Thomas Ebe Mathis, 81 of Bryant, passed away October 11, 2017. He was born February 2, 1936 in Clinton, Arkansas to the late Ronald and Mannie Ferguson Mathis. Thomas was a member of the 1st Southern Baptist Church of Bryant, a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge Calf Creek in Snowball, Arkansas. He served in the National Guard and was a retired technician with ABF Truck lines after 29 years of employment. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, son, William T. Mathis and daughter, Donna L. Mathis. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Mathis, daughter, Rebecca (Daniel) Hutson of Bryant, grandsons, Blake (Jaylynn) Hutson of Benton, Bryson (Katie) Hutson of Bryant and great granddaughter, Blakelynn Hutson. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with Bro. Robby Tingle officiating. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. at Dennard Cemetery in Van Buren County. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday before services. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Albert Junior Jeffcoat, 75 of Benton, passed away on October 12, 2017. He was born to the late, Albert and Onie Jeffcoat on March 22, 1942 in Benton, AR. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his loving wife, Linda Jeffcoat. He is survived by his children, Karen Gately (James), Susan Anasti (brett), Donna Hunt, Andy Jeffcoat, Alan Jeffcoat, and Adam Jeffcoat; six grandchildren, Brandy Jeffcoaty, Allison Hunt, C. J. Hunt, Cody Jeffcoat, Jayme Jeffcoat and Alan Jeffcoat; ten great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of family and friends who love and miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the funeral home. To sign online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Linda K. Couch 58 of Alexander formally of Saint Louis passed away on October 14, 2017 after a difficult battle with an Unspecified Neuro Degenerative Disease. She was born in Ames, Iowa to Arlan and Barbara Caviness on November 16, 1958. Linda enjoyed golfing, yoga and the beauty of flowers. She worked for AT&T for over 30 years as a computer programmer. Linda is preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her son, Spencer Couch; mother, Barbara Caviness; sister, Jennifer Ingram and her husband, Jeff; brother, Sharlan Caviness; two nephews, Christopher Ingram and Preston Caviness; niece, Ashlynn Caviness and a host of family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly. The family will hold a private service at a later date. To sign Linda’s online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Thomas W. Session “Mr. Tom”, 76, of Benton passed away Saturday, October 14, 2017 at home surrounded by loved ones. He was born June 13, 1941 in Jacksonville, AR to the late Henry and Clara Session. He was an active member at New Life Baptist Church of Avilla for many years. He is survived by his wife, Clara Session; eight children, Scott (Lori) Session, Tracie Session, Teresa (David) Emmerton, Carol (Steve) Pebley, James Burk, Linda (Ike) Eichacker, Doug (Melanie) Burk, and Chip (Tisch) Burk; three sisters, Margret Mantooth of Jacksonville, AR, Pat (Lehman) Anthony of Clinton, and Suzy (Albert) Dodson of Jacksonville, AR; twenty-four grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; and three special family members, Paul (Tonya) Mead, Ronnie (George) Forsythe and Scott (Rondi) Squires. A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Baptist Church of Avilla, 10765 Samples Road Alexander, AR 72002. All donations may be made to CARTI, 18901 Carti Way, Little Rock AR 72215, (501) 906-3000.
