Ann McDonald, 73 of Paron, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, December 13, 2020. She was born on September 11, 1947 in Little Rock to the late Odus and Joyce Graves Jefferson. Ann was a homemaker and caretaker of her grandchildren, great grandchildren and many others who loved and called her “Momma Ann”. She was a member of Paron Church of Christ. Ann is survived by her husband of 54 years, Danny McDonald and two daughters, Dana (David) Waters and Jana Southerland all of Paron, brothers, David (Pat) Jefferson and James (Aleta) Jefferson; niece, Dee (Phil) Forbush all of Paron; six grandchildren, Allee Southerland, Michaela (Jase) Piker of Paron, Cole (Hartley) Southerland of Rogers, Drew (Madison) Waters of Malvern, Keith (Lindsy) Waters of Perryville and Billy (Heather) Waters of Paron; three great- grandchildren, Annie Waters, Eli Waters and Devyn Piker; two greats on the way, Calvin and Tesa Waters. Pallbearers will be, Cole Southerland, Drew Waters, Keith Waters, Billy Waters, Allee Southerland and Michaela Piker. Honorary Pallbearers will be, Jase Piker, Cole Griffin, Lee Modlin and Donnie Odle. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at Cold Springs Cemetery with Bro. Jeff Christmas officiating. There will be an open visitation at Ashby Funeral Home.
April King, 47, of Benton, AR passed away December 10, 2020. She is survived by her son, Thomas ”T.J.” Darrell King, Jr.; her mother, Shirley Rainey; and her sister, Tonya Barry. April was preceded in death by her father, Lonnie Joe Barry. A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, December 16 at Edgewood Memorial Park, North Little Rock. We are complying with Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks while attending the graveside service. Please sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com\benton.
Betty Jo Caple, 85 of the Sardis Community, passed away on December 13, 2020 at her home. She was born on September 10, 1935 to the late James and Lillie Strickland Garner in Spiro, Oklahoma. She was a beautician for many years and also loved sewing, bowling, crafting, gardening and being outdoors. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Denver Garner and sister, Dorothy Edmonson. She is survived by her husband, Joel Caple, sons, Ronnie and Greg Caple, daughter, Jody Caple all of the Sardis Community; two grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one soon to come. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 16th at McPherson Cemetery in Sardis with Bro. Bryan Diffee officiating. There will be an open visitation at Ashbys. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Billy (Bill) Lynn Hewitt 91 and Evelyn (Pat) Marie Hewitt 90, of Bryant, AR, left this earth together in love on Tuesday, December 8th. Pats strong fighting spirit and Bill’s gentle nature and their genuine kindness will be sorely missed by all of their family and friends. A celebration of their lives is planned for 11:00 AM Saturday, December 19th , at Park Place Baptist Church–Virtual Service Only.
Carolyn “Ann” Miller, 71, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away December 16, 2020. She was born November 28, 1949 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the late H.W. and Sara Carolyn (Moore) Cromer. Ann loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. She had a huge heart and was a philanthropist. Carolyn donated her time, resources and money to help children, mental illness awareness and support for senior adults. Her dogs were very special to her and she loved them as family. Preceding Ann in death are her husband, Roger Miller; and parents: H.W. and Sara Carolyn Cromer. She leaves behind to cherish her memory her daughter, Jennifer Miller and husband Dale of Bryant, Arkansas; son, Chris Miller and wife Dana of Tupelo, Mississippi; grandchildren: Drew Miller, Brooke Miller and Jake Miller; two brothers: Tom Cromer and wife Carolyn of Tullahoma, Tennessee and Brill Cromer and wife Sue of Ft. Smith, Arkansas; wonderful staff that loved her like family at Mt. Carmel Community- Elijah’s Place; and many more family members and friends who love Ann and will miss her always. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Carolyn’s honor to Canvas Community Church Urban Missionary Fund to continue to serve our homeless friends. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Daniel (Danny) Wilson, age 73, of Bauxite, died peacefully at home on Saturday, December 12, 2020. He was born April 10, 1947 in Prattsville, Arkansas. His greatest passion was playing, writing & arranging music. When asked if he knew a song he would say, “just hum it to me” and away he’d go! Danny loved oil painting scenery, his grandchildren, and reading & discussing the bible daily with his wife. For all that knew him, he refused to give up his “Lil Debbie Oatmeal Cookies”! He hoped to be resurrected to a peaceful new earth with no more pain & death and to pick & grin again. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde & Euna Wilson; brother, Wayne; and sisters, Louise and Betty Ann. Danny is survived by his wife, Annette McCool Wilson; brother, Jimmy Wilson; two children, Tammy Wright and Kim Springer; two step-children, Jennifer Huie and Robin Nunley; several grandchildren & great-grandchildren; and many extended family & friends. He was greatly loved and will be missed by all. Due to Covid-19 there will be no public service, the family will have a private memorial service at a later date.
