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
Harold Wayne Barnett, 59, of Little Rock. Leroy Bean, 68, of Little Rock. Edith Violet Camp, 89, of Little Rock. Kimberly Carpenter, 51, of Little Rock. Brenda Cook, 60, of Little Rock. Willie Mae Young Cullins, 71, of Little Rock. Ellen Paulette Fletcher, 66, of North Little Rock. Wanda J. (Hathcock) Hopkins, 75, of North Little Rock. Dorothy Yancy Howard, 97, of North Little Rock. Laura Elizabeth Shrode Lafferty, 97, of North Little Rock. Gloria Matthews, 84, of Jacksonville. Thomas Lee Musson, 55, of Little Rock. Virginia Lois Pettit, 88, of Jacksonville. Donald Ray “Meat” Thomas, 60, of North Little Rock.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS
BALD KNOB
Hedwig Caldwell, 75. Samantha Dawn Fowler, 19.
BENTON
Arlene Maria Bridges, 56.
CABOT
Georgianna VandeVille Freck, 68.
DARDANELLE
Dennie Bittle, 70.
DEWITT
Freddie Ulyess Howard Mannis, 69.
DONALDSON
Roy Ralph Springer Jr., 54.
EAST END
Aaron Wesley Mashburn Houston, 13.
EL DORADO
Rebecca “Becky” Herring Churchwell, 65.
FOUNTAIN HILL
Maxine Hagood Lankford, 82.
HARDY
Susan Clendenen, 87.
HOPE
Peggy Ann Dougan, 73.
LOWELL
Eldon Combs, 79.
MALVERN
Ruby F. Galloway, 62.
MARSHALL
Judith Ann Moore, 71.
MAYFLOWER
Loretta Forte Acklin, 59.
MCGEHEE
Harold Nelson Irons, 88.
MORRILTON
James Perry Smith, 67.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
William Roy Corter, 88. Clovis Evelea Hankwitz, 91.
PARKDALE
Kattie Bell, 78.
PUMPKIN BEND
Bobby Gerald Henderson, 76.
RUSSELLVILLE
James O. Wooten, 84.
SEARCY
Benjamin Paul “Ben” Stracener, 23.
SPRINGDALE
James Stanley Black Jr., 68.
STAR CITY
Isabella Rae-Ann Yarberry, infant.
STUTTGART
Marion Lee Lunday, 88.
TUCKERMAN
Oneil Smith, 92.
TWIN GROVES
Jeraline Talley, 82.
WEST POINT
Ruth Irene Collins, 73.
OUT-OF-STATE
DUBACH, La.
Glenda Roberson Nesbit Lanier, 75.
LAKE CHARLES, La.
Sally Anna Mae Bryant Willis, 83.
CHESAPEAKE, Va.
Freda Mae Sherlin Casto, 61.
Pulaski County
HAROLD WAYNE BARNETT of Little Rock, born June 17, 1954, passed away May 10, 2014. He is survived by wife, Phyllis Barnett; four children, Wachelle Barnett, Corey Barnett, Jermaine Barnett, Brandy Barnett; three step-children, Nicholas Bates, Natasha Bates, Skyler Bates; 11 brothers & sisters, a host of other relatives and friends. Family hour will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. at Gunn Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Gunn Funeral Home, 4323 W. 29th, Little Rock, Ark. 72204 (501) 660-4323.
–––––•–––––LEROY BEAN, age 68, of Little Rock died January 18, 2014, at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, Arkansas. Leroy was born May 7, 1945, in Hope, Arkansas. He was retired from Parts Warehouse. There are no immediate survivors. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Olive Hill Cemetery with Rev. Bob Slagley officiating. Online guestbook at griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.
