Obituaries from the Pine Bluff Commercial, Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., AR for 16 May 1998-31 May 1998 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Linda P. Smith ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ Copyright 1998 Pine Bluff Commercial. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission of the Pine Bluff Commercial. ************************************************************************ PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SATURDAY, MAY 16, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas BIRTHO JACKSON NORTH LITTLE ROCK--Birtho Jackson, 66, of North Little Rock, died May 13, 1998, at Riley's Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home. She was born on April 1, 1932, in Drew County, a daughter of the late Jeff Davis Sr. and Leola Gragg Davis. She was a member of Strangers Rest AME Church and worked for a boat company. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Jackson Sr. Survivors include four sons, Charles Jackson Jr., Benford Jackson,Johnnie Jackson and Perry Jackson, all of Kansas City, three daughters, Retha Collins and Theresia Watkins, both of Sherwood, and Bessie Jefferson of Monticello; five brothers, O.V. Gragg of Monticello, Leroy Davis of Sherwood, Jeff Davis Jr. of Milwaukee, and Scott Davis and Mylon Davis, both of Kansas City, Missouri; five sisters, Iona Davis of Kansas City, Missouri, Erma Robinson of Kansas City, Kansas, and Jearline Martin, Alberta Walton and Norma Woodard, all of Monticello; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Mount Pleasant AME Church at Monticello with the Rev. Desmond Lamb officiating. Burial will be in Campground Cemetery in Drew County by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello. ___________________________ ELSIE SMITH BENTON --Elsie Potts Smith, 91, of Benton, formerly of Warren, died May 15, 1998, at Saline Nursing Center. She was born on March 26, 1907, at Rock Springs, a daughter of the late William Lee and Ola Beard Potts. She was a homemaker and a member of Walnut Street Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie L. Smith. Survivors include two sons, Billy Smith of Warren and Scotty Smith of Benton; a daughter, Betty Braswell of Columbia, Tennessee; a sister,Stella Spessard of Lawton, Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great- grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Warren. ______________________________ CHARLINE PRITCHARD CONWAY -- Charline Hemingway Pritchard, 84, of Conway, died May 13, l998, at Faulkner Nursing Center. She was born on January 4, 1914, in Arkansas City, a daughter of the late Charles William Hemingway. She was a former resident of Lake Village and a retired nursing home administrator. She was a former member of Emanuel Episcopal Church at Lake Village. She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Long "Pritch" Pritchard. Survivors include a daughter, Margaret "Mickey" Fitzgerald of Booneville; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Friday in Lake Village City Cemetery with the Rev. Roy Rhodes officiating. Arrangements were handled by Steele Funeral Home of Lake Village. Memorials may be made to Emanuel Episcopal Church. _____________________________ OPHELIA TURNTINE Ophelia "Willie" Darling Turntine, 80, of Grady, died May 12, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born November 17, l917, at Meroney, a daughter of the late Clayton Miles and Ella (Remely) Miles. She was a homemaker and a member of Richardson Chapel Baptist Church at Tamo, where she was a member of the Mother's Board. Survivors include two sons, Jesse W. Turntine and Larry J. Turntine, both of Pine Bluff; four daughters, Ella Mae Knight and Geraldine R. Collins, both of Moscow, and Vinnie Brazell and Chris Turntine, both of Pine Bluff; 15 grandchildren, 20 great- grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Richardson Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Adams officiating. Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery at Varner by Brown Euneral Home of Pine Bluff. __________________________ ADELENE WARREN MONTICELLO -- Adelene Brown Warren, 78, of Monticello, died May 14, 1998, at Drew Memorial Hospital. Born November 24, 19I9, at Warren, she was the daughter of the late Nels Michael Brown and Mary Etta Bagley. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Warren. Survivors include three sons, Walter Henry Jr. and James Henry, both of Monticello, and Bobby Gene Henry of Crossett; a daughter, Evelyn Chadwick of Monticello; two brothers, William Brown of Texas and Floyd Brown of Crossett; five sisters, Martha Nichols and Juanita Williams, both of Monticello, Betty Bonner of Texas, and Cherrie Crossland and Albertine Crossland, both of Muskogee, Oklahoma; 17 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 4 p.m. today at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Rev. Stephen Grace officiating. Burial will be in Beulah Cemetery in Drew County. ____________________________ REV. HENRY MASON MUSKEGON, Michigan - The Rev. Henry Mason, 69, of Dumas, died May 9, 1998, at Mercy Hospital at Muskegon. He was born on February 9, 1929, at Gould, a son of Georgia M. Mason of Chicago and the late Robert Mason Sr. He was a member of Queen Esther Baptist Church. He was a retired crane operator for Westran Corp. and a retired pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church at White Cloud, Michigan. He was also a retired jail chaplain for the county of Muskegon. Other survivors include his wife, Bernice Taylor Mason; a son, the Rev. Jerry Mason of Muskegon; two daughters, Diana Mason of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, and Minnie Pearl Baker of Gould three stepsons, all of Muskegon; four stepdaughters, all of Muskegon; a brother, the Rev. Elijah Mason of Dumas; and a sister, Ella M. Smith of Chicago. The funeral will be at noon today at Queen Esther Baptist Church with the Rev. Elijah Mason officiating. Burial will be in Mona View Cemetery at Muskegon Heights by Tooms Funeral Home of Muskegon Heights. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SUNDAY, MAY 17, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas IRENE RAYFORD (Photo included) McGEHEE--Irene Glover Rayford, 86, of Dermott, died May 9,1998, at McGehee-Desha Hospital. She was born November 2, 1911, at Newellton, Louisiana, a daughter of the late Cliff Rayford and Janie White Rayford. Survivors include two sons, Willie Johnson of Fort Worth and Alonzo Johnson of McGehee; a foster son, Benard Thompson of Arkansas City; a stepson, Chester Rayford of Dermott; three sisters, RoxElla Hudson of Pecoma, California, and Lena Moore and Hattie Clark, both of North Little Rock; 18 grandchildren; and 46 great-grandchildren. The funeral is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today at Zion Hill Baptist Church at Arkansas City with the Rev. Mack Watkins officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery at Arkansas City by M. Davis Strickland Funeral home of Dermott. ____________________________ KeRANN GAMMEL DERMOTT--KeRann DeWell Gammel, 22, of Dermott, died May 9, 1998, at Dermott. He was born September 25, 1975, at Dermott, a son of Frankie Gammel Jr. and Rubystein Robinson Gammel, of Dermott. He was a carpenter. Other survivors include two daughters, Kiunte Lewis of Dermott and KeTrunna Gammel of Dermott; four brothers, LoAesha Gammel, Vincent Gammel, Samuel Gammel and Jacqual Billups, all of Dermott; four sisters, DaShelia Gammel, Eltra Gammel and Tiffany Gammel, all of Dermott, and Tara Owens of Monticello; and his maternal grandparents, Willie Lee and Johnnie Robinson of Dermott. The funeral service was 2 p.m. Saturday at Morris Booker Memorial College at Dermott with the Rev. Ricky Lattimore officiating. Burial was in Coleman Cemetery by M. Davis Strickland Funeral Home of Dermott. _____________________________ HUBERT McCARLEY LITTLE ROCK--Hubert McCarley, 86, of Pine Bluff, died May 15, 1998 at the Veterans Administration Hospital here. He was born January 27, 1912, at Prague, a son of the late Scott and Eva Belle Rhoden McCarley. He was educated at Ellis School in Grant County and owned McCarley Grocery Store for 25 years until retirement. He was a Baptist and was an Army veteran of World War II having served in Germany. He was preceded in death by a sister, Lois McCarley, and two brothers, R.E. McCarley and Houston McCarley. Survivors include his wife, Mattie Elizabeth Elkins McCarley of Pine Bluff; two sons, Roger McCarley of Grapevine and Charles McCarley of Sheridan; three daughters, Emily McCarley Robertson and Judy McCarley Majewaki, both of Tyler, Texas, and Joyce McCarley Short of Waldorf, Maryland; and eight grandchildren. A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m., Monday, at Hardin Cemetery. Arrangements are by Hale-South Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at his home at the corner of Highway 270 and Highway 104. Memorial contributions may be made to the maintenance of Hardin Cemetery, 10115 Highway 270, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71602. The family will be at his home. ____________________________ LENA JOHNSON Lena Ozell Dorsett Johnson, 85, of Pine Bluff, died May l6, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born October 30, 1912, at Star City, she was a daughter of the late Joe A. Petty and Laura McGriff Petty. She was reared and received her early education in Feenyville. She moved to the Pine Bluff area in 1962 and has been a resident ever since. She retired in 1976 from the Ben Pearson Company with 23 years service in the archery department. She was a member of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church and the ladies auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4455. She was preceded in death by three husbands, Otha Blasingame in l96l, James Dorsett in l985, and Edgar Johnson in 1994; a son, Wilbur Blasingame; a daughter, Vernell Blasingame; two brothers, William and Denzel Petty; a granddaughter and a great-granddaughter. Survivors include a sister, Lavetra Boren of Pine Bluff; four grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren. The funeral service is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Bob Oden and the Rev. Bryan McKnight officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery near Star City. ________________________ WYATT DILDY NORTH LITTLE ROCK--Wyatt W. Dildy, 79, of Pine Bluff, died May l5, l998, at Baptist Memorial Hospital here. He was born October 6, 1918, at Nashville, a son of the late Ernest and Effie Duke Dildy. He was a graduate of Nashville High School. He was an Army veteran of World War II and moved to Pine Bluff in 1949. He was an engineer with the Cotton Belt Railroad for 36 years, retiring in 1979, and was a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, the Cotton Belt Rail Historical Society Inc. and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a Baptist. He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Wyatt Dildy, in 1959. Survivors include his wife, Adean M. Dildy of Pine Bluff; three sons, Wilson Dean Dildy and James Ernest Dildy, both of Pine Bluff, and George Randall Dildy of Jefferson City, Missouri; a daughter, Betty Ann Hamilton of Little Rock; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A graveside service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Cypress Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Charles Thessing officiating. Arrangements are by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. ___________________________ ANNIE BILLUPS McGEHEE--Annie Laura Billups, 83, of Dermott, died May 10, 1998, at McGehee-Desha Hospital. She was born May 1, l9l5, at Gaineslanding (Desha County), the daughter of the late Willie Jackson and Annie Thomas Jackson. Survivors include seven sons, Roosevelt Billups and Franklin Billups, both of Chicago, Otis Charles Billups and Henry Billups, both of Dermott, Charles Billups of Arizona, Liliam Billups of Dayton, Ohio, and Sullivan Billups of California; six daughters, Mildred Billups and Paige Billups, both of Chicago, Hilda Billups, Lula Billups and Ruby Woods, all of Dermott, and Freddie Bryan of El Paso; 59 grandchildren; 61 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great- grandchild. The funeral service was 11:OO a.m. Saturday at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Dermott with Rev. Jessie Turner officiating. Burial was in Davis Cemetery. Arrangements were by M. Davis-Strickland Funeral Home of Dermott. ____________________________ IRENE CRANDALL APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz.--Irene L. Crandall. 82, of Mesa, Arizona, formerly of Pine Bluff, died May 12, 1998, at Arizona Garden Springs Care Home. Born at Rison, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Gracie Ferguson. She had been an assembly worker for Motorola. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph A. Crandall, whom she married in May, 1948, and a brother Leon Ferguson. Survivors include a son, Jim Crandall of Lathrop, California, and two grandchildren. The funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Meldrum Mortuary at Mesa, Arizona. Burial was in East Resthaven. __________________________ FRANCES LOYD McGEHEE -- Frances Pearson Loyd, 88, died May 16, 1998, at her home in McGehee. She was a daughter of the late Shelby Marvin and Mae Barron Pearson of Little Rock. She was a member of First United Methodist Church at McGehee, where she was a member and past president of the board of trustees, a member of the administrative board, and a past president and life member of the United Methodist Women. She participated in many local civic organizations, including the parent-teacher association, garden club, Women's Chamber of Commerce, McGehee Cemetery Association and McGehee Hospital Auxiliary. As a businesswoman, she was active many years with her husband and her son in the operation of an International Harvester farm implement dealership. A professional genealogist, she was a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Institute on Genealogical Research Alumni Associates, the Society of Genealogists of London and the Scottish Genealogical Society of Edinburgh. Hereditary and patriotic societies with which she was affiliated include Daughters of the American Revolution, National Huguenot Society, Daughters of Colonial Wars, the United States Daughters of 1812, Descendents of the Colonial Clergy, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Sons and daughters of the Pilgrims, Colonial Dames of the XVII Century, and Magna Charta Dames. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale C. Loyd of McGehee; a daughter. Jane L. Chesshir; a son, William P. Loyd; and a grandson, William M. Loyd. Survivors include a son, Dr. Marvin Loyd of Lake Village; a sister, Marsha M. Loyd of McGehee; six grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; and a special friend, Fern Reed of McGehee. The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m., Monday at McGehee First United Methodist Church. Burial will be in McGehee Cemetery under the direction of Griffin Funeral Service of McGehee. Memorial contributions may be made to McGehee First United Methodist Church, Frances P. Loyd and Jane L. Chesshir DAR Memorial Scholarship Fund or to a favorite charity. _______________________________ WALTER SPRANKLE SHERIDAN-- Walter Allen Sprankle, 90, of Sheridan, died May 15, 1998, at his home. He was born May 15, 1908, at Haileyville, Oklahoma, the son of the late John Willis and Cora Elizabeth Greenfield Sprankle. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and was a Navy veteran of World War II. He retired from Ben M. Hogan Construction. Survivors include three daughters, Katherine Whitmire, Walda Sue Harrington and Nancy Lee Wade, all of Sheridan; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren; and longtime friend, Margaret Frizzell. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Buie Funeral Home in Sheridan with the Rev. David Smith officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery north of Sheridan. Memorial contributions may be made to V.N.A. Hospice, P.O. Box 8526, Little Rock, Arkansas 72215-8526. ___________________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL MONDAY, MAY 18, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas CLYDE SPOONAMORE STAR CITY-- Clyde Newton Spoonamore, 64, of Star City, died May 16, 1998, at his home. He was born December 23, 1933, at Hope, the son of the late O.O. Spoonamore and Flora Little Spoonamore. He served in the Air Force and was retired jeweler. He was a member of the Church at Star City. Survivors include his wife, Martha Gibson Spoonamore; a son, John Spoonamore of Star City; a daughter, Kay Pauley of Star City; a sister, Caroline Smith of Sheridan; and four grandchildren. Graveside services were held Sunday in a cemetery near the Church at Star City. ______________________________ FRANCES BRATTON LITTLE ROCK-- Frances Jo Childers Bratton, 70, of Little Rock, died May 16, 1998, at Baptist Medical Center. She was born January 12, 1928, at Sheridan, the daughter of the late Thurman Childers and Myrtice Vanlandingham Childers. She was a graduate of the Arkansas State Teachers College. She taught in Sheridan schools and also at Roper Academy in Little Rock. She was a cosmetologist who volunteered at hospitals and nursing homes, and was a charter member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church at Sheridan. She was also a commissioner for the Crystal Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Survivors include her husband, Joe Edward Bratton; her son, Joe Paul Bratton of Jacksonville; her daughter, Cindy Green of Little Rock; her brother, Wayne "Bud" Childers of Sheridan; and three grandchildren. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan with the Revs. William Ashcraft and Gregory Coleman officiating. Burial will be in Sheridan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital at Little Rock. ______________________________ JIMMY COTTON James Cotton, 51, of Sheridan, died May 16, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born March 27, 1947, at Sheridan, a son of Alex Cotton of Sheridan and Elsie Catherine Hawkins of Pine Bluff. He was disabled. He was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Burilson. Other survivors include four sons, Jimmy Cotton Jr. and Johnny Ray Cotton, both of Rockmart, Georgia, Franklin Andrew Cotton of Rome, Georgia, and James Arthur Cotton of Heflin, Alabama; his daughter, Gena Ruth Cotton of Heflin; two brothers, John David Bridges Jr. of Sheridan and James Duane Bridges of Buffalo, New York; a sister, Martha Carter of Pine Bluff; 10 grandchildren; his girlfriend, Brenda Hamilton of Sheridan; his stepmother, Flocy Cotton of Sheridan; and two stepbrothers, Gene Dixon and Bobby Dixon, both of Sheridan. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Bethel South Cemetery near Sheridan with the Rev. Danny Hill officiating. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL TUESDAY, MAY 19, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas IVORY GOODRUM FLINT, Michigan-- Ivory Cornelius Goodrum Sr., 69, of Flint, Michigan, formerly of Pine Bluff, died April 23, 1998, at Hurley Medical Center at Flint. He was born on July 23, 1928, at Dumas, Arkansas, a son of the late Willie E. and Ophelia Johnson Goodrum. He was a member of Vernon Chapel AME Church at Flint since 1954 and served on the Trustee Board, was treasurer of the Senior Usher Board, Missionary Society, men's Bible study, Men's Club and outreach ministry. He was an avid Bible scholar. He served in the Army and retired from Buick, a division of General Motors Corporation, after 42 years of service. He was a member of UAW Local No. 599. He enjoyed pottery, upholstering and collected watches. He was preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Goodrum; and a grandchild. Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Gloria Goodrum; two sons, Ivory Goodrum Jr. of Flint and Willie Goodrum of Phoenix; three daughters, Cheryl Short of Saginaw, Michigan, Danon Garland of Grand Blanc, Michigan and Roslynn Banks of Flint; three brothers, Buck Goodrum of Pine Bluff, and Tom Goodrum and Louis Goodrum, residences unavailable; two sisters, Emma Whyte and Willie Mae Nash, residences unavailable; seven grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. The funeral was at 1 p.m. May 1 at Vernon Chapel AME Church with the Rev. Darryl Williams officiating. Burial was in Flint Memorial Park by Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home of Flint. ____________________________ WILLIE WILKINS JEFFERSON -- Willie Giford "Bill" Wilkins, 67, of Jefferson, died May 18, 1998, at his home. He was born on January 29, 1931, at Carlsbad, New Mexico, a son of the late Oscar and Willie Garner Wilkins. He was a self-employed farmer, a member of Orion Missionary Baptist Church and enjoyed hunting. He was preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Mae Thompson Wilkins. Survivors include four sons, Danny Wilkins of Rowell, Dennis Wilkins of Mablevale, David Wilkins of Redfield and Daniel Wilkins of Sheridan; a sister, Ethel Clements of Pine Bluff; three brothers, Lobo Wilkins of Redfield, L.B. Wilkins of Sheridan and Pete Wilkins of Pine Bluff; and six grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday in Jackson Cemetery near Sheridan with the Rev. Kenneth Walls officiating. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan. _______________________________ THELMA WOFFORD STUTTGART-- Thelma Wofford, 81, of Casscoe, died May 15, 1998, at Stuttgart Regional Medical Center. She was born on April 10, 1917, at Casscoe, a daughter of the late Ervin Montgomery and Ida Wofford. Survivors include her husband, Scipio Wofford; a son, Sugar Ray Wofford of Casscoe; two daughters, Annette Buford of Milwaukee and Dr. Isabella Strickland of Huntsville, Alabama; and six grandchildren. The funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Wofford Chapel Baptist Church at Casscoe with the Rev. James O. Anderson officiating. Burial will be in Wofford Chapel Cemetery at Casscoe by M. Davis Strickland Funeral Home at Dermott. _______________________________ JOHN JARRATT John Jarratt, 80, of Hermitage, died May 13, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on June 22, 1917, in Bradley County, a son of the late Millard E. and Ora Elizabeth Clements Jarratt. He was retired from Potlatch Corporation and was a member of First United Methodist Church at Hermitage. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosie Jarratt. Survivors include a brother, Joe Jiggs Jarratt of Alexander; and four sisters, Eula Mae Koski of Little Rock, Mary Ruth Wooley of Alma, Christine Clanton of Maumelle and Betty Simpson of Hermitage. The funeral was at 4 p.m. Friday at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren with the Rev. Wayman Mann officiating. Burial was in Holly Springs Cemetery near Hermitage. ________________________ BOBBY SCOTT HOT SPRINGS -- Bobby Keith Scott, 66, of Mobile, Alabama, formerly of Star City, died May, 16, 1998, at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was born on April 1, 1932, in Lincoln County, a son of the late Leo Scott and Roberta Buckley Scott. He was a retired maintenance management employee for International Paper, serving for 37 years at Mobile. He served in the Air Force and was a member of Cottage Hill Baptist Church at Mobile. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Moore Scott; three daughters, Terri Scott Moore of Camden, and Susan Scott and Shanon Scott, both of Mobile; three brothers, Reginald Scott of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Dale Scott of Fort Worth, Texas and Laron Scott of Pine Bluff; three sisters, Bea Scott of Pine Bluff, Twyla Scott of Yorktown and Kaye McNeil of Greenbrier; and two grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Griffin Funeral Service at Star City with Frank Matchett officiating. Burial will be in Drake Cemetery at Star City. Memorials may be made Cottage Hill Baptist Church. __________________________ IRENE RAYFORD MCGEHEE -- Irene Glover Rayford, 86, of McGehee, died May 9, 1998, at McGehee-Desha County Hospital. She was born on November 2, 1911, at Newellton, Louisiana, a daughter of the late Jobie Glover and Janie White Glover. Survivors include two sons, Willie Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas and Alonzo Johnson of McGehee; three sisters, Roxella Hudson of Pecoma, California, and Lena Moore and Hattie Clark, both of North Little Rock; a stepson, Chester Rayford of Demott; a foster son, Vernard Thompson of Arkansas City; 18 grandchildren; and 46 great- grandchildren. The funeral was held Sunday at Zion Hill Baptist Church at Arkansas City with the Rev. Mack Watkins officiating. Burial was in Mount Zion Cemetery at McGehee by M. Davis Strickland Funeral Home at Dermott. ____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas DARNELL MILES LAKE VILLAGE--Darnell Miles, 37, of Lake Village, died May 14, 1998, at Chicot Memorial Hospital. He was born May 31, 1960, at Lake Village, a son of Darnell Miles Sr. of Chicago and Louise Mouncil of Lake Village. Other survivors include three daughters, Breshinda Wade of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Donya Bell of Lake Village and Holly Strong of Dallas; two brothers, Gregory Lewis of Greenville and Amos Fulford of Chicago; and nine sisters, Lois Wade of Lake Village, Brenda Lovette, Wanda Mouncil, Karen Mouncil and Kendra Mouncil, all of Pine Bluff, Debbie Benson of Dallas, Luvenia Miles and Stephanie Ann Porter, both of Gary, Indiana, and Loubirtha Nalls of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The funeral is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Woodson Temple Baptist Church at Lake Village with the Rev. Curtis Spencer officiating. Burial will be in Little Greenland Cemetery at Lake Village by M. Davis Strickland Funeral Home of Dermott. ______________________________ ADDIE CLARK JACKSON, Mississippi --Addie Jeffers Clark, 94, of Yazoo City, Mississippi, died May 19,1998, at Whispering Pines Nursing Home at Jackson. She was born on August 27, 1903, at Nathan, Arkansas a daughter of the late Charlie Jeffers. She was formerly of the Hardin community near Pine Bluff. She was a homemaker and a member of First Pentecostal Church at Yazoo City. Survivors include a son, Richard B. Cornish of Texas City, Texas; two daughters, Vera Mae Wilson of Scotland, Arkansas, and Juanita Womble of Yazoo City; a brother, John Henry Jeffers of Ashland, Oregon; seven grandchildren; nine stepgrandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at First Pentecostal Church with the Rev. Lonnie Mitchell, the Rev. Hugh Rushing and Hazel Sanders officiating. A graveside service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday in Grapevine Cemetery at Grapevine, Arkansas, by Stricklin-King Funeral Home at Yazoo City. _______________________________ GAIL SMITH (Photo included) RISON -- Gail Elwood Smith, 62, of Rison, died May 18, 1998, at his home. He was born on July 28, 1935, at Pine Bluff, a son of the late Walter Elwood Smith and Hartie Bell Bost. He was raised and educated at Pine Bluff and in Louisiana, graduating from Fair Park High School at Shreveport. He was a special projects manager for General Portland Inc. He moved to Rison after retiring. He enjoyed gardening, photography and was a member of Hooks Hunting Club Inc. He was preceded in death by a sister, Gloria Harlene Berry, and a stepfather, Thomas Hervey Bost. Survivors include his wife, Linda Kay Heinzelman Smith; three sons, Mike Flynn of Waco, Texas, Greg Flynn of Gilmer, Texas, and Glade Smith of Keatchie, Louisiana; seven daughters, Judy Stovall of Cleveland, Texas, Linda Strother and Gloria McGhie, both of Porter, Texas, Christi Mitchel of Babenhausen, Germany, April Johnston of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Belinda Pettingill and Brenda Pettingill, both of Rison; 22 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. A. D. Livingston and the Rev. Bob Robbins officiating. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care for Southeast Arkansas Inc., 2214 Blake Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 71603. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL THURSDAY, MAY 21, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas DORIS MILLER Doris Miller, 85, of Warren died May 18, 1998, at Pine Lodge Nursing Home at Warren. Born November 28, 1912, at Drew County, she was a daughter of the late Wayman Miller and Louise Franklin Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Daniels, and a son, George Youngblood. She was a homemaker and member of Bethel AME Church at Fountain Hill. Survivors include four sons, Leon Youngblood of Lacy, John Henry Daniels of Hamburg, Elvin Daniels and Horace Daniels, both of Fountain Hill; a sister, Lorine Lambert of Fountain Hill; 15 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled, for 2 p.m. Friday at Bethel AME Church at Fountain Hill with the Rev. Nolan Watson officiating. Burial will be in Longview Cemetery in Drew County by Stephenson- Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello. __________________________ CLIVE TOLER Clive Ayers Toler, 90, of Pine Bluff, died May 19, 1998, at Arkansas Convalescent Center. Born November 1, 1907, at England, he was a son of the late George Washington Toler and Mattie Williams Toler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Glaser Toler whom he married May 26, 1935; by five sisters and a brother. He attended Wesley Methodist Church at Pine Bluff. He was a salesman. He worked for OK Ice Cream and Candy Company, Midcontinent, Tom Fitz Tobacco Company, and was a World War II Air Force veteran serving in the 9th Troop Carrier Command. Survivors include two sisters, Versa Peel of Little Rock, and Cecil Owen of Cabot. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Hale-South Funeral Home with Dr. Siegfrid Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wesley Methodist Church. ____________________________ JOY EDWARDS (repeated in next paper Friday May 22 better report) Joy Christian Edwards, an infant, was born and died May 15, 1998 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Survivors include her parents, Edwin Jay Edwards Jr. and Malissa Henry Edwards of Pine Bluff; grandparents, Albert C. Henry and Cora C. Henry of Rison, Edwin Jay Edwards Sr. and Joyce Edwards, both of Pine Bluff; stepgrandfather, David Jones and Wanda Jean Jones of Pine Bluff, great-grandparents, Jean C. Edwards and Artemeze Edwards of Pine Bluff; great-great-great-grandmother, Frances Edwards of Pine Bluff; great-grandparents, Clevester and Jettie Wisemon of Pine Bluff. Graveside services were held May 20, 1998, at Cypress Memorial Gardens with Elder Joe Stocker officiating. Arrangements were made by Christian Way Funeral Home. ___________________________ LUDESSE WATSON Ludesse Watson, 88, of Pine Bluff, died May 18, 1998, at Park Health Care. Born February 13, 1910, at Minden, Louisiana, she was a daughter of the late Jessie Tarkington and Evelyn Clayborn. Survivors include two nieces who had lived with her, Terry McDonald, and Gloria Clark, both of Pine Bluff. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at First Trinity Church of God in Christ with Elder DeWitt Hill officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn MemoriaI Garden by Christian Way Funeral Home. ___________________________ BESS DENTON Bess Norris Denton, 80, of McGehee, died May 19, 1998, at Leisure Lodge Nursing Home at McGehee. She was a member of McGehee First Methodist Church. She was a homemaker and had been very active in First Christian Church in Hot Springs before moving to McGehee. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.B. Denton who died in 1977. Survivors include a son, Fred Denton of McGehee; a daughter, Elle Coulter-Blankenship of Hot Springs; a sister, Georgia Lee Weese of New Orleans; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Friday at McGehee First United Methodist Church at McGehee with the Rev. Joe Wilkerson officiating. Services will also be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at First Christian Church with the Rev. M.J. Timbs officiating. Burial will be at Crestview Cemetery in Hot Springs by Griffin Funeral Service of McGehee. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, First United Methodist Church and to the First Christian Church at Hot Springs. ____________________________ MYRTLE MAUNEY Myrtle Gibson Mauney, 88, of Dumas, died May 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born December 16, 1909, at Coleman, (Lincoln County) she was a daughter of the late James Gibson and Julia Strickland. She was a member of Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church near Dumas and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, W. B. Mauney, and a daughter, Bennie Mauney. Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Mauney of Dumas and Cecil Mauney of Malvern; two daughters, Julia Miller and Patsy Mauney, both of Dumas; a sister, Mattie Youngblood of Monticello; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church with the Revs. John Young and Julius Carter officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Springs Cemetery at Coleman. Memorials may be made to Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church. ____________________________ JESSIE CLEMONS Jessie Lee "Pickle" Clemons, 71, of Hopeville, (Calhoun County), died May 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born August 29, 1926, at Dallas County, he was a son of the late John Arra Clemons and Rilla Taylor Clemons. He was a retired farmer and member of Hopeville Assembly of God. Survivors include four brothers, Marvin Clemons of Pensacola, Florida, Ike Clemons of Thornton, Jack Clemons of Logansport, Louisiana, and Huey Clemons of Sunset, Louisiana. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at Benton Funeral Home at Fordyce with the Rev. Donald Nance officiating. Burial will be at Clemons Cemetery near Fordyce. _________________________________ THOMAS HARDIN Thomas Clark Hardin, 87, of McGehee, died May 20, 1998, at McGehee Desha County Hospital. Born December 15, 1910, at Modena, Texas, he was a son of the late Edmond Hardin and Mathephine Davis Hardin. He was a member of First Baptist Church of McGehee, 32nd degree Master Mason and member of Masonic Lodge 623. He was a self- employed well driller. He was preceded in death by five sisters, Thelma Myers, Minnie Brisco, Mae Bell Jakubit, Flora Pillow, and Inez Bowers. Survivors include his wife, Laverne Hardin to whom he was married for 57 and a half years; four sons, Bill Hardin of Las Vegas, Robert Hardin of Pickens, Thomas Hardin of Pine Bluff and Jay Hardin of McGehee; four brothers, Abe Hardin of Richmond, Texas, J.R. Hardin of Rosenburg, Texas, Karl Hardin of San Antonio. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at McGehee First Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in McArthur Cemetery at McArthur, Arkansas by Griffin Funeral Service at McGehee. Memorials may be made to the Stained Glass Fund at First Baptist Church at McGehee. ____________________________ BOBBIE VINING Bobbie Jean Vining, 66, of Monticello, died May 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born February 9, 1932, at Belair, she was a daughter of the late Harrison Kimbrell and Eva McCuen Kimbrell. She was a member of First Assembly of God. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Diana Lynn Lansdale Tucker, two grandsons, and a granddaughter. Survivors include a her husband, Allen Vining of Monticello; a daughter, Glenda Jane Lloyd Berry of Sheridan; a stepdaughter of Lake Village (name unavailable); a stepson (name unavailable) of Memphis; a brother of Benton (name unavailable); three sisters of North Little Rock (names unavailable); two grandchildren; and three step- grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at First Assembly of God with the Revs. J.W. Bobo and Kenny Martin officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello by Stephenson- Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello. _______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL FRIDAY, MAY 22, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas CHARLES V. KALKBRENNER Well-Known PB Volunteer, Charles Kalkbrenner, Dies : (Photo included) By Dana J. Callaway SPECIAL TO THE COMMERClAL A beloved coach, a great supporter of Pine Bluff baseball, an enthusiastic volunteer and a man of his word. These were some of the words used to describe Charles V. Kalkbrenner, who died May 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Kalkbrenner, 84, was a well-known resident of Pine Bluff and touched the lives of many people in the area. "Charlie was a great supporter of Pine Bluff in baseball. This is going to be a big loss in the sports world," said Eddie Bryan, a friend of Kalkbrenner, who had worked with Kalkbrenner in Junior Babe Ruth. "He was very reliable and dedicated and people could always count on him. He was a true Trojan. He was not always talking about volunteering, but he did it," Bryan said. "He was not only active in sports but also in politics. Charlie always had time for conversation and always had time to share his opinion." Over the years Kalkbrenner had been involved in everything from baseball to boxing, both as a participant and as a coach. "I have known Charlie for 34 years. I met him while I was playing Little League baseball. He helped coach the team I was playing on," said George Makris Jr. He said, "He is the finest gentlemen I have ever known. He was a wonderful volunteer, and was always in it for the kids. That is a remarkable characteristic for a volunteer." "He has had a very positive influence on a lot of children in Pine Bluff. This is a tremendous loss for the youth of this community and one that can never be replaced," Makris added. Jim Hill, caretaker at Taylor Field who had known Kalkbrenner since 1957, said he first met him through baseball. "He was a grand old man. He always had time when you called him. He never met a person he did not like. He would make you talk to him, even if you didn't want to." Hill added, ''He had a great baseball mind and was good with kids. He was a kids' person and a great volunteer." In a 1995 article when Kalkbrenner was nominated for The Commercial's Good News award, Travis Creed, executive director of King Cotton Sports said, "He's been a great volunteer for us. Everything I've ever asked Mr. Charlie to do, he has done a fine job." Creed said Kalkbrenner was one of a very few people who are honorary coaches for the King Cotton Toumament each year. The honorary coaches adopt a team for the King Cotton week in "a sort of guardianship arrangement." Creed also said he also helped in the hospitality area at the state high school basketball tournament. "It's basically a PR position," he said. "No one is better for the job, -- he is an ambassador for the city." ''He's always smiling and he always has something good to say," Creed said. Kalkbrenner, of Pine Bluff, was born September 19, 1913, at Pine Bluff. He was the son of the late Henry Joseph and Ellen Merlo Kalkbrenner. He was reared and received his early education at Pine Bluff. He was a l933 graduate of Pine Bluff High School. He attended Arkansas A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello) for two years. He also worked with the St. Louis/Southwestern (Cotton Belt) Railroad, now Union Pacific Railroad, for 42 1/2 years. A corporate officer when he retired in 1978, his title was general locomotive foreman for the Cotton Belt. Both before and after his retirement, he was actively involved in civic activities, athletics, and politics. He officiated high school football games in South Arkansas for many years. He was past director of the United Way of Southeast Arkansas and a member of the Pine Bluff School Board for 14 years. Very active in Pine Bluff amateur baseball, he helped organize Little League and Babe Ruth baseball leagues here. He was a past board member of the Pine Bluff Citizens Boys Club, and a past member of the Pine Bluff Optimist Club. He managed or worked in many civic issues and Democratic party members' campaigns over the past 40 years. Kalkbrenner was sergeant-at-arms for the Arkansas House of Representatives for the past 20 years. According to Tim Massanelli, House parliamentarian, Kalkbrenner was well-respected and admired by both the members of the House and by the public. In1985, he received the All Civic Night Community Service Award for Work with Youth. In 1987, he was inducted by Leadership Pine Bluff into the program's Hall of Fame. On April 30, 1995, he was named "Mr. Good News" by The Commercial. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Henry Kalkbrenner, Harry Kalkbrenner and Carl Kalkbrenner. Survivors include his wife, Vivian Walters Kalkbrenner, whom he married November 21, 1946, at Pine Bluff; a son, Richard Kalkbrenner of Little Rock; a daughter, Cindy K. Seaton of Pine Bluff; two brothers, James Kalkbrenner of Malden, Missouri, and John Kalkbrenner of PineBluff; and four grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors with the Revs. Charles Settle and Andrew Smith officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be made in the form of contributions to First United Methodist Church or St. Joseph Catholic Church. ______________________________ WILLLIAM WELLS Wiliiam H. "Bill" Wells, 49, of Pine Bluff, died May 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born February 14, 1949, at Little Rock, he was a son of Helen Parnell Wells of Pine Bluff and the late E. M. Wells. He was reared and educated at Pine Bluff and graduated from Pine Bluff High School. He then attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello before returning to Pine Bluff to work for Cotton Belt Railroad, (now Union Pacific). He worked as an electrician for over 27 years at the railroad. He was a member and former treasurer of the IBEW No. 1758. He was also a member of Hawley United Methodist Church. Other survivors include his wife, Sherry Seach Wells, whom he married August 15, 1971, at Crossett; two sons, Matthew William Wells and Ryan David Wells, both of Pine Bluff; a daughter, Jodi Denise Ross of Roswell, New Mexico; and a grandson. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Hawley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Leon Gray officiating. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. The family will be at the home. ______________________________ BETTIE FERGUSON Bettie Lou Ferguson, 70, of Pine Bluff, died May 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born September 1, 1927, at Brinkley, she was a daughter of the late Burley M. Page and Lou Ella Dees Page. She was reared and received her early education at Brinkley before moving to Pine Bluff in 1940, where she graduated from Pine Bluff High School. She became a registered nurse when she graduated from the nursing program at Memphis at Methodist Hospital. She worked at Veterans Hospital at North Little Rock several years, then Davis Hospital at Pine Bluff and later at Jefferson Regional Medical Center where she retired in 1989 after 38 years. She also worked with the Area Agency on Aging. She was a member of Carr United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Doyle F. Ferguson, who died July 24, 1997. Survivors include a daughter, Paula B. Davis of Star City; a stepdaughter, Norma Faye Collins of Grenada, Mississippi; a grandson; eight stepgrandchildren; and five stepgreat-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Monday in Union Ridge Cemetery at Monticello with the Rev. Johnny Wall officiating. Arrangements are by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. ______________________ JOY EDWARDS (Repeat from yesterday, this is a better obit) Joy Christian Edwards, infant daughter of Edwin Jay Edwards Jr. and Melissa Henry Edwards of Pine Bluff, died May 15, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born May 15, 1998. Other survivors include her grandparents, Albert C. and Cora R. Henry of Rison, Edwin Jay Edwards Sr. of Pine Bluff, and Wanda Jones of Pine Bluff; a stepgrandmother, Joyce Edwards of Pine Bluff; a stepgrandfather, David Jones of Pine Bluff; great-grandparents, Jean C. and Artameze Edwards of Pine Bluff; great-great-grandmother, Frances Rice of Pine Bluff; and great-great-grandparents, Clewester and Jettie Wisemon of Pine Bluff. Graveside services were held May 20, 1998, at 6 p.m. in Cypress Memorial Garden Cemetery at Pine Bluff with Elder Joe Stocker officiating. Burial was by Christian Way Funeral Home. ___________________________ MARCUS HOLDER Marcus Herbert Holder, 76, of Star City, died May 15, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born June 22, 1921, at Everett, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late Fitz Herbert Holder and Eva Hurley Holder. He was a member of Sneed Chapel Baptist Church at Yorktown (Lincoln County). He was self-employed in retail and served in the Army. Survivors include his wife, Gerthree Harris Holder; two sons, James Holder and Anthony Holder, both of Chicago; three brothers, Ralph Holder, Arnold Holder and Samuel Holder, all of Chicago; two sisters, Dorothy Gresham and Albertha Richmond, both of Chicago; and a grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Sneed Chapel Baptist Church with Elder Melvin Savage officiating. Burial will be at Sneed Chapel Cemetery at Yorktown by Brown Funeral Home. Vistitation will be from 4 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. The body will be at the church from 9:30 a.m, until service time. The family will be at the home. _____________________________ FLORA McDOWELL Flora L. McDowell, 47, of Altheimer, died May 18, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born November 16, 1950, at Altheimer, she was a daughter of the late John and LeFlora Gardner McDowell. Survivors include two sons, Edward Z. Barnett Jr. and Maurice McDowell, both of Altheimer; three daughters, Joyce Britten, Latasha McDowell and Veronica Cole, all of Altheimer; a three brothers, John McDowell, Ricky McDowell and Calvin McDowell, all of Pine Bluff; four sisters, Arnether Richard, Shirley Ann McDowell, Debra Holden and Diana McDowell, all of Altheimer; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Central District Tabernacle at Altheimer with the Rev. James Wilkerson officiating. Burial will be in Community Cemetery by Henson Mortuary of Pine Bluff. __________________________ CLIMAX DESHAZIER Climax Rollins Deshazier, 74, of Pine Bluff, died May 14, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born January 12, 1924, at Wilmot, she was a daughter of the late Richard Rollins and Mary Elizabeth Handy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Monroe Deshazier. Survivors include two sons, Harrel Deshazier of Memphis and James Deshazier Sr. of Pine Bluff; four daughters, Mary Rose Dickerson, Shirley A. Walker and Gwendolyn Dilworth, all of Pine Bluff, and Betty R. Thomas of Saginaw, Michigan; two brothers, Max Rollins of Wilmot and Isiah Rollins of Richmond, California; a sister, Richard L. Lynch of Oakland, California; 28 grandchildren; and 48 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at First Trinity Church of God in Christ with Elder L. Braggs officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden by Christian Way Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family will be at the home of Theo and Mary Rose Dickerson. ______________________________ WILLIE LEWIS Willie S. Lewis, 95, of Grady, died May 18, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born May 8, 1903 at Hamburg, she was the daughter of the late Harry Scott and Clara Scott. She received her early education in the public schools of Hamburg. She was a homemaker and a member of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church at Grady. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neal Lewis, who died in 1944, and two children, Jessie Lee Gates and Illicy Holmes. Survivors include five daughters, Lula Ashley, Tennessee Ladd, Lue Ella Jones and Helen West, all of Grady, and Clara Lewis of Little Rock; three sons, Tommy Lewis of Grady, Credell Lewis of St. Louis and J. T. Lewis of Dermott; a sister, Ruby D. Hatchett of Oakland, California; 59 grandchildren; 128 great-grandchildren; 22 great-great- grandchildren and four great-great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. A.L. Larkins officiating. Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Cemetary at Varner by P.K. Miller Mortuary. ____________________________ ETHEL GRAHAM STAR CITY-- Ethel Rose Graham, 89, of Star City, died May 21, 1998, at her home. Born November 18, 1908, at Lincoln County, she was a daughter of the late Will Green and Minnie Zachery Green Via. She was a member of Yorktown First Baptist Church near Star City. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a sister, Lorene Burns of Star City; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great- grandchild. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Griffin Funeral Services at Star City with Johnny Wall officiating. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery near Star City. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. ________________________ JETHRO PAGE REYDELL-- Jethro Page, 84, of Reydell, died May 18, 1998, at his home. Born May 27, 1913, at Reydell, he was a son of the late David and Louella Shaw Page. He was a Baptist and member of Union Baptist Church at Sweden. Survivors include his wife, Myrtle E. Page; six sons, Earl Page of St. Paul, Minnesota; James Page of Chicago, Cleophus Williams, Jeffrey Williams and Diamas Williams, all of Altheimer, and Johnnie L. Williams of Oklahoma; three daughters, Minnie Williams, Mary Williams and Linda Parker, all of Altheimer; a stepdaughter, Georgia Moore of Chicago; a sister, Louella Harris of Reydell; 23 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Union Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald Agee officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery at Sweden by Perry Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. _______________________ TEMPIE BELL Tempie Roberson Venable Bell, 92, of Pine Bluff, died May 21, 1998 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born January 1, 1906 at Ogamaw, she was a daughter of the late John R. Roberson and Anna Campbell Roberson. She was reared and educated at Stephens. She was a homemaker and a member of the Grady United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her first husband, R.J. Venable, and her second husband, Barney A. Bell, whom she married in 1952; and two daughters, Frances Venable and Marjorie Venable. Survivors include four sons, Clyde Venable, Harold Venable and Robert Venable, all of Grady, and Leonard Venable of Little Rock; three stepdaughters, Talmadge Conway of McGehee, Kathleen Johnson of Grady and Bonnie Ruth Newton of Pine Bluff; a sister, Idell Whitehead of Taylor; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren, eight stepgrandchildren, 14 stepgreat-grandchildren and five stepgreat-great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Grady United Methodist Church with the Rev. David C. Ashcroft officiating. Burial will be in Bethesda Cemetery at Camden at 4:30 p.m. by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. today. At other times they will be at Robert Venable's home at Grady. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Grady United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 267, Grady, AR 71644, or to the donor's favorite charity. ____________________________ ALICE HARPER LAWTON, Oklahoma-- Alice Hairston Harper, 92, of Lawton, Oklahoma, died May 1, 1998, at Lawton. Born July 27, 1905, in Bradley County, she was a daughter of the late Arthur Lee and Nora Temple Hairston. She was a retired employee of Dillard department stores and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert M. Harper. Survivors include a daughter, Charline Sebo of Lawton; a sister, Elizabeth Parnell of Warren; and a granddaughter. Graveside services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ebenezer Cemetery near Warren with the Rev. Jay Bagwell officiating. Arrangements are by Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren. ____________________________ STELLA STEWART COVINGTON, Louisiana-- Stella Benson Stewart, 75, of Mandeville, Louisiana, formerly of Warren, died May 19, 1998, at Covington, Louisiana. Born February 23, 1923, at Camden, she was a daughter of the late William Clifton and Ollie Byars Benson. She was a retired bookkeeper. Survivors include a son, Marc Benson Stewart of Denver; a daughter, Daneta J. Stewart of Metairie, Louisiana; a sister, Melvadine Benson Treaster of North Little Rock; three grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Salem Cemetery near Bearden with Dr. Lum Ellis officiating. Burial will be by Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren. ____________________________ LILLIE DAVIS Lillie M. Davis, 84, of Grady, died May 13, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born March 21, 1914, at Grady, she was a daughter of the late James McKay and Surena Porter McKay. She was a farmer and a member of Cherry Hill Baptist Church at Moscow where she was in the Missionary Society. Survivors include two sons, O.V. Davis of Grady and Charles Davis of Dallas; two daughters, Annette Cole of Pine Bluff and Willie Mae Crutchfield of Dallas; two sisters, Willie Mae Johnson and Marie McElroy, both of Moscow; 28 grandchildren; and 55 great- grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at Cherry Hill Baptist Church with Robert Moore officiating. Burial will be in Cherry Hill Cemetery at Moscow by Christian Way Funeral Home. _____________________________ GLADYS GAMMEL BENTON -- Gladys Gammel, 84, of Benton, died May 19, 1998, at Saline Memorial Hospital. Born June 8, 1913, at Redfield, she was a daughter of the late Bedford and Maude Gammel. She was a member of Redfield Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Stephen Gammel. Survivors include a brother, Guy Gammel of North Little Rock; and a sister, Marguerite Kindy of Alexander. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. today at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home at Little Rock with Bill Howard officiating. Burial will be in Orion Cemetery at Redfield. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SATURDAY, MAY 23, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas JOLENE YORK (Photo included) Jolene York, 46, of Yorktown, died May 20, 1998, at her home. She was born on January 4, 1952, in Yorktown, a daughter of Willie Thompson and Elnora Thompson of Yorktown. She received her early education in the public schools in Lincoln County. She was a member of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church at Yorktown, where she was a member of the Usher Board, Pastor's Aide Committee and the After Care Program. Other survivors include three sons, Warren York and Reggie York, both of Indianapolis, and Anthony York of Star City; five brothers, Jerome Hardin, Willie Thompson and John Thompson, all of Star City, Samuel Thompson of DeWitt and the Rev. Floyd Fuller of Flint, Michigan; ten sisters, Lorene Tardy of Oakland, California, Lavern Carthan, Lynda Maddox, Patricia Linsy, Margie Jackson, Rose Parker, Earlene McBride, Pam Scott and Liz Wilkerson, all of Star City, and Jacque Lipkins of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and five grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Sunday at Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. A. L. Brown officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery at Yorktown by P. K. Miller Mortuary. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. today at the mortuary. The body will be at the church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The family will be at Clarence Thompson's home at Star City. ____________________________ PAUL WHITTEN Paul Chester Whitten, 72, of Warren, died May 21, 1998, at Bradley County Medical Center in Warren. He was born on August 5, 1925, at Bluff City, a son of the late George Harvey and Grace Staggs Whitten. He was a retired logger, Baptist and a Navy veteran of World War II. Survivors include his wife, Billie Hoyle Whitten, whom he married on August 6, 1951; three daughters, Paula Kinniard of El Dorado, and Penny Howard and Paige McMillan, both of Warren; three sisters, Barbara Young of West Plains, Missouri, Elsie Thibodeaux of Houma, Louisiana, and Sue Mullins of Bristol, Tennessee; and six grandchildren. The funeral will be at 4 p.m. today at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Warren. __________________________ ANNIE LEE THOMAS Annie Lee Thomas, 86, of Stockton, California, formerly of Pine Bluff, died May 19, 1998, at St. Joseph Hospital at Stockton. She was born on January 26, 1912, at Oak Grove, Louisiana. She was a homemaker and a member of Liberty Hill Church at Pine Bluff. She lived at Pine Bluff for 57 years before moving to Stockton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene B. Thomas. Survivors include five sons, Parther Parks Jr. of Pine Bluff, Leo Parks of Chicago, and Joseph Thomas, Frank Thomas and Ernest Thomas, all of Stockton; two daughters, Lillie M. Dunn of Pine Bluff and Shirley Ann Shannon of Bloomfield, Connecticut; four sisters, Julia Daniels of Pine Bluff, Ethel L. Gibson of Pioneer, Louisiana. Velma Washington of San Francisco and Carrie Anthony of Sacramento; 41 grandchildren; 87 great-grandchildren; and 21 great-great- grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Mosswood Park Church of God at Stockton. Burial will be in Stockton Rural Cemetery by Jesse E. Cooley, Jr. Funeral Service at Stockton. ___________________________ REV. W. F. LOVELADY The Rev. Walter E. Lovelady, 87, of Idabel, Oklahoma, died May 19, 1998, at Idabel. He was born on April 20, 1911, at Ada, Oklahoma, a son of the late Frank and Stella Lovelady. He moved from Malvern, Arkansas to Idabel, where he lived 12 years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church at Idabel and was a 32nd degree Mason at Benton, Arkansas. He was a retired Missionary Baptist minister, ministering for 60 years. He was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife, Maxine Threet Lovelady, whom he married on August 28, 1935; a son, Henry Lovelady of Ladson, South Carolina; a daughter, Vena Ann Petrotta of Idabel; a sister, Pauline Whitten of Hot Springs; two brothers, Waylan Lovelady of Oklahoma City and Frankie Dean Lovelady of Phoenix; six grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Norwood/Coffey-Leonard Funeral Home at Idabel with James H. Kesner officiating. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Philadelphia Cemetery at Prattsville, Arkansas with Dr. Henry Lovelady officiating. ___________________________ ELVIE BURDEN Elvie Redge Burden, 73, of Star City, died May 21, 1998, at his home. He was born on August 29, 1924, at Union City, Tennessee, a son of the late John Elvie Burden and Lucy Turner Burden. He was a construction worker. Survivors include a brother, Bobby Burden of Iuka, Mississippi; and a sister, Betty Wood of Star City. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Griffin Funeral Service at Star City with J. C. Patterson officiating. Burial will be in Holly Springs Cemetery at Star City. ____________________________ ALLEN WARDELL Allen Joe Wardell, 39, of Dermott, died May 18, 1998, at King Daughter Hospital at Greenville. He was born on December 6, 1958, at Dermott, a son of Lillian Wardell Tate of Dermott and the late Sam Lockett. Other survivors indlude two brothers, Elijah Plummer Jr, of Dermott and Billy Ray Plummer of Killeen, Texas; and four sisters, Paulette Martin of Little Rock, Patricia Cleary and Virginia Hampton, both of Dermott, and Dollie Ivory of Star City. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at First Baptist Church at Dermott with the Rev. William Freeman officiating. Burial will be in Davis Cemetery at Dermott by M. Davis Strickland FuneralHome at Dermott. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SUNDAY, MAY 24, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas JOHNNY HENRY Johnny G. Henry, 73, of Pine Bluff, died May 22, 1998, at his home. Born June 8, 1924, he was the son of the late Guy G. and Emma Adeline Vann Henry. He was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High in1942. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II. He was a driver for Greyhound Bus Lines, retiring after 35 years. He was also a member of Forrest Park Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Henderson Henry, whom he married on January 4, 1947; a son, Don Henry of Hot Springs; a daughter, Nancy Jones of Rogers; a brother, B.R. Henry of Pine Bluff; a sister Flora Green of Pine Bluff; and three grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson and Son with Revs. Eric Smith and Toby Adair officiating. Burial will be in White Hall United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made Forrest Park Baptist Church, 3706 South Cherry Street, Pine Bluff, AR, 71603. _____________________________ LUNIEL PARKER Luniel L. Parker, 90, of Little Rock, died at home May 22, 1998. She was a homemaker and member of First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harl H. Parker. Survivors include two daughters, Martha P. Payne of Maumelle and Lois J. Parker of Reno, Nevada; a brother, James N. Lowe of Oklahoma City; and two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The funeral service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Roller- Chenal Funeral Home with Bill Elliff officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at Mosley Cemetery in Bradley County. Memorials may be made to Baptist Hospice or First Baptist Church of Little Rock. ____________________________ WANDA PLUMMER Wanda Fay Cotton Plummer, 55, of Sheridan, died May 22, 1998, at her home. Born January 29, l943, at Malvern, she was the daughter of the late James Samuel and Eunice Estell Vincent Cotton. She was a member of Junet Pentecostal Church of Sheridan and also attended Hope Pentecostal Church. She was a housewife. Survivors include her husband, Lloyd Plummer; two sons, Ed Plummer of Sheridan and Raymond Plummer of Berryville (Carroll County); two daughters, Christy Plummer of Little Rock and Debbie Plummer of Indianapolis, Indiana; a brother, Marvis Edwin Cotton of Springtown, Texas; two sisters, Margaret Dyres Jones of Poyen (Grant County) and Gladys Vivian Harvey of Shreveport, Louisiana; and eight grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Hope Pentecostal Church in Sheridan with Revs. Tommy Cypert and Reverend Al Michaels officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery (Hot Spring County) by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL MONDAY, MAY 25, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas DONALD BUMPASS Donald E. "Gene" Bumpass, 76, of Fayetteville, died May 23, 1998, at Fayetteville. Born April 18, 1922, at Twitty, Texas, he was the son of Tom and Estelle Bumpass. He was a professor in the College of Education at the University of Arkansas, where he taught media, audio-visual techniques and technology and communication. His tenure began in 1965. He retired in l996. He taught extension courses at Pine Bluff, Little Rock and Fort Smith through the years to teachers and librarians for graduate credit. Survivors include his wife, Edna Pricer Bumpass; a son, Ron E. Bumpass; a sister, Gloria Barnes of Conroe, Texas; and two grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Moore's Chapel at Fayetteville at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. Graveside services will be held under the direction of Rix Funeral Home at Lubbock, Texas at 2 p.m. Saturday. ______________________________ JULIA McCARTY Julia Ann McCarty, 60, of Pine Bluff, died May 23, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born June 21, 1937, at Appleton (Pope County) she was a daughter of the late Ollie and Georgia Harvell Hammett. She was reared and received her early education at Conway, graduating from Conway High School. She later graduated from St. Vincent School of Nursing. She moved to Pine Bluff in 1965. She was a member of 40th Avenue and Hazel Street Church of Christ. Survivors include her husband, Gene McCarty, whom she married July 7, 1962, at Tapon Springs, Florida; two sons, Kevin McCarty of Little Rock and Scott McCarty of Fayetteville; a daughter, Stephanie McCarty of Pine Bluff; three brothers, Bill Hammett; Lonis Hammett and Ollie Hammett Jr., all of Conway; and a sister, Estelene Duke of Conway. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral home at Conway with Jim Bob Baker officiating. Burial will be in Crestlawn Cemetery by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to the Jefferson Regional Medical Center Hospice, 1515 West 42nd Avenue, Pine Bluff. AR., 71603 ___________________________ HARRELL HAY Harrell H. Hay, 54, of Pine Bluff, died May 24, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born April 11, 1944, at Pine Bluff, he was the son of the late Henderson H. Hay and Vivian Davison Hay Dew. He was reared and received his early education at Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School. He also graduated from AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, with a degree in social services. He was an artist and a member of First Baptist Church and Andy's Coffee Club. He is survived by a sister, Beverly Hay Hughes of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors with Rev. Gordon Topping officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund or the donor's favorite charity. _______________________________ MARY VILCHES Mary L. Vilches, 67, of Pine Bluff, died May 24, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born September 10, 1930, at Bearden (Ouachita County), she was the daugnter of the late Clyde Bradford and Alvie Wilson Bradford. She was reared and educated in Ouachita County, and attended Bearden and Camden Schools. She worked for Kroger's at Pine Bluff for more than 21 years before retiring as their head cashier. She was a member of the Eastern Star and was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Survivors include, her husband of more than 50 years, William D. Vilches of Pine Bluff; a son, Ronald D. Vilches of Pine Bluff; a sister, Margaret Brauner of Camden; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with Rev. John Brock officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6635, Pine Bluff, AR 71611. ________________________ HOSIE WILEY Hosie Wiley, 83, of Pine Bluff, died May 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born May 14, 1915, at Pine Bluff, he was a son of the late Arthur Wiley and Maudie (Lindsey) Wiley McElvain. He was a member of Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he was a steward, usher and a member of the Sunday School. He also worked as a laborer for Joseph Seagram Co. Survivors include, four sons, Robert L. Ashmore of Pasadena, California, Levi C. Wiley of Detroit, Maurice Wiley of Los Angeles and James Odell Wiley of Pine Bluff; three daughters, Mae C. Allen of Glendora, California, Gloria J. Smith of Atlanta and Faye N. Thomas of Little Rock; a stepsister, Evelyn Curry of Pine Bluff; 12 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church with Rev. G.T. Blackman officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden. Visitation will be at Brown Funeral Home from 4 to 7 p.m. today. Family hour will be from 6 to 7p.m. today. The body will lie in state at the church from 1O a.m. Tuesday until service time. The family will be at home. _______________________________ JOHNNY MAY MONTICELLO - Johnnie May, 87, of Monticello, died May 23, 1998 at Countrywood Estates Nursing Home at Monticello. Born January 14, 1911, in Mississippi, he was a son of the late E. O. May and Nora Gordon May. He was a retired farmer and construction worker. Survivors include a daughter, Jo Ann King of Monticello; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Lone Sasafras Cemetery in Drew County with Rev. Ronnie Carpenter officiating. Stephenson-Dearman of Monticello will handle the arrangements. ____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL TUESDAY, MAY 26, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas FREDERICK OLIVER WARREN-- Frederick S. Oliver, 85, of Fordyce died May 25, 1998, at Wagnon Place Nursing Home. Born November 8, 1912, at Detroit, he was a son of the late Jacob S. Oliver and Bertha Davis Oliver. He was a retired plant manager for Phelps Dodge at Fordyce. He was a member of First United Church at Fordyce. He was past president of Fordyce of Chamber of Commerce and a member of Theta Delta Chi. He served in the Navy during World II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Amy Thomas Oliver. Survivors include a son, Tom Oliver of Little Rock; three daughters, Joan Rith of Hamilton, New York, Sandra Stolker of Elk Ridge, Maryland, and Dorothy Hearne of Fordyce; a brother, Edwin Oliver of North Fort Myers, Florida; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m Wednesday at First United Methodist Church at Fordyce with Rev. Larry Ferguson officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Fordyce. Benton Funeral Home at Fordyce will handle the arrangements. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Fordyce. ___________________________ LOUIE LIGHT STAR CITY--Louie Thomas Light, 78, of Star City, died May 25, 1998, at Gardner Nursing Home. Born February 24, 1920, at Prism, he was a son of the late Henry Thomas and Ida Belle Pruit Light. He was a Baptist and a retired cattleman. He was preceded in death by a son, James Franklin Light, and a sister, Ollie Epperert. Survivors include three sons, Carl Light of Pine Bluff, Gerald Light and David Light, both of Star City; seven daughters, Marieta Wallace, Frances Taylor and Deborah King, all of Pine Bluff, Flora Harris of Star City, Carolyn Usoff and Helen Hanks, both of Memphis, and Linda Vaughn of Little Rock; a brother, Henry "Shorty" Light of Pine Bluff; 24 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 5 p.m. today at Griffin Funeral Service at Star City with Bobby Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Drake Cemetery near Star City by Griffin Funeral Service of Star City. __________________________ GRACIE GOGGANS McGEHEE--Gracie Evelyn Goggans, 93, of Watson (Desha County) died May 24, 1998, at McGehee-Desha County Hospital. Born October 30, l904, at Sheridan, she was a daughter of the late Rowl Teer and Maryetta Brody Teer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Goggans; a son, Raymond Goggans; a brother, Jay Teer; and four grandchildren. Survivors include two sons, Bobby Glen Goggans of Tillar and Billy Ray Goggans of Fort Worth; a sister, Hanna Faye Hayes of Little Rock; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a great- great-grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Watson Baptist Church with Harold Cantell officiating. A graveside service will be held at 4:30 p.m. today in the Jones Cemetery in Redfield by Griffin Funeral Service of McGehee. __________________________ CHARLES CHAPMAN SHERIDAN -- Charles Wilbur Chapman, 86, of Sheridan, died May 13, 1998, at the Grant County Nursing Home. Born September 14, 1911, at Marceline, Missouri, he was a son of the late Anson B. and Osa Sutton Chapman. He was a Methodist and served in the Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edith M. Rand Chapman. Survivors include two sons, Charles E. Chapman of Sheridan and Robert W. Chapman of Omaha, Nebraska; three daughters, Shirley N. Gilbert of Prattsville (Grant County), Charlene Chapman of Red Bluff; California, and Sharon A. Gugin of Chillocothe, Missouri; a brother, Ralph Chapman of Huron, South Dakota; 19 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great- grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday in Philadelphia Cemetery at Prattsville by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan. __________________________ DR. JAMES FILES LITTLE ROCK-- Dr. James Bertrand Files, 72, of Little Rock, died May 23, 1998, at University Hospital. Born December'4, 1925, at Rohwer (Desha County), he was the son of the late Thomas Files and Minnie Viola Holbert. He served in the Navy during World War II and was of the Independent Christian faith. Survivors include a son, James Files of McKinney, Texas; a daughter, Jan Horton of Plano, Texas; two brothers, Wayne Files and Larry Don Files, both of Rohwer; and two sisters, Anne Bailey of Millington, Tennessee, and Sue Stratton of Covington, Louisiana. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday at Kelso Baptist Church with Rev. Walter Gilbreath officiating. Burial will be in Kelso Cemetery by Griffin Funeral Service of McGehee. ____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co. Arkansas LAMONT BRAY Lamont Donta Bray, 15, of Pine Bluff, died May 21, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born January 9, 1983, at Little Rock, he was a son of Mae L. Oneal Bray of Pine Bluff. He was a student and a Baptist. Other survivors include a brother, Eddie Bray Jr. of Pine Bluff. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at Mount Nebo Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Battles officiating. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Garden by Brown Funeral Home. __________________________ BETTY ROCHESTER Betty D. Rochester, 59, of Pine Bluff, died May 25, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on April 16, 1939, at Fountain Hill, a daughter of the late Wylie Hudson and Tina Durey Hudson. She was raised and educated at Fountain Hill and moved to Pine Bluff in 1962. She was a homemaker. She was a member of Canaan Baptist Church and attended Green Meadows Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Charles Rochester, whom she married on November 14, 1958, at Arlington, Virginia; two sons,Gregory Rochester of Altheimer and David Rochester of West Fork; seven brothers, Floyd Hudson of Alabama, Jim Thomas Hudson of Pine Bluff, John H. Hudson of Hamburg, John Edward Hudson and Billy Randall Hudson, both of Fountain Hill, Frank O'Lloyd Hudson of Monticello and Ralph Hudson of Crossett; two sisters, Louise Duneumn of Warren and Pat Chavis of Fountain Hill; and four grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Bert Thomas officiating. A graveside service will be at 4 p.m. today in Flat Creek Cemetery at Fountain Hill with the Rev. Mark C. Little officiating. ________________________ WANDA POSEY Wanda Posey, 72, of Selma, died May 25, 1998, at McGehee-Desha County Hospital. Born February 5, 1926, at Malvern, she was a daughter of the late William Stanley Posey and Clara Kline Posey. She was a retired bookkeeper for Powell Oil Company and was a member of Selma Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Norman Posey; a son, Charles Posey of Monticello; a daughter, Diane Pace of Monticello; a sister, Catherine Cunningham of Merridan, Mississippi; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Rev. Lavelle Johnston officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery at Monticello. ________________________ JAMIE HENDRIX Jamie Mae Hendrix, 83, of Pine Bluff, died May 25, 1998, at Pine Bluff Convalescent Center. She was born on September 5, 1914, at Prescott, a daughter of the late Henry Thurston and Dovie Wingfield Stuart. She was formerly of Waldo and was a seamstress for Shanhouse. She was preceded in death by her husband, Darious William Hendrix. Survivors include a son, Glen Hendrix of Springlake; a brother, Henry Stuart of Prescott; three sisters, Dessie Andrews of Delight, Ruby Fontaine of Prescott and Marie Ridgell of Little Rock; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at First Baptist Church of Waldo with the Rev. Daniel Williams officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery. The body will be at Lewis Funeral Home in Waldo. __________________________ OCUS RANKIN Ocus "Sonny" Rankin, 81, of Dumas, died May 24, 1998, at Baptist Medical Center at Little Rock. He was born on March 27, 1917, at Oden, a son of the late Thomas Jefferson Rankin and Ida Cordelia Tedford. Rankin. He attended an Assembly of God and was an Army veteran of World War II. He owned Rankin Grocery. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lois Kendrick Rankin; three sons, Donnie Rankin Sr. and Larry Rankin, both of Pine Bluff, and James Rankin of Sheridan; four sisters, Fewel Singleton of Dumas, Marie Tucker of Mount Ida, Leslie Carter of Yuba, California and Winnie Hawkins of Culter, California; 10 grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; a great-great grandchild. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at First Assembly of God at Dumas with the Rev. Leonard Ricketts officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Lake Cemetery at Dumas. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL THURSDAY, MAY 28, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas FREDDIE MINTON Freddie M. Cherry Minton, 84, White Hall, died May 27, 1998, Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on July 2, 1913, Pine Bluff, a daughter of the late Fred Cherry and Ethel Phillips Cherry. She was raised and received her early education at Pine Bluff and graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1934. She was a machine operator at Ben Pearson, retiring in 1975 after 20 years of service. She was a member of White Hall United Methodist Church and the Pines Chapter No. 517 Order of Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by first husband, Lilburn Taylor, whom she married on December 3, 1934; her second husband, Clifford A. "Cush" Minton, whom she married on October 20, 1951, and died in 1989; a son, Doyle E. "Buddy" Taylor; two brothers, Jim Cherry and Era Cherry; and two half brothers, Paul Cherry and Corbin Cherry. Survivors include two daughters, Ethel M. Taylor Schmieder of White Hall and Dixie A. Taylor Boggs of Venedy, Illinois; four grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at White Hall United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rob Walker officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Memorial contributions may be made to the White Hall United Methodist Church Building Fund, 300 Church Street, White Hall, Arkansas, 71602, or to the donor's favorite charity. __________________________ EMILY McCANCE Emily Sauerbrunn McCance, 91 of Pine Bluff, died May 27, 1998, at Arkansas Convalescent Center. She was born on February 26, 1907, at Pine Bluff, a daughter of the late John Clarence and Cornelia Gammill Sauerbrunn. She was raised and educated at Pine Bluff and graduated from Pine Bluff High School. She had lived at Memphis for 40 years. When her husband died, she moved back to the Pine Bluff area. She was a secretary in the claims department at Cotton Belt Rail Road for 10 years. She was a member of Olive Street Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer McCance; a brother, J.C. Sauerbrunn; and a sister, Cornelia L. Daniel. Survivors include two sisters, Ethel McBurnett and Eula Mae Keller, both of Pine Bluff. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Mack Chambers officiating. ________________________ DEBRYAN DAVIS Debryan Javon Davis, of Pine Bluff, an infant son of Christopher Davis and Sarah Jones, both of Pine Bluff, died May 23, 1998, at Arkansas Children's Hospital at Little Rock from injuries received in an accident. He was born on January 15, 1997, at Pine Bluff. Other survivors include a brother, Deondre Jones of Pine Bluff; a sister, Jordan Davis of Pine Bluff; grandparents, Lee Ethel Jones of Pine Bluff and Johathan Jones of Lake Providence, Louisiana; and great-grandparents, Olivia Matthews and Dorothy Mitchell, both of Pine Bluff, and Velma Jones of Lake Providence. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at United Baptist Church with the Rev. Bobby Daniels officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. ____________________________ CECIL BOYD Cecil Lee Ratliff Boyd, 86, of Pine Bluff, died May 24, 1998, at Sunchase Nursing Home. She was born on June 2, 1911, at Rison, a daughter of the late James Roscoe Ratliff and Alice Pearl Ward Ratliff. She was a homemaker and attended Immanuel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert Boyd, who died on May 25, 1984; a daughter, Pauline Jones; four brothers, Gould Ratliff, Porter Ratliff, W.E. Ratliff and Russell Ratliff; and two sisters, Jennie Nix and Lettie Cummings. Survivors include two sons, Henry Pankow of Florida and Robert Love of Washington; a daughter, Carolyn Sue Love of Alabama; two brothers, Hollis Ratliff of Pine Bluff and Sylven Ratliff of Houston; a sister, Doris Berry of Pine Bluff; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 1O a.m. Friday in Goodfaith Cemetery with John Brock officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hale-South FuneralHome. ____________________________ CONCIE MURRAY Concie Lee Murray, 60, of North Las Vegas, died May 21, 1998, at his home. He was born on December 24, 1937, at Altheimer, Arkansas, a son of the late Wallace and Mahala Jane Murry. He lived in North Las Vegas more than 40 years and was a self-employed auto mechanic. He was a former pastor of Good Will Church of God in Christ at North Las Vegas for 31 years. Survivors include his wife, Jerlene Murray; three sons, Patrick Murray, Michael Murray and Albert Tyrone Murray, all of North Las Vegas; three brothers, Cleodis Murray, Larry H. Murray and Alfred Murray, all of Las Vegas; six sisters, Bertha Roberson, Magalene Daniels, Betty Hudson Williams, Shirley Macklin-Meeks, Betty Gilmore-Adams and Peggy Murray, all of Las Vegas; and six grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pentecostal Temple Church of God in Christ at Las Vegas. Burial will be in Paradise Memorial Gardens at Las Vegas. Bunkers Edenvale Mortuary at Las Vegas. ______________________ GERTIE CHAMBLISS Gertie L. Chambliss, 8l, of Urbana, died May 24, 1998, at Medical Center of South Arkansas at El Dorado. She was born on December 12, 1916, at Urbana, a daughter of the late Robert Lee and Lillie Thompson Oliver. She was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church at Urbana. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Morning Star Chapter No. l22, where she was the treasurer for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Byrd Obra Chambliss. Survivors include four sons, Willie Earl Chambliss of Urbana, Prentice L. Chambliss of Detroit, Leroy Chambliss of Dallas and Leroy Chambliss Jr. of Irving, Texas; two daughters, Barbara Chambliss Thrower and Yvonne Chambliss, both of Pine Bluff; a brother, the Rev. A.L. Oliver of El Dorado; a sister, Lutha Gaines of Urbana; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Mount Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. O.B. Bulter officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery at Urbana by Andrews Funeral Home of El Dorado. ____________________________ ROBERT WRIGHT Robert Hugh Wright, 78, of Dumas, died May 26, 1998, at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center at Little Rock. He was born on May 22, 1920, at Woodland, Mississippi, a son of the late Hiram Green Wright and Ada Lee Orman Wright. He was a member of First Baptist Church at Gould and a past president of Farm Bureau. He was an Army veteran of World War II and was a correctional officer for the state. He was preceded in death by a son, David Earl Wright; and two grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Nora Wright; three sons, Robert H. Wright Jr. of Lynchburg, Virginia, George Steven Wright of San Diego and Joe Allen Wright of Monticello; three daughters, Sherry Ringo of Dumas, Lucy Carol Springer of Grifton, North Carolina and Barbara Diane Langhammer of Monticello; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Al Green officiating. Burial will be in Dark Corner Cemetery at Gould. ___________________________ MARTHA FERGUSON Martha Lillian Ferguson, 97, of Monticello, died May 27, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 4, 1900, in Desha County. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, John C. Ferguson. Survivors include two sons, Tony Ferguson and Ross Ferguson, both of Houston; three daughters, Jane Wilson of Houston, Jean Connor of Rye, Texas and Betty Armstrong of Birmingham; 12 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Oakland Cemetery at Monticello with the Rev. Stephen Grace officiating. Arrangements are handled by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello. __________________________ JOHN RICHARDSON John Russell "Rusty" Richardson, 19, of White Hall, died May 25, 1998, in Grant County from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born December 20, 1978, at Pine Bluff, a son of J. O. Richardson Jr. and Kaye Dixon Richardson of White Hall. He attended Dollarway and White Hall schools and attended Centennial Fellowship Church. Other survivors include a brother, Clint Richardson of Pine Bluff; a sister, Kay Lynn Johnston of White Hall; and a grandparent, J. O. Richardson Sr. of Pine Bluff. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Cranford Funeral Home of White Hall with Dennis Owens officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. _________________________ FREDDIE PARKS SR. Freddie Lee Parks Sr., 56, of Pine Bluff, died May 22, 1998, at Highland Hospital at Los Angeles. He was born on August 26, 1941, at Marianna, a son of Lester Parks of Marianna and Lula B. Hicks Horace of Pine Bluff. He was a member of St. Marks Baptist Church at Sherrill. Other survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Smith Parks of Wichita Falls, Texas; six sons, Freddie Lee Parks Jr. and Kendrick White, both of Wichita Falls, Anthony Ray Parks, Fredrick Parks and Charles White, all of Pine Bluff, and John Lee Parks of Oakland, California; four daughters, Lois D. Williams of Pine Bluff, Margaret Parks of Las Vegas, Evelyn Parks of Oakland and Cemone Parks of Wichita Falls; a brother, Herman Horace of Pine Bluff; seven sisters, Eva Murphy of Los Angeles, Callie Horace, Jettie Jordan and Annie Smith, all of Pine Bluff, Shirley Wells and Joann Parker, both of Compton, California, and Gloria Hall of Davenport, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Marks Baptist Church with the Rev. Leon Williams officiating. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. _________________________ RILEY JACKSON Riley Franklin "Jack" Jackson, 73, of Sheridan, died May 26, 1998, at Grant County Nursing & Rehabilitation Center at Sheridan. He was born on October 20, 1924, at Little Rock, a son of the late Clarence Alexander Jackson and Elfie Almeda Brantley Jackson. He was a retired well driller for Jackson's Well Service and was a member of Marlow Missionary Baptist Church. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, and owned and operated J & J Salvage Grocery at Ico (Saline County). Survivors include his wife, Juanita Shellnut Jackson; a son, Jerry Jackson of Sheridan; three daughters, Vicki Cobb, Joan Wyman and Donna Buck, all of Sheridan; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Buie Funeral Home at Sheridan. Burial will be in Bethel (Cane Creek) Cemetery near Sheridan. Memorials may be made to the Area Agency on Aging Hospice. _______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL FRIDAY, MAY 29, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas IRENE INMAN Irene Hauge Inman, 67, of Gassville, formerly of Stuttgart, died May 27, 1998, at Baxter County Regional Hospital. She was born on July 1, 1930, in Illinois, a daughter of the late William H. Berry and Luella Chism Berry. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by two husbands, John H. Hauge Sr. and John Miller. Survivors include her husband, Earl Inman; five sons, Lloyd Hauge, John Hauge Jr. and Norman Hauge, all of Pine Bluff, Eddie Hauge of Gillett and Donnie Hauge of Jonesboro; three daughters, Mary Ratcliff and Andrea Erwin, both of Stuttgart, and Becky Shuey of Spring, Texas; a stepson, Chester Inman of Stuttgart; two stepdaughters, Cindy Stain and Trinkia Mack, both of Aberdeen; 12 grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and a great- grandchild. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at Turpin Funeral Home at Stuttgart with the Rev. George Rook officiating. Burial will be in Lone Tree Cemetery at Stuttgart. _______________________ MICHAEL KLINE Michael Lemorey Kline, 27, of Kansas City, died May 23, 1998, at Research Medical Center at Kansas City. He was born on July 24, 1970, at Kansas City, a son of James Lemorey Kline of Boston and Ernestine Kline Buchannan of Kansas City. Other survivors include a grandmother, Florine Richardson of Kansas City; a stepfather, Hilton Buchannan Sr. of Kansas City: two stepbrothers, Hilton Buchannan and Steve Buchannan, both of Kansas City; and a stepsister, Romona Buchannan of Dumas Arkansas. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Watson District Headquarters at Mitchellville, Arkansas with the Rev. Walter Witherspoon Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Green Mount Cemetery at Coleman, Arkansas by Brown Funeral Home of Dumas. _____________________________ RENA HOWARD (Photo Included) Rena Jo "Deebee" Howard, 26, of Grady, died May 27,1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on April 15,1972, at Grady, a daughter of Eloise Howard of Grady and the late Herman Hayes. She was a member of Damascus Baptist Church. Other survivors include one son, Deondrey Darrough of Grady; a daughter, Shanqua McDonald of Grady; eight brothers, Robert L. Walker, Theodis Walker, Herman Haynes, Peter Haynes, Marcus Howard and Randy Walker, all of Grady, the Rev. Gregory L. Walker of Pine Bluff and Allen K. Walker of Yorktown; and three sisters, Margaret Howard of Little Rock, Catherine R. Walker of Grady and Ruby Haynes of Star City. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Damascus Baptist Church at Grady with the Rev. H.L. Brown officiating. Burial will be in Damascus Cemetery at Grady. Visitation will be from 1 to 7 p.m. today at Perry Funeral Home. _________________________ GRACE BRANN Grace Brann, 100, of Pine Bluff, died May 27, 1998, at Trinity Village. She was born on November 3,1897, at Monticello, a daughter of the late Julius Wilcox Harper and Martha Harper. She was a homemaker and a member of First United Methodist Church at Monticello. She and her husband owned and operated Union Motor Company for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Farris "Fay" Brann. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Ann Whaley of South Padre Island, Texas; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. today at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Rev. Gordon Donham officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Monticello. _________________________ CLEOPHIS WEBSTER Cleophis Webster, 69, of Pine Bluff, died Friday, May 22, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born April 4, 1929, at Shiloh, a son of Charlie Webster-Owens of Hensley and the late Denzer Webster. He was a Baptist. Other survivors include three sons, Leophis Webster of Midwest City, Oklahoma, Morris Webster of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Larry Webster of Washington; a daughter, Delois Christopher of Pine Bluff; a brother, Robert Webster of Pine Bluff; and six sisters, Florence Coleman and Helen Boykin, both of Pine Bluff, Emma L. Smith of Los Angeles, California, and Vera Hughes, Beulah Webster and Barbara Cross, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Graveside services will be Saturday, at lO a.m., in Shiloh Cemetery by Highway 270 South with Elder Willie E. Berkhalter officiating. Burial will be by Brown Funeral Home. __________________________ ELMER CROWDER Elmer Crowder, 81, of Grapevine, died Wednesday at Grant County Nursing Home. He was born July 7, 1916, in Dallas County, a son of the late Henry and Lillian Gossin Crowder. He was a logger and a Methodist. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elvie Watson and Zella Massey. He is survived by a brother, Thomas Crowder of Oregon. Graveside services will be Saturday, at 10 a.m. in Davis Cemetery in Grant County with Roger Taylor officiating. Arrangements are handled by Hale-South Funeral Home. __________________________ HENRY KELLEY Henry Milton Kelley, 59, of White Hall, died May 27, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on July 9, 1938, at Pine Bluff, a son of the late Hartwill Kelley and Lona Jane Davis Kelley. He was raised and educated at Pine Bluff and attended Pine Bluff schools. He served in the Arkansas Army National Guard. He was an auto mechanic and worked for Joe's Auto Electric for more than 40 years. He was a member of Salem Missionary Baptist Church and recently attended Claud Road Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Patricia Bass Kelley, whom he married on May 2, 1969, at Pine Bluff; and a son, Jason Bass Kelley of Bentonville. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Revs. Ted Keen and Johnny Shaw officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. __________________________ EDGAR McGRIFF Edgar Clyde McGriff, 90, of Drew County, died May 28, 1998, at Gardner Nursing Home. He was born January 8, 1908, a son of the late Robert M. and Mary Bush McGriff. He was a farmer, a member of Southside Missionary Baptist Church of Star City and a member of the Pigeon Roost Hunting Club. Survivors include his wife, Beatrice Pierce McGriff; two sons, Bobby McGriff and Billy Charles McGriff, both of Star City; three brothers, Buddy McCriff and Calvin McGriff, both of Star City and Arthur McGriff of Calmer (Cleveland County); three sisters, Emgene Reynolds and Eva Coghill, both of Pine Bluff, and Irene Nowlin of Star City; four grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchiId. The funeral will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, at Griffin Funeral Service of Star City with Allen Hagood and Elmer Byerly officiating. Burial will be in Hickory Grove Cemetery near Star City. _______________________ MARY JOHNSON Mary Lee "Sweet" Johnson, 59, of Pine Bluff, died Friday, May 22, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 1,1938, the daughter of the late Garfield and Ophelia Wilson Burton. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. Survivors include her husband, Eddie Lee Johnson; four sons, Carl Edward Johnson, Robert Anthony Johnson and Gregory Johnson, all of Pine Bluff, and Kenneth Earl Johnson of Atlanta; two daughters, Brenda Ann Jones and Gloria Elaine Wilburn, both of Pine Bluff; a stepmother Modie Burton of Memphis; and lO grandchildren. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, at Brown Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Wells officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden. ________________________ EFFIE KELLY Effie Z. Kelly, 81, of Pine Bluff, died May 23, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 5, 1916, at Pastoria, a daughter of the late Will A. Walters and Cornelius Walters. She was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she served as choir president for 41 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Kelly. Survivors include a son, Jesse Kelly of Pine Bluff; two brothers, Henry Walters and Horace Walters, both of Pine Bluff; a sister, Carrie Woodson of Bakersville, California; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Calvary Baptist Church with Jimmy L. Fisher officiating. Burial will be in St. Luke Cemetery by Christian Way Funeral Home. _____________________________ REV. CARL CODY The Rev. Carl Edmond Cody, 82, of Pine Bluff, died May 28, 1998, at his home. He was born on January 19, 1916, at Omaha, Texas, a son of the late Thomas William and Mary V. Guice Cody. He was raised and received his early education at New Edinburg. He moved to the Pine Bluff area in 1934. He was the pastor at several churches during his 48 years of service. His last church was West Helena Church of God. He was active in the ministry until 1996. He was a member of the License Examiner Board for 12 years and the State Board Council for 16 years. He was a state evangelist for one year. He was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Lucille Coody Cody, whom he married on December 1, 1935, at Clarendon; two sons, the Rev. James Edmond Cody of Harrison and Jerald H. Cody of West Memphis; a daughter, Mary E Cody Baker of Venus, Texas; a brother, Wayne Cody of Texarkana; a sister, Mildred Mullins of Madera, California; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Revs. Daniel Hampton and Haskell Eavenson officiating. Burial will be in White Hall United Methodist Church Cemetery. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL MAY 30, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas CARL NEWTON Carl Edward Newton, 67, of Pine Bluff, died May 28,1998 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born November 10, 1930, at Des Arc, a son of the late E.D. and Alma Bell Newton. He was a sergeant in the Air Force; loved woodworking, fishing and gardening; and attended Cavalry Baptist Church at McCrory (Woodruff County). He was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Newton. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Jones Newton; three sons, Edward Newton of North Little Rock, Dennis Newton of Yorba Linda, California, and Lawrence Newton of Pine Bluff; two daughters, Lavelle Schwede of Forrest City and Vivian Newton of Stuttgart; a brother, Cecil Newton of Des Arc; and 10 grandchildren. The funeral will be at 3 p.m., today at Hale-South Funeral Home with Billy West officiating. Burial will be in Rowell Cemetery at Cleveland County. _________________________ AMBER PATTERSON Amber Fern Patterson, 14, of Warren, died May 28, 1998, at Bradley County Medical Center at Warren. Born August 4, l983, at Warren, she was a daughter of Jack and Maebell McClain-Patterson of Warren. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Other survivors include a sister, Brandi Patterson of Warren; grandparents Wayne and Johnnie McClain of Warren and Fred Patterson of Jacksonville, Texas. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Amanda Patterson. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Willoughby Freewill Baptist Church. Burial will be in Willoughby Cemetery by Frazer's Funeral Home. __________________________ IRA WALDRUP Ira Edgar Waldrup, 70, of McGehee, died May 29, 1998, at his home. Born May 20, 1928 at Collins (Drew County), he was a son of the late Virgle Allen Waldrup and May Belle Ellis Waldrup. He was retired from the United States Army. He served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a member of First Baptist Church of McGehee. Survivors include his wife, Charleene Vardaman Waldrup of McGehee; three brothers, James Waldrup of Dermott, Donald Waldrup of Heber Springs and Allen Waldrup of Hamburg; and a sister, Joyce Gray of Monticello. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Halley Baptist Church with Dr. Tommy Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in Halley Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. _________________________ EDD RATTERREE Edd L. Ratterree, 78, of Star City, died May 29, 1998, at his home. Born May 18, 1920, in Lincoln County, he was a son of the late Robert E. Ratterree and Mittie Cogbill Ratterree. He was a retired poultry farmer. He was a deacon at Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church near Star City. Survivors include his wife, Fern Carrington Ratterree of Star City; two daughters, Barbara Jean Curry of Star City and Linda Sue Smith of Grady; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church with J.C. Patterson and Olen Ward officiating. Burial will be in Holly Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Griffin Funeral Service at Star City. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care Services, 2214 South Blake Street, Pine Bluff, AR, 71603; or Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Star City, AR, 71667 _________________________ JAMES MERRICK James Sidney Merrick, 88, of Pine Bluff, died May 28,1998, at Trinity Village Medical Center. He was born on January 8, 1910, in Conway County, a son of the late James Monroe Merrick and Lillie Adams Merrick. He was raised and educated in Conway County. He graduated from Morrilton High School in 1929. He attended Harding College, now Harding University, and then attended Cumberland University at Lebanon, Tennessee. He received a LLB degree in July 1933, which licensed him to practice law in the state. He practiced law until March 1935. In 1935, he became an investigator for the Alcohol Tax Unit, Internal Revenue Service, United States Treasury and retired in 1965 as a supervisor in charge of the Little Rock branch office of the Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms. He was a regional attorney for the Arkansas Social Services, Pine Bluff Regional Office from 1969 to 1976. He was a member of the Arkansas and Jefferson County bar, the American Association of Retired Persons and the national association of retired federal employees. He was a lifetime member of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Association and was a member of the board at Trinity Village. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Elizabeth Golden Merrick; and his second wife, Sybil Dickens Bruce Merrick. Survivors include three sons, John Richard Merrick of Pine Bluff, Charles Bruce of Texarkana, Texas and Richard H. Bruce of Athens, Georgia; a daughter, Lynn M. Mason of Lubbock, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and ten great- grandchildren. The funeral will be at 4 p.m. today at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Charles Settle officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery at Little Rock. Memorial contributions may be made to Lubbock Christian University at Lubbock, Harding University at Searcy, or to the donor's favorite charity. ________________________ LILA RODGERS Lila S. Rodgers, 79, of Mena, died May 29, 1998, at Mena. She was born on January 24, 1919, in Harmony community (Jefferson County), a daughter of the late William Zachariah and Jessie L. Farbridge Stone. She was raised and received her early education in Harmony community. She was a graduate of Linwood High School. She lived at Pine Bluff from 1943 to 1982, at which time she moved to Mena. She was a homemaker and a member of Shell Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Ralph Rodgers, whom she married on September 30, 1939, at Star City, and who died in 1984. Survivors include a daughter, Linda R. McMillan of Mena; a sister, Ruth Morris of Little Rock; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Roger Glover officiating. Burial will be in Shell Chapel Cemetery (Jefferson County). _______________________ BEULAH FAIR-UPCHURCH Beulah Fair-UpChurch, 108, of Little Rock, died May 25, 1998, at Four Oaks Living Center at Little Rock. She was born on November 15, 1889, in lndependence County, a daughter of the late William Fair and Mary Allen Fair. She was a member of Central Baptist Church at Memphis. Survivors include a sister, Novella Fair of Los Angeles. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Connor Chapel AME Church at Little Rock by Christian Way Funeral Home. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday in New Park Cemetery at Memphis. __________________________ RONALD HERITAGE Ronald Dale Heritage, 36, of Pine Bluff, died May 27, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on September 19, 1961, at Pine Bluff, a son of Alma Ernestine Heritage Bailey of Pine Bluff and the late James Eugene Heritage, who died in 1992. He was raised and educated at Pine Bluff. He was a graduate of Grady High School and was a co-owner of A-l Grooming/Pine Bluff Pet Shop. Other survivors include two sons, Joshua Franklin Barnes and James Eugene Heritage II, both of Hot Springs; two daughters, Sara Cheronne Heritage and Tonashea Christine Heritage, both of Hot Springs; three brothers, Larry Eugene Heritage of Pine Bluff, Royce Gene Heritage of Atkins and Ricky Lynn Heritage of Sheridan; two sisters, Gwen Wilson and Nancy Ratterree, both of Sheridan; grandparents, Oma Caldwell of Jonesboro, and William D. and Mary Bailey of Rock Port, Missouri; and a stepfather, Don Baiiey of Pine Bluff. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Revs. Al Michael and Bill Kiggins officiating. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens. ________________________ WANDA JENKINS Wanda June Jenkins, 36, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, formerly of Dumas, Arkansas, died May 19, 1998, at her home. She was born on May 21, 1961, at Pickens, Arkansas, a daughter of the Rev. Johnny B. Jenkins of Fort Wayne and Theartry Jenkins of Dumas. She was a member of Eleventh Missionary Baptist Church at Fort Wayne. She received her education in the Dumas School System. Other survivors include two daughters, Waukeshia Jenkins and Crystal Jenkins, both of Fort Wayne; four brothers, Anthony Jenkins and Johnnie Rouse, both of Fort Wayne, Carl Dean of Liberal, Kansas and Glen Jenkins of Little Rock; and four sisters, Brenda Curry of Milwaukee, Helen Reed and Clara M. Clay, both of Fort Wayne, and Tracie Lawrence of Dallas. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church at Pickens with the Rev. Joe Burns officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery at Pickens by Washington-Dolls Funeral Home at Dumas. __________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SUNDAY, MAY 31, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas HELEN POOLE Helen Louisa Wilson Poole, 91, of Pine Bluff, died May 29,1998, at Davis Life Care Center. Born January 31, 1907, near Rison, she was the daughter of the late William Thomas Wilson and Aletha Sanders Wilson. One of nine children, Mrs. Poole was reared in the North Concord community near Rison in Cleveland County. She attended North Concord School, graduating from high school there. As a student, she was active in 4-H and home economics activities. As a young woman, she operated restaurants in Cleveland County and Pine Bluff before her marriage in Grant County to James Horace Poole on August 25, 1934. Mr. and Mrs. Poole made their home at Pine Bluff and at Camden for 13 years until Mr. Poole's death on October 12, 1962. At Camden, Mrs. Poole was active in PTA and Girl Scouts volunteer roles while rearing her daughter. Returning to Pine Bluff in 1964, Mrs. Poole resided here since. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pine Bluff. At her church she was active for years in the Wesley Friendship Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women. She is survived by a daughter, Bettye Poole Babb of Pine Bluff; a brother, Rev. L. Gray Wilson of Athens, Texas; two grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. Funeral services will be Tuesday at10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with the Revs. Charles Settle and Lynn Dyke officiating. Burial will be in Bellwood Annex Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son. The family requests that memorials take the form of contributions to the American Heart Association or to First United Methodist Church. ___________________________ ALICE BROWN Alice Ora Martindale Brown, 68, of Pine Bluff, died May 29, 1998 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born April 7, 1930 at Little Rock, she was the daughter of Lucille Short Martindale of Waco, Texas and the late Everett Otto Martindale. Mrs. Brown moved to Pine Bluff at the age of 16, where she attended Pine Bluff High School. She was an LPN at Jefferson Regional Medical Center for a number of years and she was a member of the Hardin Baptist Church and the Pine Bluff QuiltingGuild. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Peggy Brown Royse and Theda Ann Brown. Other survivors include, her husband of 51 years, James T. Brown, whom she married on April 5, 1947 at Pine Bluff; a half-brother, E.O. Martindale, Jr., of Little Rock; a half-sister, Katherine Wimple of Waco; a grandchild and a great-grandchild. Graveside services will be held at 1O a.m. Tuesday in Hardin Cemetery with the Rev. Lex Eaker officiating. Burial will be by Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hardin Baptist Church or Hardin Fire Department. _________________________ MARTHA HENDERSON Martha Josephine "Josie" Henderson, 93, of England (Lonoke County), died May 30, 1998, at the England Manor Nursing Home. She was born January 20, 1905 at Quitman (Faulkner County), the daughter of the late George Henry Grable and Carrie H. Grable. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church at England as well as a member of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Seldon Henderson and her husband, C.D. "Doc" Henderson. She is survived by a son, H.P. Henderson of England; a brother, Chester Grable of Hensley (Pulaski County) a sister, Vaudia Smith of North Little Rock and eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at Wilson-Stephens Funeral Home of England with Robert McDaniel officiating . Burial will be in Mulberry Cemetery. ___________________________