Doris Elizabeth Johnson, 91 of Benton, Arkansas was called home on the evening of December 18, 2020. Born on December 23, 1928 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Claude and Clemmie Traweek, she was the youngest of two children. She was married to Jewell Wesley Johnson in 1944 and had 59 glorious years of marriage until his death in 2003. They made Benton their home for all these years, and her husband, Jewell, retired from Reynolds Metals Company of Bauxite, Arkansas. Doris spent many years as a wonderful homemaker, expert gardener, and rearing their only child and enjoyed helping with her two grandchildren. She took much pride in cooking and attending family affairs with her prized desserts. Doris was predeceased by her husband Jewell Johnson; parents Claude and Clemmie Traweek; and her brother Herman Traweek, all of Benton, Arkansas. She is survived by her daughter, Martina Davies of Hot Springs Village, AR; one grandson, William (Billy) Davies of Colorado Springs, CO; one granddaughter, Kimberly Davies-Wilbarg (Rob) of Waccabuc, NY; and one great-granddaughter, Autumn Davies of Colorado Springs, CO. Arrangements made with Ashby Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited for Visitation on Monday evening from 6-7 pm.at Ashby’s. A graveside service will be held at Smith Rosemont Cemetery in Benton on Tuesday, December 22 at 2 pm with Senator, Kim Hammer of Saline County presenting the service. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Glynda Marie Hunter passed away suddenly and peacefully in Benton on Thursday, Dec. 17. She was born on Christmas Eve in Bauxite. She went to school in Benton and lived there for the rest of her life. Glynda had social limitations but was very independent, was well liked and enjoyed many things in her life, especially her nephew Aaron and niece Kayli. She loved her cats which provided much joy and company to her. Glynda enjoyed church and worshipped in the area. She was very generous in giving to many different charities throughout her life. She was a sweet person with a huge loving heart and never forgot birthdays and always sent cards to the celebrants. She had assistance from a loving caregiver Sheila Neal with whom she forged a strong friendship and cared about her deeply. Glynda is predeceased by her parents, Glynn and Elsie Hunter, maternal grandparents Sherman and Della Reid and paternal grandparents Marion and Mary Lou Hunter. She is survived by her loving sister Dwanna Hunter-Watkins of Benton, nephew Aaron Watkins of Benton, niece Kayli Watkins of Denver CO. her aunt Lawanda Howard, cousin Kimm Howard of Benton and several extended family members. There are no services planned at this time. Prayers and good thoughts will always be welcomed in remembrance of her special life. All arrangements are being handled by Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home. Glynda will always be loved and remembered by friends and family alike. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/bryant.
