Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. He retired with the U.S. Air Force. John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed coaching and participating in sports of all kinds.

John is survived by his wife, Claudia of the home in Salem; three daughters, Sandy Hodges and husband, John, of Salem, Ark., Robin Stone of Mountain Home, Ark., and Janet Gatschenberger and husband, Tom, of Springfield, Ill.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Charlene Sockel of Taylorville, Ill.; two brothers, Richard Stone and Roger Stone, both of Newport, Ark.; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Francis Williams.

Funeral services will be held at Salem First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, with Bro. John Hodges officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at the church with services under direction of Barker Funeral Home of Salem. Interment will be in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Ark. Pallbearers are Joshawa Hodges, Josh Guffey, Jeremy Ealey, Jeremy Green, Corey Gatschenberger and Jason Huff. Memorials preferred to Gideons, American Cancer Society or Salem First Baptist Church Building Fund. Guests may sign online registry at www.barkerfuneral. com.

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•–––––SCOTLAND — Willie T. “Bill” Morris, 76, of Scotland, Ark., passed away Monday, Dec. 9, 2013. He was born Jan. 22, 1937, in Woolum, Ark., to Omba Lyon and Edith Evelyn (Ennes) Morris.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jimmy Franklin Morris and Charles Morris; sister, Betty Jean Morris; and two nephews, Larry Morris and Ricky Morris. He is survived by his brother Donnie Morris of Clinton, Ark.; four nieces, Julie Morris, Tammy and Brian Brown, Kim and Tim Linker, and Kathy Brown; four nephews, Donald, Jimmy, and Adam Morris, and William and Stacy Morris; 11 great-nieces and nephews, Lance, Kevin, Brittany, Rebecca, Babe, Maci, Ryan, Madison, Chase, Kevin, Jason, Cameron, Seth and Zack; many great-greatnieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Nancy Morris.

Pallbearers: Donald Morris, Jimmy Morris, Lance Morris, William Morris, Adam Morris and Jackie Hinchey. Memorial wake will be 6 p.m. and visitation will be 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Ark. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2013, at Trace Ridge Community Church. Burial will follow in Trace Ridge Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Ark. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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•–––––SEARCY — Bettye L. Ray, age 78, of Searcy died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, in Searcy. She was born Feb. 12, 1935, in Searcy to Charles Lattner and Mable Angelea Powell Lattner. Bettye was a member of the First Baptist Church in Griffithville. She married Vernon Dale Ray on Nov. 21, 1953, and they shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. She was a loving wife and very nurturing mother. She was a devoted homemaker for much of her life. She was a great cook and enjoyed fixing dishes and feeding her many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Aleesa Crawford Ray of Heber Springs. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Terri Layrock of Heber Springs, Sharon Ray of Cabot; four sons, Michael Ray and wife, Deana, of Allen, Texas, Tracy Ray and wife, Laura, of Romance, Randall Ray and wife, Dawn, of Searcy, Tony Ray and wife, Teresa, of Rosebud; one sister, Nettie Bledsoe of Kensett; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Friday at 12 noon with funeral services after at 1 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy with interment at White County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Colton Ray, Jackson Ray, Ricky Duncan, Craig Duncan, Leonard Paul and Austin Wood. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

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•–––––SHERIDAN — Elbert Lynn Valentine of Sheridan, Arkansas was born February 2, 1943 in Sheridan, Arkansas the son of Arlene Harrington Valentine and the late Orville Valentine. He was a member of Little Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan and had served in the Arkansas National Guard. He enjoyed spending time with his family and antique motor vehicles, having been a member of the Central Arkansas Antique Machinery and Historical Society. Mr. Valentine died Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 70.

He was preceded in death by his father, Orville Valentine. Survivors: mother, Arlene Valentine of Sheridan; sons, Robert Valentine and wife Teresa of Bryant and Marshall Valentine and girlfriend Teresa Hall of Sheridan; sister, Barbara Bradshaw and husband Benny of Sheridan; grandchildren, Courtney Valentine and Casey Valentine and a host of extended family members and friends.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home chapel. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. To sign the online guestbook, www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

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•–––––SHERIDAN — Norman Scott Weyer, 53, of Sheridan, Arkansas died Sunday at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Memorial Service: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home chapel. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

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•–––––SPRINGDALE — David Lee Mercer, 61, of Springdale, died Wednesday, November 27, 2013. Funeral service is rescheduled to 1 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Morgan Full Gospel Church, North Little Rock. Burial will follow at Palestine Cemetery. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.

