GARY DAN NEWCOMB (POPPA), 71, of Benton, passed from this life Monday, July 8, 2019. He was born and raised in Benton, Arkansas. Gary was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton where he served as a deacon and worked at Alcoa & Reynolds. He owned Pizza Kid II and later incorporated Newcomb Construction Co. and Newcomb Homes. He served on the Saline County Fair Board and various rodeo associations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Inez Newcomb and a sister, Patricia Larsen. Those left to cherish his memories, his wife of 52 years, Pam Smith Newcomb; sons, Chad Newcomb (Kami) and Curt Newcomb; grandchildren, Jacee and Cain Newcomb; brothers, Don Newcomb and David Newcomb (Debbie); sisters, Theda White and Brenda Johnson (Jerry) all of Benton and several nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 11 in Selph Hall at First Baptist Church in Benton with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Rick Grant will be officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church @ 211 S. Market St. in Benton, AR 72015, or to your favorite charity.
JAMES L. SQUIRES, JR. 82 of Alexander, passed away on July 2, 2019. He was born on December 28, 1936 in Columbus, Ohio to the late James L. and Lucille Ray Squires. James was retired from the Arkansas Highway Dept. as a Draftsman in the Freeway and Highway Design Dept. He loved to hunt and was a member of the Benton Gun Club. James was a Range Master and an avid shooter and competitor. He loved wood working. James was a member of 1st Baptist Church in Bryant and a Deacon for over 50 years. James is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mildred Beard Squires, son, James Leroy (Sherry) Squires of Mabelvale, daughter, Angela (Kendall) Marshall of Haskell, brother, Ronald L. Squires, sisters, Patricia Linker and Glenda Wheat, grandsons, Derrick (Summer) Marshall, Donovan (Savanna) Marshall and great granddaughter, Harper Marshall. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be Saturday, July 6th at 12:00 p.m. with Bro. Phillip Miller and Bro. John Owen officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashbys, Friday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the 1st Baptist Church of Bryant’s Building Fund. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
DAVID KENT JACKSON, SR. 86 of Bryant, died on July 2, 2019. He was born on February 8, 1933 in Little Rock to the late Kent and Martha Vaughn Jackson. David was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Alan and Milton Vaughn Jackson, Sr. David is survived by his wife of 62 years, Linda Prickett Jackson, son, David Kent Jackson, Jr.; daughter, Martha Fay Jackson, many nieces and nephews including John Prickett, Jr., Joel (Melissa) Prickett of Bryant, Alan Jackson and Milton Jackson of Tyler Texas, nieces, Dianna (Curt) Prickett Grout of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Kathryn Brazzel of Tyler, Texas, great nephews, Jacob Prickett, Clayton Prickett, Robert Jackson and Garrett Brazzel, great nieces, Abigail Prickett and Anna Brazzel. He is also survived by his sister in laws, Sally Prickett of Little Rock and Marie Jackson of Tyler, Texas. As a young boy, David fell in love with the Circus and spent the rest of his life building the Hale Brothers Circus, a miniature Circus now on display at the Grant County Museum in Sheridan, Arkansas. In addition, he was a collector of Circus memorabilia and posters. David graduated from Little Rock High School in 1951, attended Little Rock Junior College and served in the United States Army in Germany for 3 years, 1953 through 1956. He had a long career working for the Rock Island Railroad and retired from the Union Pacific Railroad in 1992. David was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton since 1959. He served as chairperson of the Pastor/Parish Relations Committee, Finance Committee and the Williams Preaching Series . David was a member of the Wesley Sunday School Class and the Recycled Voices. He was appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging. Church services by Ashby Funeral Home will be July 5, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Benton with Rev. Joel Prickett and Rev. Taylor Loy presiding. Visitation will be at the Church, 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. before services. Memorials may be made the First United Methodist Church of Benton, 200 North Market, Benton, Arkansas 72015 or to the Television Ministry of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church at 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
