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 Linda Joy Brown-Wilson, 61, of Little Rock.

Vonicia Burrow, 59, of North Little Rock.

Lois A. Hawkins, 80, of North Little Rock.

Bobby Dean Hughes, 82, of Jacksonville.

Robert Lee Hurtt, 87, of Maumelle.

Pauline Marie McHughes Kelley, 91, of North Little Rock.

Westly “West” Scott McDonald, 23, of North Little Rock.

Clarence McKinnon, 88, of Jacksonville.

Celestina Edralin Francisco Perez, 88, of Jacksonville.

Joyce M. Reynolds, 71, of Little Rock.

Sherrye Levette Williams, 58, of Little Rock.

Elbert J Winton, 88, of Little Rock.

Don E. Yarborough Jr., 48, of Jacksonville.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS ALEXANDER Terry W. Davenport, 57.

AMITY Thomas Blake Barksdale, 68.

BALD KNOB Phillip Dwight Layton, 63.

William Leroy Sizemore, 70.

BENTON Earlie Fisher, 62.

CONWAY Bertha L. Hamilton, 65.

DAISY Kermit W. White, 95.

DARDANELLE Lea Ellen Hodges Witt, 70.

DENNARD Vicky Susan Davis, 58.

GILLETT Bonna Lynn June (Bonnie) Branham Reed, 87.

HARDY Travis Price, 63.

HARRISBURG Magdalene Thurmond, 76.

HASKELL Bernice Juanita Taylor VanDusen, 97.

HECTOR Coleman C. Matthews, 92.

LAKE VILLAGE Kenneth Collins Robinson, 65.

MENA Clyde H. Morris, 83.

MOUNTAIN HOME Lonnie M. Long, 74.

PERRYVILLE Ronald Martin Hansen, 42.

PINE BLUFF Tamaracus Demetrix Benjamin Jr., infant.

PLAINVIEW James Westlake, 77.

PRESCOTT Gwendolyn Briggs, 55.

SEARCY Evelyn Maxine Rogers, 93.

SMACKOVER Virginia Florene Isbell, 80.

WALNUT RIDGE Estel Roy Burrow, 81.

WEST MEMPHIS David Andrew Nash, 51.

WILLIAMS JUNCTION D.J. Boyette, 87.

OUT-OF-STATE MONTREAL, American Samoa Sonya (Hemenway) Blais, 49.

BRANSON Arthur “Art” Hebner, 88.

IDABEL, Okla.

Devin Michael McWilliams, 19.

Pulaski County

LINDA JOY BROWN-WILSON was born on April 9, 1952, to James andEleise C. Brown of the South End Community of Little Rock, Ark., and was the fifth child and second daughter. She took her wings and departed this world from the Baptist Medical Center. Shefought a very courageous battle and never complained. Her parents preceded her in taking their wings. Her brother, Forest, took his wings on Saturday, June 29, 2013. He returned on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, for his baby sister to go with him and join their parents.

Linda Joy became a member of the St. Mark Baptist Church in 1965, under the leadership of Rev. V.W. Nelson. She was an angel and was affectionately called “Jesus Sister” by many close relatives and extended family members.

Linda began her career working for the Arkansas Department of Health in 1971. She completed more than 35 years of service in health care for women, infants and children.

In 2000, she began her second career with the Arkansas Department of Health in breast care and retired as minority health coordinator. Linda worked with the state health educator to develop what became her signature event, Pink Carnation Sunday. This initiative worked with churches in minority communities to raise awareness about the value of securing a mammogram. The idea was simple: pledge to get a mammogram and receive a pink carnation foryour commitment to better health for minority women.

Linda received numerous awards for significant efforts with breast cancer and RACE FOR THE CURE. In 2010, Linda was recognized by the Arkansas Breast Cancer Control Advisory Board as a Josetta Wilkins Individual Award Winner for her work to increase the number of black and Hispanic women who received mammograms. She worked extremely hard and raised awareness throughout the state of Arkansas.

Linda is survived by many family members and extended family members, who treasured her and her dedication to life itself: her son and daughter, LaShannia Houston-Fountain (Bobby) and Arthur Houston, Jr. (Demetrice); she is survived by two brothers, one sister, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Faith Temple, 1920 Broadway St., Little Rock, Ark. Family hour will be 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Griffin and Leggett, 5800 W. 12th St. Please share your memories of Linda at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

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VONICIA BURROW of North Little Rock passed from this life onSept. 7, 2013, after a brave and hard-fought battle with cancer. She was 59 years old. She was born on Jan. 16, 1954, in Poole, Ky., to Joe and Elaine Clary. Her husband, Gary Burrow, preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Paul of North Little Rock; her daughter, Sarah Martin (Matt) of Houston; her mother, Elaine Clary of Little Rock; her sister, Velda Matheny (Bill) of Plano, Texas; and her brother, Steve Clary (Cindy) of Little Rock. She also leaves behind three grandchildren, Chad Martin, Morgan Miller and Taylor Miller, all of Houston, Texas, and a number of nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews.

Vonicia was a graduate of Carbondale Community High School (1972), Carbondale, Ill., and Harding University (1977) in Searcy, Ark. Vonicia was a faithful member of Pleasant Valley Church Of Christ. She was a kind, loving and generous person, intensely devoted to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A memorial service will be held at Pleasant Valley Church Of Christ on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at 4 p.m. with Mr. Nick Hamilton officiating. Visitation will be after the service. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211 (501) 224-8300.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations may be made to Central Arkansas Christian Schools, #1 Windsong Drive, North Little Rock, Ark. 72113, Harding University, 915 E. Market Ave, Searcy, Ark. 72149, or Pleasant Valley Church Of Christ, 10900 N. Rodney Parham, Little Rock, Ark. 72227. Online guestbook:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

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LOIS A. HAWKINS, 80, of North Little Rock passed away on Sept.8, 2013. She is survived by four stepdaughters, Sharon (Kenneth) Patrick of North Little Rock, Ark., Nancy (Clark) Parks of Florida, Shirley (Floyd) Pender of Victor, Iowa, and Linda (Rick)Smith of Bettendorf, Iowa. She is also survived by four siblings, Bob Matheny of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dick Matheny of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Marjorie Beitz of Marion, Iowa, and Helen Brown of Urbana, Iowa. Arrangements by Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home.

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BOBBY DEAN HUGHES, 82, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed awaypeacefully on Sept. 9, 2013, in Little Rock, Ark. Born on July 9, 1931, in Jonesboro, Ark., to the late Earnest “Dick” Hughes and Maebelle Cooper Hughes, he was preceded in death byhis wife, Marcia Rae Hughes; his brother, Earnest “Sonny” Hughes; and his grandson, Leon B. Catlett III.

Bobby Dean lived a long, prosperous life always living what he loved. His passion for cars ignited his longtime career as an automotive technician for Union Lincoln Mercury and Aklin Ford of Jacksonville, Ark. He also served on the Civil Service Commission of Arkansas and officer of the Sertoma Club.

Bobby Dean is survived by his loving daughters, Roxanne Catlett and husband, Leon; Renee Hughes Nolen and husband, Ronald; and Rhonda Hughes Turner and husband, Andrew. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Cori Catlett and wife, Christy, Marcia Roxanne Catlett, Andrew Hughes Turner and Cole Aaron Turner; and great-grandchildren, Bryce Goodloe, Tosh Goodloe and Catherine Catlett, as well as a very special person in his life, Cecelia Holt. He will always hold his caregivers at Lakewood Plaza Nursing and Rehabilitation Center close to his heart. Memorials may be made to St. Vincent Infirmary.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Park after the service. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at the funeral home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

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ROBERT LEE HURTT, 87, of Maumelle died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.Robert was born Nov.20, 1925, in Fort Payne, Ala. Robert served in the U.S. Army and worked as a contractor. He was an adored father, putting God first and family second. He always had aremodeling job going.

Mr. Hurtt is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Lela Fay (Myers) Hurtt. He is survived by children JoAnn Hurst of Maumelle, Carolyn High and husband Fred of Wichita Falls, Texas, John Blake of Beebe, and Lonnie Hurtt of Maumelle; grandchildren Brian High and Tonya Florida; and great-grandchildren Summer Florida, Dalton Florida, Ethan High and Ell High.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Arkansas Funeral Care, 2620 W. Main St., Jacksonville. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at the funeral home, with Tony Puckett officiating. Burial will follow at Riverwood Memorial Gardens in Maumelle. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.

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PAULINE MARIE McHUGHES KELLEY, 91, of North Little Rockpassed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. She was born in North Little Rock to the late N. A and Zelma I. Vandegrift McHughes.

Pauline is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Carl A. Kelley Sr.; two sons, Carl A. Kelley Jr. and Garry A. Kelley; two brothers, Raymond and Faye M. McHughes; one sister, Tulsa Wilbern; and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Kelley.

