Jeffery Tyrone Clements, 60, of Alexander, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021 at his home with his loving wife by his side. Jeff was born January 16, 1961 in Dallas, Texas to Mary Jane (Baker) Clements and Jerry Clements. Jeff is survived by his wife of twenty eight years, Karen (Williams) Clements; four daughters, Jessica (Josh) Wood, Nicole (Brandon) DuBois, Casey (Chris) Jordan and Brittany (Travis) Wood; eleven grandchildren, Jade, Riley, Landon, Blaine, Chloe, Zander, Hadley, Everly, Ridge, Scarlett, and Braydon. He was also survived by brothers Jay (Lynn) Clements and Joel Clements; sisters Cindy (James) Parker and Kelly Clements; and numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins. Jeff was employed by C&F Flooring and Rug Gallery. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling with his wife, family, friends, and Nadia, his loyal companion Dachshund. No one enjoyed eating or cooking a good meal more than Jeff. He brought laughter to every situation, was loved by many, and will be greatly missed. His family and friends will have a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saline County Safe Haven @ PO Box 1100 Benton, AR 72018.
Mary Frances Basiliere, 85, of Benton, Arkansas went to be with the Lord April 19, 2021. She was born April 25, 1935 in Centerpoint, Arkansas to the late Joe Stirl and Bertie Inez (Davis) Lingo. Mary retired from Benton Utilities after working as a cashier supervisor for thirty-five years. She was a dedicated member of Hurricane Lake Baptist Church for over sixty years. She loved her church family and served in many different ministries over the years. Spending time with her grandchildren was the highlight of her day. Mary cared about everyone she knew and would do anything for them. She showed her love through giving gifts. Mary loved her furry companion, Bo, a Boston Terrier she rescued. Preceding Mary in death are her parents; two sisters: Dorothy Davis and Katherine Killingsworth; and brother, Mack Lingo. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband of twenty years, Joseph Basiliere of Benton, Arkansas; son, Robert Graddy and wife Leah of Alexander, Arkansas; step-sons: Ty Basiliere and wife Aubry of Nashville, Arkansas, Guy Basiliere and wife Stacy of Shelbyville, Kentucky, and Mark Graddy and wife Debbie of Bauxite, Arkansas; step-daughters: Jill Crump of Nashville, Arkansas and Lorraine Lunderville and husband Bill of Berlington, Vermont, and Sheree Belcher of Hope, Arkansas; grandchildren: Zach and Emma and sixteen others; 11 great-grandchildren (and one on the way); and many relatives and dear friends who love Mary and will miss her always. A private service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Mary’s honor to Hurricane Lake Baptist Church, 2516 Springhill Rd, Benton, AR 72022. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Verl Harris, of Benton, died April 19, 2021. She was born January 15, 1924, to Margaret Justus Jones and Maurice Jones of Swifton, Jackson County, Arkansas. Verl was the second of three daughters. Verl graduated from Swifton High School in 1940 as salutatorian. At age 16 she entered college at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas, and remained there for two years. Verl later attended the University of Mississippi in Oxford, graduating in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree. While at university, she was a member of the national Phi Mu social sorority. Verl later earned additional college hours by attending Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. During World War II, Verl worked in the U.S. Office of Education in Washington, D.C. She married her first grade sweetheart, J.D. Harris, on January 30, 1948. Mr. and Mrs. Harris lived in Paragould, Batesville, and ultimately Benton, Arkansas, where they owned and operated Harris Shoes, Inc. for many years. Mrs. Harris was an elementary school teacher for 29 years, 26 of which were spent at Howard Perrin Elementary School in Benton. During those years of teaching, she was involved in numerous school-related activities and was a member of several organizations, including the school’s Parent Teacher Association, Benton Classroom Teachers, Arkansas Education Association, National Education Association, American Association of University Women, and Alpha Delta Kappa. More recently, Mrs. Harris was a member of Saline County Retired Teachers, Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, and Disabled American Veteran Auxiliary. She attended church at First United Methodist Church in Benton and Sunday school in their Dorcas Class. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Harris is preceded in death by her husband, J.D., sister Jeannie Heathcott of Gainesville, Florida, and sister Millie Wamsley of Ocala, Florida. Mrs. Harris is survived by her daughter, Patti, in Little Rock; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Dr. Erin Scherer, husband Dr. Daniel Dillard, and sons Indiana and Aiden Dillard in Atlanta, Georgia; Sara Butler, husband Mark Butler, and children James David, Henry, Grant, and Cora Butler in Atlanta; Greg Scherer in Long Island, New York; and niece, Cheryl Cross in Gainesville, Florida. Her surviving family would like to note that Mrs. Harris lived life to its fullest, was very active and never bored for a moment, had a great sense of humor and adventure as well as a tremendous intellect, excelled at teaching and mentoring children, kept a warm house, was a gregarious hostess, and will be missed immensely by her friends and family. The Harris family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support during this time of need. Visitation will be held at Ashby Funeral Home on Sunday, April 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The memorial service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander on Monday, April 26, at 10 a.m. All friends and family are invited. The family requests no flowers. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Benton or to a charity of your choice.
