Billie Sue Young, age 79, of Benton; passed away Thursday, December 7, 2017. She was born May 21, 1938 in Leola, Arkansas. Mrs. Young was a homemaker and member of Salem United Methodist Church. She loved working and attending Flea Markets. Mrs. Young was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Uela Hudson; husband, Robert “Bob” Young; son, Louis Alan Walls; two brothers, Vernon Hudson and C.R. “Sonny” Hudson and three sisters, Kathleen McDonald, JoAnn Hudson and Betty Thomas. She is survived by her daughter, Carmon Lewis (Kyle) and three grandchildren, Haven, Molly and Mason Lewis. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 12 at Midtowne Church. Flowers can be delivered to Ashby Funeral Home.
Marlisa LaDonna Elee Roberts, age 42, of Benton, passed away Thursday, December 7, 2017. She was born August 27, 1975 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Marlisa is survived by her mother, Donna Hollinger (Billy) of Benton; father, Kenneth Elee of Port Lavaca, Texas; brother, Harold Anderson; step-brother, Ty Hollinger and a step-sister, Tony James. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, December 14 at Ashby Funeral Home. Private memorial services will be held at a later date.
Margaret Ellen Young, 83 of Bryant, passed away December 11, 2017. She was born September 1, 1934 in Mt. Ida, Arkansas to the late Ola T. and Weata Ann Cearley Stanley. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Bobby Balentine and Sonny Stanley. Margaret is survived by her son, William Dennis Young of Alexander, daughter, Deanna Jean (Jeff) Mabry of Benton, grandchildren, Jennifer (Joel) Green, Boone (Melanie) Mabry and Hunter (Jami) Young, great grandchildren, Kamden and Kasen Green, Brooks Young. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday with John Baxley officiating. Burial will follow at Stanley Cemetery in Mt. Ida, Arkansas. Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Ashbys on Wednesday. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Patricia Elizabeth Schlesier, 77 of Mabelvale, passed away December 12, 2017. She was born January 19, 1940 in Little Rock to the late William Harvey and Eleene Elizabeth Smith Garrett. Patricia was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Sardis and worked for Walmart. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Schlesier and brother, William H. Garrett, Jr. Patricia is survived by her sons, Roger (Vanda) Schlesier of Benton, Ted (Myra) Schlesier of Mabelvale, daughter, Teresa (Johnny) Gravett of Mabelvale, brothers, Lee (Peggy) Garrett of Benton, Joseph (Susie) Garrett of Hot Springs, sister in Law, Mei Chu Garrett of Mabelvale, grandchildren, Bailey (Garrett) Rich, Chris Godwin, Justin Gravett, Jasmyn Schlesier and Andrew Schlesier. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday with Bro. Rick Porter officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery in Sardis. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Ashbys. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
It is with great sadness that the family of Earl J. (Jerry) Murphy announces his passing on December 6th at the age of 90 years. He died of natural causes and is lovingly remembered by his friends and family. He and his wife, Shirley, had four children: Michael, Timothy, Elizabeth, and Cynthia and four grandchildren: Amber, Michael, Robin and Kevin. An enthusiastic and creative Civil Engineer and City Planner, Jerry was educated at Cornell University and applied his talents in these fields throughout his career, including work in New York, Rhode Island, Ohio, Florida, and Tennessee. He was also a devoted father and avid model railroader. After retiring to HSV, he was active in lawn bowling and with volunteer work on the Good Sam Campus. Services will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hot Springs Village on Friday Dec 15th. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale – The Hot Springs Village Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.