Pauline was a founding member of Levy United Methodist Church, Eastern Star Chapter #577 and an avid Razorback fan. She retired from the Arkansas State Revenue Office. She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Pauline will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by two sons, Ronald E. Kelley and Larry Dale Kelley and wife Greta; daughter-in-law Virginia Kelley; grandchildren David W. Kelley (Wendy), Cheryl Reason (Aaron) Philip W. Kelley, Cynthia D. Tomlin (Greg) and Kimberly S. Armstrong (James); great-grandchildren Madison D. and Austin L. Darter, Caleb and Christopher Reason, Libby, Caroline, Leah and Luke Tomlin, Dillon and Corryn Kelley; and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thanks to her friend, Karen Stevenson.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2013, at Levy United Methodist Church, 701 W. 47th St., North Little Rock, Ark. 72118. Interment will follow at Edgewood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116 (501_ 791-7400.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to your favorite charity. GO HOGS GO!!!

Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.

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WESTLY “WEST” SCOTT Mc-DONALD, 23, of North Little Rock, formerly of Sheridan, passed away Sept. 8. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 13 at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sept. 14 at Buie Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Buie Funeral Home & Crematory of Sheridan, Ark.

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CLARENCE McKINNON, 88, of Jacksonville went to be with hisLord and Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013. He was born on Aug. 29, 1925, to John and Josie McKinnon, who preceded him in death. He had one brother, Clyde McKinnon, who also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bobbie, whom he loved and adored. He is also survived by two cousins, Avonelle Shipp and Mary Cobb, of Texarkana; nieces, Betty Gould of Hermitage, Mo., Kathy Pearson of Russellville, Karen Kincaid and Debra Pruss of North Little Rock, Lori Steele of Bradford, Kristy Sterba of Little Rock, and Kelly Hildebrand of Conway; nephews Steven Hart and Kevin Hart of North Little Rock, Charles Haynie of Russellville, and Jeff Hart of Texarkana, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Clarence retired from the United States Air Force as a chief master sergeant. He spent almost 30 years serving our country first in the Navy, then Army, and finally the Air Force. He actively served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was truly one of our great American heroes.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Jacksonville.

Memorials may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.

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CELESTINA EDRALIN FRANCISCO PEREZ, age 88, of Jacksonville,Ark., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, in North Little Rock, Ark. She was born April 4, 1925, in the Philippines to her parents, Severino and Felicidad Edralin.

Celestinawas the third of 12 children. She married Modesto Francisco in the Philippines. They had four children. She moved to the USA when she was in her 50s. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ (Iglesia ni Cristo). She enjoyed fishing, traveling, crocheting and playing Scrabble, her favorite game to play.

Celestina will be remembered by her loving children, two sons, Reynaldo (Leonida) Edralin, Froi (Cristy) Francisco, and two daughters, Alicia Springfield and Rosanna (Tony) Andrada. She is also survived by four grandsons, Sean Springfield, Kyle Francisco, James Ray (Amanda) Edralin and Jared Andrada. She also has two granddaughters, Tamara Springfield and Kezia Andrada; and great-grandchildren, Zayna Springfield, Amara Metcalf, Zabb Edralin and Zia Edralin. She is preceded by her husband, Modesto Francisco, and several brothers and sisters.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Sherwood on Friday Sept. 13, 2013, from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday Sept. 14, 2013, at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Memorial Park. Guests may register at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

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JOYCE M. REYNOLDS, 71, Little Rock, departed this life Sept.3, 2013. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Today at St. Mark Baptist Church, 5722 W. 12th St., Little Rock. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Little Rock (501)371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”

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SHERRYE LEVETTE WILLIAMS, 58 of Little Rock, Ark., formerlyof Helena West Helena, Arkansas. She was the eighth child born to the late Mr. John Henry Williams and Mrs. Elissa Meroe Williams of West Helena on March 4, 1955. She departed this worldFriday, September 6, 2013.

Sherrye accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and joined Second Baptist Church in West Helena. There she sang in the choir, attended Sunday school and church services while developing her relationship with the Lord.

After graduating from Central High School in West Helena, she attended Henderson State University where she received both a bachelors and a master’s degree in education with certifications in both teaching and administration. Her teaching career began with her first full-time teaching assignment in Moro, Arkansas in Lee County. This is where her passion for working with children displaying special needs emerged. Sherrye then moved to the Helena West Helena School District and continued to teach students with special needs. More specialized training and skills allowed Sherrye to earn the title of education supervisor, where she shared her expertise and skills with other special education teachers, specifically behavioral management. Her love for students led her to spend countless volunteer hours as a cheerleader coach and a student fundraiser director. She enjoyed these interactions immensely. She was known to mentor and encourage her students during, as well as after their high school years.

With her move to the Little Rock area, she taught special education initially in the North Little Rock District before moving to the Little Rock School District. Her final position was at Washington Elementary School and her last assignment was on the night of September 5, 2013, attending the school’s 2013-2014 open house.