Blanche Marie Hethcox of Benton, beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, mentor, and confidant, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 17, 2021 while surrounded by family and friends. She was a strong and profoundly selfless woman who always put others first, and herself last. Preceding Blanche in death are her parents, Milton and Flora Mae Paxson; her sister, Wanda Paxson; and her daughter, Christy. She is survived by her husband and best friend of thirty-eight years, Larry Hethcox of Benton, Arkansas; her son Curtis Greenwood of Oklahoma City; her daughters: Holly Treasitti (Mike) of Benton, Susan Corning (Cecil) of Morrilton, and Toni Haaf of Palm Bay, Florida; granddaughters: Kayla treasitti, Kinley Treasitti, Jessica Black, Jennifer Johnson, Erin Corning, and Megan Nettles-Allman; four great-grandchildren; three sisters: Margaret Birdsong (bobby), Joyce Smith (Bill), and Nancy Cruce (Martin) all of Little Rock; and many relatives and friends who love her and will miss her always. Blanche attended Hall High School and she retired from the Chapter 13 Trustees Office in 2001. She was of the Methodist faith. Blanche loved to travel, shop, and go to yard sales. She also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds in her yard. Visitation will be held 10:00-11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton. Funeral service officiated by Robbie Horn will follow at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Home Care, 2200 South Bowman, Suite A, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Raelyn Sylvia Owens, infant daughter of Jason Owens and Kayla Stuckey passed away on April 17, 2021. She is survived by her parents and brother, Daniel Owens, grandmother, Kristy Kelley. Cremation was entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Yvonne Raye Magness Nall, 83 of Benton, passed away Saturday April 17, 2021. She was born May 30, 1937, in Independence County, to Alfred C. (Ace) Magness and Sarah Alice Magness. Yvonne retired from The Union Bank of Benton after 34 years of service. She was a member of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred C. (Ace) and Sarah Alice Magness, and her Brother-In-Law, Donnie Huchingson. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, David Nall; a daughter, Karen Rowan (Doug); two sons, Jerry Nall (Deronda) and Terry Nall, all of Benton; two sisters, Binnie Alberius (Al) of Little Rock, and Willene Huchingson of Benton; seven grandchildren, Brian Rowan, Brooke Woolford (Sean), Justin Rowan (Jessica), Rachael Nall, Sarah Ball (Josh), Daniel Nall, and Cody Nall; eleven great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M., Monday, April 19, 2021 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at Ashby Funeral Home, with burial following at Forest Hills Cemetery. Brother Marcus Blakley will be officiating. Pallbearers are Brian Rowan, Justin Rowan, Daniel Nall, Cody Nall, Sean Woolford, and Josh Ball. Donations can be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Carolyn Ann Phipps-Jones, 55, entered eternal rest on April 16, 2021. She was born on December 24, 1965 in Holly Grove, Arkansas to parents George Phipps and Nannie Mae Hendrix. Carolyn received her education in Holly Grove, Arkansas where she was a member of the class of 1984. Her work history included jobs with Wal-Mart, Dillards, E-Z Cash, Etc., but her passion was her very own created, “Mimi’s Cleaning Service”. Carolyn loved life and loved everyone in her life. She felt it was a priviledge to help anyone in need of anything and always gave her all. After ten years, she married the love of her life. She was Micheal’s rock. Carolyn would light up a room with her big smile. She would not allow anyone to be weak very long-she wanted everyone to be tough, just like she was. When that smile faded, people knew she wasn’t happy. Carolyn enjoyed “retail therapy” and had many different wigs, and designer purses. Preceding Carolyn in death are her mother, Nannie Mae Hendrix; father, George Phipps, Sr.; two brothers: Charles Walker and Carl Gill; two sisters, Sarah Henderson and Maxine Phipps; nephew, Steven Phipps; niece, Ariel Phipps; and grandmother, Lillian B. Lane. Carolyn leaves behind precious memories with many including husband, Micheal “Mike” Jones; children and step-children: Layton Jones of Little Rock, Raymond Hill of Little Rock, Brandon Hill of Little Rock, Alesia Hill of Little Rock, Kelvin Phipps of Omaha, Nebraska, Danetha Hill of Omaha, Nebraska, Danetta Hill of Omaha, Nebraska, and Darin Jones of Cabot, Arkansas; grandchildren: Chyna Arnold, Steven Arnold, Jr., Brandon Hill, Jr., Anaiya Trayham, Khylei Phipps, Khyla Phipps, Khyanne