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•–––––STUTTGART — Rex Edward Boston, 8, of Stuttgart passed away Saturday. Survivors are parents, Thomas and Cheryl Boston; sisters, Samantha Boston, Heather Simpson and husband Cristopher and Jill Boston, all of Stuttgart; and many other relatives and friends. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Friday at Jesus Name Church of Christ with burial following in Flynn Cemetery by Turpin Funeral Home of Stuttgart. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Jesus Name Church of Christ. www.turpinco.com.

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•–––––STUTTGART — Anthony Thurmond, 19, of Stuttgart passed away December 8, 2013. Visitation 5-7 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2013 at Integrity funeral home. Funeral service 2 p.m. Saturday at Travelers Rest MBC. Services entrusted to Integrity Funeral Home, 206 Washington, Stuttgart, Ark. 870-672-7221. Al/ Phil Allen owners.

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•–––––TUCKERMAN — Mrs. Verbeth Davis Coe of Tuckerman, Arkansas, passed away following a long illness on Wednesday, December 4, 2013, in Batesville, Arkansas. She was born in Talco, Texas and was the eldest of four children of Edward “Pat” Davis and Jessie Tate Davis. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, Edward Q. Davis and John Tate Davis.

Mrs. Coe graduated from Texas State College for Women. Following graduation, she met Henry Ezra Coe in Louisiana. They were married in 1946 and remained in Louisiana until returning to Mr. Coe’s hometown of Tuckerman, Arkansas. The couple made their home in Tuckerman in 1952, where they would live together until Mr. Coe’s death in 2003.

Mrs. Coe taught English at Tuckerman High School for a number of years. As an educator, she generously supported several institutions of higher learning. Mrs. Coe and her husband traveled the world extensively all during their life together. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tuckerman. Verbeth enjoyed lively conversation with select small groups.

Mrs. Coe is survived by a sister, Lavonne Kershner of Houston, Texas, and two sisters-inlaw, Lou Davis of Houston, Texas, and Reva Davis of New Market, Tennessee. Also surviving are a niece, Dr. Marinell Coe Adair of Bentonville, Arkansas, and a nephew, William C. Coe, Jr., of New Orleans, Louisiana, both formerly of Tuckerman, Arkansas.

A special thanks is extended to Betty Stuart and Becky Gravette for their love and care during her illness. Graveside services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Gracelawn Cemetery in Tuckerman with Dr. Diane Wimberley officiating.

Those serving as honorary pallbearers are Bob Penix, Jerry Burchfield, Bill Cockrill, James Marshall, Morgan Gilbert, Jimmie Darling, Jimmy Reeves, David Winston, Billy Harris, Rob Penix, and Anderson Penix.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 100 West Vine, Tuckerman, Arkansas, 72473 or First United Methodist Church, 108 Hwy. 67 North, Tuckerman, Arkansas, 72473.

To leave a condolence, light a memorial candle, or sign the online guest register, please visit our website at www.jacksonsfh. com. Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.

Out-of-state

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — William Otto Porter, aged 96, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 9, 2013. He was born in Rose Hill, Miss., on April 24, 1917, to Ernest and Eula Porter. He had a brother Edwin (deceased) and two sisters, Linnie Land (deceased) and Edith Rogers (deceased).

Bill attended school in Rose Hill and Waynesboro, Miss., then left the family farm in Waynesboro to join the Army at the beginning of WWII. He served in England with the 8th Army Air Core and continued his service until retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1970. He was married to Elizabeth M. Porter and has one son, John Daniel Porter. During his service he was stationed in various locations around the world including his final posting at Bentwaters, AFB, England. While overseas, Bill and Elizabeth toured Europe and had many interesting experiences. He retired from the Air Force and settled near Elizabeth’s family in North Little Rock, Ark., and then joined the Arkansas Department of Transportation, until his retirement in 1981. After retirement, he was active with Disabled American Veterans and the American Legion.

He and Elizabeth moved to Birmingham, Ala., to be near their son and family in 2009. Elizabeth passed away Feb. 12, 2013, and Bill is now reunited with his true love.

He is survived by his son, John, and his wife, Claudia, and grandchildren, John Daniel Jr., Nellie Elizabeth and Stephen Ronald Porter.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, in the Chapel at Fair Haven Retirement Center, 1424 Montclair Road, Birmingham, Ala. 35210. Burial will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park, North Little Rock, Ark., next to Elizabeth. Local arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116. Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

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•–––––DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Lt. Col. (retired) James L. Kittle of Daytona Beach, Fla., passed away, suddenly on Dec. 2, 2013. He was born on March 17, 1945, in North Little Rock, Ark. Mr. Kettle graduated from Arkansas Tech University and received his masters from the University of Michigan. He served 24 years in the United States Air Force, as a fighter pilot and retired as an air operations staff director. Mr. Kettle was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Kittle; and his sister, Sherry Neidhardt. He is survived by his daughter, Vaja Lovelady; two grandchildren, Gage and Katlyn Pritchard of Oviedo, Fla.; his mother, Dorothy Kittle of North Little Rock, Ark.; and his sister, Kathy Gaulding of North Little Rock, Ark. A private memorial service will be held at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. (501) 791-7400. Online guestbook www. rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

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•–––––DECATUR, Ill. — Vernon Harry Patton of Decatur, Ill., formerly of Forrest City, was born the ninth day of January 1951. On that day, Odie Patton Sr. and Emaline Patton became parents to twin boys, whom they named Sherman and Vernon. They were the ninth and 10th of 11 children born of this union.

Vernon was a star football player and president of the Lincoln High School class of 1969. For 26 years, he was married to the lovely Dorothy Cochran. Vernon worked for many years as an aircraft fabricator. Vernon departed this life on the sixth day of December 2013 at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Ill.

Vernon leaves to cherish his memories, three children: Vernon Lorenzo Hughes Sr., Quentin La-Paul Kirkland and Angela Nicole Hunter; three siblings: Howard Bailey, Odie Patton Jr. and Mae O’rita Bonds; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Vernon was preceded in death by a son, Carlo Amillion Patton; his parents, five brothers and five sisters.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the evening on Thursday, the 12th of December at Kincaid Funeral Services Inc. in Forrest City, Ark. A graveside service is to be conducted at 12 noon in the afternoon on Friday, the 13th of December, at the Rest in Peace Cemetery in Hensley, Ark., where Pastor Ronald Williams, is to officiate.

Post a thoughtful message at www.kincaidfuneralservices.com. Kincaid Funeral Services Inc., Forrest City are in charge of all arrangements (870) 633-3330.

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•–––––BOULDER CITY, Nev. — Williamson “Bill” Glenn Bass, age 85, of Boulder City, Nev., formerly of Mena, Ark., passed away Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, in Boulder City. Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013, at 2 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

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•–––––FAIRVIEW, Tenn. — John Ronald Combs, 81, passed away Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at his home in Fairview, Tenn. He was born Feb. 19, 1932, in Huntsville, Ark., to Walter Lee and Mildred Cravens Combs, both deceased.

John is survived by his wife, Buenah Harness Combs; Linda Carol Burgess, daughter; Amy Marie Burgess, granddaughter; Calli Hendrick, great-granddaughter; and Mason Hendrick, great-grandson, all in Fairview, Tenn. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marilee Lewis; and his granddaughter Joan Rose Burgess.

He moved with his family at a young age from Huntsville, Ark., to Little Rock, Ark. There, he married Buenah Combs on June 30, 1956, making their time together last 57 years. He was a loving and compassionate man, extremely devoted to his family. He had a love for animals, especially cats and dogs. He treasured fishing and watching football.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, from 1-2 p.m. at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, where a celebration of John’s life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Interment will be private and at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Alzheimer’s Association; 4825 Trousdale Drive, Nashville, Tenn. 37220 in Loving Memory Of John Combs.

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•–––––IRVING, Texas — Dewana Clegg Clayton, 44, of Irving, Texas, formerly of Prattsville, Ark., died Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. She was born Nov. 20, 1969, in Prattsville, Ark., to Eddie Houston and Willie Dean Hall Clegg. Dewana was a former member of Davis Creek Baptist Church, Temple of Restoration, Calvary Church of God In Christ and currently West Irving Church of God In Christ in Irving, Texas. She was a 1988 graduate of Malvern High School and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She was currently seeking a medical assistant degree from Stanford Brown College.

Survivors include, daughters, Amari Hall and Kallie Clayton; father, Eddie (Karron) Clegg; siblings, Tyrone (Karen) Clegg, Sondra Clegg, Sandy (Calvin) Ladd and Denna (Anthony) Newton; stepbrothers and stepsisters, a host of aunts, uncles and extended family.

Funeral service: 11 a.m., Saturday, Bethel African Methodist Church, 1220 Carmichael St., Malvern, Ark. Visitation: Friday, 5-7 p.m. at Calvary Church of God In Christ, 610 J.W. Harrison St., Malvern, Ark. Online condolences may be sent to http://www.carriganmemorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services Inc. 336 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, Ark. 71901 (501) 623-7664.

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•–––––MINERAL WELLS, Texas — Oren Ray Hunsaker, 81, of Mineral Wells, Texas, died Monday. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Thursday at Griffin Funeral Chapel in Star City with Bro. Paul Harris officiating. Visitation is 12 noon until funeral time Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.