Rose Mary Hester, 87 of Alexander, passed away on February 8, 2021. She was born on December 6, 1933 in Yardell, Arkansas to the late Clark and Daisy Davidson Farmer. She was a member of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph T. Hester and sister, Patricia Hacker. Rose Mary is survived by her son, Joseph A. (Debra) Hester, brothers, William Lewis Farmer and James “Gene” Alden Farmer, sister, Shirley M. Shatswell, grandchildren, Joshua Alan (Kelly) Hester, Stephanie Nicole (Kevin) Bunch, Jayme Danielle (Chad) Vaughn, great grandchildren, Paityn Kay McArthur, Rylen Alexander Vaughn and Piper Danielle Vaughn. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 13, 2021 with burial to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Minister will be Bro. William Lynn Baxter. Visitation will be Friday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Bonnie Shearer-Hughes, 82, went to be the Lord on February 6, 2021, after a battle with Covid. She was born on May 3, 1938. She resided in both Little Rock and Benton. She is survived by her 3 children, Cliff (Debbie) Shearer of Little Rock, Sheila (Ray) Beardsley of Little Rock, and Mandy Miles of Hot Springs, 2 grandchildren, Jeff (Nicole) Shearer of Albany, New York and Michelle (Chad) Whatley of Little Rock, and her precious great-grandson, Jacob Clifton Shearer of Albany, New York. She had many nieces and nephews and she always looked forward to receiving letters from her nephew Gino Howard. An educator for over 31 years in the Pulaski County School District, she loved children and seeing them have a quality education. Her career began as a 4th grade teacher at Geyer Springs Elementary School and she went on to serve as a principal at Landmark Elementary and Lawson Elementary. Bonnie loved the Lord and served Him in so many ways. She was a member of Western Hills United Methodist church for over 60 years and taught adult Sunday School for over 40 years. One of her favorite classes was the 60+ class. She was always willing to help others less fortunate and her faith guided her every day of her life. She spent countless hours studying the Bible. She always made time for family and family events. She especially loved the Razorbacks, both traveling to see them play and attending watch parties to cheer on her Hogs! She also loved serving on the Board of the Gann Museum. The family would like to thank her other “family”, Foxridge on Chenal Memory Care. Also, all the doctors, nurses, support staff, and Hospice at Baptist Hospital for their tireless care. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to one of Bonnie’s favorite charities: Western Hills United Methodist Church, 4601 Western Hills Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204; Watershed of Little Rock, 3701 Springer Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72206; Heifer International, 1 World Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202; or a charity of your choice. There will be an open visitation at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday at Pine crest Cemetery by Ashby Funeral Home. Minister will be Rev. Shari Day. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Tommy Ray Wolfenbarger, 70, of Benton, Arkansas passed away February 7, 2021. He was born on May 12, 1950 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Wannie Rue and Ida Mae (Shore) Wolfenbarger. Tommy was a hard worker and drove many miles on the highway as a truck driver. He adored his wife, Mary, and loved taking care of her. Tommy cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Tommy was always active, and his hobbies included wood-working, camping, fishing, and cooking for his family and friends. Preceding Tommy in death are his parents, daughter, JoAnne Barrett, four brothers, and two sisters. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of fifty-one years, Mary Wolfenbarger of Benton, Arkansas; son, Mark Wolfenbarger and wife Jennifer of Benton, Arkansas; two daughters: Brenda Bradley of Benton, Arkansas and Martha Will of Limestone, Tennessee; sixteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends who love Tommy and will miss him always. Graveside service will be held at 11:30 AM, Friday, February 12, at Pipkin Cemetery, 1154 Raney Road, Benton, Arkansas with a visitation held 11:00-11:30 prior to the service at the cemetery. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
John Carl Harris, age 83, of Benton, Arkansas was called home on February 7, 2021. He was born April 9, 1937 in Morrilton, Arkansas to the late William Hurvey and Sybil Harris. John has been married to Margie Sue (Knight) Harris for sixty-three years and has two children. He had a career in insurance and real estate. John served in the United States Army until 1959. John is preceded in death by his parents Hurvey and Sybil Harris; sister, Opal Green; and brothers, Edward and Audrey Harris. He leaves behind his wife of sixty-three years, Margie Harris; sons: Jerry C. Harris and wife Kim and Robert W. Harris; grandsons: Jeremy C. Harris and wife Amy, and Mitchell W. Harris and wife Tiffany; great-grandchildren; brother, Jerrell Harris; and a host of family and friends. John was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Bryant. He became a 32 Degree Mason in 1975. He spent a lot of enjoyable time with his car club volunteering at car shows. John is a collector of many things and enjoys attending auctions. Graveside service, officiated by Bro. Buster Guthrie, will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, February 12, at Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Highway 5 N, Alexander, Arkansas. COVID-19 Directives: Social Distancing will be maintained and masks are required. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Joshua Thomas Schall, 44, passed away February 4, 2021. He was born on December 29, 1976 in Malvern, Arkansas to Leonard and Doris (Tucker) Schall. Joshua worked as a flooring installer. He leaves behind his family who dearly loved him and will miss him always. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Thomas Jefferson “Jeff” Davis, 98, of Benton, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Monday, February 8, 2021. He was born in Pulaski County to John Alexander Davis II and Lillian Eva Norman. Jeff was a man full of zest for life, never turning down an opportunity to joke around or make someone laugh. He was so caring and welcoming, and always embraced people and their company with open arms. He spent much of his time after retirement visiting people in nursing homes and hospitals, bringing a smile to everyone’s face in a time when they needed it most. Anyone who knew Jeff knew of his lifelong love for horses, but even more so, his family. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and his heart was filled with joy and contentment when his family was together. He was a proud member of the United States Coast Guard and served in the Pacific campaign during WWII, acquiring the title of “WWII Veteran.” He had been a member of Northside Church of Christ since 1959 and was an elder for 15 years, serving from 1979 to 1994. His high sense of integrity and honor made him the man that everyone loved and respected. He will be missed but his memory will be cherished, and his legacy will continue through those who loved and cared for him. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bobbie Jean Shepherd Davis; brothers, Norman Davis, Terrel Davis, Doyle Davis, Hayden (Joe) Davis, Jack Davis, and Bob Davis, and a sister, Kathryn Milks. Jeff is survived by his sons, Carroll Davis and his wife, Betty, and Tom Davis and his wife, Martha; his daughter, Janelle Doyel; grandchildren, Doug Davis and his wife, Joeleen, Jeremy Davis and his wife, Teresa, Ashlee Cross and her husband, Josh, Jeffery Davis, Jessika Doyel and her partner, Max Cypress, and Kymberly Stonick and her husband, Ben, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many other extended family members and friends of his family. A Funeral Service will be Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Northside Church of Christ, 917 N. East Street, Benton. Visitation will be an hour prior to service time at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Northside Church of Christ is complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 300 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering. Memorials may be made to Southern Christian Children’s Home, P.O. Box 649, Morrilton, AR 72110 or Corin Read Christian Camp, 917 N. East St, Benton, AR 72015.
Omagene Elliott passed away February 5, 2021 at University of Arkansas Medical Center, Little Rock. She was born in Jacksonville, AR, August 17, 1932, to Liburn and Mary Redmond Elliott. Omagene’s parents died at an early age leaving behind young children. Omagene filled the role of parent by raising her younger siblings. Surviving Omagene are her brothers, Pete (Faye), Robert, and Johnny (Patsy) Elliott; her sister, Mabble Lea Roberts; special niece, Penny Roberts; special nephews, Timmy and Tony Roberts; special great-nephew, Alex Roberts; special friend Hank Smith, and other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Mary Teal; brothers, Billy and Junior Elliott; and special friend Finis Shoptaw. Omagene was a co-founder of World Bibleway Fellowship Church, having been a member for 50 years. Most recently, she attended Tent Builders Church. Other areas of her life included her love of reading and baking. She was known in her family for her weekly fresh baked cakes. Omagene was employed for 50 years at Laundry Cleaners. Serving as Pallbearers; Dalton Elliott, Micheal Elliott, Willie Elliott, John Micheal Elliott, Tony Roberts and Alex Roberts. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, February 10 at Tent Builders Church, 1214 Liberty, in Benton, Arkansas. Interment will follow in Cato Historic Cemetery, 14000 Frenchman Mountain, Sherwood, AR at 2:00 P.M. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, face coverings will be required, and social distancing will be observed when in attendance.
On February 4, 2021 Alice F Oliver of Benton, Arkansas left this life for her Heavenly home. She was 102 years young, born September 29, 1918 in St. Charles, AR. Alice had four siblings who preceded her in death. Her deceased parents are W.A. Kemp and Myrtle Kemp of Tilton, AR. Alice was preceded in death by two husbands, James Carter, and George Oliver. She is survived by one daughter, Anita Annette Romine (Jim) of Mabelvale, AR. and four grandchildren, Jimmy Romine JR. (Rayne) of Maumelle, AR, Lisa Costa (Mark) of Little Rock, AR, Theresa Kelley of Mabelvale, AR, and Tammy Hartness (Bill) of Mabelvale, AR. She has eight great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren. Her hobbies were gardening, cooking, bird watching, and visiting with family & friends. Alice was an extraordinarily strong lady who was known for her vivacious personality and was well loved by all.