SHARLOTTE ANN JOHNSON, 64 of Bryant, passed away on February 19, 2019. She was born on October 30, 1954 in Little Rock to Carl and Ruby Andrews Johnson. Sharlotte was retired from Arkansas Health Center after 20 years of service as a Certified Nurse’s Assistant. She opened up a Bed and Breakfast in Bryant after retiring, enjoying her customers for 15 years and Pet Setting her furry friends. She was preceded in death by her father, son, Jason Scott Wilson and daughter, Shannon Lynn Wilson. Sharlotte is survived by her mother, Ruby Andrews Johnson, Bryant; daughter, Brandi (Jamey) Burton of New Jersey, sister, Tammy (Michael) Cottingham of Bryant, grandchildren, Jessika (Zach) Hansen of Malvern, Dylan (Chelsea) Burton of Tennessee, Dakota Burton of New Jersey, niece, Karissa (Ryan) Witherspoon of Colorado, nephew, Philip Cottingham of Bryant, best friend, Barbre “Puggy” Stringfellow of Benton. Visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home on Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Smith New Rosemont Cemetery with Bro. Doug Wyllia and Bro. Albert Wyllia officiating. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
MICHEAL EUGENE “MIKE” MCGHEE, 58 of Benton, went to meet his heavenly Father on February 24, 2019. He was born on October 31, 1960 to Otha Mack and Vyda Pearl Welch McGhee. Mike was preceded in death by his father, sister, Linda Jean McGhee, father- in- law and mother- in- law, Charles and Pauline McGee. Mike leaves to cherish his memory, mother, Vyda Pearl McGhee, wife, Debbie McGhee, daughter and son-in- law, Beth and Ronnie Goodwin, son and girlfriend, Ryan McGhee and Lauren Briggins; sisters and brothers in laws, Joyce and Bill Farnam, Kay and Richard Moore, Dee and Todd Thomas, Carla and Mike Charles ; Trish and Curt McGhee, brother in law, Jim McGee. Along with his many family and friends, he leaves to cherish his memory, a host of former players and friends. Mike also leaves behind his special friend and “adopted son” Steven Bostick. From an early age, Mike developed a love for sports. In school he participated in Track, Basketball, Baseball and Football. He earned a scholarship to play Football at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Mike left UAM without finishing his degree. He was introduced to the sport that would change his life by his friend and mentor, Ronnie Hawkins. Mike spent many weekends making friends and playing softball. He played for teams such as Pro Forms and Thomas Oil. In 1983, while playing in a co-ed tournament, he met his wife of 34 years. He continued to play travel ball until Mark Duke asked him to help coach a girl’s Fastpitch team. Mike realized he needed help to be the best coach he could be, so he started going to coaching clinics put on by college coaches. There he met Alvy Early, the UAM coach who became a mentor, friend and recruiting buddy. Mike often said his years coaching his daughter’s team, the Blazers, with Mark Duke, were the most enjoyable of his coaching career. In 2003 he was given an opportunity to finish his college degree and be an assistant coach at Ouachita Baptist University. Mike finished his degree and was named the head coach, a position he held until his death. When asked how many kids he had, the answer would be 22, 25 or how many girls he had on his roster. Mike always thought of his players as his own and treated them as such. He always insisted his players attend class. The rule was if you missed a class, you had better call coach by 5:00 p.m. or you wouldn’t be playing for him. He realized that an education was more important than softball. Mike was a loving and caring, father, husband and an honest, good hearted man. He lived his life to the fullest. If you didn’t want the truth, then you’d better not ask him. A visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home on February 28, 2019, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorial services will be held at a later date when softball season is over. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mike McGhee Scholarship fund c/o Regions Bank. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