Sharon Dobbs, 73 of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2017. She was born to the late Vernon and Hallie Fulcher on November 4, 1944 in Benton, Arkansas. She loved her grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her loving parents; one brother, Tommy Fulcher; sister, Shirley Baxley; nephew, Tim Fulcher; husband Bobby Dobbs; sister-in-law, Ethel Fulcher. She is survived by two daughters, Michelle Dawson (Darrin) and Melissa Dawson; six grandchildren, Candias (Raymond), Amanda (Zack), Mikki (Brittany), Bryan, Dustin (Brandy), Daniel; eleven great grandchildren and a host of family and friends who love and miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the funeral home. To sign the online guestbook, www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Alice Johnson, age 79 of Mabelvale, passed away on December 4, 2017. She was born to the late, Carlos and Lena Hendrix in Bethel Springs, Tennessee on November 15, 1938. She loved doing arts and crafts and would often create and decorate for friends and family. In fact, she decorated the State Capitol for many years and they still use her handmade decorations to this day. She was the owner and operator of ABC Ceramics and later, of Dolls and Things. She kept her house so clean that you could eat her delicious homemade mac and cheese right off the floor. Alice is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 48 years, Ray Johnson; two brothers, Carlton Hendrix and Hoover Hendrix; and two sisters, Etta Kennedy and Roselyn Ray. She is survived by her two sons, Jay Johnson (Dawn) and Carlton Johnson; grandchildren Keith, Ashley and Haley; two brothers, Tom Hendrix (Sherri), and Ray Hendrix (Loretta), as well as a host of family and friends who all love and miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 1:30PM with visitation the night prior from 6-8PM. To sign online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
John “The Stick” H. Arroyo passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 10, 2017, in Bryant, Arkansas, at the age of 61. John was born in McAllen, Texas on January 6, 1956 to Johnny and Henrietta Martinez. Johnny and Henrietta had three children, Josie, John, & Olga. Johnny passed when John was two years old. His mother married Atilano Arroyo, the man John would know as Dad most of his life, in 1962. Atilano and Henrietta had two more children, Sandra and Robert John’s mother passed in 1967 when John was 10 years old. John’s Dad, Atilano, married Olga Garza in 1967 and she became Mom to John and his 4 siblings. Atilano and Olga had two more children, JR and Jaime. John and his biological siblings were adopted by Atilano and Olga Arroyo in 1974. The Arroyo sibling clan of 7 was official; Josie, John, Olga, Sandra, Robert, JR, Jaime. John went to elementary school at T.A. Brown for 1st through 3rd grades. He then went to Brentwood Elementary for 4th – 6th grades. After that he went to Lamar Jr. High, then to McCallum High School graduating in 1974. He had a passion for football and BASEBALL during his younger years. He played at the North Austin Lions Club and at University Hills Optimist Club. He continued his passion for baseball by playing in several softball leagues during his adult life; hence earning the name – “The Stick” – which he was so proud of. After high school John continued his education at DeVry University in Dallas. Following graduation from DeVry he began working for DM&H in Irving, Texas in 1976. Also in July of 1976 his best friend and first son, John J. Arroyo, was born. John met Debbie Hairston at DM&H in 1982. They worked together for a year realizing it they were a “good fit” for each other and decided to move in together with J.J. and Brandie (Debbie / now John’s daughter). Life in Irving was good, but John’s heart was always in Austin. He talked Debbie into moving to Austin in 1985. John began working for Austin Business Machines when they moved back. John and Debbie made their union official by marrying in Austin in October 1986. Josh Arroyo was born in July 1987. A few years later John & Debbie made their family complete when Ariane arrived in April 1995. In the summer of 1995 John & Debbie moved to Arkansas, to be close to Debbie’s family. John began working for Arkansas Copier when they moved and remained there for the past 22 years. John left Austin being a true, die-hard, I only bleed burnt orange Longhorn fan. He was surrounded by Razorbacks for many years and stood his Longhorn ground; raised his boys to do so also. Slowly but surely those Razorbacks got in his blood and he started cheering them on also. He continued to cheer on his favorite Longhorns with the “Hook ‘Em Horns” but every once in a while you would catch him slip and do that darn “Woooo Pig Soooeee”. His other team was the Cowboys. Nothing would get in between him and his Cowboys football time. His greatest Cowboy memory was being able to go to a game last year with his sons, brother and nephew. Another one of John’s passions was playing GOLF; to hear John say it . . . . He