Obituaries from the Pine Bluff Commercial, Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., AR for 16 Mar 1998-31 Mar 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 MONDAY, MARCH 16, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas GEORGE WILLIAMS JR. Funeral services for George Williams Jr., 63, of Pine Bluff, who died March 12, 1998, at University Hospital at Little Rock, will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Damascus Baptist Church at Pine Bluff with Esau Watson officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery by Christian Way Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 2 to 6 p.m. .today at the funeral home. Born December 26, 1934, at the Moscow community, he was a son of the late George Williams Sr. and Nellie Smith Williams. He was a member of Greater Fellowship Church, where he served as An usher. He was a retired construction worker. Survivors include his wife, Eliza B. Williams; a son, Theolpus Williams of Richmond, California; two daughters, Bridgett Williams of Pine Bluff and Ruthie Jackson-Bynum of Antioch, California; and two grandchildren. ___________________________ WILLIAM HILLMAN LlTTLE ROCK -- William J. "BiII" Hillman, 72, of Fordyce, died March 15, 1998, at Arkansas Heart Hospital. Born August l7, l925, at Fordyce, he was a son of the late George M. Hillman and Bessie Faucett Hillman. He was a retired master electrician for the Merchant Marines. Survivors include two sisters, Thelma O'Donnell of Summerville, South Carolina, and Sue Fisher of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Bucksnort Cemetery with Rev. Ken Shaddox officiating. Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce will handle the arrangements. ______________________________ RONALD McCARLEY LITTLE ROCK -- Ronald C. McCarley, 50, of Pine Bluff, died March 15, 1998, at University of Arkansas Medical Center. Born December 15, 1947 at Shreveport, he was a son of the late Brondon McCarley and Myrtie Lee. He worked as a service technician and attended Northside Baptist Church at Pine Bluff. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was an avid out-doorsman and enjoyed fishing and hunting. Survivors include his wife, Betty Rose, whom he married on October 30, 1981; a son, Ronald B. McCarley of Little Rock; a daughter, Melissa Austin of Pine Bluff; a brother, Bruce H. McCarley Sr. of Ringgold, Louisiana; two stepdaughters, Wanda Kongenske of Pine Bluff and Phyllis Schewe of Bossier City, Louisiana; and five grandchildren. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hale-South Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Northside Baptist Church with Rev. John McCachren. Burial will be in Mulberry Cemetery at England. ___________________________ HELEN ADAMS McGEHEE -- Helen O. Brossette Adams, 78, of McGehee died March 14, 1998, at Desha County Hospital. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church at McGehee. She left Monroe to move to McGehee about 56 years ago. She was the widow of M. L. Adams. Survivors include a sister, Effie Crain of Many, Louisiana; a grandson; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Antioch Baptist Church at McGehee with Rick Allen officiating. Burial will be In McGehee Cemetery. Arrangements are handled by Griffin Services Inc. of McGehee. ____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas RAYMOND H. BLAKELY POYEN -- Raymond H. Blakely, 69, of Poyen, died March 15, 1998, from injuries received in an automobile accident near Poyen. Born October 17, 1928, at Delight, he was a son of the late Frank Hugh and Veda Garner Blakely. He was a graduate of Poyen High School and Henderson State Teachers College (now Henderson State University) at Arkadelphia. He retired from teaching in Arkansas schools in 1979. He was a member of Poyen Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his sister, Mildred "Mickey" Bearden of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Buie Funeral Home at Sheridan. Burial will be in Poyen Cemetery. ____________________________ ANTHONY DELUCA HOUSTON -- Anthony James DeLuca, 70, of Houston, died March 12, 1998, at Columbia West Houston Medical Center. Born July 15, 1927, at Tacoma, Washington, he was the son of the late Peter DeLuca and Mary Ciro DeLuca. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Virginia Lee DeLuca; two sons Gregory DeLuca of Highlands, Texas, and Bradley DeLuca of Houston; two daughters, Julia Shorts of Pine Bluff and Gloria Wendling of Houston; and 10 grandchildren. The funeral was Monday at Memorial Lutheran Church at Houston with the Rev. Scott R. Murray officiating. Burial was in Houston National Cemetery by National Funeral Home of Houston. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Lutheran Hour. ____________________________ MANUEL BLACKWELL RISON--Manuel Boston Blackwell, 92, of Rison, died March 12, 1998, at his home. Born November 8, 1905, at Kedron, he was a son of the late Boston Blackwell and Mary Griffin Blackwell. He was a self-employed farmer. He was a member of Kedron Church of God in Christ where he was a deacon and Sunday school superintendent. Survivors include his wife, Hattie E. Taylor Blackwell; 11 sons, Emmanuel Blackwell and Alvin Blackwell, both of Little Rock, Thomas Blackwell and Eddie Blackwell, both of Denver, Raymond Blackwell of Pueblo, Colorado, Dr. Charles Blackwell of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Clarence Blackwell and Kenneth Blackwell, both of Pine Bluff, Levan Blackwell of Wichita, Kansas, Dr. Robert Blackwell of Rison and John Blackwell of Dallas; two daughters, Mae Lois Fields of Wichita and Cora Ann BIackwell of Rison; a brother, Orzo Blackwell of Flint, Michigan; 40 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchldren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Kedron Church of God in Christ with Elder Arthur Sledge officiating. Burial will be in Harris Cemetery at Kedron by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. ___________________________ MONETTE BARRETT Monette Chennault Barrett, 77, of McGehee, died March 15, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born May 14, 1920, in Drew County, she was a daughter of the late Madden Curry and Alma Graves Curry. She had worked for Wells Lamont GLove Factory. She was a member of the First Baptist Church at McGehee. She was preceded in death by her husband, Winifred E. Barrett. Survivors include a son, Carlos Chennault of Greenville, Mississippi; a brother, Dillard Curry of McGehee; a sister, Eileen Sawyer of McGehee; 13 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today at Griffin Funeral Service at McGehee with the Rev. Tommy Cunningham officiating. Burial will be in McGehee Cemetery. ______________________________ EDNA MEEKS ROCKVILLE, Maryland --Edna M. Meeks, 91, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, died March 13, 1998, at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. She was born on July 24, 1906, in Arkansas, a daughter of the late John Goacher and Marion Bradley Goacher. She was an executive manager for The Pine Bluff Commercial for 42 years, retiring in 1972. She was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Meeks. Survivors include a son, Dr. John E. Meeks of Washington D.C.; a brother, Harold Goacher of Stuttgart, Arkansas; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Columbia Gardens Cemetery at Arlington, Virginia. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at DeVol Funeral Home of Gaithersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Developmental School Foundation, 6000 Executive Boulevard, Suite 605, Rockville, Maryland 20852. _____________________________ HELEN JONES WARREN -- Helen Jones, 77, of Warren, died March 14, 1998, at Bradley County Medical Center. She was born on May 7, 1920, at Thornton, a daughter of the late Peter and Fannie Jacobs. She was a retired housekeeper. She was a member of St. John AME Church at Warren. Survivors include two daughters, Shirley Perry and Lenetta White, both of Nashville; a brother, Melvin Jacobs; five grandchildren; and eight great- grandchildren. The funeral will be at noon Wednesday at St. John AME Church with the Rev. G.T. Blackman officiating. Burial will be in Union Cemetery at Warren by Hammons Funeral Home of Warren. ______________________________ E. F. MYHAND JR. MONTICELLO -- E.F. Myhand, 82, of Monticello, died March 15, 1998, at Drew Memorial Hospital. Born February 23, 1916, in Drew County, he was a son of Willie G. Myhand and Zena Calhoun Myhand. He was retired from the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. He served in the Air Force during World War II. He and a member of Rose Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Rogers Myhand; a daughter, Mary Jo Barnett of Monticello; and a grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Rev. Jim Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Drew County. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas PEARL DANIELS (Photo included) DEWITT -- Pearl Ester Sanders Daniels, 95, of DeWitt, died March 12, 1998, at DeWitt City Nursing Home. She was born June 22, 1902, at Ethel, a daughter of the late Frank and Dolly Sanders. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church when she was young. After she married, she joined Hope Well Baptist Church at St. Charles. When she moved to DeWitt, she joined Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the DeWitt Key Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Daniels, whom she married in 1931, and who died in 1989; and a son, Edward Earl. Survivors include three sons, John Daniels and Theodore Daniels, both of DeWitt, and Thomas Daniels of Hammond, Indiana; an adopted daughter, Brenda Dokes of Pine Bluff; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous stepgreat-grandchildren. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church at DeWitt with the Rev. Charles Joyner officiating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery at Ethel by Relerford & Son Funeral Home of Stuttgart. _________________________ EMANUEL GOODWIN (Photo included) Emanuel W. Goodwin, 78, of Pine Bluff, died March 13, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 14, 1919, at Pine Bluff, a son of the late Joseph S. Goodwin and Sidney Brown Goodwin. He was a salesman for Collier's Drugstore. He was a member of St. John AME Church. Survivors include two sisters, Evelyn Goodwin of Pine Bluff and Earcy Johnson of Menlo Park, California. The funeral will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday at St. John AME Church with the Rev. W.R. NoIful officiating. Burial will be in Bellwood Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. _____________________________ ROLAND SHARP LONGVIEW, Texas -- Roland H. Sharp, 62, of Longview, Texas, died March 17, 1998, at Good Shepherd Hospital. He was born July 18, 1935, at Hermitage, Arkansas, a son of the late Virgil L. and Frankie Rosetta Brady Sharp. He was a retired welder and a Baptist. He was preceded in death by a son, Gregg Sharp. Survivors include his wife, Yvonne Neal Sharp; two daughters, Gwen Laborde and Gayla Conn, both of Longview; two brothers, Gerry Sharp of Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Therman Sharp of Little Rock; a sister, Evora Huitt of Norphlet, Arkansas; and three grandchildren. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren, Arkansas. Burial will be in Neal Cemetery near Hermitage. ___________________________ CORA SMITH (Photo included) Cora Smith, 87, of Pine Bluff, died March 13, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born September 16, 1910, at Stephens, a daughter of the late Doc Henry McDowell and Ida Quiney McDowell. She lived at Stephens until 1951 and was a custodian at Immanuel Baptist Church. She was a member of New Town Baptist Church, where she was a deaconess and a former usher. She enjoyed singing. She was instrumental in getting the state to install a sewage system in her community. After retiring, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Will Dee Smith. Survivors include a daughter, Mamie Childs of Pine Bluff; a sister, Nora Moore of Pine Bluff; a stepson, Leroy Smith of Pine Bluff; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Thursday at New Town Baptist Church with the Rev. Marvell Williams officiating. Burial will be in Little Rock National Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. ______________________________ THELMA ST. JOHN Thelma Amelia St. John, 75, of Warren, died March 16, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on August 21, 1922, at Clayton, Alabama, a daughter of the late William H. Bedsole and Hattie Marie Zorn Bedsole. She was a homemaker and a member of Saline Baptist Church in Bradley County. She was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Bluford St. John, whom she married on April16, 1942, and who died on November 5, 1976; a sister, Jewel DeMiller; and a grandchild. Survivors include two sons, Sammy St. John of Naperville, Illinois, and Neil St. John of Muncie, Indiana; three daughters, Marilyn Doss and Karen Anders, both of Warren,and Linda Golden of Memphis; two sisters, Margaret Smith of Montgomery, Alabama, and Sarah McLure of Arvada, Colorado; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren. Burial will be in Saline Cemetery in Bradley County. ________________________________ PHYLLIS SPENCE MAGNOLIA -- Phyllis Guyetta Spence, 62, of Monticello, died March 14, 1998, at Magnolia Hospital. She was born on April 26, 1935, at Harrisburg (Poinsett County), a daughter of the late Guy Hambers and Edna Hawkins Hambers. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Spence; and two brothers, Gerrell Hambers and William Hambers. Survivors include her husband, John Spence Sr.; two sons, John Spence Jr. of Emerson and Robert Spence of Monticello; a daughter, Gayel Spence of Los Angeles; seven sisters, Rachel Vail of California, Agnes Rodgers of Arkadelphia, Glenda Hambers of Bastrop, Louisiana, Joyce Thompson and Dana Davis, both of Monticello, Sherry Casteel of Rockford, Tennessee, and Amy Killingsworth of Gautier, Mississippi; and five grandchildren. The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Rev. R.V. White officiating. Burial will be in Union Ridge CemeteIy in Drew County. _______________________________ LUCILLE CARPENTER JACKSONVILLE -- Lucille Rhode Carpenter, 81, of Jacksonville, died March l6, 1998, at Jacksonville Regional Medical Center. She was born September 27, 1916, at Fort Worth, a daughter of the late Fred Dare Rhode and Hannah Hockersmith Rhode. She was an agent-telegrapher and retired after 40 years with the Missouri Pacific Railroad. She was a member of the National Association of Railway Business Women and Ouachita Lodge B.R.A.C. She was member of First United Methodist Church at Dumas. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Carpenter. Survivors include a son, David Carpenter of Bushnell, Florida; two sisters, Byrd Evelyn Shock of Conway and Martha Jene Murphree of Greenville Mississippi; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today in Oak Grove Cemetery at Conway with the Rev. Phil Hattcock officiating. Arrangements are by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home at Conway. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas DALTON V. WALKER (Photo included) Former Sheridan Mayor, Dalton V. Walker, Dies (Headline) LITTLE ROCK -- Dalton V. Walker, 91, of Sheridan, died March 17, 1998, at Parkway Village. He was born on February 20, 1907, at Sheridan, a son of the Late James F. and Dillie A. Moore Walker. He lived at Sheridan and Grant County his entire life. He attended Sheridan Grade School. Before high school, he helped build the Little Rock highway and the Leola highway and sold Grit magazine. He worked for farmers during his summers. Before Sheridan High School was accredited, he attended Missionary Baptist College at Sheridan. He attended school at the college until 1926, when the Sheridan schools were accredited. He finished high school at Sheridan in 1926. He was editor of the school's first high school newspaper, The Sheridan High Booster. While at the college, he worked for The Sheridan Headlight and continued working there after graduation. He published the paper by himself when the editor died and later when the paper was bought by someone else. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church at Sheridan and became a deacon in 1945. He was chair of the deacon body for several years and was named deacon emeritus a short time ago. He became a Mason when he was 21 years old. In 1928, he became a master Mason, a member of the Arkansas Consistory and a member of the Sahara Shrine Temple at Pine Bluff. He was a member of the Order of Eastern Star No. 212 and was a member in these organizations for more than 50 years. He served two terms in the state Legislature, serving in 1937 and 1939. He became a member of the Sheridan Rotary Club in the 1930s and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a justice of the peace and served on the Sheridan City Council. He was appointed as town manager for the Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company in 1955. He later became the district manager. He retired from Arkla in 1975. He became mayor of Sheridan in 1977, retiring in 1988. While mayor, he served on the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District. During his tenure, the Sheridan Community Recreation Center, City Hall, a fire station and a city shop were built. He was a member of the Grant County Library Board for 34 years and served on the first Learn to Read Committee. He served on the board of the State Girls Training School for about four years. He was secretary of the Grant County Democratic Central Committee and was secretary of the Grant County Board of Election Commissioners. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Clyde N. Walker, who died in 1986. There are no immediate survivors. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with Dr. Ed Simpson and the Rev. Lex Eaker officiating. Burial will be in Lost Creek Cemetery at Sheridan. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Buie Funeral Home at Sheridan. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Grant County Museum, Grant County Library or the Sheridan-Lost Creek Cemetery Association. _______________________________ ANITA MOONEY SHERIDAN -- Anita Reynolds Mooney, 51, of Sheridan, died March 17, 1998, at her home. She was born on November 23, 1946, at Sheridan, a daughter of Evelyn Haynes Reynolds of Sheridan and the late Gilbert David Reynolds. She was a library media specialist at Sheridan. She was a member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church at Sheridan, the Arkansas Reading Association-Grant County Council and Delta Kappa Gamma. Other survivors include a son, Robert "Bobby" Mooney of Prattsville; two daughters, Jennifer Harper of Prattsville and Amanda McCall of Irving, Texas; a brother, David Reynolds of Sheridan; two sisters, Margaret Mayfield of Sheridan and Julia Reynolds of Russellville; and three grandchildren. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. today at First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Montgomery officiating. Burial will be in Lost Creek Cemetery at Sheridan by Buie Funeral Home at Sheridan. Memorials may be made to First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church; or Arkansas Reading Association- Grant County Council, c/ o Karla Koon or Alice Taylor. __________________________ LAURA SUMMERFORD Laura Lunsford Summerford, 93, of Pine Bluff, died March 18, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was bom on May 8, 1904, at Rison, a daughter of the late John Lunsford and Hylie Singleton Lunsford. She was a homemaker and attended New Hope Baptist Church at Rison. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and enjoyed working with flowers and quilting. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Otto Summerford. Survivors include a daughter, Evelyn Wallace of Pine Bluff; a stepson, Orvis Summerford of Pine Bluff; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchiIdren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hale-South Funeral Home with Roy Phillips officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. ____________________________ ALLIE CARTER Allie Jeanne Carter Carter, 71, of Pine Bluff, died March I8, 1998, at Arkansas Convalescent Center. She was born on September 4, 1926, at Lonoke, a daughter of the late Jessre Q. and Allie M. Choate Carter. She was a retired bookkeeper for The Maru dress shop at Pine Bluff. She graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1944 and was a longtime member of First Baptist Church at Pine Bluff. She attended Bay Street Baptist Church at Pine Bluff before her death. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Carter; and a daughter, Beverley Carter Tyler. Survivors include three daughters, Patricia Carter Phifer of Tallahassee, Florida, Melanie Carter Small of Little Rock and Marilyn Carter Black of White Hall; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with Dr. John McClanahan officiating. She was cremated and burial will be at a later date. Arrangements are handled by Buie Funeral Home at Sheridan. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital, the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Lung Association. ______________________________ MARGARET HOLLEY MONTICELLO-Margaret Holley, 83, of Monticello, died March 18, 1998, at Drew Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 7, 1914, in Drew County, a daughter of the late Thomas Jefferson Terry and Annie Archer Terry. She was a retired insurance clerk and a member of First United Methodist Church at Monticello. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Holley. Survivors include two sons, Dennis Holley of Monticello and Terry Holley of North Little Rock; and two grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home with the Rev. Buddy Lemons officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Monticello. ___________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas LEROY PRIDGEON (Photo included) SHERIDAN -- Leroy Pridgeon, 61, of Pine Bluff, died March 15, 1998, at Sheridan from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born on February 7, 1937, at Sherrill, a son of the late Zebedee and Susie Lusk Pridgeon. He served in the Navy and worked for W.J. Wilkins and Sons for 20 years. In 1983 he worked for the U.S. Post Office, working at the downtown branch. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Pridgeon and Ezra Pridgeon; and two sisters, Hattie Price and Juanita Jones. Survivors include his wife, Prenella Burnham Pridgeon, whom he married in 1967; four sons, Wayne Pridgeon, Darion Pridgeon, Leroy Pridgeon Jr. and Darrick Pridgeon, all of Pine Bluff; a daughter, Vernella Pridgeon of Pine Bluff, a brother, Clarence Russell of Wabbaseka; three sisters, Odessa Bryant, Imogene Franklin and Alzada Piggee, all of Pine Bluff; a grandchild whom he raised, Danielle Glover, address unavailable; and six other grandchildren. The funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Mount Nebo Baptist Church with the Rev. Kenneth Harris officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden by Henson Mortuary. ________________________________ EDWARD NELSON (Photo included) HOUSTON -- Edward James Nelson, 43, of Houston, formerly of Pine Bluff, died March 14, 1998, at Houston from injuries received in a shooting. Born March 14, 1955, at Flint, Michigan, he was a son of Griffin Nelson of Pine Bluff and the late Georgia Nelson. Survivors include his wife, Joycelyn Nelson; three sons, Jamie Nelson, Jordan Nelson and Jared Nelson, all of Houston; a daughter Jennifer Nelson of Houston; five brothers, Andrew Nelson, Leo Nelson and Felix Nelson, all of Flint, Leavon Nelson of Detroit and Rickey Nelson of Oklahoma; and two sisters, Gloria Trice of Flint and Abby Catron of Toledo. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Oak Grove Baptist Church in the Hooker community with the Rev. Charles Helloms Jr. officiating. Burial will be in Mount Lebanon Cemetery in Hooker by Henson MortuaIy of Pine Bluff. ____________________________ BRENDA WILLIAMS (Photo included) Brenda Goodrum Williams, 44, of Pine Bluff, died March 13, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on November 8, 1953, at Pine Bluff, a daughter of Buck Goodrum and Faye Traylor Goodrum, both of Pine Bluff. She was a packer for Tyson Foods and was a member of St. Bethel Baptist Church. Survivors include two sons, Jermaine Williams and Corey Williams, both of Pine Bluff, a brother, Gregory Goodrum of Pine Bluff; and three sisters, Sharon Shavers, Beverly Fletcher and Valerie Goodrum, all of Pine Bluff. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Louis Williams officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. _____________________________ MARGUERITE BORECKY Marguerite Rodgers Borecky, 75, of Pine Bluff, died March 19, 1998, at her home. Born June 12, 1922, at Star City, she was a daughter of the late Sam Rodgers and Willie Boyd Rodgers. When she was four, she moved to Pine Bluff and attended schools here. She moved to White Hall where she lived for more than 26 years and was active with the Democratic Party on the state and local levels. She was on the Hardin and White Hall Democratic Committee and was a member of the Women of the Democratic Party. She was also active in White Hall schools and was a past president of the PTA and former homeroom mother for several years. She was a past Royal Matron and Grand Page with the Order of Amaranth and was also a member of Watson Chapel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Borecky Sr. who died on February 17, 1996, and a grandchild. Survivors include a son, Charles "Bo" Borecky of White Hall; a daughter, Harriet Borecky Wallace of Sheridan; a sister, Doris Scifres of Pine Bluff; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren . Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Gary Akers officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral directors from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Hospice Care Service, 2214 South Blake Street, Pine Bluff, 71603. _________________________________ REV. JAMES LEE The Rev. James Lee, 8O, of McGehee, died March 13, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 30, 1917, in Mississippi. He was a member and pastor of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church at Rohwer. He was also a pastor at St. Andrews Missionary Baptist Church at Arkansas City, Love Rest Missionary Baptist Church at Kelso and Strangers Rest Missionary Baptist Church at Lake Village. He was a worshipful master for Masonic Lodge No. 258. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Grant Lee. Survivors include three sons, Otha Lee and Arthur Lee, both of California, and Roy Lee Williams of Omaha; three brothers, Harrison Walker of Tunica, Mississippi, L.C. McNeal of Chicago and Joseph McNeal of Indianapolis; two sisters, Dorothy Seals of Ruleville, Mississippi, and Charlotte Johnson of Greenville; 16 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Best officiating. Burial will be in Rolling Water Cemetery at Kelso by Brown Funeral Home at Dumas. ________________________________ BOBBY WEST LITTLE ROCK- Bobby G. West, 61, of Little Rock, died March 17, 1998, at University Hospital. He was born on November 11, 1936, at Grady, a son of the Iate Ham West and Charlie Williams West. He was a Baptist. Survivors include three brothers, Earl West of Grady, Yvone West of Earl and Vernon West of Little Rock; and three sisters, Mae Ola West, Pearl Mae Smith and Mary Ann Brown, all of Little Rock. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Damascus Baptist Church at Grady with the Rev. Charlie Williams officiating. Burial will be in Randolph Cemetery at Grady by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. ________________________________ GEORGE MEEKS WARREN--George Edgar Meeks, 89, of Monticello, died March 19, 1998, at Wagnon Place Nursing Home at Warren. Born July 25, 1908, in Drew County, he was a son of the late Jesse C. Meeks and Beuna Jennings Meeks. He was retired from the Arkansas Highway and Transporation Department. Survivors include two sons, Laron Meeks and Kirby Meeks, both of Monticello; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Stephenson- Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Revs. Larry Donaldson and Rex Robinson officiating. Burial will be at Campground Cemetery at Drew County. ________________________________ ERNEST TOOMER JR. Ernest Toomer Jr., 55, of Pine Bluff, died March 13, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 17, 1942, at Pine Bluff, a son of Earnestine Toomer of Pine Bluff and the late Ernest Toomer Sr. Other survivors include two brothers, Elmore Toomer of Dallas and Lee Toomer of Atlanta; and six sisters, Doris Pippen, Parthenia Batts, Aretha Beard and Pearl Sims, all of Pine Bluff, Carolyn Toomer of Atlanta and Bertha Halford of Fresno, California. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Henson Mortuary with the Rev. Isaac Barron officiating. Burial will be in Henson Memorial Garden. ________________________________ JAMES TUCKER JR. James "Jimmie" Tucker Jr., 66, of Sherrill, died March 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on November 4, 1931, at Sherrill, a son of the late James D. Tucker Sr. and Johnnie Baim Tucker. He was raised and educated at Sherrill and lived at Sherrill most of his life. He founded Tucker Transmission in 1959. He was a 32nd-Degree Mason and a member of Robert E. Lee Masonic Lodge of Altheimer. He served in the Air Force and was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church at Sherrill. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Jacks and Doris Goodman. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Mary Emma James Tucker, whom he married on May l3, 1953, in Jefferson County; a son, Daniel Ray Tucker of Sherrill; a daughter, Patricia Earline Rushing of Sherrill; and four grandchildren. The funeral will be 1O a.m. Saturday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Hollis McDermott officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Missionary Baptist Church. __________________________ GLINDA JORDAN (Photo included) Glinda F. Jordan, 43, of Pine Bluff, died March 9, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born March 30, 1954, at Pine Bluff, she was a daughter of Oscar Mumphery and Arlene Reed Mumphery Willingham of Pine Bluff. She was a 1972 graduate of Watson Chapel High School and was a graduate of Pines Vo-Tech School (now Southeast Arkansas Technical College.) She was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church. Other survivors include two sons, Rodney L. Hill of Little Rock and Earl C. Jordan of Pine Bluff; two daughters, Elaina Princess Jordan and Ebony Christinia Jordan, both of Pine Bluff; two brothers, Larry Mumphery of Jefferson and Michael Willingham of Pine Bluff; nine sisters, Gloria Hill, Lois Abrams, Bobbie Meadows, Gwendolyn Rogers, Loretta Starland, Nicole Williams and Kendra Wells, all of Pine Bluff, Gladys Mumphery Scott of Little Rock and Oclene Mumphery Evans of Nashville; and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Rose Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. G.L. Ford officiating. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Garden by Christian Way Funeral Home. _______________________________ SALLY PAULK SHERIDAN -- Sally Ann Mitchell Paulk, 60, of Sheridan, died March 17, 1998, at her home. She was born on March 5, 1938, at Farmington (Washington County), a daughter of the late Lawrence and Barbara Allen Brooks Mitchell. She was a Registered Nurse and retired as the director of nursing at Grant County Nursing Home. She graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences School of Nursing at Little Rock and was a Methodist. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Clyde D. Paulk; and a daughter, Beth Paulk Dobbins of Sheridan. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Buie Funeral Home at Sheridan with the Revs. Bobby Parsley, Basil Edwards and Harold Epperson officiating. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society or to the UAMS School of Nursing scholarship program. __________________________________ OBET WRIGHT Obet Dana Wright, 77, of Monticello, died March 18, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on August 15, 1920, in Drew County, a son of the late Walter F. Wright and Clara Nipper Wright. He was a retired lineman for AP&L and served in the Seabees in the Navy during World War II. He was a Mason for 50 years and was a member of First Baptist Church at Monticello. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 49 years, Mildred Wright; and a brother, Lyle F. Wright. Survivors include his wife, Violet Herbold Wright; a daughter, Brenda Jo Griffin of Monticello; a brother, Walter "Buddy" Wright of Texarkana; three sisters, Mary Richards of Rogers, Patricia Wheeler of Wilmar and Shirley Cotham of Johnsville; a stepmother, Audrey Wright of Monticello; a stepson, Dennis Gray of Thayer, Missouri; two grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Revs. Dennis Dodson and R.V. White officiating. Burial will be in Beulah Cemetery in Drew County. ______________________________ ROSIE H. CRAIN Rosie Holmes Crain, 96, of Rison, died March 18, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born August 18, 1901, at Rison, she was a daughter of the late Will Holmes and Laura Stevenson Holmes. She received her early education in the public schools of Cleveland County. She was a homemaker and member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grady J. Crain, who died on February 20, 1995, and by two daughters. Survivors include two sons, Grady Crain of Malvern and Robert Crain of Helena; three daughters, Geraldine Jackson of New Edinburg and Bobbie Ramey and Ruthie Lea, both of Chicago; 25 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Liberty Hill Baptist Church at Rison with the Rev. Elijah Mason officiating. Burial will be at Liberty Hill Cemetery by P.K. Miller Mortuary. ___________________________ ROE WEST Roe Asmon West, 80, of Rison died March 18, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on September 18, 1917, at Grapevine, a son of the late Will West and Ella Stewart West. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Margaret Brown. He was a retired bus driver and custodian for Grapevine schools. Survivors include two sons, Earl West of Sheridan and Roy West of Grapevine; a daughter, Betty Martindale of Rison; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great- grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Rowell Cemetery with Leonard Hodges officiating. Arrangements are handled by Buie Funeral Home of Rison. _______________________________ HENRY SWIFT JR. Henry Clay Swift Jr., 99, of Gould, died March 14, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on January 4, 1899, at Watson, a son of the late Henry Clay Swift Sr. and Clara Brown Swift. He was a member of St. Harmony Missionary Baptist Church at Meroney. He was a member of the Deacon Board and was a general director emeritus for the Lincoin and Drew County Singing Convention. He was a former Sunday School superintendent and a Sunday School teacher. He was a farmer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Coleman Swift. There are no immediate survivors. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church at Gould with the Rev. C.L. Washinton officiating. Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Lawn at Varner by Brown Funeral Home of Dumas. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. The body will be at the church Saturday at 10 a.m. The family will be at Dorothy Huskey's home at Gould. ________________________________ JOE CORNELIUS WARREN -- Joe Lee Cornelius, 63, of Warren, died March 19, 1998, at his home. He was born December 3, 1934, at Winchester, a son of Edna Cornelius of Warren and the late Jeff Cornelius. He was a farmer and a Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Janice Dolores Magness Cornelius, whom he married December 20, 1959; two sons, Bobby Joe Cornelius of Warren and Jimmy Wayne Cornelius of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; three brothers, Thomas Cornelius of Marshall, Texas, Charles Cornelius of Little Rock and James Cornelius of Houston; and a sister, Dorothy Sikes of Pine Bluff. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren with the Rev. Jack Ferguson officiating. Burial will be in Prospect Cemetery in Bradley County. _____________________________ JOHNNY CRIFT DUMAS -- Johnny L. "Stoney" Crift, 40, of Dumas, died March 12, 1998, at Delta Memorial Hospital. He was born on April 6, 1957, at Dumas, a son of Isaiah "Bill" Hayes of Dumas and the late Flossie Walker. He attended school at Dumas and worked for Dumas Seed Cleaners. Other survivors include seven brothers, Lewis Crift of Atlanta, Kirby Allen Jr. and Earnest Hayes, both of Chicago, Leslie Walker of Little Rock, and Floyd Hayes, Freddie Spinks and Archie Greenberry, all of Dumas; five sisters, Jacqueline Crift, Rose Mary Jenkins and Delois Holley, all of Dumas, and Sharon Walker and Delois Nelson, both of Little Rock; and a grandmother, Artious Crift of McGehee. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, east of Dumas, with the Rev. Howard Bess officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery, east of Dumas. Visitation will be from I to 6 p.m. today at Washington-Dolls Funeral Home at Dumas. __________________________ DOROTHY RAY Dorothy Mae Stacy Ray, 85, of Pine Bluff, died March 18, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on November 19, 1912, at Jonesboro, a daughter of the late Thomas Walter Stacy and Mossie Bramlett Stacy. She was retired from Baptist Memorial Hospital at Memphis and was a member of First United Methodist Church at Memphis. She was preceded in death by her husband, David J. Ray, who died on July 3, 1991; and brother, Thomas W. Stacy. Survivors include a sister, Alice White of Pine Bluff. The funeral will be noon Saturday at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren with the Rev. Bob Bledsoe officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Warren. ___________________________ MARY MITCHELL Mary Lynn Stone Mitchell, 77, of Pine Bluff, died March 18, 1998, at her home. She was born on July 11, 1920, at Pine Bluff, a daughter of the late E. Herbert and Bessie Booth Blythe Stone. She was raised and received her early education at Pine Bluff, graduating from Watson Chapel High School. She was a homemaker and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jeff Stone; and a sister, Natalie Culpepper. Survivors include her husband, Lawrence Davis Mitchell, whom she married on November 19, 1941, at Pine Bluff; a son, Lawrence "Butch" Mitchell Jr. of Houston; a daughter, Marsha Mitchell Bell of Pine Bluff; three brothers, Sherman Stone, Buck Stone and Abe Stone, all of Pine Bluff; two sisters, Janice Culpepper of Pine Bluff and Valerie Rogers of Monroe; and three grandchildren. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. today in Graceland Cemetery with the Rev. Lee Kinney officiating. Arrangements are handled by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. ________________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas CHARLINE SINGLETON DEERFIELD BEACH, Florida -- Charline W. Singleton, 72, of Deerfield Beach, Florida, died March 20, 1998, at her home. She was born on August 6, 1925, at Camden, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Rufus Serenus Wheeler and Elizabeth Lenora Hamilton Wheeler. She was a Methodist and attended the University of Arizona and the University of Arkansas. She and her husband owned and operated nursing homes at Camden, El Dorado, Arkansas; Warren, Arkansas; McGehee, Arkansas; Monticello, Arkansas; Texas; and New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter H. Singleton, whom she married on February 22, 1948, and who died on September 3, 1997. Survivors include two sons, Judge Ham Singleton of Camden and Jeff Hansen of Simpsonville, South Carolina; a daughter, Pam Bell of Alpharetta, Georgia; a sister, Wanda W. Acton of Warrior, Alabama; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren. ___________________________ CATHERINE SEABROOK Catherine Oudin Seabrook, 9l, of Pine Bluff, died March 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on February 25, 1907, at Pine Bluff, a daughter of the late Edouard Marc and Dora Goodwin Perdue Oudin. She was raised and received her early education at Pine Bluff and graduated from Pine Bluff High School. She was president of her family's Pine Bluff business, CocaCola Bottling Company of South Arkansas, for 33 years. She a member of the company's board af directors for 52 years. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and the Junior League of Pine Bluff. She participated in Pine Bluff garden clubs for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ferd M. Bellingrath of Pine Bluff, whom she married in 1924, and who died in 1941; a son, Len F. Bellingrath, who died in 1996; and a sister, Eugenia Oudin Cook, who died in 1991. She was also preceded in death by her second husband, Harold S. Seabrook. Survivors include a son, Ferd M. Bellingrath of Pine Bluff; a brother, E. Marc Oudin of Little Rock; a caregiver who lived with her, Girtha Adway of Pine Bluff; six grandchildren; and 10 great- grandchildren. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church with the Revs. Charles Settle and Jay Culpepper officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Box 8003, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611; or to the Catherine O. Seabrook Beautification Fund, Pine Bluff Community Foundation, Box 1957, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71613. The family will be at her home. ____________________________ OLA CLINTON Ola M. Clinton, 92, of Pine Bluff, died March 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on June 8, 1905, at Marshall, a daughter of the late Charlie Thompson and Mary Alice Coker Thompson. She attended East Side Pentecostal Church and taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of PLA and enjoyed quilting. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Clinton, who died in 1948. Survivors include three sons, Ray Clinton, Louis Clinton and Melvin Clinton, all of Pine Bluff; three daughters, Virginia Crawford and Shirley Cate, both of Sherrill, and Peggy Drummond of Pine Bluff; 30 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at Hale-South Funeral Home with the Revs. Jackie Jones and Ralph Smith officiating. Burial will be in Hardin Cemetery. __________________________ WILLIAM WOODHOUSE William S. Woodhouse, 82, of Redfield, died March 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on March 28, 1915, at Ladysmith, Wisconsin, a son of the late Delbert William and Helen Strate Woodhouse. He was raised and received his education at Little Rock. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. He served in the Army during World War II. Survivors include a sister, Betty Woodhouse Allen of Redfield. Graveside services will be 3:30 p.m. today in Graceland Cemetery with the Rev. Frank Huber officiating. Arrangements are handled by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. _______________________________ HARMON HOLBERT LITTLE ROCK -- Harmon Lee "Sugie" Holbert, 52, of Stuttgart, died March 19, 1998, at Baptist Medical Center here. He was born on April 1, 1945, at DeWitt, a son of Imogene Lane Holbert of Stuttgart and the late Harmon H. Holbert. He was a farm laborer, a Methodist and served in the Army. Other survivors include three sons, William Keith Holbert and Ronnie Dale Holbert, both of Pine Bluff, and Scott Lee Holbert of Little Rock; a daughter, Rhonda Kay Holbert of Pine Bluff; four brothers, Glen E. Holbert and Waymon Holbert, both of Altheimer, Dale Holbert of Lafayette, Louisiana, and Charles Holbert of Clarendon; two sisters, Dora Bordelon of Bridge City, Louisiana, and Janice Ryman of Altheimer; and two grandchildren. The funeral will be 10 a.m. today at Bayou Meto Methodist Church with the Rev. Mike Evans officiating. Burial will be in Bayou Meto Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home of DeWitt. ____________________________ ANN JOHNSON NEWARK, New Jersey -- Ann Mae Johnson, 74, of Newark, New Jersey, died March 11, 1998, at Irvington General Hospital at Newark. She was born on February 26, 1924, at Wisner, Louisiana, a daughter of the late Nathen Johnson Sr. and Arbunchie Drumgoole Johnson. She worked at Lacross Inc. and was a Baptist. Survivors include four brothers, William Johnson, Joseph Johnson and Cliff Johnson, all of Oakland, California, and Nathen Johnson Jr, of Long Beach, California; and two sisters, Phillis Wilson and Mary Butler, both of Pine Bluff. The funeral will be 11 a.m. today at Brown Funeral Home at Pine Bluff with the Rev. Don Zell Jones officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Garden at Pine Bluff. __________________________ G. E. IVERS G.E. Ivers, 80, of Pine Bluff, died March 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 18, 1917, at Yazoo City, Mississippi, a son of the late William R. and Mattie Ivers. He was raised and attended school at Yazoo City. He was a real estate salesman at Forrest City until retiring in 1977. He moved to Pine Bluff after retiring. He volunteered at Trinity Village and was a hunter. He was member of First Baptist Church and the Fox Sunday School Class there. Survivors include his wife, Majorie Wood Ivers, whom he married on July 6, 1985 at Pine Bluff; a brother, Hillery Y. Ivers of Yazoo City; two stepdaughters, Carol Hudson of Greenwood and Sandra Tyner of Clearwater, Florida; five stepgrandchildren; nine stepgreat-grandchildren. The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Gordan Topping officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SUNDAY, MARCH 22,1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas CHESTER BRATTON (Photo included) LITTLE ROCK -- Chester A. Bratton, 63, of Pine Bluff, died March 17, 1998, at St. Vincent Hospital. Born April 8, 1934, at Waldo (Columbia County), he was a son of the late Martin R. Bratton and Arylee Cummings Bratton. At an early age he was united and baptized into Davis Chapel Baptist Church of Waldo, where he became a deacon and served as superintendent and teacher of the Sunday School. He later became an active member of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, where he served as deacon. He graduated from Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), majoring in mathematics. In 1962, he received a Masters degree in Education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He became a member of Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society in 1975. He served as a mathematics teacher at Westside High School in Waldo and Columbia High School in Magnolia. He served as a counselor at Peake Hlgh School in Arkadelphia. In Pine Bluff, he served a term as 3rd Ward Alderman, ending in 1985. He also served on the board of directors for various organizations including: Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility, the Jefferson County Port Authority, the Civil Service Commission, The Committe Against Spouse Abuse, Neighbor-to-Neighbor and the Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church board of trustees. He also served as a member of the Pine Bluff School District Bi-Racial Committee, the Pine Bluff Board of Realtors and as chairman of the United Way of Southeast Arkansas. From 1967 to 1968 he served as a counseling psychologist for the Regional Office of Economic Opportunity in Austin, Texas. From 1968 to 1970 he served as assistant dean of students at the University of Houston. From l970 to 1975 he was dean of students at UAPB. From 1990 to 1993 he served as vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students at UAPB. From 1993 until his death he served as assistant professor of mathematics and counselor of basic academic services at UAPB. Most recently, he was named assistant dean of the university. Survivors include his wife, DeLois Grant Bratton, whom he married June 2, 1956; three daughters, Regina Montgomery of McGehee, Dr. Thalia B. Forte of DeSoto, Texas, and Arthura Moore of Pine Bluff; two sisters, Margie Bratton Sneed of Washington, D.C., and Theessa L. Ellis of Suitland, Maryland; a brother LeRoy Bratton of Detroit, and seven grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at Pilgrim Baptist Church with the Rev. John Montgomery officiating. Burialwill be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Brown Funeral Home. ______________________________ JESSE THORBES Jesse Thorbes, 88, of Pine Bluff, died March 16, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born January 10,1910, in Wilmot (Ashley County), he was a son of the late Norman Thorbes and Francis Mitchell Campbell. He was a Baptist. Survivors include his wife, Estell Handley Thorbes of Pine Bluff; two sons, Jesse L. Thorbes of Pine Bluff and Jesse Wayne Hampton of Little Rock; three daughters, Stella L. Savage of Pine Bluff and Dorothy Smith and Murlene McKay, both of Chicago; four brothers, Lecester Campbell of Pine Bluff, Samuel Lee Thorbes and Frank Thorbes, both of Crossett, and W. J. Thorbes of Chicago; a sister, Beatrice Black of Wilmot; 17 grandchildren, 25 great- grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday at Brown Funeral Home with the Rev. Lincoln Clardy officiating. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery. ___________________________ MYRTLE HARPER RISON -- Myrtle Bernice Harper, 57, of Rison, died March 19, 1998, at her home. Born January 18, 1941, at Lake Charles, Louisiana, she was a daughter of the late A.J. Peacock and Evelyn N. Harper Peacock. She was a factory worker and a member of the Pentecostal Church. Survivors include her husband, Joseph N. Harper of Rison; two sons, Kevin N. Harper and Joseph F. Harper, both of Rison; two daughters, Louise Nelson of McEwen, Tenn., and Krystal Harper Yossett of Rison; a brother, Arthur Jerry Peacock of Little Rock, and three grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled tor 2 p.m. Monday at Greenwood Cemetery with Leonard Hodges and JoAnn Miller officiating. Visitation is scheduled from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Christian Way Funeral Home in Pine Bluff. _______________________________ FLOYD FEESER MONTICELLO -- Floyd Ralph Feeser, 90, of Lacey (Drew County), died March 21, l998, at Drew Memorial Hospital. Born September 6, 1907, in Woodward County, Oklahoma, he was a son of William and Sarah Adeline Lile Feeser. He was a retired bundle carrier of the Arkansas Democrat, a sawmill worker and a Methodist. Survivors include his wife, Esther Foster Feeser of Lacey; two sons, William T. Feeser of Lacey and Carroll J. Feeser of Jonesboro; two daughters, Mary Jones of Lacey and Lena Daugherty of White Hall; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Stephenson- Dearman Chapel in Monticello with the Rev. Ronnie Carpenter officiating. Burial will be in Lacey Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lacey Cemetery Association. ____________________________ OLA CLINTON Ola M. Clinton, 92, of Pine Bluff, died March 19, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on June 8, 1905, at Marshall, a daughter of the late Charlie Thompson and Maly Alice Coker Thompson. She attended East Side Pentecostal Church and taught Sunday school for many years. She was a member of PLA and enjoyed quilting. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Clinton, who died in 1948; three daughters, Mildred Smith, Margie Taylor and Linda Knight; four sons, Billy Dale Clinton, Archie Clinton, Andrew Clinton and Ronnie Clinton. Survivors include three sons, Ray Clinton. Louis Clinton and Melvin Clinton, all of Pine Bluff; three daughters, