Joseph William Riba Jr., 61, of Hensley, Ark., passed away May 7, 2018 at his home. He was born in Little Rock, Ark., to Joseph and Betty Riba. He was a machine operator for Borden’s Ice Cream Mfg. Co and a fork lift driver for Sharper Image. He is preceded in death by one brother, Michael Riba. He is survived by his wife, Glenda; a daughter, Crystal Riba of Little Rock; three grandchildren: Valerie Ferry, Selena Ferry and Elizabeth Riba, all of Little Rock; his parents and nephew, Michael Riba (Ashley) of Conway. Funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, May 10, at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark., 72209. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery in Alexander, Ark. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 10, 2018 at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.
Gary Wayne Immel, age 59, of Hensley, Arkansas passed away May 20,2018. The visitation is 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, May 23 at the Morton Baptist Church. The Funeral will follow on Thursday, May 24 at 2 p.m. Arrangements were made with Rhodes and Son Funeral Home.
Dorothy Lorene Young, 93, of Bryant died Monday, May 8, 2018 at Southern Trace Rehabilitation Care Center in Bryant, Arkansas. She was born March 12, 1925 in Thornton, Arkansas. She was a homemaker and a member of Central Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents, William E. Nutt and Virgie Pierce Nutt; husband, Eugene Lee Young; four brothers, Raymond Nutt, William Nutt, Floyd Nutt, and Chester Nutt; and three sisters, Addie Nutt Russell, Marie Nutt Mill, and Virgie Nutt Yeargin. She is survived by two sons, Larry (Donna) Young of Marion, Bill (Angela) Young of Bryant; three grandchildren, Harmony Young (Nico) Romo of Charleston, S.C., Carmen Young (Robin) Phillips of Bryant, and Madison Young of Huntsville, Ala.; and six great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 1:00 pm Friday at Oakland Cemetery in Fordyce with Rev. Rusty Ross officiating. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.
Richard Jeffery “Jeff” Cotton, 48, Bryant, Arkansas passed away May 4, 2018. He was born January 25, 1970 in Memphis, Tennessee. Celebration of Life held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 12 at Indian Springs Park Clubhouse, 154 Quapaw Drive, Bryant, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Dennis A. Kelley, 65, of Bryant; passed away May 12, 2018. Preceded in death by his parents, Isaac & Martha Kelley; brothers, Ricky, Ronald, Jerry. Survivors: brother, Tracy Kelley and sister, Sherry Hartman. Open visitation Tuesday. Chapel service 1 p.m. Wednesday, Ashby Funeral Home, Benton. Burial, Fairplay Cemetery. Guestbook, ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Jeanetta “Ann” Porter, 75, of Bryant died Tuesday, May 15, 2018. She was born during WWII on May 9, 1943 at the Naval Base in Norfolk, Va. to Rizel and Miva Bittle. She was a member of Pleasant Valley Church of Christ. She is survived by a large loving family. She was mom to both her three sons: Jim (Christine) of Bryant, David Porter (Tina) of Conway, John Porter (Helen) of North Little Rock, and Mom to many of her son’s best friends. Her grandchildren: Logan, Connor, Chloe and Ethan called her “Annie” and she was just Aunt Ann to her seven nieces and ten nephews. She was the oldest of her three brothers: Larry Bittle, Ricky Bittle and Benny Bittle, and her two sisters: Kaye Wood, and Regina Besancon. Ann was predeceased by her parents and her husband Gene Porter and grandchildren, Tristian, William and Alaina. Graveside service will be at 9 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander Saturday May 19, 2018. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Hospital and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Ann’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Daniel Aaron (D Dub) Wilson, 35 of Bryant, passed away on May 17, 2018. He was born on August 3, 1982 in Little Rock. Survivors, father, Richard (Debbie) Wilson; mother, Eva Richards; daughters, Savannah and Melissa Wilson; mother of his children, Jennifer Wilson; sisters, Rebekah (Daniel) Riddling and Rachel (Marc) Menzies; grandmother, Alfreda Wilson. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday with Pastor Tim Evans officiating at Forest Hills Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Melba Lynn Walker Benton, 89, of Bryant was born in Blytheville, Ark., on Oct. 29, 1928 to Daniel Earl and Elizabeth Buck Walker. Melba graduated from Blytheville High School in 1946 and attended Central Baptist College in Conway. While in college, she met her future husband, Joe R. Benton, in the Greeson Drug Store. He was just out of the Army and attended Arkansas State Teachers College. They were married in 1947 and lived in Conway until Joe graduated college. Melba worked at Maumelle Ordinance Works during that time. They moved to Little Rock where she worked for the Army Corps of Engineers and they began their family. In 1966, Melba, Joe and their three children moved to Bryant in the home they built on the Old Hot Springs Highway (Highway 5) and she worked as a substitute teacher in the Bryant Schools for many years. After the kids were older, she also owned and operated Bryant Area Flower Shop. Melba was a long time member of Temple Baptist Church in Little Rock and later transferred her membership to Park Place Baptist Church in Bryant. She also volunteered at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock for approximately 30 years and delivered Meals on Wheels to area Senior Adults. Melba was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Joe in 1986, brother Earl Walker of Portageville, Mo.; son-in-law Ricky Boone of Bryant and grandson Walker Dean Rowlett of Bryant. She is survived by her three children, Lynda Boone of Little Rock, Bob Benton (Tina) of Benton and Mandy Rowlett (Randy) of Bryant. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Amber Johnson, Ashley Bolen (Clay), Aaron Boone, Trey Benton (Diana), Rusty Rowlett, Maci Rowlett and great-grandchildren Avery, Dalton and Sawyer Boone, Ryley McMains, Jayke, Olivia and Katie Jo Bolen and Liam Benton along with numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Visitation will be held from 10–11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 30 at Pinecrest Funeral Home in Bryant. A brief graveside service will be held immediately following at Pinecrest Cemetery. The family will be at Melba’s home in Bryant at following the service. Memorials may be sent to Saline Hospice Care at 23517 Interstate 30, Bryant, Ark. 72022.
Walter Melton Ladd Jr., 71, of Bryant, Arkansas formerly of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away May 27, 2018. He was a retired Truck Driver. Survivors include brother, James Ladd; sister, Nelda Fields; nephews, Brandon and Larry Fields, Jr.; niece, Lauren Alford and his good friends, Charlie and Donna York. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nell Ladd Sr. Services will remain private. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
Karen Alyssa Smith May 14, 1964-May 5, 2018. To my sweet family, I have tried not to keep things boring! I know a more uneventful life would have been easier, but who wants easy? Waiting for me in heaven are my unborn grandchildren of whom I cannot wait to meet face to face. I leave behind, but just for a blink of an eye, my husband and best friend, Lee; my children Emma, Luke, Summer, Conley and Heidy Smith. I am proud to be your mother. And my grandchildren Maisy, Betsy and Jude. My heart is full. A memorial celebration for Karen’s will be held at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock on Saturday, May 12 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, Karen asks that you give a donation to a cause that is close to YOUR heart, not hers. To read the full obituary from Karen visit the web site www.cremationservicesofarkansas.com.
Donnie Lynn Roberson, age 63, of Benton passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Donnie was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 28, 1954, to Robert “Sam” Roberson and Cecile Skidmore Roberson. He was retired from the Department of Finance and Administration. Donnie was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and Pops. He was preceded in death by his father. Donnie is survived by his mother; his wife, Susan Huddleston Roberson; his three sons, Zachary, Marcus and his wife, Ashley, and Brian Roberson; one brother, Gary and his wife, Karen. He is also survived by the light of his life, his grandson Aiden. We can’t forget his three dogs that he loved so much, Toasty, Cocoa, and Waffles. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Theresa Catholic School, 6311 Baseline Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209. A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 9 a.m. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
Tranquilino Juarez Gutierrez, 69 of Benton, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018. He was born on Sunday, June 13, 1948 in La Soledad, Michoacán, Mexico. A memorial service will held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. Online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Ralph Clayton Casady, 76, of Benton passed away Monday, April 30, 2018, at home. He made his heavenly journey with his love ones by his side. He was born Feb. 14, 1942, to the late Lance Condie Casady and Sallie Mae Baker Casady. Ralph was a member of Trinity Baptist Church, Benton, Ark. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents and his son, David Allen Casady. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 30 years, Ella, and siblings, Wilma Carloss (William) Conway, Bill Casady, North Little Rock, Janet Adams, Benton, nephews, Jimmy Carloss (Sharon), Conway, Lance Adams (Raymelle) North Little Rock. He is also survived by daughter, Carla Prysock, Malvern. He is survived by five stepchildren, Donna Allen (Ross), Sabrina Reagon, Benton, Tracie Kennedy, Perryville, John Rood (Marie) Blue Springs, Missouri and David Lee Berry (Selena), Benton. He has 21 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren and a host of special friends and church family. Ralph was a graduate of Little Rock Technical High School and Arkansas State LPTN school. He was a nurse at the forensic unit in Little Rock. He loved to read particularly western stories and anything related to Bible study. He also enjoyed traveling with family members. He had a special affection for his cats and dogs. Memorial service will be May 19, 2018, at Trinity Baptist, Benton, Ark., at 1 p.m. Service will be conducted by pastor, Bro. Mike Titsworth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church Building fund. Visitation will be Friday, May 18, at 809 Church St, Benton from 6-8 p.m. Special thanks to Kindred Hospice of Conway and Bro. Mike Titsworth.
