LOREE KAY CLIFT, 71, of Benton, Arkansas passed from this life in to the Lord’s presence on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Kay was born July 16, 1947 in Little Rock to Ed Tapley and Loree Edmonson. She was a lifelong Benton Resident. Kay was employed several years with Phillips Lighting Corporation. Her major role was that of a loving, devoted wife and mother. Prior to her illness, Kay enjoyed bowling and she loved to go fishing. Kay was preceded by her brother, Jimmy Tapley. Kay is survived by and leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of fifty-five years, Morris C. Clift; four sons: Brian, Jeffrey (Tina who she loved as a daughter), Michael, and Darren all of Benton; sister, Gay Sample (Skip “her favorite brother-in-law”) of Benton, sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Ward; a nephew and several nieces; loved ones; and friends. At Kay’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. The family will hold a celebration of Kay’s life at a later date. Memorials may be made to Saline County Animal Shelter, 606 Willow, Benton, Arkansas 72015. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
GERALDINE LEE GLIDEWELL, 70, of Benton, Arkansas passed away March 12, 2019. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas to Charlie Failla and Agnes (Ray) Crookham. Geraldine was a Bible believing Christian. She was a talented artist who often made charcoal drawings and painted rocks. Geraldine was affectionately called “Momma Gerry” as she was “mom to the world”. Her children remember her letting as many of the neighborhood children to cram into her 1964 Chevy Impala to go the zoo and drive-in movie theater. Geraldine was like Annie Oakley with a gun. She taught her sons how to be a man, hunt, fish, and drive big trucks. Geraldine retired as a LPN nurse and was a private duty caretaker. She enjoyed crocheting and made many blankets, quilts, and afghans to give to family and friends. Geraldine was a member of the Red Hat Society Club. Preceding Geraldine in death are her parents: father, Charlie Failla and mother, Agnes M. Crookham; and brother, Robert Fulcher. She leaves to cherish her memory her four sons: Sean Abbott of Benton, Les Pelton and wife Brittany of Bryant, Arkansas, Jason Pelton of Benton, and Randy Pelton of Benton; grandchildren: Alexander, James and fiancé Audrey, Gabe Abbott, Hunter Lewis, Isabella Pelton, Jordan Gray, and Madison Gray; great-grandson, Ashtyn Abbott; three brothers: Charles Failla and wife Lynn of Conway, Arkansas, Gene Fulcher of Benton, and Clyde Crookham and wife Vanessa of Haskell, Arkansas; two sisters: Teheresa Failla of Benton and Anna Crawford of Houston, Texas; and many family members and friends who love Geraldine and will miss her always. Reception visitation and memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 15 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guests may register online atwww.SmithFamilyCares.com.
BOBBIE JUANITA PRICE, 88, of Traskwood passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2019. She was born November 13, 1930 in Big Springs, Texas to the late Ira and Teenie Alderman. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, William Price Sr.; son, Billy Price; and grandson, Heath Price. Survivors include son, Robert Lowery of Bigelow; daughter, Lawana Stegall of Traskwood; sister, Margie Padgett of Texas; nine grandchildren, Micheal Melton, Michelle Bias, Shawn Hill, Cole Elrod, Devin Arrowood, Nate Arrowood, Chad Price, Amy Lowery, and Brian Lowery; and numerous great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Pipkin Cemetery in Benton, Arkansas with Bro. Terry Sayers officiating. Roller Ballard Funeral Home.
JAMES DEWAYNE MURPHY, SR., 53, of Bryant, Arkansas passed on March 15, 2019. He was born to John and Virginia Murphy on November 9, 1965 in Corinth, Mississippi. He loved motorcycles, fishing, and more importantly, his grandkids. He loved spending time with his family and having get-togethers because that was an excuse for him to be able to barbecue. He also loved his church family. He coached many sports, such as; softball, basketball, and baseball. He enjoyed his many poker nights with his friends. He was such a wonderful dad and family man! He was a jack of all trades who loved helping people. He was a huge supporter of the military.,He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Marsha Reeves, and nephew, Steven Reeves.,He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Linda Murphy; son, Jay Murphy, Jr. (Michelle) of East End; daughter, Hayley Nicole Murphy of Shannon Hills; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jamie, Skylar, MyCaela, and Jackson; brothers, Gerald, Gene, Jimmy, and Mike Reeves; along with a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who all love and miss him dearly.,The visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 P.M., then the celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.,Lynn Cook will be officiating the service.