STEPHANIE DAWN JOSLIN HENSON, age 50, of Alexander, passed away July 3, 2019. She was born on March 5, 1969 to James E. Joslin and Mary E. Castello Joslin in Odessa, Texas. Stephanie lived in Alexander for the past 31 years with her loving husband Joey Henson. She graduated from Bauxite High School in 1987. Stephanie and Joey had one son William Allen Henson. She was an avid painter and poet. Stephanie loved to share these passions with her husband and son. She is preceded in death by her father, James E. Joslin and step-brothers, Jimmy Dawson and Raymond Dawson. Stephanie is survived by her husband of 30 ½ years, Joey A. Henson; son, William A. Henson; mother and stepfather, James and Mary Dawson; two sisters, Tammie (Walter) Roa of Amarillo, Texas and Stacy Lynn (Robin) Thompson of Ludowici, Georgia; sisters-in-law, Denise Atwood and Scotty Henson both of Little Rock; brother-in-law, Billy Jo Henson of Colorado; five aunts; two uncles; four nephews; eight nieces and many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Honorary pallbearers will be Joshua Kipke, Matthew Kipke, Zachariah Kipke, Derrick Strong, Noah Perry and Darrell Joslin. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 8 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 9 at Ashby Funeral Home. Bro. John Casey will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, Stephanie and family request donations be made to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in her name.
CHARLES CARTER, age 62, of Benton, passed away Thursday, July 4, 2019. He was born February 9, 1957 in Malvern, Arkansas. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Louise Carter and a brother, Robert Lee Carter. He is survived by his brother, Ruey Carter of Benton. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 11 at Forest Hills Cemetery.
MARGARET CATE HUGHES, age 92, of Benton passed away Monday July 8, 2019. She was born January 13, 1927 in Benton. Margaret retired from the First National Bank in Pine Bluff as an Administration Assistant. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton. Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil L. Cate and Lola L. Kinney Cate, husbands, Edward Bruce Simmons and George E. Hughes, step-daughter, Betsy Borchert, and sister, Martha Lee Williams. Survivors are sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas (Lynne) Simmons, Katy, Texas; Gregory (Carolyn) Simmons, Benton; step-daughter, Georgia (Bret) Saxon, Alabama; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM Thursday, July 18th at Ashby Funeral Home with Memorial services starting at 11:00 AM. Minister will be Rev. James W. McClintock. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 200 North Market Street, Benton, Arkansas 72015. Online guess book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
IANTHA FLORENCE SLUDER, age 96, of Benton, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 9, 2019. She was born and raised in Paron, Arkansas to the late Walter C. and Florence Carlisle. Iantha was a homemaker and a member of Gospel Light Baptist Church. She was a secretary and advisor to the Board of Directors of the Boys Club when it first opened in 1971. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert Sluder; daughter, Robbie Ann Hall; daughter-in-law, Joyce Sluder; two brothers, Lilburn Carlisle and Carroll Carlisle; sister, Lizzie Thomas and a nephew, Carroll Gene Carlisle. Iantha is survived by her son, James “Jim” Sluder; her favorite nephew, Lib Carlisle (Sandra); three nieces, Connie, Linda Lou and Michelle; four grandchildren, Alan Sluder, Lisa Ann Frisbee, Sam Vandergrift and Diane Bishop; several great-grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren and her loving neighbors, Linda and James Jennings. Visitation will be 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Friday, July 12 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 12 at Smith Rosemont Cemetery. Bro. Eddie Kitchens will be officiating. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff in Pine Court at the Arkansas Health Center for their loving care. Judy Craig McClendon, 72 of Benton, went to meet her Heavenly Father on July 10, 2019. She was born on October 20, 1946 to the late Ralph and Florence Craig. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, James McClendon, brother, Lytle Craig and sister, Barbara James. She was a devoted wife and mother. Judy was also a gifted artist and exceptional seamstress who created many works of art for her family thru her paintings and needlework. Her talents and sweet spirit will be greatly missed. Judy leaves behind a daughter, Laura Meriweather of Dixon, Missouri, son Ben McClendon of Benton, grandchild, Nicholas Meriwether of Concord, North Carolina, brothers, Phillip Craig of Little Rock, Scotty Craig of Benton and sister, Beth (Roy) Hollowoa of Benton. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at Bolin Cemetery in Paron. Visitation will be at Ashby’s on Monday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
JAMES DARWIN SELF, 51, of Benton, Arkansas passed away on Monday, July 8, 2019. He was born on Sunday, January 14, 1968 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He is survived by his four children, Jacob Self, Shay Self, Kirsten Self, and Delaney Self; one grandchild; siblings, Paula, Paul, Perry, Pat, and Pam; along with a host of other family and friends who love and miss him dearly. The family will be holding a private memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Chance Youth Ranch: P.O. Box 150 Bryant, Arkansas 72089.