John “Perry” Smith, 73, of Benton, Arkansas died May 10, 2018. Survived by two sisters: Phyllis Wallace and Pam Messick; nephews: Lance Wallace (Melanie), Jason Wallace, and Kain Messick (Nikki); niece, April Ball (Aaron); great-nephews, Logan Messick and Brandon Wallace; great-nieces: Kiera Wallace and Kristen Wallace. Memorial service: 3 p.m., May 17, Riverside Grocery, 4444 Hwy. 5, Benton. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Charles Marcus Rone Sr., 62, Benton passed away on May 13, 2018. He is survived by his wife Debbie; four daughters; two sons; his mother and 19 grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas 501-982-3400. An online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuenralservice.com.
Sheila Ann Drennon, 74, of Benton fell asleep in death on May 13th, 2018 with loved ones by her side. She was born June 14th 1943 in Hawthorne, California to Garvis and Anna Cate. Sheila married the love of her life, Ronald Drennon on June 9, 1962. Sheila loved spending time with her family. Wherever her grandkids were, Sheila could always be found as well. She was a member of the Benton Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Sheila’s warm smile and kind voice will be missed greatly by family and friends. As her favorite scripture was Psalm 37: 9-11, we look forward to seeing her once again.
Rodney E. Williamson of Benton, Arkansas passed away May 12, 2018. Graveside services will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Friday, May 18, 2018 at 11 a.m. Please share your memories of Rodney at www.dignitymemorial.com/funeral-homes/alexander-ar/pinecrest-funeral-home-memorial-park.
Bettie Lou Clifton, 81, of Benton, passed away April 14, 2018. Bettie was born February 5, 1937 in Russellville, Arkansas to the late Walter D. and Cordelis Venable DuVall. Bettie worked as a licensed Beautician, an Olan Mills Portrait Consultant and also at Timex Corporation. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles, J.R., R.B., Floyd, Lloyd and Earl DuVall, husbands, Herbert G. Keene and Kenneth R. Clifton, sisters Nora Hibbs, Cora Ree Bartenbach and Juanita Ferguson. Bettie is survived by sons, Charles Keene and his wife Melanie of Glen Allen, Va. and Tony Keene and his wife Diane of Benton, Ark. as well as her sister Margaret Doddridge of Benton, Ark. and her brother Kenneth Duvall of Richardson, Texas. She is also survived by three grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at 10am on Thursday, April 17th at Kentucky Cemetery, 7069 Highway 5, Saline County, Ark. Brother Karvin Adams will be officiating. Flowers may be sent to Ashby’s Funeral Home, 108 W Narroway Street, Benton, Ark. 72015. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Fred Wray, 86, Benton, Arkansas died May 10, 2018. He was born April 2, 1932. Reception visitation: 10 a.m. -11 a.m., Saturday, May 19, Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton. Memorial following at 11 a.m. Memorials-Benton First Church of the Nazarene. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Amy L. Keown-Gordon, 46, of Benton, Arkansas passed from this life on May 12, 2018. She was born in Forrest City, Arkansas on October 23, 1971 to Dale Keown and the late Jackie Ann Stivers. Amy was a member of the Brownsville Baptist Church in Lonoke, Arkansas and she enjoyed quilting, reading and spending time with her family. She is also preceded in death by her grandfathers, Louie Weeks and Dennis Keown. Amy is survived by her husband, Daniel Gordon; children, Lance Michael Crowder and Taylor Leigh-Ann Anis(Barkley); father, Dale Keown (Sharon); siblings, Timothy Dale Keown (Alisha), Kevin Dale Keown (Katie), Kurt Salmon (Courtney), Kasey Todd Keown (Amy); grandmothers, Maxine Keown and Pauline Weeks and a host of other family and friends. A family celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Brownsville Baptist Church in Lonoke, Arkansas. Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Her online guest is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