Phipps, Khi’ree Primes, Gracyn Jones, and Gentry Wayne Jones; sisters: Linda Tucker, Laura Gill, Tammy Rowan, Reba Johnson, Gail Phipps, and Katina Phipps; brother, George Phipps, Jr.; and a host of friends and relatives. Visitation will be held 9:30-10:00 AM, Saturday, April 24, with funeral service following at 10:00 AM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Freda Ann Graber age 78, of Benton, was born May 13, 1943 in Morrilton, AR to the late Fred and Katie Welch. She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Welch, mother Katie Welch, sister, Mary Alice Welch, and her husband Chuck Graber. Freda and Chuck actively served the Lord in church ministry. Freda loved to play the piano and sing the old hymns. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She loved having her family close by her. She is survived by her sister, Betty Anthony (Lee Anthony), brother, Sid Welch (Grace Welch). Son, Alden Graber (Sandra Graber). Grandchildren, Matt Graber (Kaylynn Graber), Katie Graber. Great Grandson, Charlie Graber. And many nieces and nephews. Freda went to be with the Lord on April 16th, 2021, with family by her side. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at Spring Creek Baptist Church. Burial will be follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Minister will be Bro. Terry Parrish. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Mary Lou Spragins Smith age 90, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021. She was born on August 21, 1930 in Little Rock to Joel and Hallie Vaughan Spragins, she grew up in Little Rock. She graduated from Little Rock High School, earned her BA degree from TSCW, (now Texas Women’s University) and a Masters Degree in School Service Administration, from the University of Chicago. Mary was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Benton, where she served as a ruling elder and choir member. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents and her husband, George William Smith. She loved beautiful things: Classical music, art, poetry, philosophy, books, and old houses. Mary loved animals, all animals but especially her dog, Andy, and her cat, Hop-along. She believed in “reverence for life.” She loved nature, and going to Ferncliff Camp. She loved helping people, as a Social worker at the Veteran’s Memorial Hospital in Little Rock for 29 years, and also working with geriatric patients and their families at the Counseling Clinic in Benton. Following retirement she was Board President of Saline County Safe Haven, Inc. from 2001 to 2008, and a supporter of several humanitarian organizations, including, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International and Saline County Humane Society. Mary is survived by two sisters, , Nancy Scott and Hallie Simmins both of Little Rock, Nephews, Wade, Joel and David Scott, and two nieces, Hallie Rookey and Helen McMillin, ten great nieces and nephews, several cousins and many friends. Memorial services will be at the First Presbyterian in Benton on Thursday, April 22, at 2:00 PM. Mrs. Smith will be buried beside her husband in a private ceremony at the Little Rock National Cemetery. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Mary L. Stanford, 88, of Bryant passed on April 15, 2021. She was born on May 11, 1932 to the late Woodrow and Ola Jones in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by one son, David Davis; grandson, Sean Davis and great grandson Brantley Davis. Also 4 sisters, Bernice Smith, Molly Grose, Linda Raines, and Carol Johnson. Mary is survived by 4 children, Susan (Wayne) Rhoades of Bluffton; Robert Lee (Debbie) Davis of Benton; Michael (Peggy) Davis of Bella Vista; and Woody (Marla) Davis of Lawrence, KS. ; also 1 sister, Emma Blanton of Mississippi; 12 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren and a host of friends and family. She was a charter member of Hurricane Lake Baptist Church for 51 years and served many years as the church clerk. She sang in the church choir and looked forward every year to Christmas Cantatas! She loved working with young children in school and taught many years of Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She worked many years as election chairperson for her local precinct. Mary retired from North American Phillips and spent several years working at Springhill Elementary. She was an avid traveler and loved to visit family and friends. Mary’s wonderful character can be seen by in her love for her family and Jesus. Visitation will me held on Monday, April 19, 2021 at Hurricane Baptist Church in Bryant. Service will be at 1:00 at the church. To sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.