BRUCE SPARKS was a dreamer not afraid to take risks. He took a risk when he left his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas in the fall of 1978 at the age of 23, fresh from completing a four year union apprenticeship as a carpenter, and following his father’s footsteps into the construction trade. He dreamed of being a construction superintendent like his Dad, and to one day be a contractor. So he rolled out of town with his dream in a brand new Mazda RX7 headed for Houston, Texas where he had heard that commercial construction was booming again after the oil crisis of the mid 1970’s. He set out hoping to achieve his American Dream. He thought opportunity and the pay would be better in Houston. By all accounts he was right. Even though he did not know anyone there, he quickly landed a job, and it didn’t take long for him to become a superintendent. By the time he was 25 he was running jobs at the Herman Memorial Hospital and later supervising large apartment construction projects in Houston, and in Austin. As he gained experience his dream evolved into one of being a contractor and a property developer. He eventually made both dreams come true. The first when at the age of 29 he took another risk and moved back to Little Rock where he joined his father and mother in starting the firm Ross Sparks Builders becoming president. And later he took another risk when at 42 he branched off to help start a residential property development company. Bruce returned to Ross Sparks Builders a few years later, and helped lead the company until 2010 when he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease, which led him to retire. He was 55. Albert Bruce Sparks was born March 31, 1955 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Ross and Barbra Sparks. He attended public schools in Mabelvale, and graduated from McClellan High School in 1973. After graduation he began his construction career. He worked on many familiar building projects across the city during the mid-1970’s. Then in 1978 he set off for Houston, Texas seeking to achieve his dream of being a construction superintendent and a contractor. He achieved them both. He supervised the construction of hundreds of buildings over his career. He married twice, and had one son with his first wife, and raised two step children with his second wife. Bruce enjoyed life and loved people. He was a sportsman, and loved wing shooting. He raised and trained bird dogs. He loved hunting quail and ducks in Arkansas, and went on many pheasant hunts in the Midwest. He enjoyed fishing too. Family and friends were important to him. Bruce made friends easily, and maintained friendships for a lifetime. He loved to dance. A loved one said, “He could light up any room and busted out the dance moves at any chance he got.” Bruce loved his family, he loved his children, he loved his wives, he loved his friends, he loved his dogs, he loved his work, he loved to hunt and fish and he loved to dance. He was a good son, a good brother, a good husband, a good father, and a good friend. He will be missed by many. Bruce was preceded in death by his father Albert Ross Sparks, and is survived, by his mother Barbra Ann Sparks, his brother Bryan K. Sparks, his son Albert Bruce Sparks Jr., and his step daughter Desty Dycus of Bryant, AR, and step son Chris Cotter (Carrie) of Dallas, TX. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the friends and family that helped with Bruce’s care including Brenda Aldridge, Robin Cupul, Rick Jenkins, the many at Life Line Baptist Church, and the Hospice Home Care, but especially to his loving mother, Barbra Sparks, who gave selflessly of her love, her time and her energy to care for him over many years to the very end. A visitation will be held Tuesday July 16, 2019 from 6 to 8 P.M. at the Dial & Dudley Funeral Home, 4212 Hwy. 5 North, Bryant, AR 72022. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 P.M. Wednesday July 17, 2019 at Life Line Baptist Church, 7601 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209. To sign Online Guestbook: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