John Allen Due, 91 of Benton, passed away on May 15, 2018. He was born on January 31, 1927 in Mansfield, Arkansas to the late John M. and Pearl Allen Due. John was a longtime member of The 1st United Methodist Church in Benton since 1940. He was a rural mail carrier for the United States Post Office and a longtime resident on Boone Road. John served during WWII with the United States Army. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Jim Allen Due. John leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 70 years, Mary Due of Benton, sister, Dorothy King of Little Rock, daughter in law, Judy Due of Dallas and many special friends and family. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11 a.m. on Saturday with burial to follow at Old Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time on Saturday. The family would like to thank special friends, Margaret Burrell and Dennis Hester for all their help over the years, the staff at Mt. Carmel Assisted Living and Amberwood Health and Rehab. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Arkansas Hospice or the charity of your choice. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Carolyn LeQuieu Hendrix, 80, of Benton, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018. She was born December 5, 1937 in Collegeville, Arkansas. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Archer of Benton. Visitation, 6 to 8: p.m. Tuesday, Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Ashby’s, burial at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery.
Phyllis Ann Burchfield, 68, of Benton, Ark. died May 20, 2018. Visitation: 10-11 a.m. May 23, 2018 at Halley Baptist Church in Dermott, Ark. Funeral Services 11 a.m. following the visitation at the church. Burial will follow at Halley Cemetery. Arrangements by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service, McGehee, Ark. Online guest book at www.griffinculpepper.com.
Carol Elizabeth Dallas, 68, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018. She was born on Wednesday, October 19, 1949 in Finger, Tennessee. A memorial service will be held at Glen Rose Missionary Baptist Church in Malvern on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 2 p.m. Online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Linda Butler Black, 70, of Benton, Arkansas passed away May 22, 2018. Visitation: 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 25, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 23908 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock. Funeral following at 11 a.m. Burial following meal at Bauxite Cemetery. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Stormi Michelle Clement, age 36, of Benton, born October 26, 1981, departed this life on May 21, 2018. She was preceded in death by her mother, Karen Archer. She is survived by her father, Roger Clement and his wife Libby; her brother, Brian and his wife Allisha; her sons, Austin (15) and Peyton (11); her step-father, Steve Archer; step-sisters, Melinda Angel, Stephanie Nelson, Jill Archer-Stewart; step-brother, Tim Archer, and her fiancé, Jay Richardson. As a young girl you could always count on Stormi being the center of attention. Because of her outgoing personality, she gravitated to the spotlight and relished in the moment. As she got a little older she enjoyed dance classes and no light was too bright, no crowd too large for our talented young superstar. She became increasingly advanced and excelled academically, graduating near the top of her class. Her high marks and intelligence resulted in a full paid scholarship to Arkansas State University. Stormi and her mother developed a special bond and now they will reunite and rejoice in the hands of the Lord. Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
Donna Jean Vernon, 89, of Benton passed away Thursday, May 24, 2018 at home surrounded by loved ones. She was born November 13, 1928 in Michigan Valley, Kan. to the late A.J. and Blanche Fager. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, V.B. Vernon. Survivors include one daughter, Connie Handle; two sons, Eric Vernon and Ross Vernon; eight grandchildren, Shelly, Stacy, Bryan, David, Jason, Seanna, Alisa, and Cheyenne; along with 16 great-grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard
Cheryl Elizabeth Brewer, 65, of Benton, Ark., died May 26 2018. She was born Dec. 23, 1952. Visitation: 9-11 a.m., Wednesday, May 30, Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton. Funeral following at 11 a.m. Memorials: Saline County Boys and Girls Club.