–––––•–––––EDITH VIOLET CAMP, 89, passed away May 10, 2014. Born in Cushman to Elmer and Goldie (Thomason) Camp, she was a nursing assistant at Presbyterian Village for 20 years. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501) 224-2200. Ms. Camp’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
–––––•–––––KIMBERLY CARPENTER, 51, passed away suddenly on May 10, 2014. She was born November 22, 1962, in Little Rock but spent much of her adult life in Memphis, Tenn.
She was preceded in death by her father, Claude Carpenter, and sister, Kelly Carpenter. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Academy and Christian Brothers University with a BA in respiratory therapy.
She is survived by her mother, Barbara Carpenter; daughter, Katie O’Brien; son, Austin O’Brien; brother, Patrick Carpenter; two nieces, Mollie Fiegel and Olivia Carpenter, and by the love of her life and companion, Sophie.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 14, 2014, from 6-8 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 224-8300. Funeral service will be held at 2: p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014, in the Chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal. –––––•–––––BRENDA COOK, 60, of Little Rock, formerly of Bearden, died May 3, 2014. Survivors: son, Nathaniel Major; mother, Dixie Thrower; siblings, Anthony Thrower, Lawrence Collins, Patricia Quarles, Nancy Jones, Natalie Jarrett; six grandchildren. Services Wednesday, May 14, F.O. Jones Christian Center, Bearden, 11 a.m. Wake: Tuesday, 4-6 p.m. Marks Funeral Home, Fordyce.
–––––•–––––
WILLIE MAE YOUNG CULLINS, 71, passed away May 10th, 2014, at Arkansas Hospice. She was born June 13th, 1942, in Marked Tree, Arkansas. Willie and her husband John recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Willie was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lucille Young. She is survived by her husband, John; son, Philip and wife Karen of Jacksonville; daughter, Jamie Crockett and husband James of Little Rock; sisters, Shirley Hogan of Jonesboro and Mary McMunn of Marked Tree; brother, John Young and wife Linda of Jonesboro; aunt Maxine Fisher and husband Dale of Benton, and several nieces and nephews.
Willie was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
The family wishes to thank Arkansas Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice or St. Andrew UMC. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, May 14th, at 1 p.m. in the chapel at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home with Doctor Chester Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13th, 2014, at the Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home, 10200 Hwy. 5 North, Alexander, Arkansas (501) 55-1067. Please share your memories of Willie at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.
–––––•–––––ELLEN FLETCHER, 66, of North Little Rock, passed away May 6, 2014. She is survived by son and wife, Paul and Shawn Jacka; grandsons, Anthony York, Marty Sullivan; great-granddaughter, Layla York;, sister, Shari Fletcher and friend, Miles Graham. Services entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service. To sign Ellen’s Book of Memories: www. clintonfuneralservice.com.
–––––•–––––WANDA J. (HATHCOCK) HOPKINS, 75, of North Little Rock passed away Saturday, May 10, 2014. She was a member of Gardner Memorial Methodist Church and was an avid Razorback fan. Wanda worked in the food brokerage industry since 1963 and retired as an Account Administrator from Affiliated Foods in 2003. She loved watching movies, working crafts and her occasional visits to the casino.
She is survived by her daughters, Debra Dunham (Mike) of North Little Rock, Tamara Waschalk (Ray) of Malvern, Teresa Jones (Johnny) of Roe and Kimberly Grady (Chris) of Ward; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and her brother, William Jerry Hathcock of Roland, and his daughters, Lane McKinley and Amanda Lopez. She was preceded in death by her parents, William A. and Alma Hathcock; and sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Jim Barfield. The family would like to extend a special thanks to our almighty God, the great doctors, nurses and staff at Little Rock Baptist SICU for their dedication and support.