REV. LOIS LENORA MALONE was born September 4, 1932 in Athens, Alabama, and went home to join her Savior and dearest friend, Jesus on July 6, 2019 in Benton, Arkansas. Sister Lois is the daughter of Henry and Bertha Holland. Preceding her on her journey were her husband, Rev. Ben Malone and her son, Larry Wayne Goodson; her brothers, Bobby Holland, Monroe Holland, Max Holland, and Eugene Holland; one sister, Mary Redmond; and five infant brothers and sisters. Cherishing her memory are her children, Ella Cauley and Ben Malone, both of Benton, Arkansas; sisters, Glenys Mae Duckworth of Sikeston, Missouri, Agnes Pat Daniels of Derby, Mississippi and Henrietta Hicks of Derby, Mississippi; one brother, Jack Willard Holland and his wife, Nancy Pearl Holland of Derby, Mississippi; seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Sister Lois worked as a cook and dietitian at Fort Roots Veterans Hospital in North Little Rock, where she met her husband, Ben Malone. Later, she and Ben started Malone’s Trash Service in Benton, working long, hard hours in rain or snow, heat or cold. In running their route, Brother and Sister Malone would meet all sorts of people from all walks of life. Seizing the opportunity to someone about Jesus, they saw a need to make available a way for the common man to preach the word of God, to pastor a church, and be legally ordained as ministers of The Gospel. On the 18th day of December 1974, Jesus Name Pentecostal Mission, Inc. was officially registered with the state of Arkansas as a non-profit ministry. Since that day, Jesus Name Pentecostal Ministries have ordained ministers in Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, California, Michigan, Oklahoma, Florida, and Alabama. Sister Malone was a hard and dedicated worker her entire life and focused her life to the service of her Lord, Savior, and best friend, Jesus Christ. She will be sorely missed among her friends and fellow ministers, especially when spiritual guidance, help with a problem, or just someone to talk to is needed. A Funeral Service will be Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S. Main Street, Benton. Visitation will be an hour prior to service time, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
PEGGY SUE DAVIS COBB was born December 18, 1928 to the late Ocie and Aurelia Davis in Tallassee, Alabama. She died on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at her home at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James ”Bo” Cobb; a daughter, Sherry Gardner; and two sons-in-law, Alan Curtis and Lester Gardner. Peggy married her high school sweetheart, Bo Cobb, on July 8, 1944 and together they enjoyed 67 wonderful years of marriage. God blessed Peggy and Bo with four daughters and a son who’ve all faithfully followed their parents’ example with a living faith in Jesus Christ. Following Bo’s service in the United States Navy during World War II, Peggy and Bo relocated to Bauxite where Bo went to work for Reynolds Metals Company. The family eventually settled in Benton where Peggy invested her time and energy as a mother to her children and a servant to her church, the Northside Church of Christ, where she was a faithful member. After her children reached adulthood, she used her gift to bless others through preparing and cooking food fulltime at Ringgold Elementary School and in the summer at Barton Bible Camp. Together Peggy and Bo made a world of memories for all their families, from fantastic trips to Branson, beach trips to the crystal sands of the Gulf Coast, and lots of family trips to Alabama to be with her nine siblings and Bo’s three siblings. Peggy and Bo always sought to make warm and loving memories on their trips that always included as many children or grand children as the car would hold. She leaves behind, but waits in anticipation of, three daughters, Donna Curtis of Maumelle, Cathy Woodrome and her husband, Doug of Benton, Barbie McDaniel and her husband, Tim of Bryant; and her son George Cobb and his wife, Terri of Sherwood; one brother , Jim Davis, of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; fourteen grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. The family invites all those who knew and loved Peggy to a visitation at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home on Saturday, July 13, at 10:00 a.m. A service to honor Peggy’s life will follow at Roller-Ballard at 11:00 a.m. Peggy’s son, George, and grandson, Jim Gardner, will lead the service. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Jason Caldwell, Tyler Cobb, Jeff Curtis, Mark Curtis, Matt McDaniel, Brian Woodrome, and Josh Woodrome. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Jeff Davis, Billy McLain, James Smith, and Roy Womack. The family wishes to thank Leigh Ann Richardson for her dedicated care of Peggy during her final nine months of life. Christy, Fran, Stephanie, and a wonderful team of CNAs from Saline Memorial Hospice showed extraordinary compassion for Peggy during her illness.
