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 Perry Franklin Ambrose, 70, of North Little Rock.

Patricia Dunn, 75, of North Little Rock.

James Robert Gwatney, 87, of North Little Rock.

Helen Elizabeth Tucker Sterling, 85, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS ALMA Myrl Dean Dyer, 93.

BLYTHEVILLE Gene Pierce, 87.

CALICO ROCK Ariel Elizabeth Landrus, 78.

DARDANELLE Ola Mae Brown, 85.

HARRIET Melvin Leon Collins, 72.

HERMITAGE Madge Huitt York, 83.

JONESBORO Edgar Clayton “Eddie” Meridith, 62.

LOUANN Frank Lavoie, 33.

NEWPORT Merle Bravick, 76.

POYEN Sandra Kay Speer, 65.

SEARCY Elizabeth Anne Clancy, 69.

STAR CITY Kevis Wainwright, 53.

WALNUT RIDGE Billy Joe Dame, 85.

OUT-OF-STATE OAK HILLS, Calif.

Carrol Eugene Copeland, 85.

LINCOLN, Neb.

Aline Berton Eubanks, 94.

MEMPHIS Katherene Victoria Rainey, 72.

DALLAS Rodney Keith Brownlee, 55.

DUNCANVILLE, Texas Linda Faye Hardy-Hooper, 58.

Pulaski County

PERRY FRANKLIN AMBROSE, C.N. passed at home in North Little Rock on 4-23-2014 at the age of 70. Husband of Cas Rifkin; father to April, Sophie, and Abby and three grandchildren. His passion was to help people, while he owned the Natural Foods Store in Searcy. He enjoyed sports, including tennis, ping pong, and flying and crafting model airplanes. A celebration of his life will be at Little Rock Audubon Center on 4-26-14. Details at www.facebook.com/perry.ambrose.9. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com

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PATRICIA DUNN, 75, of NorthLittle Rock, Arkansas passed away April 18, 2014. She was born on September 15, 1938. Patricia will be greatly missed by all who loved and cared for her. Services will be at a later date.

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JAMES ROBERT GWATNEY was born in the family home in NorthLittle Rock on February 11, 1927. He was the oldest of three children born to John Jackson Gwatney and Bertha Chenault Gwatney. He died on April 22, 2014, under hospice care.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Nora Griffin, and his wife of 40 years Jean Barefield Gwatney. He is survived by his daughter Marilyn Gwatney Vaughan of North Little Rock, brother, Harold L. Gwatney (Syble) of Memphis, Tenn., grandsons, Nicholas Vaughan (Ashley) of Austin, Texas, Alex Vaughan of Novato, Calif., and great-grandson, Fields Vaughan of Austin, Texas, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jim was a Navy veteran serving on the carrier USS WASP in the Pacific during WWII and attended Little Rock Junior College upon discharge. He held many jobs in his life including North Little Rock Police Department but was first and foremost a salesman. He loved his family and cherished beach vacations with family and friends. He was a Christian and proud of his baptism in the Jordan River in 2010. Jim Gwatney was loved by many people and all dogs.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Fox Ridge in North Little Rock for the love and support they provided.

Visitation will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Rd., N.L.R., Ark. 72117 on Monday April 28, 2014, at 1 p.m. Services will follow at 2 p.m. with Rev. Richard Lancaster officiating. Guest my register at www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

In lieu of flowers Jim requests that memorials be made to the animal charity of your choiceor the food pantry of Gardner Memorial UMC at 1723 Schaer Street, North Little Rock, Ark. 72114.

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HELEN ELIZABETH TUCKER STERLING, 85, went to be with her Lord on April 22, 2014, after a lengthy illness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher (“C.C.”) and Munnie Lee Tucker, brother, Lawrence, and two sisters, Janet and Dorothy. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, William Ervin Sterling; sons, Edward (Kendall), of Richmond, Va., and Timothy (Lisa), of Nixa, Mo.; grandson, Scott of Colorado Springs, Colo.; brothers, Benjamin (Gloria Jean) of Junction City, La., and Alvin (Donalda) of Georgetown, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews as well as other relatives and friends.

Helen was a 1946 graduate of Junction City High School in Junction City, Arkansas. She attended business college and worked at Union Investment Company in El Dorado, Arkansas, prior to her marriage in 1951. After a career as a full-time wife and mother, she re-entered the work force with the Arkansas Department of Revenue, from which she retired after attaining 20 years of service.

Helen was an active member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. After St. Andrews closed, she made Grace Presbyterian Church her home, and was a member until her illness required her to relocate to Missouri to be closer to family. After moving, she attended Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Nixa, Missouri, as often as possible. She was an avid reader; a consummate cook, a long time St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, a fan of her grandson, enjoyed growing flowers and tomatoes, but most of allloved her family and her Lord.