Memorials may be made to Red Cross Disaster Relief or the Trauma Unit at Baptist Hospital. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, followed by funeral services at 2 p.m., at North Little Rock Funeral Home. Burial will be in Arkansas Memorial Gardens. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––•–––––DOROTHY YANCY HOWARD, 97, of North Little Rock passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2014. She was born March 7, 1917, to the late Louise and Loyal Yancy in Malvern, Ark. Moving to Little Rock as a child, Dorothy attended Little Rock schools graduating Cum Laude from Little Rock Senior High (now Central High) and Little Rock Junior College. She received her LLB Degree from LaSalle University. Licensed to practice law in Arkansas and Federal District Courts I 1947, Mrs. Howard was one of 69 persons taking the Arkansas Bar Exam, along with three other women. Twenty-nine passed the exam, including all four women. In 1950, Mrs. Howard was licensed to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, having to appear in person before the Court and have a sponsor. Her sponsor was U.S. Sen. John L. McClellan. In 1964, the National Association of Women Lawyers presented Mrs. Howard their Services Award and in 1993 their TOCH Award. These two awards are presented to only one member in the United States each year.
Mrs. Howard was appointed Standing Master in Chancery for Pulaski County Courts, April 16, 1965, by Judges Murray O. Reed and Guy Williams to hear Pulaski County domestic relations litigation although the Master could be appointed to hear testimony in other cases by special appointment. Judges continued to appoint Mrs. Howard until her retirement in 1990. Prior to Mrs. Howard’s appointment, she practiced law for 17 years with her husband, J. Roy Howard and stepson, James R. Howard, both of whom are now deceased. The firm was Howard and Yancy, and later Howard, Howard, and Howard. In 1987 the Pulaski County Bar Association presented Mrs. Howard with the “Lawyers Award for Professional Achievement – for Contribution of Services to the Legal Profession and the People of Pulaski County.” Dorothy was a member of: The American, Arkansas, and Pulaski County Bar Associations; Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers (past President twice); National Association of Women Lawyers (Executive Board for many years and Editor of the Women Lawyers Journal); World Peace Through Law Center; Phi Alpha Delta and Phi Delta Delta legal Fraternities.
A member of the First United Methodist Church of Little Rock, Mrs. Howard is survived by two first cousins: Kathlyne Behrens Eldridge of El Dorado Hill, Calif., and Lynn “Polly” Behrens Gallagher of San Diego, Calif.; her stepson James R. Howard and stepdaughter, Elizabeth Howard George. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 2 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home (791-7400). Family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock. Sign online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
–––––•–––––LAURA ELIZABETH SHRODE LAFFERTY of North Little Rock passed away on Friday, May 9, 2014. A “Celebration of Life” service will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at Idlewild Park, N. Cedar Street, North Little Rock. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
–––––•–––––Our loving wife and mother, GLORIA MATTHEWS, went to be with the Lord on May 10, 2014. She was born September 13, 1929 to Jesse Doyne and Dorothy Hoggard. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Jacksonville.
Marrying at the age of 18, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Milton Don Hoggard; her youngest children, Debra Jane Matthews; and grandson, Adam David Matthews. Gloria is survived by her husband of 66 years, Harry L. Matthews; children, Sherry Slaughter and husband Jim, David Matthews and wife Kerry, and Nancy Ide and husband Jack; grandchildren, Leon Matthews (Erin), Aron Matthews (Sarah), and Jacob Leggett; great-granddaughter, Madason Matthews; sister-in-law, Judy Hoggard of Missouri.
For her love of God’s Word, memorials can be made to Gideons Bible Fund. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service at First Baptist Church. Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Interment will take place at noon at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery. To sign her guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care.
–––––•–––––THOMAS LEE MUSSON, 55, of Little Rock, passed away on May 9, 2014. He was born February 8, 1959, at Arkansas Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock, Ark. He was a devoted father who loved his daughter with all of his heart, a beloved son, a fun loving guy, and an amazing uncle. He will be sorely missed by all. He is succeeded in life by his daughter, Briauna Leigh Musson; his mother, Martha Jane Musson; brother, Christopher Musson; and sisters, Meloney Musson and Lona Orellana. A Memorial service will be Tuesday, May 13 at 2 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
–––––•–––––VIRGINIA LOIS PETTIT, 88, of Jacksonville, died Sunday, May 11, 2014. Virginia was born December 18, 1925 in Madill, Okla. to the late Homer and Beatrice (Leslie) Pettit. She is also preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters. Ms. Pettit retired from Pulaski County School District and was a member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by sister Frances Moseley and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 2-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Arkansas Funeral Care, 2620 W. Main St., Jacksonville. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Mulberry Cemetery in England. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.