JACINTIA (JUDY) WHITEHEAD, 85, of Hot Springs, took her last breath from this world at 6:30a.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019 after an extended illness. She was born February 25, 1933 in Saline County, Arkansas; graduated from Fountain Lake High School in 1951 and married Edward Whitehead December 1951. While Ed was a member of the USAF, it allowed them to travel and live in Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and several different Air Force bases. After Ed retired from the USAF, they moved back to Saline County and did volunteer work. Judy was a member of the Balboa Baptist Church of Hot Springs Village. Judy will be remembered as a loving, forever smiling, outgoing person who loved to meet people wherever she went. She was preceded in death by her father and mother Loy and Bessie (Chennault) Witham; brother Jody Witham; husband Edward Whitehead; daughter Jacintia Renee Whitehead. She is survived by her son Michael wife Sharon of Lonsdale, grandsons Stephen and Christopher Denosky of Orlando, Florida, significant other Clifton Bearden of Hot Springs, life-long friend Wanda (Ferguson) Hill, long-time friends Joyce James and Jimmy Carden, nephews Doug Witham, Greg Shell, Steven Shell and David Mongan, nieces Kay Rowe, Patsy Breshears, Levon “Red” James, Chandra Davis, great-nieces that lived down the road and visited often Brittany and Bridget Witham, and a host of other relatives and numerous friends across the country. Pallbearers: Patrick James, Wayne Welchman, Doug Witham, Greg Shell, Steven Shell, Steve James, David James, Michael Davis. Honorary Pallbearers: Michael James, Wayne James, Davy Breshears, David Mongan Harry Tickell, Jimmy Carden, Bud Tayor,Stephen Denosky, and Christopher Denosky. Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home – Benton, Friday, February 22, 2019 4:00p.m. – 7:00p.m. Services will be at Ashby Funeral Home – Benton, Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 1:00p.m. with Bro. Shawn Welchman officiating. Burial to follow the services at Gravel Hill Cemetery 6259 AR‑9 Benton, Arkansas. A Celebration of Life will be held on March 3, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., Mt. Carmel Community at the Village. Memorials may be made to the Fountain Lake Scholarship Fund or Fountain Lake Fire Dept. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
JERRY WAYNE SPARROW, 77, of Bryant, passed away on February 20, 2019, at Amberwood Nursing Home in Benton. He was born on July 8, 1941, in Little Rock to the late Carthel and Doris Davidson Sparrow. Jerry was the grandson of Rudolph and Prudence Haralson Sparrow and Ira Edward and Hallie Rison Davidson. He was a graduate of Jacksonville High School and was employed by the FBI in Washington, D.C.; Jackson, Mississippi; and New Orleans, Louisiana. He also worked for IBM in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Little Rock, Arkansas. After retirement from IBM, he was employed by the State of Arkansas in the Dept. of Information Systems. Jerry was past president of his local Ham Radio Club. He served in the Air National Guard and marched in JFK’s funeral while he was employed by the FBI in Washington. Jerry is survived by his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth Bolin Sparrow; sister, Jane Wiley of Heber Springs; brother, David (Sherry) Sparrow, Sr. of Jacksonville, Alabama; his sister- in- law, Barbara Reynolds (Russ) of Washington, D.C.; and brother in law, Michael (Annie) Bolin of Little Rock, as well as several great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home Sunday, 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. in Benton. Graveside services will be held at 11:30 Monday, February 25, at Old Liberty Baptist Church, Fern Lane, off Hwy 64 in Conway.
BILLIE LOU DIAL, age 75, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019. She was born May 28, 1943 in Bauxite, Arkansas. Billie retired from the City of Bryant after 22 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mary Lou Sharp and her husband, Gene Dial. She is survived by her daughter, Gina Foree (Donald); brother, Marty Sharp (Becky) and a nephew, Mathew Sharp. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, February 24 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 25 at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Bro. Clyde Chenault will be officiating.