ORELLE (SISSY) HATFIELD DUBOIS, 76, of Benton passed away, Thursday, July 11, 2019 at Saline Memorial Hospice House in Bryant. She was born August 29, 1942 in Spring Hill, LA to the late George Andrew and Nettie Bernice Maxey Hatfield. She was also preceded in death by three siblings. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth Dubois of Benton; one daughter, Renee Dempsey (Larry) of Little Rock; one son, Andy Dubois (Nancy) of Benton; stepsons, Duane Dubois (Susanne) of Leander, TX and Dennis Dubois of Texarkana, TX; two sisters, Barbara Geoghegan (Pepper) of Covington, LA and Betty Benandi of Anchorage, AK; one brother, Roy Hatfield (Sue) of Sarepta, LA; 4 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 15, 2019 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) with Bro. Terry Sayers officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.
IRMA JEAN HICKS, 87 of Benton, formerly of Newport passed Friday, July 5, 2019. She was born September 6, 1931 to the late Arthur and Agnes (Hulen) Hubbard. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Mike, who passed in September 2017, and her brother, Dean Hubbard of Grubbs, Arkansas. Mrs. Hicks was retired after many years managing Dollar General in North Little Rock. She loved visiting with her family and friends, taking care of others, and first and foremost, her family. She liked her flowers, playing solitaire on her computer, and drinking coffee. She enjoyed street rods and spending time with her late husband and friends at car shows. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Irma is survived by one daughter, Jackie Ashcraft and husband, Nelson of Benton; one son, Ricky E. Herring and wife, Gayla of Tuckerman; one step-daughter, Michelle Hicks-Hood and husband, Randy of Crossett; eight grandchildren, Bonnie, Lee, Jacquelyn, Ben, Layla, Robin, Danny, and Tony; sixteen great-grandchildren, Ryan, Will, Scott, Tate, Chase, Malachi, Jaxson, Cole, Isaiah, Jett Iven, Ava, Sydney, Max, Maggie, Issac, and Caleb; and two great-great-grandchildren, Luke and Nolan. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to The Arkansas Kidney Foundation or The Arkansas Cancer Foundation. The family would like to thank Saline Home Health and Hospice Care staff for the care they provided. There will be a graveside tribute at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 13, at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull.