–––––•–––––DONALD RAY “MEAT” THOMAS, 60, of North Little Rock, Ark., passed away May 8, 2014. Loving memories are left to his siblings; Alvertis Johnson, Charles Thomas, Barbara Johnson, Colesia Thomas, Dilsey Scoggin, Shirley Murphy, Julius Craig Jr., Jay Craig, Christopher Craig, Diana Johnson, Kim Robinson, Tina Craig and special daughter, Erica Bradford. Family hour Wednesday, May 14th, 6-7 p.m. at Superior. Homegoing Thursday, May 15th at 10:30 a.m., St. Mark Baptist Church 3725 Hwy. 161, North Little Rock, Ark., Superior Funeral Service, 5017 East Broadway. (501) 945-9922. Online guestbook www.superiorfuneralservices.com/. Trudean Long Brown, “Providing Services Your Family Deserves.”
Arkansas
BALD KNOB — Hedwig Caldwell, 75, died Saturday. Survivors: one son, Ronald Caldwell (Pam); a daughter, Brinda Williams (Michael); four grandsons, Guy Hepner, Shad Hepner, Jeff Hepner, Cody Caldwell; four great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter. She is preceded in death by her husband, “Sonny” Carroll C. Caldwell. Graveside services: Tuesday, 1 p.m., Velvet Ridge Cemetery. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––•–––––BALD KNOB — Samantha Dawn Fowler, 19, died Saturday along with her fiance, Benjamin Stracener. Survivors: parents, Jason and Holly Fowler; brother, Eli Fowler; sister, Jasmine Fowler; grandparents, Patricia Fowler and George Fowler, Debra Williford and Samuel Turner. Visitation: Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. Funeral: Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 3 p.m., Central Baptist Church, Bald Knob. Interment: White County Memorial Gardens. Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob-Judsonia. www. powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––•–––––BENTON — Arlene Maria Bridges, 56, of Benton passed away May 10, 2014. Funeral services will be held at the Northside Church of Christ at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday evening, May 14, from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (501-315-4047). Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.
–––––•–––––CABOT — Georgianna VandeVille Freck, age 68, of Cabot went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. She was born October 5, 1945, in Grand Rapids, Mich., to the late Marinus John VandeVille and Louise Marie Winney VandeVille. She was preceded in death by her husband Irving Eugene Freck, and one sister, Nancy Utz. She was a little lady with a strong mind and a good heart. She loved to laugh, and her family, church and friends were most important to her. She enjoyed the outdoors, cooking, and decorating her home for the holidays.
She is survived by her children, Robert John Freck and his wife Kelly Lynn Freck, Michelle Lynn Freck; grandchildren, Zachary Talmadge Gates and his girlfriend Morgan Morris, Christopher Eugene Gates, Nathan Lucas Gates and his girlfriend Bailey Patterson, Joseph Marshall Freck, Katherine Elizabeth Freck; and one great-granddaughter, Savannah Gates.
Memorial services will be 5 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Cabot. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Sign online guestbook at www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
–––––•–––––DARDANELLE — Dennie Bittle, 70, of Dardanelle, died Saturday, May 10, 2014. Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Ola United Methodist. Burial will be at Carter Cove Cemetery by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.
–––––•–––––DEWITT — Freddie Ulyess Howard Mannis, 69, of DeWitt died May 11, 2014. He is survived by four children, two brothers and three sisters. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 13th, at the Church of the First Born with burial at Thompson Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home. esssexfuneralhome.com.