On Sunday, October 15, Clara Sue Thomas Gunter Holder, of Benton, Arkansas, received her wings to her journey into the glorious gates of Heaven, where many before awaited to welcome her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Nellie Chastain Thomas; her children’s father, Dewell Warren Gunter; her second husband, Oscar Holder; granddaughter, Stephanie Renee Anderson; step-son Ronnie Holder; and son-in-law Arthur Montgomery Anderson Jr. Sue is survived by her sons, Philip Gunter (Deborah) and Glenn Gunter (Lisa); daughter, Carla Gunter Anderson; grandchildren, Charity Gunter Olive, Nichole Anderson Edwards (Jason), Curtis Kennedy, Krystal Steel (Keith), Star Strayhorn, Jessie Gunter, and Stormy Gunter; great granddaughter, Natalie Elizabeth Olive; great grandsons, Vincent and Grant Edwards; step-daughter, Theresa Picklesimer (David); step-grandsons, Tony Picklesimer (Cathy) and Mark Picklesimer (Jennifer); step-great grandsons, Matthew, Jacob and Joshua Picklesimer and Nicholas and Kevin Kennedy; former daughter-in-law, Sheryl Roberts; special sister and brother, Dot and James Griffin; brother, Walker Thomas (Helen); nephews, Wesley, Wade and Whitney Thomas; great niece, Lauren Thomas; great nephew, Perry Thomas; and great grandniece, “Kitty” Thomas. She will be greatly missed by the many relatives and friends in the legal field as well. Sue was born to Herbert and Nellie Chastain Thomas on March 15, 1934, in Bland, Arkansas. She attended Paron Schools, where she graduated, and then attended Capital City Business College. She worked as a legal secretary for Ben McCray, Hall, Tucker & Lovell law firm and Capital Credit Corporation in Little Rock. She then worked as a legal assistant for Pete Lancaster alongside Curtis Rickard and Bob Garrett, then Greg Brown, Randy Satterfield, Cindy Moody, David Smith, Meredith Wineland, Joe Hardin, Ken Casady, Dustin Dyer and Thomas Burns. Sue ended up working at Jensen, Young & Houston where she retired in 2008. She had many years of work in the legal field, which she enjoyed immensely. She was a Charter member of a tri-level association, the Saline County Legal Support Professionals; AALS, the association for Arkansas Legal Support Professionals; and NALS, the National Association for Legal Support Professionals. She served, on the local level, as president, secretary, treasurer, state director along with chairing many committees. She also served, on a state level, on many committees and elected offices, including president from 1990 to 1991. Sue received the Arkansas Legal Support Professional Award of Excellence in 2007. During her years of being associated with AALS, she was fortunate to be able to travel to many places for Continuing Legal Education. Sue was a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 19, in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. Visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, October 18, at the Funeral Home.
Gloria Catherine Ball, age 87, of Alexander went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 12, 2017. Born October 23, 1929 to the late Victor and Catherine (Williams) Bohlin, Gloria was devoted to her family, with a special love for grandkids. She served her country as a member of the US Air Force. Of her many gifts, Gloria was especially gifted at nurturing beautiful roses, making a joyful noise in the church choir, and sharing God’s word. She is preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, Victor, Harold, and John. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of almost 65 years Jerry Ball, Robert (Rhonda) Ball, David (Kay) Ball, and John (Celia) Ball; grandchildren Heather, Stephanie, April, Kurk, Teresa, Melissa, Jeremiah, Seth, and James; great grand children Brittney, Brandon, Brennan, Braydan, Michael, Cherish, Hannah, Emily, Brooklyn, Lucas, Elayna, Chevy, Hayden, and Jacob; one great-great grandson Xander; and anyone fortunate enough to know and be loved by her. A visitation will be held in her honor from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2017. Her celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 17, 2017, both at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy 5 N., Alexander. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Edward “Gene” Pack, 91, passed away on Monday October 9, 2017. He was born September 1, 1926 to Lee and Minnie Pack. He was married almost 50 years to Betty Lou “Wilder” Pack. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, older brother Robert, and younger brother Raymond. He is survived by his son Mark, brother Tom (Joyce), and sister Evelyn “Erb” Pack. Gene will be missed by all who knew him. He was a tireless worker, devoted Christian, husband, and father. He served in the Navy in the Pacific in WWII. Gene spent the better part of his retirement doing charity work with Rock Builders, Church In A Day, Nail Benders for Christ, Arkansas Disaster Relief, and Saline County Habitat for Humanity. He served as a deacon at both South Highland Baptist Church in Little Rock and First Southern Baptist Church in Bryant. The family ask that you not grieve for Gene but rejoice. October 9 was one of the happiest days of his life for on that day he was reunited with his true love Betty Lou and they are together forever. The family wishes to thank the VA Gereatrics in Little Rock and North Little Rock, Heartland Nursing and Rehab, and Saline County Hospice for their compassionate care. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Arkansas. His graveside service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2017 at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, officiated by Brother Jim Legrone. Pallbearers include L.A. Washam, Bill Dillon, J.R. LeVart, and Everett Bene.