Sherrye was a member of the Eastern Star. Sherrye was the mother of a beautiful daughter, Janea who preceded her in death. Sherrye was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Cleo Williams Bowden; two brothers, John Ellis and Richard La Ray Williams, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who now rejoice with her in heaven.

She’s survived by her siblings: Delora V. Williams of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Lee Alfred Williams (Betty) of Saginaw, Mich.; Erma Jean Williams of Naperville, Ill., and Alonzo D. Williams of Little Rock (Susan); a host of nieces and nephews; one goddaughter, and her aunt, Christabell Gilcreast, the last surviving sister of Sherrye’s mother.

Sherrye was greatly loved byher family and friends. We will miss her fun loving personality.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, September 14, 2013, 12 noon. Viewing: Saturday September 14, 2013, 10-11:30 a.m. both services will be held at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 372-1305. Interment will be Sunday, September 15, 2013, at Postelle Cemetery, Postelle, Arkansas.

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ELBERT J. WINTON, 88, of Little Rock, passed from this life Wednesday, September 11, 2013. He was born October 12, 1924 in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Elmer and Della Kennedy Winton. Mr. Winton loved nature and outdoor hobbies including fishing, hunting, and camping. He retired from Phelps Fan Manufacturing after 37 years of service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Light Winton; daughter, Joyce Mohler and infant children Elbert Winton Jr. and Donna Lynn Winton. He is survived by one daughter, Jane Reynolds and husband Larry of Little Rock; three grandchildren, Frankie Reynolds, Cassie Nash, and Kimberly Lynn Teel; six great-grandchildren, Daniel Nash, Brittany Stinson, Elizabeth Reynolds, Jerri Ann Mohler, Matia Teel, and Timmy Jones; two brothers, Dan and Ronald Winton; two sisters, Helen Easley and Bettye Haberman

Visiting hours are 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 13 at Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with burial following at Honey Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be left at www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.

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DON E. YARBOROUGH JR., 48, of Jacksonville, Ark. went to be withhis Lord and Savior Monday, September 2, 2013 after a five year battle with Leukemia. Don was at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas for the past year.

Don is survived by hismother, Janette and sister, Jan, both of North Little Rock, his son, Jeramy and grandsons, R.J. and J.J. of Ohio, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and Friends.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2013 in the Roller Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211. (501) 224-8300. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2013 in Greenwood Cemetery in Camden, Ark. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 77 Westport Plaza Suite 480, St. Louis, Mo. 63146.

The family would like to thank their friends and relatives, the many nurses, Doctors, and Researchers of Baptist Springhill, NLR and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. A special thanks to the donor of bone marrow for transplant and the Halo House Foundation for housing. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Arkansas

ALEXANDER - Terry W. Davenport, 57, of Alexander passed away Monday, September 9, 2013. A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander on Friday, September 13th at 10 a.m. View full obituary and guest register at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

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AMITY - Thomas Blake Barksdale, age 68, of Amity, wentto be with the Lord on Monday, September 9, 2013. He was born July 21, 1945 in Arkadelphia, the son of Malvin Mynor “Pete” and Lois Kirksey Barksdale. Tommy was involved inthe family business, Barksdale Lumber Co. in Amity. After retirement, he was involved in farming and cattle. He loved and taught dancing, collecting wine and was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan.

He was preceded in death by his father, and one son, Thomas Blake Barksdale Jr. Survivors are his mother, Lois Barksdale of Amity; one sister, Kay Barksdale (Mike) Romine of Seattle, Washington; his children, Cathy Barksdale Hill of Caddo Valley, Johnny Barksdale of Amity, Mickey (Kinley) Barksdale of Bryant, Tessa Barksdale of Hot Springs; two stepdaughters, Corrie Sink of Iowa and Carrie Bradley of Texas; six grandchildren. He is also survived by Sarah Ellis of Caddo Valley to whom he was married for twenty years and Connie Sandifer of Hot Springs to whom he was married for four years.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, September 13th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Interment will be in Jones Cemetery at Amity. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Online guest register is available at www.ruggleswilcox.com.

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BALD KNOB - Phillip Dwight Layton, 63, of Bald Knob, died Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at White County Medical Center. Visiting hours are 6-8 p.m. Friday, September 13, at Bald Knob Funeral Home. Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14 at Fredonia Cemetery. Share a Memory: www. BaldKnobFuneralHome.com.

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BALD KNOB - William Leroy Sizemore, 70, of Bald Knob, Arkansas, died Sunday, September 8, 2013, at his home. He was the son of Harry E. Sizemore and Mary Nell Chapman.