–––––•–––––DONALDSON — Roy Ralph Springer Jr., 54, of Donaldson died Sunday. Services 10 a.m. Friday at Welch Funeral Home. Visitation 9 a.m. until service time. Interment in Southfork Cemetery. Memorials to St. Paul AME Church. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the online guest book.
–––––•–––––EAST END — Aaron Wesley Mashburn Houston, age 13, of East End, went to Heaven on May 9, 2014. Aaron was born on December 23, 2000 in Little rock to his mother, Sarah Ann Mashburn and biological father, Daniel Houston. He will forever remain in the hearts of his family and continue to touch lives in ways that can’t be imagined
He was homeschooled and in the 6th grade and was absolutely a brilliant young man. His favorite subjects were science and history. Aaron’s favorite color was green and he loved camoflauge. He has a love for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also loved animals, Star Wars, the park, playing DS along with fooseball and air hockey, Gomer Pyle and working at his grandpa’s Saw Mill.
Aaron was a special boy and was growing into an amazing young man and his family was blessed to have had him, even for a short time. He was the most kind-hearted and sweet spirited boy and was loved dearly and was able to touch so many people, in a very special way. He is survived by his mother and biological father along with his brother, Daylan Paul Mashburn Houston, his grandparents, Raymond and Sarah Mashburn. He is also survived by his Aunt, Laura Defrese, Uncle, Wesley Mashburn, along with his cousins; Abi, Ali, Adi, Serenety and Journey. Aaron was preceded in death by his great-grandparents; Johnny and Edith Mashburn and ElmoDoyle and Margeret Myers.
A celebration of Aaron’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Geyer Springs Baptist Church in Little Rock with burial being held at Salem East-End Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, 501-847-9099. To sign the online guest book go to www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
–––––•–––––EL DORADO — Rebecca “Becky” Herring Churchwell, 65, of El Dorado, Arkansas died May 10, 2014 at South Arkansas Medical Center in El Dorado, Arkansas. Becky was born on November 9, 1948 in Ruston, Louisiana to the late Odes C. and Mildred Linton Herring. Becky was a nurse for 40 years. She worked at St. Vincent Infirmary for 20 years before going to work at South Arkansas Medical Center for the last 20 years. She loved to watch the TV show Jeopardy and loved to read. Becky was involved in Disaster Relief. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her step mother, Dorothy Herring; sister-in-law, Debbie Linneman; father-in-law, JW Churchwell. Survivors include her husband, Jerry Churchwell of El Dorado, Ark.; son, Keith Churchwell of El Dorado, Ark.; mother-in-law, Aletha Juanita Churchwell of Little Rock, Ark.; brother, Calvin (Mary) Herring of Phenix City, Ala.; brother-in-law, Robert Linneman; sisters, Joyce Knight of Dermott, Ark., Neva (Johnny) Tipps of Dermott, Ark., Dianne Herring of Dermott, Ark., Carolyn Herring of Malvern, Ark.; sister-in-law, Lavida (Bill) Whitson of Lonsdale, Ark.; one niece and two great-nephews.
Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Temple Baptist Church in Dermott, Arkansas. Funeral Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Temple Baptist Church in Dermott, Arkansas. Burial will be at Centerpoint Cemetery near Dermott, Arkansas with Rev. Bob Franklin and Rev. Jody Gannaway officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, Arkansas. On-line guest book may be signed at www.griffinculpepper. com. –––––•–––––FOUNTAIN HILL — Maxine Hagood Lankford, 82, of Fountain Hill, died Saturday, May 10, 2014. Funeral service: 2 p.m., Tuesday, at Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Prairie Grove Cemetery in Drew County. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com.
–––––•–––––HARDY — Susan Clendenen, age 87, of Hardy, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2014. No services are planned at this time. All arrangements are by Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland, Ark. www.tricountyfuneralhome.com.