NANCY RUTH LAMB, age 78, of Magnolia passed away Friday, February 22, 2019. She was born December 17, 1940 in Magnolia. Nancy was a retired hairdresser and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney I. Dodson and Lois Andrews Dodson, and one sister. Survivors, sons and daughter-in-law, Charles (Amy) Lamb, Hot Springs Village; Kenneth Lamb, Magnolia; Kevin Lamb (Loretta Marceaux), Louisiana; brothers, Robert “Sonny” Dodson (Brenda), Texarkana; David Dodson (Sarah), Little Rock; sister, Laura Jones (Michael), Taylor, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
SHERMON AUSTIN SOSSAMON, age 85, of Benton went to be with our Lord on February 23, 2019. He suffered from emphysema and mesothelioma. He was born June 16, 1933 in Benton. Shermon worked for Alcoa for 32 years and was retired for 35 years. He enjoyed woodworking and fishing. He was a Mason and a member of the Salem United Methodist Church. Shermon was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Johnnie Ruth Bray Sossamon, parents, William Dale and Goldie Violet Byers Sossamon, and sister, Inez Sossamon Hunt Ford. He is survived by: daughters, Cynthia “Cindi” Ann Sossamon (Greg) Hathcote and Judith “Judy” Lynn (Glenn) Ford, grandchildren, Wesley Alan Hathcote and Victoria Chase Ford, great-grandchildren, Shelby Nicole and Will Brennan Hathcote, and Conner Brayden and Landon Bryce Bufford, brothers, Melvin and LeRoy Sossamon and sister, Myrtle Sossamon Nalley, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel Tuesday 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held at Salem United Methodist Church Wednesday at10:30 a.m. Graveside service will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Minister will be Bro. Carlton Cross. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Salem United Methodist Church Stained Glass Fund. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
NELDA KAY DICKEY BURROW, age 98, of Benton passed away Sunday February 24, 2019. She was born November 8, 1920 – theyear of women’s suffrage – at Cave Creek in Newton County in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Nelda was a retired Bookkeeper for Crow Burlingame and a member of Northside Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell D. Dickey and Elpha McCutcheon Dickey, husband, James Wesley Burrow, four brothers, Ralph, Carl, Jack, and Ford Dickey. Survivors, son, Dr. Dennis Burrow, Little Rock; brother, Wayne Dickey, St. Louis; grandchildren, Blake, Emily, and Sarah Burrow (Armando Bolanos), “adopted” grandchild, Nalley Canela, great-grandchildren, Armando and Ariana. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel. Church services will be 2:00 PM Saturday at Northside Church of Christ in Benton. Jim Gardner will officiate. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to your favorite literacy organization. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
EMOGENE “JEAN” KITCHENS, 87, of Benton, went to be with our Lord, on Monday, February 25, 2019. She was born August 3, 1931 to Austin and Virena Buckalew McAdoo. Jean was a member of Holland Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. She retired in 1979 after serving as manager of BUSH Federal Credit Union for 21 years. Jean loved and believed in the Credit Union. She later served on the supervisory committee of Hurricane Creek Credit Union for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 55 years, Tommie J. Kitchens and siblings, Alda Wilmoth, Era Langley, Lois Wilbanks, Dorothy McAdoo, Wilbur McAdoo, Bill McAdoo, and Carl McAdoo. Jean is survived by a son, Joe Kitchens and wife Dorena; daughter, Patsy James and husband Jerry; grandchildren, Jason Byrd, Monica & Bobby Russell, and Jana & Wes Toler; great-grandsons, Cameron & Colby Byrd, Peyton & Brayden Russell, and Jared & Drake Toler. She is also survived by a multitude of family and friends. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 28 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery. Bro. Robbie Horne and Bro. Eddie Kitchens will be officiating. Family Comments: Her faith in God was shown in her everyday life. She loved God and loved sharing her testimony and daily devotional. Jean loved sports of all kinds, especially if her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren were involved. She loved her home and family and tried to make the best out of everyday. Jean loved a “good conversation” and loved to laugh. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Harmony Grove Backpack Program c/o Jana Toler @ 112 N. AR 229 in Benton, AR 72015 or donate to Arkansas Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit by mail @ P.O. Box 2222 in Little Rock, AR 72203, by phone 501-364-1359 or online.
DONALD RALPH SMITH, 81, of Hot Springs Village, passed away February 16, 2019. He was born January 2, 1938 to Marvin and Ola Smith in Halls, TN. Donald is preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Novaline Hardy and Maxine Cochran, brothers; Buford Smith, Ocil Smith, and Murray Smith. Survivors include: Wife, Mary F. (McDermott) Smith, children; Amanda Epperson (Roger) of Memphis, TN, Brad Smith (Courtney) of Jonesboro, AR, Tommy Gower of Heber Springs, AR, Terry Gower of Heber Springs, AR, and Debbie Carroll of Hot Springs Village, AR, grandchildren; Jenna Shanks, Christy Epperson Askew, Jacob Epperson, Marcy Epperson, Demery Carroll Mezin, Andrew Carroll, Tara Combs, Lane Gower, and Tony Gower, great-grandchildren; Westin, William, James, Jocelyn, Nico, Denali, Kayla, Cyan, August, Katie Mae and River. A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Friday, March 8, 2019 at 4pm at Barcelona Road Baptist Church. An interment will be held in Memphis, TN at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Dierkson Hospice, Barcelona Road Baptist Church or any organization of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home of Hot Springs Village, AR. For online condolences please visit www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com
CRUZ ARANDA, age 94, of Hot Springs Village, AR, passed away February 20, 2019. He was born September 14, 1924 in Navajo, NM. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home of Hot Springs Village, AR. Nancy Sue Jones, 64, of Sardis, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock after a very brief illness. She was born December 16, 1954 in Flint, Michigan to Marion “Bo” and Covina Fulmore. She and her loving husband, Steve, looked forward to the weekends so they could hit the road to ride around. They traveled all over the place, mostly in south Arkansas. They were probably those people the rest of us look at and say, “Well, aren’t they just out for a nice weekend drive.” Nancy enjoyed needlepoint, knitting, and crocheting. She was extremely gifted in these nearly-lost arts. Her lovely doilies grace many tables. She loved her grandchildren immensely and spoiled them as often as possible. When she cooked, nobody left hungry. Her specialties were corn, cornbread, and grilled cheese. The grandkids say nobody else can make those sandwiches taste the same! When she wasn’t doting on her grandbabies, she was snuggled up with her best furfriend, Buttons, the rat terrier. Buttons is enjoying the blankets Nancy left in her chair. Remaining to cherish the memories are her much-loved husband of 43 years, Steve; daughter, Teri Jones Berg of Bryant; son, Steven “Mark” Jones (Amber) of Bryant; grandchildren: Katelynn Dawson, Steven Berg, Jacob Jones, and Ethan Jones; sisters, Rose Lody and Betty Clift; brother, Keith Fulmore; aunt, Cathy Beadle; her favorite dog, Buttons; and a host of family and friends. Those who passed before her include her parents and her baby brother, Wayne Fulmore. Pastor Don Meek will deliver the message at the funeral at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5-7 P.M. at the funeral home. Be sure to look at the tablecloth Nancy made; it will be displayed in the chapel. Online guestbook: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
BILLY EDWARD TUCKER, 65, of Houston, Arkansas passed away on February 21, 2019. He was born to Lester and Elgie Tucker on January 4, 1954 in Piggott, Arkansas. There is no service times arranged. Interment will be cremation.
LARRY ANDREW SCOTT, 67, of Lonsdale, Arkansas fell asleep in death on February 23, 2019 surrounded by many of his loved ones. He was born February 9, 1952 to Arthur (Bud) and Norma Scott in Little Rock, Arkansas. Larry grew up in Benton and at an early age was well known in the community for being a witness for his God Jehovah. After high school, he continued to follow the command at Matt 24:14 to preach “this good news of the Kingdom” as a full time pioneer making a commitment to be in this ministry for 100 hours a month. He did this for the next 6 years. He then started a family. He continued regularly and at every opportunity to share with others his faith but by far he taught, shared, and showed by example all 7 of his children how important and fundamental your personal love for Jehovah should be! His love and faith in the Bible was unwavering to his death. He kept in mind the resurrection Jesus promises at John 5:28, 29 and wanted everyone to hold on to that promise. Not only that, he wanted all, especially his loved ones, to be sure to be there to welcome him back. Everyone that knew him would agree that he made a “good name” by always remaining loyal to Jehovah (Eccl. 7:1). He leaves behind his parents, Bud and Norma Scott of Lonsdale, AR, brother Kenneth (Carolyn) of Lonsdale, daughter LeAnne (Kurt) Batohie of The Woodlands, TX, daughter Sarah (Stephen) Davis of Freeport, TX, daughter Cynthia (Robert) Perez of Lonsdale, sons Christopher and Michael (Nikki) both of Benton, son Jake (Rebekah) of Hot Springs, and daughter Molly Scott of Hot Springs, AR. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives he loved very much. A memorial service is arranged for Saturday, March 9, 2019 @1:00 PM at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 12601 I-30 Benton, AR 72015 https://www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/larry-scott
OTTIS GIFFORD BAILEY, JR., 60, of Lonsdale, Arkansas passed away on February 24, 2019. He was born to Ottis G. Bailey, Sr. and Virginia Bailey on October 1, 1958 in Tennessee. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He spent 20+ years with Union Pacific Railroad. He was such a people person who loved to make people laugh! He loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Darby; niece, Andrea Jones. Remaining to share memories are his sons, Ottis Gifford Bailey III (Lori) and Jeff Bailey (Rachel) of Cave City, Arkansas; grandchildren, Skyla, Ottis “Bubba”, Hannah, Nova, and Garrett; two great grandchildren, McKenzie and Adelynn; two sisters, Judy Davidson and Patsy Harrison; brother, Ricky Dale Bailey (Becky); along with numerous friends and other family who love and miss him dearly. The celebration of life will be held Friday, March 1, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. with the visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.
KATHY GULLION January 25, 1953 – February 23, 2019 https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=51306&locid=10
AUDREY LILLIAN CALDWELL, 92, of Benton, Arkansas passed away Sunday, February 24, 2019 at home in Sherwood, Arkansas. She was born on March 9th, 1926 in Augusta, Arkansas to the late Mollie Smedley. She was preceded in death by her husband, JD Caldwell; three sisters, Thelma Ogden, Elnora Wagner, and Francis Prince; and one grandson, Roy Dee Pruitt. Mrs. Caldwell was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton and served as a greeter for many years. She is survived by her three daughters, Janis Pruitt and husband, Elton, Delaine Baughtman and husband, Frank, and Belinda Simmons and husband, Rick; eight grandchildren, Angela Pruitt, Tammy Palmer, Elton Mark Pruitt, Doug Baughtman, Erin Baughtman, Trey Baughtman, Cody Simmons and Callie Simmons; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 28, in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home at 306 S. Main St. Benton, AR (315-4047). Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. A time of visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 27, at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home.
IRMA LEE (BREWER) MCCROTTY, 82, of Bryant went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 17, 2019. She was born April 4, 1936 to the late Sidney and Brunie Mae (Lemons) Brewer. She was a member of Olive Hill Missionary Baptist Church for 60 years and retired after 25 years of service from the Pulaski County Special School District. She loved her family, to garden and sew, but was best known for her cooking and helping others. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Leonard Brewer and sisters Edith Mashburn, Elzie Mashburn, Leathia Mae Crutchfield and Lela Bell Benight. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Henry McCrotty; Two sons, Rick (Cindy) McCrotty and Charles (Cathy) McCrotty all of Bryant. Grandchildren, Lesley (Shane) Smith of Jonesboro, Jessica (Josh) Vaughn of Benton, Zach (Casey) McCrotty and Chaz (Mechalle) McCrotty of North Little Rock. Great Grandchildren, Seb, Gavin, Judson, Barrett and Merritt. Brother Harley Brewer, sisters, Barbara McCrotty, Joann Reynolds, Helen Weymouth, Mary Davis, Sidney Scoles, Carolyn Smith and Brenda Zelada and a host of nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mendy Barnes and the entire staff at Saline Memorial Hospice. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home Chapel, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton, interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home (501) 315-0700.