Jackie Ashley, 63 of Benton, passed away on December 12, 2020. He was born on February 19, 1957 in Little Rock to the late Jonathan Barnes Ashley and Alice Marie Breeden Ashley. Jackie loved to hunt, fish and work, being outdoors was his passion. He is survived by his son, Ryan Daniel Thompson, daughters, Shawna Marie Holcomb and Nicki Nicole Ashley, brothers, Johnny Ashley and Carl Edward Ashley, sister, Sharon Lewis and numerous grandchildren. A Memorial service will be held by the family on December 19, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at 909 W. Hazel Street in Benton, Arkansas. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
James Alvie Warner, 81, of Benton, passed away Thursday, Dec. 17. He was born Nov. 16, 1939, in Little Rock. James was a member of Avilla Landmark Missionary Baptist Church and worked at Milwhite Inc. in Bryant. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buster and Gladys Warner; a sister, Susie Rich; and a grandson, Stephen Michael Ryan Warner. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Hudson Warner; two sons, Larry Warner (Andrea) and Jimmy Warner; three daughters, Teresa Burrows (Wayne), Darlene Hogancamp and Carrie Hester (Josh); a brother, Johnny Warner; a sister, Shirley Moseley (Bill); 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. James enjoyed the farm life, visiting with family and friends and playing checkers and the harmonica. Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at Ashby Funeral Home, prior to the service that begins at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Bro. Kirby Caple will be officiating. Please observe COVID-19 guidelines. Online guest book: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Jerry Raper, 55, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 11, 2020. He was born on August 26, 1965. Jerry worked in the Benton Public Schools. He was dearly loved by all who knew him and will be missed always. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
John Arlon Sams, 94, of Benton, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Thursday, Dec. 17. He was born Aug. 31, 1926 in Martinville, to William Eli and Mary Iola Freeman Sams. John was a family man who loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed cooking and golf, and played professional baseball in his younger days for the Hot Springs Bathers. He had to take a very early retirement from baseball due to a shoulder injury from being able to throw the hardest pitches. In fact, he threw so hard that the catcher would have to be swapped out between innings because their hands couldn’t withstand the force from catching his pitches! He then moved on to being a Firefighter for the Little Rock Fire Department, from which he retired after 22 years as a captain. He also served in the United States Army. John was an outstanding contractor and draftsman and loved designing floor plans and building homes himself. He even had the opportunity to work alongside his wife, Norma, through the construction of many homes. John was full of many wonderful traits and “loved by his actions” in countless ways. He will be missed but his memory will be cherished and his legacy will continue on through those who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Eldon Sams, W.E. Sams Jr.; sister, Carolyn Gray; half-sisters, Rosalie Ryan, and Gladys Fuchs, and half-brother, Doyle Sams. John is survived by his wife of a very accomplished 67 years, Norma Sams; his sons, Randy Sams and his wife, Marla, and Greg Sams; two grandsons, Jon Austin Sams and his wife, Sylvia, and Crayton Allen Sams; great-grandchildren, Hugh Arlin Sams, and Serena Grace Sams; brothers, Marvin Sams and Wayne Sams; sisters, Anavurl Karber, Luevern Glover, and many other extended family members and friends. A visitation will be Monday, December 21, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Rd., Benton. A Funeral Service will begin at 2 p.m. following visitation. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10 a.m. until service time. Interment with military honors will be Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 at 11 a.m., at Martinville Cemetery in Martinville, Arkansas. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 100 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/bryant.