SUSAN ELIZABETH BECK entered this world on February 19, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Herbert M and Jane Green Beck. She was raised on a farm in Clayton, and she always told stories of her life on the farm. When Susan was 12 years old, her family moved to Jackson, Mississippi. According to her, this was quite a culture shock. In 1961, while attending a church youth function, she met the love of her life, Sonny Meriedth. On June 10, 1966, Sonny and Susan married at Epworth United Methodist Church in Jackson, Mississippi. In 1970, they welcomed the first child, and the second in 1973, and the youngest son in 1980. In 2002, they welcomed the first of two beloved granddaughters. During Sonny and Susan’s 53 years of marriage, Sonny’s work opportunities took them to Vicksburg, Mississippi; Ruston, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and finally Bryant, Arkansas. When remembering Susan’s life, the word “Love” comes to mind. The love for her Heavenly Father was shown through her selfless acts that she performed on every person in which she came in contact. She was very quick to lend an ear, a hug, encouraging words, a prayer, or a card to those who needed it. These extraordinary abilities were extremely evident during her time in Family and Children’s ministry at Grace UMC (Ruston, Louisiana) and Salem UMC (Benton, Arkansas). Besides her Heavenly Father, her greatest love was her family. She treasured her husband and children, but she adored her two granddaughters. Her love of animals was apparent with cats and dogs always being a part of the family. Susan was an avid reader and never went anywhere without a book. She read to her children when they were young, then continued that tradition with her granddaughters. Susan also loved watching HGTV, NatGeo Wild, and the Channel 11 News. She loved playing games, and participated in Salem UMC’s Family Game Night as much as she was able. Always young-at-heart, Susan loved anything Disney, and some of her fondest memories were watching movies with her family and visiting Disney World. Being a two time Breast Cancer Survivor, she was an adamant advocate for self breast exams and annual mammograms. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Jane Beck, her in-laws, Everett and Lavada Meriedth, her sisters-in-law, Nancy Divine and Sondra Beck, and her brother-in-law, Bobby Divine. Left to cherish her memory are her first and only love, Sonny; her children, Missy (Dell) Ramer, Scott Meriedth, and Jon Meriedth; her two granddaughters, Meriedth Ramer and Caroline Ramer; her brother, Mike Beck and sister Melinda Beck Jahsman and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Susan was many different things to many different people, but the one constant was the endless Love she gave to everyone. Her memory will forever be cherished, and her presence forever missed. A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church, 1647 Salem Road, Benton.
DONALD RAYMOND “DON” DUNN, 77 of Alexander, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2019. He was born November 8, 1941 in El Dorado. Don was a quiet, but hard-working man. He enjoyed sports and fishing and loved the horse races. He worked for Rainbow Bread, and then for Frito-Lay and then retired from Dillards. His memory will be cherished and his legacy will continue on through those who loved and cared for him. He is preceded in death by his parents. Don is survived by his wife, Sally Jane Bird Dunn; his son, Keith Dunn and wife, Candy of Benton; daughters, Kim Wooden of Benton, and Kelley Gomez of Redfield; grandchildren, Shayna Jewell, Jeffrey Gibson, Ashley Gibson, Cody Walker, Klay Dunn, Kayla Dunn; great-grandchildren, Bentley Walker, Gretchen Jewell, Noah Sparks, Abel Gibson, Grayson Gibson, Alex Odom, Axel Odom, and Myleigh Koba, and many other extended family members and friends. A Funeral Service will be Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton. Visitation will be an hour prior to service time beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Alexander.
PHILLIP WAYNE EDWARDS, 73, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away July 5, 2019 at his home. He was born August 7, 1945 in Little Rock to the late Leonard and Vivian (West) Edwards. Phillip loved his family and cherished spending time with them. He enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hunting, and throwing horseshoes. Phillip leaves behind to cherish his memory his two daughters: Penny Satterfield of Mayflower, Arkansas and Kayse Edwards of Dothan, Alabama; two sons: Gary Stroud of Sherwood, Arkansas and Cody Edwards and wife Brittni of Dothan, Alabama; six “and a half” grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Linda Shiverdecker of Bryant, Arkansas; and a host of family members and friends who love Phillip and will miss him always. Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM, Saturday, July 13 at the family residence in Mayflower, Arkansas. For information, please contact funeral home. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