–––––•–––––HOPE — Funeral for Mrs. Peggy Ann Dougan, 73, 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home Chapel, Hope. Burial, Piney Grove Cemetery in Boughton with Rev. Jerry T. Crane officiating. Visitation; 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 13 at Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home. Arrangements by Brazzel/ Oakcrest The Funeral Home, Hope. Online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.
–––––•–––––MALVERN — Ruby F. Galloway, 62, of Malvern passed away May 11, 2014. Visitation: Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 6-8 p.m. Atkinson Chapel. Services: Thursday, May 15, 2014, 10 a.m., Atkinson Chapel. Burial: Rockport Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, Ark. Guests may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.
–––––•–––––MARSHALL — Judith Ann Moore, 71 of Marshall, died Saturday. Survivors: daughters, Becky Carter and Julie George, grandchildren, Larry George, Scottie George & Kala Jones, five great-grandchildren. Arrangements are by Roller-Coffman Funeral Home, Marshall. Graveside: Marshall Memorial Gardens, 2 p.m. Wednesday. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
–––––•–––––MAYFLOWER — Loretta Forte Acklin, 59, Mayflower, departed this life May 7. Survivors children, Michelle Forte, Alexis Acklin, Fred (Bobbie Jo) Acklin; granddaughter, Eyona Geter; siblings, William and Dennis Forte; Anna Pearl Ealy. Funeral services 11 a.m., Thursday, May 15, Palarm Chapel Baptist Church, Mayflower. Visitation 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment Salem Cemetery. Services entrusted to Larry G. Acklin Funeral Home, Conway. 327-1124 www.larrygacklinfuneralhomes.com.
–––––•–––––McGEHEE — Harold Irons, 88, of McGehee died May 10, 2014. He was a retired farmer and a Baptist. Service held Tuesday, May 13, 2 p.m., Griffin Funeral Home Chapel and burial in Dark Corner Cemetery. Memorials: Liberty Baptist, P.O. Box 19, McGehee, Arkansas 71654. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas.
–––––•–––––MORRILTON — James Smith, 67, Morrilton, passed Saturday. Survivors: wife: Rosemary Smith, three sons: four daughters: two brothers: sister: two grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation: 12 noon til 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, services following at 2 p.m. at Bob Neal and Sons Chapel. Arrangements by Bob Neal and Sons Morrilton. Guestbook: www.bobnealandsons.com.
–––––•–––––MOUNTAIN VIEW — William Roy Corter, 88, of Mountain View, Arkansas died Sunday,May 11, 2014. He is survived by wife, Joyce Naomi; children, Danny Dale, Billy Darrell, and Linda Darlene; sisters, Dessie and Gwen. Service will be Wednesday, May 14, 10 a.m. at Roller Coffman Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
–––––•–––––MOUNTAIN VIEW — Clovis Evelea Hankwitz, 91, of Mountain View, Arkansas passed away on May 10, 2014. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 beginning at 10 a.m. at Roller Crouch Chapel in Mountain View, Arkansas. Interment will take place at Holly Springs New Cemetery. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
–––––•–––––PARKDALE — Mrs. Kattie Bell, 78, of Parkdale, died Sunday, May 11, 2014 at her residence. Graveside funeral service and burial will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2014 in the Parkdale Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com.
–––––•–––––PUMPKIN BEND — Mr. Bobby Gerald Henderson, resident of Pumpkin Bend, died Friday, May 9, 2014 at his home. He was 76 years of age.
Visitation was at Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home in McCrory from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday night, May 11, 2014 with funeral services there as well on Monday, May 12, 2014 at 2 p.m. Interment was in Woodman Cemetery with Thompson-Wilson Funeral Directors in charge of arrangements.