Mallie Faye VanPelt, 81, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 16, 2020. She was born March 22, 1939 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to the late Alfred and Etoyle (Whittle) Blankenship, Sr. Mallie loved the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton. She retired from Wal-Mart after working for thirty-three years. Family was top priority to Mallie. She was the definition of unconditional love and hard work. Mallie was the backbone of her family and a role model they all looked up to. She was the best mother and “Mamaw” to her children and grandchildren. Mallie cherished her precious cat, Dutchess, and treated her like a queen. She was authentic, genuine, caring, full of grace, and soft-spoken. Mallie gave the best hugs, and was easily tickled. Special visits from her friends brightened her day. Mallie was cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Preceding Mallie in death are her parents; brother, Alfred “A.C.” Blankenship, Jr.; and grandparents, Tom and Mallie Whittle. She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her loving husband of thirty years, Sam VanPelt of Benton, Arkansas; son, Doug Faith of North Little Rock, Arkansas; daughter, Donna Faith of Benton, Arkansas; three granddaughters: Natalie Wise and husband Shawn, Hannah Faye Allen and husband Chris, and Casey Romero and husband Juan; three great-grandchildren: Joaquin, Jackson, and Silas; special long-time best friend, Jerri Sharp of Benton, Arkansas; and many family members and friends who love Mallie and will miss her always. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 22, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. State of Arkansas COVID-19 Directives includes: masks required (not provided) and social distancing maintained. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Nicholas Joe Harvey, 2, of Benton, Arkansas bravely fought MS and was gifted eternal life on December 19, 2020. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 18, 2018. Nicholas was the definition of a fighter. He spent over half his life at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, where he was an extremely popular patient. Nicholas loved getting cuddles and being with his sisters – especially his twin sister, Cora. He always knew when she was around him as he would wiggle and smile! His stuffed lion was his favorite snuggle toy. This is so fitting due to the bravery and fight Nicholas possessed. Left behind to cherish each moment of his life are his parents: John Douglas and Sara Michele Harvey of Benton, Arkansas; twin sister, Cora Elena Harvey; baby sister, Alexandria Elizabeth Harvey; grandmothers: Claudia Malloy and Debra Sontenot; extra special family members: Ross and Julie Wolfe; and a host of family members and friends who love Nicholas and will miss him always. A huge shout out of thanks and gratitude to Nicholas’ DHS Special Care Giver, Kim Sowell for helping through the journey of his life; and to Friendship Daycare and Grow Daycare for their love and support. Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
On December 17, 2020 Oscar “JR” Gutierrez Jr. gained his heavenly wings surrounded with the love of his family. He is preceded in death by his mother, Betty Garcia. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Amber Gutierrez of Little Rock, AR; His brother, Mike Sykora of San Antonio, TX; His in-laws Robert and Anita Reeves of Haskell, AR; sister-in-law Megan Reeves of Haskell, AR; two fur babies, Harley Rose and Hank Wyatt, and a host of family and friends. Oscar was born April 5, 1976 in Corpus Christi, TX to Betty and Oscar Gutierrez. He graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1996 and served in the Army with the 25th infantry division Tropic Lighting as an Army Medic. JR, as he was known to his friends and family, lived an adventurous life. He pursued many different ventures and traveled extensively. In 2014 JR met the love of his life Amber, and they married on April 9, 2016. He was completely devoted to her and to God. He was a giving and compassionate man; who gave his money, time, and anything he thought could benefit someone else to those in need. His favorite time of the day was the mornings where he spent time studying the bible and in prayer. JR has made an impact on those who knew and loved him. The imprint he has left on our hearts will never be forgotten. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Randal Ray Potter, age 86, of Mabelvale, passed away Saturday, December 19, 2020. He was born November 28, 1934 in Paragould, Arkansas. Randal was a U.S. Army veteran, a truck driver and a member of Fairview Missionary Baptist Church where he was a Deacon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde & Bertie Potter; wife, Ann Potter; brother, Leroy Potter; and three sisters, LaDon Dawson, Fredia Kennedy and Francis Potter. Randal is survived by two sons, Ben Potter (Tina) and Daniel “Danny” Potter (Jocelyn); daughter, Gayla Nelms (Danny); two brothers, Delmar and Jarrell Potter; five grandchildren, Amanda (Matt) Garner, Melissa (Shane) Ellington, Kimberly (Patrick) Newlon, Nathan Nelms and Katie Nelms; and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will include several Deacons from his church, Shawn Woolridge, Mark Rush, Steven Reeves, Eddie Cole, Carol Corrigan, David Bell, Jim O’Kelley, Mark Griffin, John Taylor, Danny Nelms and Matt Garner. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, December 21 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 22 at McPherson Cemetery in Sardis. Dr. Paul Carter will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fairview Missionary Baptist Church Youth Group 26401 Fairview Road, Hensley, Arkansas 72065. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.