CARMEN SERRITELLA, 101, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away July 8, 2019. He was born February 12, 1918 in Chicago to the late Vito and Nancy (Perelli) Serritella. Carmen was a hard worker and retired at age 92 from the Chicago Tribune after working for over sixty years as a mailer. He enjoyed reading and loved going to the horse races at Oaklawn and Arlington Park every week. Preceding Carmen in death are his wife of sixty-five years, Immaculata (Puccetti) Serritella; son, Joseph Serritella; and seven siblings. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, William Serritella of Illinois; daughter, Deborah Benton of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: Angela Serritella, Kimberly Serritella, Ryan Benton, Jason Benton and wife Lindsey, Rebecca Crawley and husband Ryan; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family members and friends who love Carmen and will miss him always. Family will hold memorial service in Illinois at later date. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
TERRY SCOTT PATTERSON of Bryant went home to be with his Heavenly Father Thursday, July 11, 2019 and was 55 years of age at the time of his homecoming. Terry was born in Benton, AR on June 27, 1964 to Graham and Mary Patterson of Traskwood, AR. He attended and graduated from Glen Rose Public Schools where he was active in basketball and football. Terry was a devoted Missionary Baptist and was a former pastor of God’s word, both in Texas and Arkansas. He was a devoted church member of Spring Creek Baptist Church in Benton, AR. Terry loved Christian music and loved to be used to serve the Lord wherever there was a need. God used Terry’s special gift of communication to be a living witness for God’s love to all people put in his path. Terry was preceded in death by his grandparents Cadmus and Mildred Patterson of Holly Springs, Arkansas and Jim and Fern Newcomb of Benton, Arkansas. Terry leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Melinda Patterson of Bryant, Arkansas; two sons: James Patterson and wife Sarah of Bossier City, Louisiana and Michael Patterson of Benton, Louisiana; parents, Graham and Mary Patterson; sister, Denise Hammett and husband Mike of Alexander, Arkansas; brother, Drew Patterson and wife Tina of Traskwood, Arkansas; special nephew, Caleb Patterson as well as many other nephews, nieces, family members and friends who loved Terry. Visitation will be held 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Sunday, July 14 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Dr. Terry Parrish, will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, July 15, at Spring Creek Baptist Church, 19200 Interstate 30 N, Benton, Arkansas. Burial following at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery with Doug Curtis, Bub Bishop, Tommy Caudle, Mark Warford, Michael Ball, and Estol French assisting as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Welch, Bill Johnson, Frank Shelton, and Larry White. Memorials may be made to Spring Creek Baptist church building fund or music ministry. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
CHRISTINA SMITH, 41, of Mabelvale, AR, born August 7, 1977 departed this life to be with her Heavenly Father on July 4, 2019. She leaves to mourn her death, her mother, Glenda Moore (Fred); father, David Smith (Veronica); sisters, Davida Allen and Angelica Moore, Natasha Holloway (Keith); brothers, Joshua Moore and David Smith Jr., Fred Moore, III and Kendrick Moore; stepbrothers, Keanon Latin and Khristopher Latin; other siblings, DeShawn Smith, Tatisha Robinson, Zamondria Loring, Shannon Austin, Danielle Johnson, Dontae Smith and Taja Smith; aunts, Karyn Neely, Sheila Neely; uncle, Vernon Neely (Joan) and many other loving family and friends, and her very special friend Jared Halpin. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13th at Little Rock Funeral Home. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Christina’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
WANDA SUE BURFORD, 76, of Benton, passed away July 8, 2019. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana to Lucas James and Bess Ward Ashcroft, she graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas and retired from Dillard’s in 2005. She was a past president of the Art Association of Central Arkansas and past secretary of Mid-Southern Watercolorists. She was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Preceded in death by her parents and a son, Bryan Leigh Franklin, she is survived by her husband, Don Burford; son, Brice Dean Franklin (Kellie) of San Antonio; daughter, Piper Lynn Franklin Knutson (Gregg) of Benton; and grandchildren, Kayleigh Franklin and Abigail Rose Knutson. Sue had a full life with family and many friends. She loved all beautiful things, flowers, music and art. Services will be Saturday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, officiated by Pastors Max Pyron and Dave Hughey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, 10718 Brazos Valley Lane, Little Rock, AR 72212 (www.gideons.org). Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Sue’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfunerahome.com.
ROBERT NEIL LUND SEPTEMBER 30, 1923 ~ JULY 12, 2019 (AGE 95) from Hot springs Village, AR, ArkansasCreamation.com