M. Cravens Housley

M. Cravens Housley, 78, of Pine Bluff, died Monday, January 27, 2014. He was born August 2, 1935 in Prairie View, son of J. Alfred and Annie Lee Cravens Housley. Mr. Housley was reared and received his early education in Scranton, graduating from Scranton High School in 1953. He earned his B.S. Degree in guidance and counseling from Arkansas Polytechnic College (now Arkansas Tech University) in 1958. Mr. Housley earned his Master's Degree from Arkansas State University in 1963 and did additional graduate work at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He began his educational career in Gillett as a business teacher in 1956. Mr. Housley taught business in Gillett, Stuttgart and Wilson before beginning his counseling career in Brinkley in 1962. Mr. Housley moved to Pine Bluff in 1967 and worked at Pine Bluff High School as a counselor from 1967 until his retirement in 1996, after serving 40 years in education. Mr. Housley was a past president and treasurer of Southeast Arkansas Counselors. He was a member of Jefferson County Retired Teachers, Arkansas Retired Teachers, past treasurer of District V Retired Teachers and member of Phi Delta Kappa. As a faithful member of Lakeside United Methodist Church in Pine Bluff, he served as past president of Wesley Sunday School Class, past chairman of Education Committee and Missions and Outreach Committee. He also served as past church treasurer. Survivors include his wife, Lora Mae Curtis Housley, whom he married April 7, 1966 in Jacksonville; daughter, Elizabeth Anne Housley of Pine Bluff; and a very special friend and caretaker, Cynthia Davis. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 3, 2014 at Lakeside United Methodist Church with Reverends Mary Susan Hilliard and Pam Estes officiating. The committal service will be 1:30 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Prairie View United Methodist Church near Paris, Arkansas with Reverends Earl Carter and Jim Brooks officiating by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. at Robinson's. Memorials may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 Olive Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601 or Pine Bluff Friends of Animals, c/o Tina Bohannon, 901 North Haverty Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Steven Wright and Dr. Steve Greer for their excellent care. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.