JIMMY FRED BABBITT, JR. (BOOBIE), 66, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on March 13, 2019. He was born to Jimmy Sr. and Georgia Babbitt on July 28, 1952 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a proud U.S. Marine Veteran of 8 years, and then onto a Private as an aviation mechanic. He worked for Intermedics, Bell Helicopter, Falcon Jet, and Hawker Beechcraft throughout his life. He was an outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed tinkering and restoring all kinds of things. He loved spending time with his family and was full of such life.,He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Jimmy Fred Babbitt, Sr.; several uncles and one aunt; and several in laws.,Remaining to share memories are his loving wife of 32 years, Susan Babbitt; two daughters, Ashlee and Aarin Babbitt; two sisters, Suzan Harmon and Sandra Kelly; brother, David Babbitt; five nephews; along with a host of other family and friends who loved and miss him dearly.,The celebration of life will be held Friday, March 15, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.
CLINT PAYNE KIMBROUGH, age 48, of Traskwood was a beloved father, son, and brother, passed away Thursday March 14, 2019. He was born August 31, 1970 in Benton. Clint was an Iron worker by trade. He was preceded in death by his father, Jeffrey Lynn Kimbrough.,,Survivors, son, Hunter Kimbrough, mother, JoAnn Segraves, brother, Jeff Kimbrough, sister, Echo Strawn, fiancé, Angela Green, several nephews, aunts and cousins.,,Clint always had a love for the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.,,Family will hold memorial services at 2:00 PM Sunday at the Moose Family Center Lodge # 2567, 11485 Hwy 67 South, Benton, Arkansas 72015,,Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
JILL ELAINE EVERETT, age 54, of Haskell passed away suddenly Friday March 15, 2019 at Saline Memorial Hospital. Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Ellsworth Everett and Patricia Morehouse Everett, her son, Kevin Birkhead and niece Jenny Ann Lavender.,,Jill is survived by her daughter, Jessica Birkhead, brother, Albert Everett, sisters, Karen Richards and Gail Lavender, and her nieces and nephews.,,Jill was born in Little Rock, Arkansas September 15, 1964. She was born severely deaf. When she was very young, Jill attended a specialized school in Memphis,TN that taught deaf children to lip-read enabling her to attend public schools in Little Rock. She graduated from the Arkansas School for the Deaf after transferring there in high school. After a crippling accident in 2006, Jill resided at the Arkansas Health Center until her death.,,Because of her love for cats, memorials may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society.,,A memorial service will be held for Jill in Sandy Cove, Nova Scotia next summer.,,The family would like to thank everyone at Arkansas Health Center for their wonderful care of Jill and to the Arkansas Spinal Cord Commission.,,Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
GORDON “PETE” CAPLE SR., 80, of Alexander, was born Feb. 19, 1938, in Little Rock, and died Feb. 26, 2019. He graduated in 1957 from Citrus Union High School in Azusa-Glendora, California. He is survived by Frank and Marilyn Caple, of Hot Springs Village; five children, Cheryl Charming, of New Orleans, Carolyn Caple Moor, of Orlando, Charlie Caple Weaver, of Camden, Pete Caple Jr., of Cabot, and Amber Caple Leclerc, of Little Rock; and seven grandchildren. Pete is remembered for his contagious smile, laughter and love of cars. A master auto mechanic his entire career, he loved a good deal, an auction and could repair anything. Back in the day, he played college football, and for fun, was a country dance instructor at Electric Cowboy. His best gift was his good heartedness, honesty and kindness to others, as well as animals. His legacy will be continued in those who knew and loved him. His presence will be missed. We honor him and welcome visitors to his life celebration and memorial service at Ashby Funeral Home, located 108 W. Narroway St., in Benton, from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 23, 2019. A private family reunion luncheon will follow off site. Online guest book: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
KEN WAYNE MEDLOCK, 77, of Benton, went to his home in Heaven on Monday, March 11, 2019. He was born Sept. 7, 1941, to Rayburn Forsythe and Hilda Wahnita Medlock, and we believe they welcomed their son home in Heaven. His only sibling, Ray Forsythe Medlock Sr. lives in North Little Rock. Ken was a retired corporate officer and vice president at H.J. Baker & Bros., a commodity firm in New York. He served our country and enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17. He gave his heart and life to Christ in his teens. His church home was Park Place Baptist Church in Bryant. Throughout his life, he always served consistently on church committees, teaching, ushering, work days, and as a greeter. Ken met the love of his life, his perfect mate that God chose for him, Billie Jo Brannen, and today, March 15, they would have been married 57 years. Mom has always said there is never a dull moment in her life and we know that is true. They had two children, Connie Jo Medlock Binz and Keith Wayne Medlock, who loved their Dadeo and Dad fiercely. Dad prayed for them to find Godly mates, and God blessed Connie with Richard Charles Binz and Keith with Trina Michelle Spriggs. They each held a special place in his heart. Dad’s legacy continued through the Lord blessing him with his grandchildren, Austin Matthew Binz, who is now married to his love, Samantha Leigh Jameson, Corbin Chandler Binz, Hunter Wayne Medlock, and Savana Michelle Medlock. His grandchildren were his life. He enjoyed taking his family fishing, hunting, golfing, on individual trips, ballgames and he gave them wise life lessons for their lives. Each of us never truly understood the wisdom and truth, until later in life. Ken loved God, family, country, friends and strangers. We have each seen so many examples and crossed paths or received notes from all walks of life, stating how he took a stance for right. He helped any way he could, whether it be a labor of love, financially, or opening his home for a stay or a meal. He always stood for doing the right thing, being trustworthy, loyal to a fault, dependable, and having a tremendous work ethic. He had the mindset of early to bed and early to rise. His family had many traditions through the years. He always felt that their traditions were the stories that families write together. His family saw through the years he always had a heart for the widows, calling them weekly and being there for them whenever needed. They also saw him writing weekly letters, notes, and making phone calls to check up on family and friends, or standing for integrity and ethics to newspapers, TV stations or organizations. Ken was very involved in his community through the years. He volunteered at the Union Rescue Mission, Habitat of Humanity, Board of Directors, V.P., for Crows Fire Station, and voting booths. Our dear husband, Dad, and Gramps, we will always strive to continue your legacy of keeping God and family in the forefront of our hearts. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today, March 15, 2019, and funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 16, 2019, both at Pinecrest Funeral Home, located at 7401 Arkansas 5 N. in Alexander. Pastors Keith Medlock, Donny Parrish and Gary Lambright will be officiating. Interment will immediately follow the funeral service at Forest Hills Cemetery in Bryant, with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Austin Binz, Corbin Binz, Hunter Medlock, Allan Lewis, Heath Clower, Gardner Howze, Savana Medlock and Samantha Medlock. Honorary Pallbearers will be Butch Medlock and George Benham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union Rescue Mission, 3001 Springer Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72206, or Park Place Baptist Church, 22208 I-30 Frontage Road, Bryant, AR 72022.
TINA MARIE WOODARD, 54, of Bryant, left this world to go to glory with her Heavenly Father on Monday, March 11, 2019. She was the youngest child of the late David Leonard Woodard Sr. and Elsie Ardella Spaulding Woodard. Tina was born July 27, 1964, in Erie Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Jonathan Edward; and two grandchildren, Johnny Edward Thompson and baby Baker. Before she was limited by her illness, Tina was an active member of Alexander First Baptist Church where she was the leader of many activities and organizations. She was often organizing Vacation Bible School, chili cook-offs, or the Women On Missions League. In her spare time, she would cook, rearrange her furniture, watch the San Francisco 49ers on TV, buy socks or read. She was a mother to six, grandmother to 13, and there are many others that she opened her heart and home to. She is survived by three sons, Richard (Angela) Faulkner, of Benton, Dennis Smallwood, of Osceola, and Chris Thompson, of Jacksonville; two daughters, Kristy (Eric) Baker, of England, Arkansas, and Tabitha (Kyle) Martin, of Alexander; four brothers, David Jr., Bryan and Neal Woodard, all of San Jacinto, California, and Fred Pogue, of Little Rock; and three sisters, Faith Hunter, of San Jacinto, California, Millie Williams, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Margie Mitchell, of Tennessee. She also leaves behind two very special friends, John Terry and Rochelle Burnett. Our momma will be greatly missed, but we know that she was received through the pearly gates and ran dancing down the streets of gold. A memorial service will be held in her honor at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2019, at Alexander First Baptist Church. Cremation service is entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home in Benton Online guest book: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.,Published in The Saline Courier on Mar. 15, 2019
MRS. HELEN MARIE (JONES) ADCOCK, of Bryant, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019, at the age of 80 at her home. Helen was born April 17, 1938, in Hensley, to Herbert Jones and Trula Joy (Burton) Jones. Helen grew up the youngest of six children. She met her true love, Danny Adcock, in junior high school. She graduated from Little Rock Senior High School in 1956 and she and Danny married that same year. They were married 62 years. She is the mother of four daughters – the Adcock girls. She is survived by her daughters, Karyn and Doug Wilson, Carol Sue and Kenny Camp, Debbie and Wayne Crow, and Dana and Kelly Fugitt; seven grandchildren, Marlow Simpson, Steve and Andrea Williams, Jamie and Amanda Fugitt, Allison and Mike Lawson, Drew and Amber Fugitt, Samantha Williams and Charles Grivotet, Alexandra Williams and Jeremiah Norris; and 11 great-grandchildren, Jake Simpson, Ava, Porter, and Emery Fugitt, Peyton and Maddie Lawson, Baylee and Riley Fugitt, Will Grady, Walker Williams and Caroline Marie Norris. Helen was a supervisor of the Little Rock Water Department. She also worked for Aetna Life and Casualty Company of Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice House. Arrangements are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com. Family Comments: The family is thankful for the care from Dr. Sarah Harrington with Pallative Care Department at UAMS, and Saline Memorial Hospice House. We would especially like to thank Jacqueline Perry who began as a CNA but quickly became family.