He is survived by his loved wife, Pam Sizemore of the home; one son, Derek Martin and one grandson, Hagen Martin of the home; one sister, Charlsie Poole of Bradford; two brothers, Gordon Sizemore and wife Kay of Searcy and Ed Sizemore of Rogers; five nephews, Ritchie Sizemore, Scott Sizemore, Chris Toothman and Mike Sizemore; five nieces, Debbie Howard, Angel McDonal, Dee Browing and Shelly Willis; 16 great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, one sister, Avaleen Dillard; one nephew, Timony and one niece, Vicky.

No memorial plans at this time. Condolences may be sent to: 301 Clark St. Bald Knob, Ark. 72010. To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care.

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BENTON - Earlie Fisher was born on March 1, 1951 in PineBluff Ark., to the late Deola and Vollie Fisher. Earlie confessed a hope in Christ at the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late M.L.Youngblood.

He was retired from Alcoa Aluminum Company and received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army.

Monday, September 9, 2013. Earlie Fisher surrendered his call to the Lord at Saline Memorial Hospital.

He is preceded in death by one son, Earlie Fisher Jr. ( little E),; three brothers, Deola Fisher Jr. (Dub), Alfred Fisher and Lawrence Fisher; two sisters, Alline Fisher Oglesby and Verline McCraney. He leaves to cherish in memory four children, Ronnie Robinson of Little Rock, Ark., Tina Johnson (Jimmy) of Arlington Texas, Amanda Lewis (Raymond) of Richmond Ind. and E ‘shawn Fisher of Benton Ark.; and a special son, John Jones (Mirian) of Little Rock Ark.; three sisters, Clementine Russ of Monticello Ark., Evelyn Fisher (Wayne Lowe) of Little Rock Ark., Ruby Fisher (Larry Flemming) of Prattsville Ark.; one brother, Curlee Fisher of Prattsville, Ark.

Eleven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family hour will be Friday, September 13, from 6 til 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be Saturday September 14, 2 p.m. at St. Paul Baptist Church 2603 Commerce St., Little Rock. Burial will be Monday, September 16, 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, North Little Rock. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral home, 1518 S. Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202. (501) 376-4800.———◊———

CONWAY - Bertha L. Hamilton, 65, Conway, departed this life September 5. Survivors husband, Eddie Hamilton; brothers, Joe, Royce Johnson; sister, Pearlene Moh. Funeral 2 p.m. Saturday, Rock of Ages Baptist Church, NLR. Visitation 7-8 p.m. Friday at funeral home. Interment: Salem Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, Conway. www.larrygacklinfuneralhomes.com.

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DAISY - Kermit W. White, age 95, of Daisy, died Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Glenwood. Visitation will be Friday, 9 a.m. 10 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Mount Joy Cemetery. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.

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DARDANELLE - Lea Ellen Hodges Witt went home to her Savior, Jesus Christ on September 9, 2013

Lea Ellen Hodges Witt went home to her Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, September 9 after a five year battle with LeioMyoSarcoma (LMS). She participated in several clinical trials to help research this very rare form of cancer. She was 70. The family was grateful by the incredible loving care of her medical team including Rebecca Stone, M.D.

Mrs. Witt passed away in her hometown of Dardanelle, Arkansas on Monday said her husband former FEMA Director James Lee Witt, surrounded by all she loved, and who loved her. Mrs. Witt was born on July 1, 1943, in Dardanelle, Arkansas to Lloyd and Gladys Hodges Sawire. She graduated from Dardanelle High School in 1961. She married James Lee Witt in 1961 upon their high school graduation.

She attended Arkansas Tech University and worked as a medical secretary, a Circuit Court Clerk and Municipal Court Clerk all in Dardanelle and Yell County. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Dardanelle. Dardanelle was home for Mrs. Witt even during a brief residence in Washington, D.C. suburbs while her husband of 51 years, James Lee Witt served as the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency from 1993-2001. She enjoyed bringing back to life the Meers Farm in Dardanelle which she and James Lee bought several years ago and riding every Saturday morning in one of the restored antique cars that they enjoyed taking long rides in on weekends.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, James Lee Witt; sons and daughters in Law Michael and Kim Witt (Dardanelle, Arkansas) and Jimmy and Anita Witt (Dardanelle, Arkansas); grandsons, Carter, Parker and Jesse (Dardanelle, Arkansas); brother Donnie Hodges (Dardanelle, Arkansas); nephew, Brad Hodges (Bentonville, Arkansas) and niece Candace Hodges Riner (Mena, Arkansas) and numerous other loving nephews, nieces and cousins. Mrs. Witt was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Gladys Hodges Sawire and sister in law Sandy Hodges.

Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle, Arkansas is making the arrangements. Visitation was Wednesday, September 11, 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Services will be held at Dardanelle First Baptist Church at 118 South 2nd Street, Dardanelle, Arkansas at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 12. Private Burial at Durvin Cemetery because of limited parking. Officiating will be Rev.Jim Huffman, Rev. Mike Smith and Rev. Tony Berry.

The family requests that memorials may be made to the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Center Cancer Institute, 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205.

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DENNARD - Miss Vicky Susan Davis, 58, of Dennard, Arkansas passed away Sunday, September 1, 2013. She is survived by her parents, one brother, one aunt, three uncles, and many friends. Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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GILLETT - Bonna Lynn June (Bonnie) Branham Reed, 87, died September 9, 2013, at Baptist Hospital-Springhill, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Born July 1, 1926, in Gillett, Ark., to Spencer Vance and Ethel Stinson Branham, Mrs. Reed was a graduate of Gillett High School, a homemaker, a farmer’s wife and for a while worked part time as a substitute rural mail carrier. She was honored with the Lifetime Member achievement pin from the Gillett PTA. She was a member of Gillett United Methodist Church, Gillett Extension Homemakers Club and Gillett Leisure Club. Mrs. Reed enjoyed sewing, gardening and canning vegetables, baking sweets and walking with her kitties.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Lorraine White Simpson; and three brothers in childhood. On September 8, 1945, she married C.J. Reed. They were married for 56 years until his death on July 16, 2002.

Survivors are one son, Charles (Debbi) Reed of Searcy; three daughters: Donita (Sammie) Hutchins, Brenda (Bennie) Bunch, Nancy (Carroll) Astin, all of Cabot; three grandsons, Robert (Saundra) Hutchins of Cabot; Brent Reed of Paris; Casey Padgett of Cabot; one granddaughter, Allison Astin of Cabot; one great-grandson, Cory Hutchins of Cabot; a sister, Arlene Ferguson of Gillett; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be at Gillett United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at 10 a.m. Funeral will follow at 11 a.m. with burial at Gillett Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home, DeWitt.

If desired, memorials can be made to Gillett Cemetery, P.O.Box 124, Gillett, Ark. 72055 or Alzheimer’s Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (ww.alzark.org).

The family would like to thank the staff of Spring Creek Health & Rehab in Cabot, Ark., for their care of Mrs. Reed for the last three years, with special thanks to Tammy Oakes, LPN, and Ida Harrison (roommate) for their tender care. The family also wants to express sincere appreciation to her son-in-law, Sammie Hutchins, for his generous time and devotion during his daily visits.

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HARDY - Travis Price, 63, of Hardy died Sept. 10, 2013. Funeral services are Sept. 13, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Ash Flat Church of Christ. Visitation is Sept. 13, 2013, from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. Arrangements by Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland, Ark.

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HARRISBURG - Magdalene Thurmond, 76, of Harrisburg died Tuesday at St. Bernard Medical Center. She was the daughter of Henry and Julie (Cook) Wright. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Thursday at Jackson’s Harrisburg Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation was Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Interment is in Harrisburg Memorial Park. Arrangements by Jackson’s Funeral Home.

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HASKELL - Bernice Juanita Taylor VanDusen, 97, of Haskell, Ark., passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Visitation: Thursday, September 12, 2013, 2-3 p.m., Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel. Services will immediately follow at 3 p.m. Atkinson Chapel. Burial: Oakridge Cemetery. Arrangements by Atkinson Funeral Home, Malvern, Ark. Guest register: www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.

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HECTOR - Mr. Coleman C. Matthews, 92, of Hector, Arkansas, died Tuesday, September 10, 2013, at his grandson’s residence in Hamburg. Mr. Matthews was a native of Hector; a former resident of Portland for 50 years, having moved backto Hector 20 years ago. He was a Baptist, a retired farmer and a veteran of the United States Navy, where he was the recipient of the Bronze Star. He enjoyed life, loved his family, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Brown Matthews in 1993; his parents, Larkin and Minnie Coffman Matthews; five brothers: Leroy, Archie, John, Galyn and Harvey Matthews; four sisters: Gladys Fuller, Exie McQuin, Berlin and Verlin Winters. He is survived by his children: Coleman (Pete) Matthews and his wife, Eunice, of Hamburg; Connie Gaskill of Summerville, South Carolina; and Barbara Owens of Hector; a brother, Lewis Matthews of Crossett; two sisters, Mary Bell Ricks of Hamburg and Frances Hennington of Portland; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside funeral service and burial will be 10 a.m., Saturday, September 14, 2013, in the Portland Cemetery with Coleman Matthews and Rev. E.W. Ricks officiating. Pallbearers are Ray Hennington, Franklin Ricks, Rodney Ricks, Michael Matthews, Billy Sellers, Johnny Matthews, Gary Matthews, Kenny Matthews and Henry Matthews. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72207. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com.

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LAKE VILLAGE - Kenneth Collins Robinson, 65, of Lake Village,died August 27, 2013, at his home. He was owner of Robinson Furniture and a Baptist. Survivors: his wife, Gail Robinson, a daughter, stepson, two brothers and five grandchildren.Funeral services were August 30, 2013, at Bayou Mason Baptist Church by Bishop Funeral Home. www.bishopfuneralhomeinc.com.

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MENA - Clyde H. Morris, age 83, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2013, in Mena. Mr. Morris was sent for cremation under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. No services are scheduled at this time.

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MOUNTAIN HOME - Lonnie Long, age 74, of Mountain Home died Friday. He is survived by his wife: Joyce Long of Mountain Home; daughter: Karen Karr of Mountain Home; and grandson: Derek Karr of Little Rock. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the Roller Funeral Home Chapel. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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PERRYVILLE - Ronald Hansen, 42, Perryville, died Monday, September 9. Survivors: mother: Janice Mier of Shirley; wife: Jessica Nusser; three daughters; two sons; two brothers; three sisters; three grandchildren. Services are 2 p.m. Thursday, September 12, at Chapel. Arrangements by Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home, Morrilton, Ark. 72110. Obit/photo/guestbook www.bobnealandsons.com.

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PINE BLUFF - Baby Tamaracus Demetrix Benjamin Jr. of Pine Bluff passed away Friday, Sept. 6, 2013. Graveside services will be Friday, Sept. 13, 2013, at Solomon Hill Cemetery at 12 noon by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.

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PLAINVIEW - Jim Westlake, 77, of Plainview, Ark., died Wednesday, September 11, 2013, in Russellville. The owner of Westlake Logging, Inc., he was born May 8, 1936, in Nimrod, Ark. Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2013, at Jesus Name Pentecostal Church in Plainview. Burial will be at Salem Cemetery in Plainview, Ark., by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, at the church in Plainview. A complete obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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PRESCOTT - Gwendolyn Briggs, 55, of Prescott, Arkansas,died Thursday, September 5, 2013. She is survived by one son, Rodricas (Precious) Williams; four sisters, Minnie Pearl (Melvin) Robinson, Queenie (Carl) Stueart-Shaw, Janice Penigar,Mary (Steve) Butler; three brothers, Robert (Floydia Lee) Fulks, Bobby Fulks, Terry (Ruby) Talley, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services, 1 p.m. Saturday, Munn’s Chapel, Prescott, Arkansas. Visitation, 2-6 p.m. Friday, Hubble Chapel, and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Church. Funeral Services entrusted to Hubble Funeral Home, (501) 374-3134. www.hubblefuneralhome.co.

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SEARCY - Evelyn Maxine Rogers, 93, of Searcy, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, September 11, 2013. She was born April 23, 1920 in Wheeling, Arkansas to Edwin T. and Hettie Shaw. She was a member of College Church of Christ.

She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Howard (Tom) of Searcy; one son, Frank Rogers,(Judi) of Rockford, Illinois; five grandchildren, Cindy Gurchiek (Jim) of Searcy, Christy Perry (Keith) of Sugar Land, Texas, Beth Collins (David) of Searcy, Stephanie Todd (John) of Roscoe, Illinois, and Ryan Rogers of Rockford, Illinois; nine great grandchildren, Erin Gurchiek Clark (Brady), Austin Gurchiek, Ann-Marie Gurchiek, Claire Perry, Thomas Perry, Charlie Collins, Maggie Collins, Collin Todd, and Connor Todd. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd F. Rogers, four sisters, and one brother.

A private memorial service will be held at College Church of Christ with a visitation from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 14. Burial will be in Rockford, Illinois. Services have been entrusted to Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home. Share a Memory: www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.

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SMACKOVER - Virginia Florene Isbell, 80 of Smackover, died Tuesday. She is survived by a son, three daughters, two brothers, a sister, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-greatgrandchild. Visitation is Friday, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Graveside services are 10AM Saturday at Means Cemetery. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

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WALNUT RIDGE - Estel Roy Burrow, 81, of Walnut Ridge, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2013. Visitation will be 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Unity Cemetery with Don Vuncannon officiating. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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WEST MEMPHIS - David Andrew Nash, 51, of West Memphis, Ark. passed away September 11, 2013. He was a member of the Marion First Baptist Church and worked as a process server for the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department for a number of years.