was the King of the Golf Course! He was a gentleman’s gentleman when it came to etiquette on the course. He enjoyed playing with family, old friends, new friends, anyone; as long as he was playing; ready to play for that “money shot” if anyone was ever interested. In recent years John has been able to re-connect with his elementary, Jr High, and high school friends though Facebook. This brought him great pleasure to go down memory lane and relive precious days of old. John leaves behind his greatest legacy, his family. His family was his life in which he revolved around. His wife, Debbie, his children John J. Arroyo, Josh Arroyo and wife Fallon, and Ariane Arroyo; grandchildren Elijah and Lennon. He also leaves behind his siblings; Josie Martinez, Olga Henson and husband Roy, Sandra Escobar, Robert Arroyo and wife Tina, and Atilano Arroyo, Jr. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins that were blessed to have shared his amazing life. John was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Brandie. When Brandie passed she took a bit of John with her. We all know that Bran was the first person to greet John when he crossed over. Also preceeding John in death are his biological parents, Johnny Martinez, Henrietta Arroyo; his adopitive parents Atilano Arroyo and Olga Arroyo; and his youngest brother, Jaime Arroyo. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM. A gathering of friends and family will be held at Josh and Fallon’s home afterwards To sign online guest book, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
James Donald ”Don” Garnett, 85, of Bryant passed away Thursday, December 7, 2017. He was born January 2, 1932 in Woodford County, Kentucky to the late Rupert Giles and Lucille (Johnson) Garnett. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, Crawford Lee Watts Sr., son-in-law, Albert N. Ward III and grandson, Patrick Owens. Don was the owner/operator at Don Garnett Pallet Mill of Thayer, MO, for many years before retiring to Horseshoe Bend, AR. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Thayer, MO and subsequently First Baptist Church Horseshoe Bend, AR. His many interest and pastimes included high school football athlete, Boatswain’s Mate for a Beacher jumper unit in the U.S. Navy, tobacco farming, antique dealer, and avid cheerleader for his grandchildren’s many activities and interest. Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years Verna Jane Garnett; three daughters, Kim (Steve) Dills of Bryant, AR, Donna Garnett of Washington, DC, and Lyn (John) Darmstaedter of Benton, AR; two sons, Randall (Wanda) Garnett of Protem, MO, and James Garnett of Englewood, CO; half-brother, C.L. (Denise) Watts Jr. of Frankfort, KY; five grandchildren, Tiffany (Paul) Henson, Jeff (Phylis) Dills, Lane Garnett, John (Charly) Darmstaedter II, and Shannon (Travis) Stuart; four great-grandchildren, Faith Stone, Aniston Dills, Kaylan Henson and Garnett Henson; niece, Kate Watts and nephew, Lee Watts along with numerous cousins and loved ones. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2017 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) Benton, AR with Bro. Tom Williams officiating. Interment will follow at 12:00 PM in North Little Rock, AR at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas, 10201 W Markham St Suite 100, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Shirley Ann (Griggs) Kung, 33, of Benton, AR, passed away on December 9th, 2017 in Little Rock, AR. Shirley was born in Biloxi, MS to Tim and Crystal Griggs on January 14th, 1984. She grew up in Benton, AR and graduated from the University of Arkansas, Little Rock with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. Shirley was a loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her children, above all else. She was a beautiful nurturing soul, a starry-eyed dreamer, who was responsible for shaping the lives of many. Shirley was a passionate force and will be greatly missed. Shirley is survived by her two children, Genghis Kung and Jewel Kung of Benton, AR, siblings, Kimberly Griggs-Jordan of Dallas, TX and Timothy Griggs of Austin, TX, and parents Tim and Crystal Griggs of Benton, AR. A private memorial service will be held. Arrangements are by Smith-Benton Funeral Home of Benton, AR. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com. Memorials in honor of Shirley may be made to the Kung Memorial Fund, benefiting her children.https://www.gofundme.com/shirley-griggs-kung-memorial-fund