JETT OTTO MATTHEWS, 84, was born on March 11, 1934 to Milton G. and Birdie Mae Matthews. He passed away on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 after a short bout with cancer. He was raised near Ray Winder Field and loved baseball, hunting and fishing. He was a founding member of the S&H Hunting Club. He was a veteran of the United States Navy (E8) and a US Postal Service employee for 32 years. Jett was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Sylvia Ann Crow Matthews and his son, Wayne Matthews, his parents, and his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Ann (Doug) Dewease of Bauxite; his son, Brian (Stephanie) Matthews of Alexander; his grandchildren, Sarah (Drew) Ross of Crossett, Jay Dewease of Bauxite, Justin (Ashley) Matthews of East End, Coriana (Nick) Gladden of Little Rock, Mallory and Jacob Matthews of Alexander; four great-grandchildren, Saylor and Isabel Ross of Crossett, Koen Wayne Matthews of East End, Lily Sage Gladden of Little Rock; and his nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 22, in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Williams officiating. Serving as pallbearers are Jay Dewease, Justin Matthews, Jacob Matthews, John Dale, Kaward Jolly, and Ismael Leyva. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park. A time of visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 21, at the funeral home.
THOMAS J. “TOMMY” GWIN, 89 of Benton. Born Feb. 19, 1930, in Grant Co., AR, to Earl and Alice Lowman Gwin. Passed from this life to the next on Monday, February 25, 2019. Predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Maxine Gwin. He was a 1948 graduate of Sheridan High School. He accepted Jesus Christ as Savior at the age of 16 and was a faithful member of Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church. He was a proud member of the 11th Field Artillery, 24th Infantry Division of the United States Army during the Korean War, stationed in Korea and Japan. He was retired from the city of Benton as City Engineer and was also self-employed as a land surveyor. He was a bass fisherman and hunter, but his favorite activity was watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren from the sidelines whether it was softball, basketball, volleyball, or gymnastics. He was a board member for the Lonsdale Fire Department and past chairman, Ten Mile Crime Watch, and instrumental in beginning the Kiwanis Girls’ Softball Program in Benton. Left to cherish his memory: Daughter: Candy Gwin Miller (Keith) of Benton; grandchildren: Kori Miller Smith (Chad) and Karis Miller Kesterson (Shad); great-grandchildren: Anabella and Kaden Smith, Kenadee and Kopelyn Kesterson; son: Terry Millay (Sheila) of Paragould; grandchildren: Riley, Sadie and Colton Millay; step-children: Anita Ward, Randy Ward (Tammy), and Judi Ward Wade (Jody); step-grandchildren: Zach and Tyler Whitley, and Wilson and Devon Wade; siblings: Marilyn Ashcraft, Mildred Hitt, Lowman Gwin (Kitty), Aaron (Jamie) Gwin; and bonus grandchild: Stetson (Lindsey) Blaylock Services will be held at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church, Lonsdale, AR Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Services with be conducted by Bro. Will Diggs and Bro. Vance Nutt. Serving as pallbearers will be Stetson Blaylock, Eddie Warford, Eddie Tackett, Donald Covert, Charles Turley and Doyce Corrigan. Visitation will be held Wednesday February 27, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton, AR 72015 (501) 315-0700. Memorials can be made to Ten Mile Cemetery Association, attention Jerry R. Westerson, 16076 Hwy 70, Benton, AR 72019.