Gregory Michael Chennault, 63, Benton, died Saturday. Survivors: wife, Peggy Chennault; daughters, Kam Chennault, Christa Bolden and Jessica Chennault; step-daughter, Katie Jenkins; step-son, Grady Jenkins; six grandchildren; sisters, Melba Fleming and Marilyn Rogers. Visitation, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral, 2 p.m. Thursday, Ashby’s, burial, Smith-Rosemont Cemetery.
Gary “Butch” Williams, 70, of Alexander, Ark., passed away on May 10, 2018. Gary is survived by his loving wife Judy, his sons Gary and Michael Williams, his daughters Candice Williams-Morrell and Chrissy Williams, son-in-law Michael Morrell, daughter-in-law Christina Williams, Sister Karen Bonner and 6 grandchildren. Visitation will be 6pm-8pm Monday, May 14 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Funeral service will be Tuesday, May 15 at 10 am at Ashby Funeral Home. Private family burial to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Vietnam Veterans Fund of America.
Christopher Michael Black, 42, of Alexander died Friday, May 11, 2018. Chris was born August 2nd, 1975, in Little Rock to Michael Black and Melissa Kay (Daniel) Holloway. He was known for his love of books, movies and his great sense of humor. Chris is survived by his wife Natalie, and his sons Nicholas and Elliott; his mother and stepfather Carl, his father, his sister, Felicia Bock (Jeff) and brother Aaron Black (Jessica) and grandfather J.C. Daniel (Dorothy). He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Nadine Daniel and his cousins Lauren Garcia White and Jeanette Daniel. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Community Connections. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 16th, 2018 at 10 a.m.at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street in Little Rock. www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com for the online guest book.
Judith (Judy) Ann Hightower, 63, Alexander, Arkansas passed away 05/17/2018 at her home after a courageous fight with cancer. Judy was an incredibly loving person who enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a wonderful nana, amazing mother, and a loving wife. She will be deeply missed. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Charles Waters, 81, of Alexander passed Friday, May 25, 2018. He was born Friday, November 27, 1936 in Hensley, Arkansas. Graveside service will be at Orion Cemetery on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the funeral home: 501-847-9099. Online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Herman Chaney, 94, Haskell, died Friday, May 25, 2018. Survivors: wife, Dolores Chaney; son, Steve Chaney; daughter, Susan Nash; sister, Mary Collatt; grandchildren, Kelly Chaney, Lori Smith, Stefani Chaney, Brandon Nash, Taylor Nash, Jacob Nash; three great-grandchildren. Visitation, 11 a.m.-noon Monday, Ashby Funeral Home, services at noon. Burial, Ten Mile Cemetery.
Evelyn Jane Newton, 71, Haskell, died Saturday, May 26, 2018. Survivors: husband, Charles Newton; sons, Jeremy and Jeffrey Newton; step-father, Jimmy Overton; brother, Bill Fewell; sister, Kathy Hiett; grandchildren, Matthew, Trent and Clara Newton. Visitation, 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral, 2 p.m. Thursday, Ashby’s, burial, Mt. Harmony Cemetery.
Royce Dean Tittle, 64, Haskell, Arkansas died May 16, 2018. He was born February 6, 1954 in Little Rock. Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 18, Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton. Funeral: 2 p.m., Saturday, May 19, Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Rhonda Stoops, 52, of Traskwood, died Sunday. She was born Feb. 10, 1966 in Little Rock to Robert and Darlene Warford. Survivors, husband, Larry Stoops, son, Hunter Stoops, daughters, Amber Isom and April Norman, brothers, Greg and Mark Warford, grandson, Gavin Lawrence. Chapel services by Ashbys, Friday, 2 p.m. Visitation, Thursday, Ashbys, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Martha Masters, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed away on May 16, 2018. She was born March 21, 1947 in Little Rock, to Harry and Doris Masters. Martha is survived by her brother Doug Masters. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home.