A service to celebrate Helen’s life will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014, at 3 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 460 W. Aldersgate Drive, Nixa, Missouri 65714. Burial will be in Little Rock, Arkansas, at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church of your choice, or to the non-profit youth sport organization; 417FC, P.O. Box 993, Nixa, Missouri 65714. www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

Arkansas

ALMA - Myrl Dean Dyer, 93, passed away on Wednesday,April 23, 2014 at Alma Healthcare and Rehab in Alma, Ark. She was born November 2, 1920 to W.D. and Pearl Seals Faulkner in Umpire, Ark. She was of the Pentecostal Faithand attended Umpire Free Holiness Church, a homemaker, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Gillham Chapter, Silver Hill #542.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Otis Dyer; two sons and daughtersin-law, Wayne and Jaunelle Dyer of Tooele, Utah and Charles and Bonnie Dyer of Alma, Ark. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Louise and Jay Flenor of Van Buren, Ark.; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Raymon and Sybil Faulkner ofUmpire, Ark. and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday evening, April 28, 2014 at Ocker Funeral Home of Alma, 917 Hwy. 64 East, Alma, Ark. Funeral service will be 12 noon Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Umpire Free Holiness Church with burial at Bethel Cemetery in Umpire, Ark. Visitation will be prior to the service at the church under the direction of Ocker Funeral of Alma.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Dyer, Stan Flenor, David Flenor, Phil Dyer, Jay McKinley Flenor and Trey Dyer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charles and Bonnie Dyer Education Endowment, c/o the Alma Education and Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 2359, Alma, Ark. 72921. To place an online tribute please visit www.ockerfuneralhome.com.

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BLYTHEVILLE - Gene Pierce, 87, Blytheville, husband of Mrs. Freddie Garner Pierce and retired Barber, died, April 25, 2014 in Blytheville. Funeral services are Sunday, April 27, 2014, 3 p.m. in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel, burial in Elmwood Cemetery and visitation Sunday, 2-3 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home. Express condolences online at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.

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CALICO ROCK - Ariel Elizabeth Landrus, 78, died April 21. Funeral service: Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m. at Calico Rock Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Wayne Wood officiating.Burial: Galatia Cemetery under the direction of Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Calico Rock.

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DARDANELLE - Ola Mae Brown, age 85, of Dardanelle, Arkansas, died April 24, 2014. She was born at home on November 14, 1928, in Liberty Springs, Ark. She was the daughter of Alvin and Effie Campbell. Mrs. Brown was a member of the Russellville Church of Christ. She was married to Francis Brown on January 11, 1952.

Francis preceded her in death on October 11, 2004. Survivors include son Terry Brown (Ronda) of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister, Syble Cato of North Little Rock, Ark.; grandson Shane McCorkle (Natalie) of St. Louis, Mo.; granddaughter, Amanda Keaster (Jeremy) of Russellville, Ark.; grandson, Clint Brown (Kristen) of Russellville, Ark.; five great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers and twosisters.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday April 28 at Cedar Creek Church of Christ followed by burial at Mt. Zion Cemetery near Jerusalem, Ark. The family will receive friends 3-5 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Harris Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Church of Christ and mailed to Mr. Barry Bateman, 435 County Rd 2630, Lamar, Ark. 72846. Arrangements are by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

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HARRIET - Melvin Leon Collins, 72, of Harriet died Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at Yellville. He is survived by one son and three daughters. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Cozahome Church with Bro. Rick Watts officiating. Cremation service by Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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HERMITAGE - Madge Huitt York, age 83, of Hermitage, Ark. died Thursday, April 24th in Star City, Ark. Funeral services 2 p.m. Monday, April 28th at Frazer’s Chapel. Burial in Union Hill Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. Visitation: 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. Sunday, April 27th at Frazer’s. Online guestbook www.frazerfuneralhome.com.

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JONESBORO - Edgar “Eddie” Clayton Meridith, 62, of Jonesboro, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 201. Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Saturday at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro with the chapel service beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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LOUANN - Frank Lavoie, 33, of Louann, passed away, Wednesday. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday at Maple Avenue Baptist. Arrangements were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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NEWPORT - Mr. Merle “Bud” Bravick, 76, of Newport, died Tuesday. Survivors: wife, Joyce (Reed) Bravick; one son, Eric Bravick; one daughter, Stacey Bravick; one brother, William “Bill” Bravick; one sister, Kathleen Vogt; four grandchildren. Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel Interment: Dowell’s Chapel Cemetery. www.jacksonsfh.com.

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POYEN - Sandra Kay Speer, 65, Poyen died April 24, 2014. Survivors husband, Robert “Bob” Speer Jr.; son, Robert Speer; daughter, Michelle Crow (Kurt); grandchildren, Samantha and Alec Crow; great-granddaughter, Crystalyn Gatlin. Visitation, Saturday, April 26, 6-8 p.m., Regency. Service, Monday, April 28, 2 p.m., Poyen Missionary Baptist. Burial, Lindsey-Poyen. Arrangements, Regency Funeral Home. Guestbook, www.regencyfuneralhome.com.