BERNARD “BERNIE” EUGENE MECHLING, 80, formerly of Kittanning, Pennsylvania passed away February 19, 2019 in Benton, Arkansas. He was born August 8, 1938 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania to the late Chester and Deatrice (Barth) Mechling. Bernard loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church in Arkansas City, Kansas. Bernard proudly served in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Phoenix College in 1967 and retired from Morton Buildings in 2001. After retirement, Bernard loved to travel. His dream of travelling to all 50 states with his wife became a reality. In his spare time, Bernard enjoyed playing golf, and sharing a cold beer. He loved his family more than anything. Bernard is remembered for being a cheerful, quiet, gentleman who was a great salesman and a people person. Preceding in death are his parents; grandson, Jacob Mechling; brother, Larry Mechling; sister, Joan Crofutt. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-six years, Eleanor “Jeanne” Mechling of Benton, Arkansas; son, Jim Mechling and his wife Rachel of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: Ashton Mechling and Emma Watkins and her husband Tyler of Paragould, Arkansas; great-grandchildren: Conner Sparks, Aryanna Watkins, and Andrew Watkins; brother, Randall Mechling and his wife Judy of Kittanning, PA; sister, Jane Walt of Kittanning, PA; and many family members and friends who love Bernard and will miss him always. Private service held by family. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
EDNA M. HEALAN, 94, went to be with the Lord on February 19, 2019. She was born April 7, 1924 in Jessup, Georgia to the late Benjiman F. and Minnie Lee (Hightower) Healan. Edna loved the Lord and served him faithfully. She was a member of Benton Foursquare Church. She was a licensed social worker. In Edna’s earlier years, she worked as a welder in the ship yards with her sister during World War II. Edna was part of a musical family. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, they toured across the United States and sang at the Grand Ole Opry and the Louisiana Hayride. They were very accomplished musicians and recorded albums until the boys had to enter the service for World War II. The Healan Family introduced “spoon playing” to the United States in the 1920’s. The love for music and Edna’s musical talents have been passed down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Preceding Edna in death are her husband, Joseph Moore Oliver; parents, Benjiman and Minnie Lee Healan; brothers: Jerry, Leonard, Bobby, and Frank Healan; sisters: Kathleen “Babbs” Mull, Durice “Duke” Healan, and Thelma “Jennie” Healan; and half-brother, Burnace Hightower. She leaves to cherish her memory two daughters: Gwendolyn Patricia Oliver of Spokane, Washington and Linda Ann (Oliver) Brewer and her husband Rev Dr. S. David of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: David Allen Brewer, Lois Ann (Brewer) Smith and her husband Ronnie Keith, and Michelle Cook-Hart and her husband Dennis; great-grandchildren: Ashley Hall, Suziann Hall, Karra Ann (Smith) Pracht and her husband Jacob, and Joseph David Brewer; great-great grandchildren: William Hall, Madyson Hall, Larkin Ann Marie Pracht, and two on-the-way- Jackson Oliver Pracht and Michela Rain Hall; and many family members and friends who love Edna and will miss her always. Memorial service will be held by family at a later date. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
DANNY RAY RILEY, 64, of Haskell, Arkansas, passed away February 20, 2019. He was born June 8, 1954 in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Walter B. Riley and Doris Ray (Madison) Woodall. Danny worked hard providing for his family at Ed’s Supply Company for over thirty years. He knew EVERYTHING about football-both college and NFL teams. Danny was a huge Ole Miss fan. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family. Danny is affectionately called “Poppy” by his grandchildren who say he always made them laugh. He also liked to share a beer with his friends. Danny was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of forty-two years, Rose Marie Riley of Haskell, Arkansas; son, Lucas Riley and wife Stacey of Haskell; daughter, Alisha Dunn and husband Jon of Haskell; grandchildren: Freda Riley, Kara Riley, Alex Back, and Riley Dunn; brother, Keith Riley of Meridian, Mississippi; brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Becky Thomas of Haskell; his Ed’s Supply Company work family; many nieces and nephews; and family members and friends who love Danny and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, Friday, February 22, 2019 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
MARILYN HEATH, 69, Alexander, passed away February 25, 2019. Marilyn was born to the late Pat and Allie (Sanders) Ables on August 14, 1949 in Isola Mississippi. Marilyn retired from being the office manager for Arkansas Highway Department after thirty-five years. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother whose joy was taking care of her grandchildren. Marilyn enjoyed to travel and especially loved the Little Red River, being outdoors, camping, and just being able to watch the birds and squirrels. Marilyn is survived by the love of her life for over forty-four years, her husband Billy Heath; one daughter, Melissa Freeman and husband John of Houston, AR; one son, Justin Heath and his wife Stephanie of North Little Rock; and six grandchildren: Anna, Gabby and Brayden Heath, Olivia and Bailey Freeman and Paige Matlock. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guests may register at www.smithfamilycares.com.
CAROLYN GRAVES was born on March 26, 1942 and passed away on Monday, February 18, 2019. Carolyn was a resident of Jessieville, Arkansas at the time of passing. Caruth Village Funeral Home – Hot Springs Village
KIMBERLY COFFMAN of Benton, AR born NOVEMBER 19, 1956, died FEBRUARY 16, 2019 (AGE 62) Details Pending. https://www.arkansascremation.com/obituaries/
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