Dr. Harold Thomas Brinson, former president of Southern Arkansas University, died Friday, May 18, 2018. The son of the late Emmitte and Hazel Brinson, he was born on Jan. 22, 1930 in Harper Springs, Howard County, Ark. Brinson graduated from DeQueen High School in 1947. He joined the Arkansas National Guard and began playing football for Magnolia A&M Junior College (now Southern Arkansas University). Brinson transferred on a football scholarship to Tulane University in New Orleans, La. where he earned a bachelor of education in health and physical education with a science minor. After graduation in 1951, Brinson was honorably discharged from the Natl. Guard to join the U.S. Marine Corps. He married Nelda Gene Lee in Huttig, Ark. on December 29, 1951. Brinson served two years active duty in the Marine Corps and was transferred as a second lieutenant to the reserves unit in 1953. He retired as a Lt. Col. from the Marine Reserve in 1976. Brinson earned a master of education from the University of Texas-Austin in 1953 and began coaching football, track, and teaching science in Texas at Levelland and Abilene high schools. He was hired as assistant principal at AHS in 1965. In 1970, he graduated with a Ph.D. in education administration from UT-Austin, and was hired as assistant superintendent for the Abilene school district. After four years, Brinson stepped into the superintendent’s position. Brinson moved to Arkansas in August 1976 to assume presidency of Southern Arkansas University-Magnolia, his alma mater. He served as president for 15 years, raising money and building programs for the university, which included finishing and funding the new bell tower with a 14-bell chime; building a vocational agricultural building and improving the sports complexes. While president, Brinson guided the name change to Southern Arkansas University (1976); and directed reorganization of the university into four schools: business, education, liberal and performing arts, and science and technology (1977). He began the Southern Arkansas University Foundation (1981) and the SAU Student Foundation. Brinson organized improvements at both SAU-Tech (Camden) and SAU-El Dorado during those years. In 1991, Brinson retired as president and was named president emeritus. He taught classes and continued to raise money for the University. In 1992, the new art building, funded and built under his direction, was named after the Brinsons. Active in many organizations, including Phi Delta Kappa and Rotary International, he served as district #6170 governor of Rotary for two years. Dr. Brinson is survived by his wife of 66 years, Nelda Gene Lee Brinson of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; daughter, Kathryn Ann Brinson Martin of Hot Springs, Ark.; sons, Max Harold Brinson and wife, Johanna, of Dingmans Ferry, Penn.; Paul Thomas Brinson, and wife, Peggy, of Irving, Texas; grandchildren, Andrew Thomas Martin of New York City, Benjamin Luke Martin of Hot Springs, Lovisa Ljundquist Brinson of Dingmans Ferry, Penn.; and Stephen Paul Brinson of Irving, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Howell Brinson of Paducah, Texas. Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. at Caruth-Hale in Hot Springs Village. A second visitation is planned at 9 a.m. Thursday morning, at Balboa Baptist Church, followed by the funeral service at 10. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas or Southern Arkansas University. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.
Otha Dennis White, 64, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed away May 19, 2018. He was born April 20, 1954 in Natchez, Mississippi. Celebration of life and 28 years of marriage: Dial and Dudley Funeral Home, Saturday, June 2, 2018, 1:00PM. Donations: animal shelter or cancer research. Online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Gina Lisa Poole, age 55, of Mabelvale, passed away Monday, May 28, 2018. She was born May 21, 1963 in Snyder, Texas. Gina was a former member of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Gene Knight and step-father, Charles Kenneth Perkins. She is survived by her mother, Shirley Perkins of Mabelvale; two daughters, Jordan Palmer (Jeremy) of Alexander and Courtney Remsing (Zach) of Bauxite and seven grandchildren, Jayden, Maddox, Brinley, Reagan, Austin, Kaitlyn and Cayden. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 31 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Andrew Capps Jr., age 72, of Lonsdale passed away on Wednesday May 23, 2018. He was born December 11, 1945 in Jefferson County, Arkansas. Andrew was a retired mill worker and a Baptist. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Capps Sr. and Jessie Murray Capps, and a sister, Mary Smith. Survivors, wife, Bevie Capps, Lonsdale; sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew Capps III (Heather), Perryville; Tim Smith (Megan), Lonsdale; Mark Smith Jr., Lonsdale; brothers, Johnny Capps, Oklahoma; Tommy Capps, Haskell; sisters, Bernice Trent, Oklahoma; Helen Taylor, Benton; grandchildren, Kobe Capps, Zoey Smith, Lexie Capps, Wyatt Capps, and Eli Smith. Cremation services are by Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com