Glenda M. Blaylock, 82, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 9, 2017. She was born December 17, 1934 in Silsbee, Texas to the late Clarence “Jack” Milton and Myrle Lucille Wells. Glenda was a member of Victory Baptist Church. She enjoyed singing with her family at church and nursing homes and loved to read her Bible. Glenda was preceded in death by her husband, Eldon Marshall Blaylock, Sr.; daughter, Deborah Crowson; son, Eldon Marshall Blaylock, Jr.; and parents. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Rebecca Blaylock of Benton, Arkansas; son, Kenneth Blaylock and wife Cathy of Benton, Arkansas; grandchildren: Aaron Crowson, John Crowson, David Gray, Joshua Crowson, Kristin Haygood, Rachel Quigley, Ryan Blaylock, Jonathon Gray, and Grace Crowson; twenty-one great-grandchildren; sisters: Jackie Collins, Charlotte Cowart, Mary Smith, Cathy Cates and husband Billy, and Paula Thompson; and a host of family members and friends who loved Glenda and will miss her always. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 12, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Funeral Service, officiated by Rev. Ken Graham and Rev. Larry Mattingly will follow at 11:00 AM. Burial at Forest Hills Memorial Park at 1:00 PM. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Loretta Arlene Burrus, 52, of Traskwood, Arkansas passed away December 10, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 17, 1965 in Benton, Arkansas to Floyd Allen “Buddy” Blair and the late Glenda Hughes Blair. Loretta was always considered “Daddy’s little girl”. Her grandchildren were her whole world and she loved spending time with her family. One of her favorite pastimes was floating on the river and fishing in the dark. Loretta collected dreamcatchers-many of which were made by her family. Preceding Loretta in death are her mother, Glenda Blair; sister, Wanda Morgan; and brother, Daniel Blair. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband of twenty-nine years, Jeff Burrus of Traskwood, Arkansas; children, Jeremy Burrus and wife Tamara of Glen Rose, Arkansas, Derrick Burrus and wife Nikki of Haskell, Arkansas, Tosha Harding and husband Junior of Malvern, Arkansas, and Catherine Burrus of Traskwood, Arkansas; grandchildren: Jaymz, Southern, Bo, Katie, and Jacklynn; father, Buddy Blair; sisters: Trisha Suarez of Haskell, Arkansas, and Michelle Shellnut of Benton, Arkansas and a host of family members and friends who love Loretta and will miss her always. Memorial service to be announced. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Betty Jean Thomas, 85, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 12, 2017. She was born November 17, 1932 in Benton to the late Jesse and Thelma Blaylock Starkey. Betty was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, and attending Bible study. Betty loved spending time with her family and visiting friends at Whispering Pines. Preceding Betty in death are her husband, George Thomas; daughter, Susie Patrick; granddaughter, Samantha Patrick; and parents, Jesse and Thelma Starkey. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Royce Tittle and wife Lavern of Haskell, Arkansas; daughter, Vickie Nordin of Haskell, Arkansas; six grandchildren: Cindy Jacobsen and husband Shane, Mark Tittle and wife Amanda, Nichalus Tittle and wife Kim, Jenni Pittman, Carrie Branch and husband Brian, and Jenee Sigman and husband Paul; fourteen great-grandchildren: Taylor Green, Jacob Green, Brady Green, Race Tittle, Chace Tittle, Mason Tittle, Makenzie Pittman, Lane Pittman, Lauren Goodrich and husband Heath, Lathen Krahmer, Kelsee Jones, Kylee Jones, Taylar Sigman, and Bayli Sigman; three great-great grandchildren: Kain, Raelynn, and Rosalie; brother, Bobby Starkey and wife June of Little Rock; sister, Charlotte Jensen and husband Donnie of Cabot, Arkansas; and a host of family members and friends who love Betty and will miss her always. Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Mike Tittsworth, will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, December 15, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Reception visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Mary Murline Taylor Lumpkin, 86, of Bryant, passed away December 3, 2017. She was born March 28, 1931, in England, Arkansas to Esther and Bill Taylor. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Taylor and Bill Taylor; and sisters, Earlene Young, Mary Frances Taylor, Pat Adams, and Brenda Daugherty. She is survived by her one beloved son, Tony Terry (wife, Janna) of Bryant, and two cherished grandchildren, Emily and Nathan Terry of Bryant; brothers, J.B. Taylor (wife, Joyce Ann) of Little Rock, and Jimmy Don Taylor of White Hall; many nieces and nephews; and honorary family, Ramesh and Seetha Sathyanarayana of San Diego, CA, and Sanjay and Gail Wanchoo of Fort Lauderdale, FL. Mary was retired from The State of Arkansas Office of Rehabilitation. She graduated from Plum Bayou High School in 1949 where she played basketball. She was an avid Elvis fan and she loved to watch golf on TV – especially Phil Mickelson. She also loved going to Branson, cheering on the Razorbacks, growing flowers, and taking care of her puggles, Bono and Lucy. She was an extremely devoted grandmother and retired to help take care of her treasured grandchildren. She was thoughtful, warm, and always eager to extend hospitality to anyone that came to visit. Mary will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Graveside service will be held Friday, December 8, 2017 at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m.