He is survived by his wife Anita West Nash of West Memphis, Ark., his daughter Lauren Elisabeth Nash of Marion, Ark., two grandchildren, Noah and Olivia, his parents Meredith Nash of Bartlett, Tenn. and Wanda Dunavan of Marion, Ark., his sister, Ellen Elizabeth McCormick of Bartlett, Tenn., his brother, Richard Austin Nash of Blue Ridge, Va., his grandmother’s, Thelma Nash of Arkadelphia, Ark., and Laverta Roberson of Magnolia, Ark. He is preceded in death by his daughter Lindsey Nash.

Memorials may be made to the The Gideons or to the music ministry of the Marion First Baptist Church. Visitation will be on Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller Citizens Funeral home and services on Friday at 11 a.m. at Roller Citizens Funeral Home with interment following at Crittenden Memorial Park. Online guestbook can be found at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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WILLIAMS JUNCTION - D.J. Boyette, husband, father, grandfather, and great grand father passed September 8, 2013. He was a retired Sheet Metal Mechanic, a 40 year member of the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union and International AssociationLocal #36, and lifelong member of Harmony Baptist Church.

He is survived by his brother Bill Boyette and (Shirley), sister Dorothy Greenway and (J. C. Daniels), his children; David Boyett and (Virginia), Patti Dedmon and (Mike), Teresa Tripp and( H. D.), Michelle Favre and (Paul), Debbie Boyett, Kay Rogers, Kari Fitzhugh, Kathy Rogers, and Anne Rogers. Grandchildren Philip Tripp, Deanna Tripp, Alicia Cargill and (Cody), Ryan Favre and (Jessica), Steven Fitzhugh and (Rachel), Matt Rogers and (Renee), Marc Rogers (Annie), Erin Semelka and (Tim).

Funeral services was held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at Harmony Baptist Church, 3195 Hwy. 10 East, Perryville, Ark. Burial was at Harmony Cemetery in Perryville. Arrangements are being handled by Roller Chenal Funeral Home (501) 224-8300. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Out-of-state

MONTREAL, American Samoa - On September 5, 2013, in Montreal, at the age of 49 years, Sonya (Hemenway) Blais, wife of Fernand Blais. passed away peacefully.

She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Williams of Nashville, Tennessee; her grandchildren Kaydan and Van-Lee; her parents, Charles and Gloria Hemenway of Clarksville, Tennessee; aunts, Brenda Albright and Becky Castleberry, both of Hot Springs, Arkansas; her uncle, Rhett Maris of Newport, Arkansas; her step-children, Jennifer MacCormack of Washington, D.C., Crystal Blais of Vancouver, and Derek Blais of Montreal, her stepsisters, Gloria of Montreal and Linda of Maryland, as well as countless relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please do a good deed for someone in Sonya’s honor.

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BRANSON - Arthur “Art” Hebner, 88, of Branson, Mo.; formerly of Heber Springs, Ark., and Little Rock, Ark.’ born June 28, 1925, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at the Golden Living Center in Branson, Mo. Mr. Hebner was a salesman. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and EdnaMae, nee Lengel, Hebner. One brother and one sister. He issurvived by his loving wife, Jacqueline “Jackie (nee Ziegler) Hebner whom he married on January 4, 1948, at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, Ill.; one daughter, GayleHebner, D.C. of Carlinville, Ill.; one son, Allyn (Patricia) Hebner of Sammamish, Wash.; two granddaughters, Gwendolyn Hebner of Sammamish, Wash., and Rebecca Hebner of Sammamish, Wash.; one brother, Lyndon Hebner of Springfield, Mo.; one nephew, Paul (Lisa) Hebner of Rockford, Ill.; one niece, Kimberly Hebner of Springfield, Mo.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com. Memorials may be made to the Skaggs Foundation-Cancer Center at 251 Skaggs Road, Branson, Mo. 65616 or to the donor’s choice.

Graveside services will be held at Valhalla Gardens of Memory in Belleville, Ill. on Friday, September 13, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating. A memorial service will be held in Arkansas at a later date.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, Ill. is in charge of arrangements.

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IDABEL, Okla. - Devin Michael McWilliams, 19, of Idabel, Okla., formerly of Blytheville, died September 7. Survivors, father, Glen McWilliams; brother, Damian McWilliams; grandparents, Donald and Angela Weaver and Harold and Paula McWilliams; three uncles, three aunts. Funeral Thursday, September 12, 11 a.m., Cobb Funeral Home. Visitation, 10 a.m. Condolences to the family at cobbfuneralhome.com.

Arkansas, Pages 10 on 09/12/2013

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