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SEARCY - Elizabeth Anne “Betty” Clancy, 69 was born to Philip and Blanche Pollard Clancy on October 21, 1944 in Batesville, Arkansas and passed away on April 24, 2014 in Searcy, Arkansas. Betty was known for her beautiful smile and she loved everyone. She was always happy and she was often lovingly referred to as “our little Angel.”

She is preceded in death by her parents, and a nephew, Bradley Neighbors. She is survived by a sister, Phyllis Clancy (Dennis Ferguson) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, a brother, Michael Clancy (Carla) of Sugarloaf Key, Florida, two nephews, Steven Clancy, Christopher Clancy, greatniece, Catlin Hyter-Neighbors, great-nephew, Jack Clancy, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy, and Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Burial at 1 p.m. at Brown Memorial Cemetery, Union Hill, Arkansas. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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STAR CITY - Mr. Kevis Wainwright, 53, of Star City passed Sunday, April 20, 2014. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Brown Funeral Home by Reverend Archie Dolls. Burial will be at Jones Cemetery-Star City by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. Online Register: www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com.

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WALNUT RIDGE - Billy Joe Dame, 85 of Walnut Ridge, passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2013. Born August 29, 1928 in Walnut Ridge, son of James Monroe and Fannie Stone Dame. He was united in marriage to Mary Lee Elizabeth Allison on June 10, 1948. He worked 38 years for Ark-Mo Power and then AP&L. He was also a Master Mason since 1956 and a past Worshipful Master of the Aurora Lodge 423 in Walnut Ridge.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years; two brothers and five sisters. Survivors include a son, David (Lesa) Dame of Batesville; three daughters, Ava Jo (Bob) Mensi of Bartlett, Tenn., Beth (Gary) Reese of Jackson, Tenn. and Tami (Bobby Mike) Watson of Hoxie; nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ray Dame of Pocahontas; two sisters, Loretta Turner and Juanita Wallace both of Rockford, Ill.; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge with Bro. Jake Guenrich officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Interment will follow in the Lawrence Memorial Park under the direction of the Bryan Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. til 2 p.m. Saturday. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. Online Registry at www.bryanfh.com.

Out-of-state

OAK HILLS, Calif. - Carrol Eugene Copeland was bornin Arkansas and moved to California in his early 20’s along with his wife and son. He was in the Navy Reserves, a contract negotiator, a real estate brokerand once retired, he founded Hamilton Foundation. He is survived by hisyounger brother, Kenneth Copeland, sons, John (Colette) and Michael (Mary) Copeland; and four grandchildren, Justin, Staci, Joshua and Lauren. He served as an elder for many years for the Church of Christ in West Covina. Memorial services were to be held, Friday, April 11th, at 10 a.m. at the Hesperia Church of Christ. For additional information contact John Copeland at (760) 220-1537.

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LINCOLN, Neb. - Aline Eubanks, age 94, of Lincoln, Nebraska, formerly of Yellville, Arkansas, died Tuesday. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Monday at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Yellville. She is survived by a son: Michael Eubanks of Lincoln, Nebraska. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home. (870) 425-2161. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

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MEMPHIS - Katherene Victoria Rainey, 72, retired Nurse’s Assistant at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Ark., died April 18, 2014. Visitation from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Bartlett Event Center. Burial in Memphis Memory Gardens. Ms. Rainey was preceded in death by her parents, Alice Juanita Rainey and Anthony Rainey, Sr., sister, Barbara Jean Rainey, brother, Anthony Rainey, Jr. She leaves two sons, Leo Preston Smith, Jr. and Charles Carnell Martin (Tarique); brothers,Carl Wils Rainey III, Melvin Rainey, and Michael Rainey; grandchildren, Ebony Smith, Erikka Smith, Zabari Moore, Yuriq Martin, and Xander Martin; and four great-grandchildren.

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DALLAS - Rodney Keith Brownlee, 55, Dallas, Texas,formerly Arkadelphia, Arkansas, passed April 21, 2014. Survivors: wife, Sherry Jimerson-Brownlee, children, Michael Peters, Korman Hill, and Latonya Brownlee-Houston, two grandchildren; 18 siblings. Graveside Saturday, (today), 1 p.m., Piney Grove Cemetery, Arkadelphia. Services by Williams Funeral Home, Arkadelphia. “We Celebrate Life.” Sign guestbook http://www.funeralsatwilliams.com/.

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DUNCANVILLE, Texas - Linda Faye Hardy-Hooper, 58, of Duncanville, Texas, died Monday, April 21, at Charlton Methodist Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Three sons, five daughters, a brother, a sister, a granddaughter and a host of otherrelatives survive her. Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. at New Mount Zion House of Prayer, 3055 Woodruff 627 in Cotton Plant with interment at Morning Star Cemetery by Branscumb Funeral Home of Brinkley. (870) 734-2772. branscumbfuneralhome1928@yahoo.com & Face Book: Branscumb Funeral Home.

Arkansas, Pages 16 on 04/26/2014

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