Bobby was born in the Beards Community on November 26, 1937 to Everett and Arkie Young Henderson. He moved with his family at an early age to the Pumpkin Bend Community. Bobby attended School in Pumpkin Bend and also McCrory High School where he was a 1956 graduate. He was married to Mary Kendrick on May 10, 1963 and together they had two boys, Michael and Robert. During his lifetime, Bobby attended the First Assembly of God Church with his wife, Mary. He worked construction before becoming an employee of Lawhon Farm Services. Bobby was the Seed Plant Manager for Lawhons for over 38 years, something of which he was very proud. He enjoyed gardening, doing carpentry work and most of all he loved being with family. His children and grandchildren as well as his faithful wife, Mary, made his life complete.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Kendrick Henderson of Pumpkin Bend, two sons and their wives, Robert and Jenny Henderson of Mc-Crory and Michael and Janet Henderson of Newport, one sister, Della Mae Taylor and husband Brewster of Pumpkin Bend, and four grandchildren, Colton, Weston, James and Sam. He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Arkie Henderson, three brothers, Orville Lee, Homer and Billy Joe Henderson.
Pallbearers were Johnny Browning, Alton Brownderville, Michael Coley, Jimmy McElyea, Doug Davis and Colton Henderson. The family has requested memorials be sent to the First Assembly of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 363, McCrory, Arkansas, 72101. –––––•–––––RUSSELLVILLE — James O. Wooten, 84, of Russellville, died Friday. Service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Shinn Chapel. Burial will be at Pisgah Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation will be Tuesday, from 5-7 p.m., at the funeral home. Online obituary/guestbook available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
–––––•–––––SEARCY — Benjamin Paul “Ben” Stracener, age 23, of Searcy, died Saturday, May 10, 2014 in Searcy. He was born May 8, 1991 in Southaven, Mississippi to David Glynn Stracener and Karla Jane Dunham Stracener. He was born again in Searcy, Arkansas when he was 13 years old to God the Father by the blood of Jesus through the instruction of the Holy Spirit.
He departed this life with his fiancé Samantha Dawn Fowler of Bald Knob, Arkansas. Ben is an incredibly loving young man who will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his parents, David and Karla Stracener of Searcy; one sister, Tillie Stracener of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Grandma, Patty Sue Stracener of Searcy; Granny and Grandad, Paul and Matilda Dunham of Searcy; aunts and uncles, Deborah and Danny Harden of Searcy, Billy and Lorain Stracener of Hot Springs, and Janet Stracener of Olive Branch, Mississippi. He is preceded in death by his Grandpa, Benjamin Reid Stracener; and uncle, Kenneth Wayne Stracener.
Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home, Searcy. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home, Searcy with interment to follow at White County Memorial Gardens, Searcy. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.
–––––•–––––STAR CITY — Isabella Rae-Ann Yarberry, three months, of Star City died Saturday. Funeral Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Griffin Funeral Service with Bro. Aaron Burns officiating. Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial at Hickory Grove Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online guestbook at www. griffinfuneralservice.net. –––––•–––––STUTTGART — Marion Lee Lunday, age 88, of Stuttgart (formerly of Augusta), passed away Sunday. Survivors: sons, Herbert Lunday (Mary Beth), Larry Lunday (Evelyn); daughter, Carol Smith (Jerry); five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Visitation 10-11 a.m. with funeral service, 11 a.m., First Baptist, Augusta. Arrangements, Rhodes & Son Funeral Home, Augusta & Mc-Crory.
–––––•–––––TUCKERMAN — Oneil Smith, 92, of Tuckerman died Saturday. Survived by sons; Mike Smith of Batesville, Ray Smith of Tuckerman, stepson; Millard Smith of Hot Springs, step-daughters; Beverly Bell of Newport, Marie Lawrence of Texas, several grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home.
–––––•–––––TWIN GROVES — Jeraline Talley, 82, of Twin Groves, died May 9, 2014. She was born August 17, 1931. Funeral service 11 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2014, at Zion Grove Baptist Church in Damascus. Burial in Zion Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
–––––•–––––WEST POINT — Ruth Irene Collins, 73, of West Point passed away Saturday, May 10, 2014 at White County Medical Center. She was born November 25, 1940 to the late Luther Edward Grissom and Maudie Purkiss Grissom in West Point, Arkansas. She was of the Baptist Faith. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and was loved by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Grissom. She is survived by her husband, Howard Collins of West Point, Arkansas; three sons, Robert Collins of Kensett, Arkansas, Howard “Randy” Collins of San Diego, California, and Mike Collins (Kerry) of Lakeland, Tennessee; four daughters, Karen Vowels (Mark) of Scott, Arkansas, Kimnore Collins of Little Rock, Arkansas, Danielle Davis (Jeremy) of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and Taylor Mae Collins of Kensett, Arkansas; two sisters, Betty Chastain of Ward, Arkansas, and Hazel Foreman of Newport, Arkansas; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2014 in the funeral home chapel with interment following at West Point Cemetery. Share a Memory: www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.
Out-of-state
DUBACH, La. — Glenda Roberson Nesbit Lanier, 75, died Saturday. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Young’s Funeral Directors with visitation starting at 9:30-11:30 a.m. prior to the service. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
–––––•–––––LAKE CHARLES, La. — Sally Anna Mae Bryant Willis (Ann Willis), 83, of Lake Charles, La., died at 8:04 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014, in a Lake Charles hospital. Mrs. Willis was born on November 9, 1930, in Keo, Ark., and moved to Lake Charles, La., in 1969. She was a member of the Moss Bluff United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed being surrounded by her family and she also enjoyed gardening. Mrs. Willis will be remembered for her uplifting spirit who never met a stranger. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Those left to cherish her memory are four sons and their wives, Vernon H. Willis Jr. and Linda of McAllister, Okla., Wesley Willis and Renee of Groves, Texas, Glenn Willis and Pamela of Carlyss, La., Lewis Willis and Jerrilynn of Fair Play, Calif.; four daughters and their husbands, Rena Guillory and Dan of Lake Charles, La., Karen Watson and John of Lake Charles, La., Glenda Hooper of Lake Charles, La., and Tina Scuderi (fiance’ Kevin Ewalt) of Lake Charles, La.; two brothers and their wives, Lewis Bryant and Annie Ruth of Little Rock, Ark., and Jim Bryant and Cynthia of Conway, Ark.; sisters-in-law, Glenda Sue Willis of Indiana and Ruby Hill of Walnut Ridge, Ark.; a step brother, Harrell Ferguson of Conway, Ark.; two stepsisters and their husbands, Betty Tanner and Carl of Conway, Ark., and Ellen Adcock and Jerry of Benton, Ark.; and 27 grandchildren as well as 43 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon H. Willis Sr.; her mother, Rena Burleson Bryant; her father, James Elmer Bryant, her step-mother, Opal Bryant; and a baby brother, Morris Bryant.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel in Lake Charles, La. The Rev. John Robert Black will officiate. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Garden Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will continue on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until the start of the services. Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www. johnsonfuneralhome.net.
–––––•–––––CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Freda Mae Sherlin Casto, 61, passed away on Sunday, April 13, 2014, at home in Chesapeake, Va. Born in Little Rock, Ark. She was the daughter of Jefferson and Lakaska Mae Sherlin. A strong and proud Navy wife, she traveled to Hawaii, Guam, Okinawa, Italy and Scotland. She was employed with Mid Atlantic Communications in Portsmouth, Va. She loved Razorback and Dallas Cowboy football and decorating for the holidays.
Left to cherish Freda’s memory are her husband, Wallace R Casto; daughter, Melissa Casto and her fiancé, James Williams; sisters, Vera L. Bowie (Jerry) of North Little Rock, Ark., and Norma J. Story (Gary) Batesville, Ark.; brother, Philip Sherlin (Gina) of Little Rock.
Family will receive friends at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Bridge Chapel on Thursday, May 1st, from 6 to 7 pm with a memorial service to follow at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.