Obituaries

Merle Dean Breshears

MERLE DEAN BRESHEARS went to be with the angels on March 14, 2013. The funeral service will be held at Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church, 1723 Schaer St., North Little Rock, AR 72114; at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, March 18. Burial will follow at the Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements made by Roller-Owens Funeral Home (501-791-7400). Merle was born Nov. 22, 1923 in Carthage Ark. to James Jeptha and Laura Anne Gill. She was the youngest of seven siblings all preceding her in death. After graduating from Carthage High School, she enrolled in Draughon School of Business and moved to Little Rock. After completing her course study, she was hired at Western Union. Soon she met the love of her life, "Gene" Breshears, a soldier at Camp Robinson. They were married May 20, 1946. She was a devoted wife with unconditional love that endured even after his passing in 2007. After marrying she became a homemaker and was the proud mother of three children, Peggy Vickers of North Little Rock, Paula Brinkley of North Little Rock and Russ Breshears of Little Rock. Her devotion to her children was unmatched, as her world revolved around them. Then along came five beautiful grandchildren, all lighting up her life. They are Keith Hughes, Krystle and Laura Brinkley, and Gabriel and Mary Beth Breshears. Then she was blessed with two great-grandchildren, Lucie and Henry Hughes, both bringing laughter and joy to her life. Merle also loved the spouses of her children and grandchildren, Earl Vickers, the late Keith Brinkley, Diana Breshears, and Alicia Hughes. Merle loved her church and her Sunday school class. Merle and Gene joined Gardner United Methodist Church 62 years ago and attended regularly. Merle taught the 3 years old Sunday school class for over 20 years, along with volunteering at the Gardner Food Pantry. Her kindness and devotion to others will never be forgotten. Her great love and commitment for her family was admired by all who met her. She was loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed. Memorials may be sent to Gardner United Memorial Methodist Church Food Pantry, Barnabas House, counseling and social work center, of Oak Forest United Methodist Church, 2415 Fair Park Blvd. Little Rock, Ark. 72204 or Arkansas Foodbank, 4301 W 65th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72209. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

Published March 17, 2013

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