JERRY L. HAWKINS, 61, of Benton, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019, after battling cancer. He was born June 26, 1957, in Warren. Jerry was a Baptist and a carpenter by trade. He loved to hunt, fish and cook. He was preceded in death by his father, Herman Hawkins; his mother, Ruby Tully; and his step-father, John Tully Jr. He was survived by a daughter, Audreona (Steven) Ferren; two grandchildren, Rylee and Landyn Ferren; two brothers, Eugene (Beverly) Hawkins and Benny Hawkins; a sister, Ola Bramlett; several nieces and nephews; and his fur buddy, Peaches. “Rest in peace, Little Brother”. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation service is entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home. Online guest book: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
LEEVOY ANN HENSON, 86, of Benton, left this world for her Heavenly home Monday, March 11, 2019. She was born March 23, 1932, in Bauxite, to Horace and Emma Whitfield. LeeVoy was a caring and loving woman with a hint of bossy thrown in for good measure. Her children said they are so glad God gave them to her – she was the “greatest mother alive.” Everyone who knew her had a LeeVoy story and loved her. She was a faithful Christian wife and mother who raised her three children to be strong, healthy Christians. If this is the most important task for a believing momma, she did her job well. She was an excellent cook and used no recipes. It was just part of her to know how to fix a good meal from scratch. She was known for her delicious cakes, biscuits and old-fashioned skillet gravy, and pie: especially coconut cream pie. She always kept food on the table. She loved gardening – flowers and vegetables. She enjoyed canning and making quilts. She was a lifetime member of Mars Hill Baptist Church. Her dogs and granddogs held a special place in her heart; she loved Sadie the poodle, Pepper (aka Bob Barker) the schnauzer, and Oscar and Peanut the dachshund mixes. Waiting for her in glory were her husband, James; her parents; two sisters, Patsy and Gail; and a brother, Ronnie. Remaining to cherish her memory are her children, Ann McAdory (Bill), of Ohio, Nona Emory (Melvin), of Sardis, and Wyatt Henson (Margaret), of Lonsdale; two grandchildren, Trey Vaughn (Kristen) and Tony Vaughn (Holly); a great-granddaughter, Kyleigh Vaughn; and a number of nieces and nephews. Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2019, at Mars Hill Cemetery in Bauxite. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 14, at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home, located at 4212 Hwy. 5 North in Bryant. Online guest book: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
JAMES FRASER STEPHENS, of Benton, was born Aug. 14, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, and died Sunday, March 10. He grew up in Wyoming and would go on to follow in his father’s footsteps and earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas. James served his country for five years in the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of captain, and then returned to the University of Arkansas to earn a master’s degree. James spent his adult life dedicated to his job working for the state of Arkansas at the Department of Environmental Quality as a geologist. He participated in his community by coaching local youth soccer teams for the better part of a decade and for the last five years assisting with the Stella Boyle Smith Young Artist Competition. He will be remembered by his friends and family for his loyalty, selflessness and his uncompromising moral character. He was both strong and compassionate and made everyone around him better for it. He will be forever cherished and missed. James is survived by his loving family, a sister, Mary Ann Matthews; a brother-in-law, Dan Matthews; a nephew, Stephen Matthews (Brittani); a niece, Carey Ann Matthews; and his wife and son, Jeannine and Andrew Stephens. Visitation will be held for from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, located at 322 North Market St. in Downtown Benton. Services are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guest book: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.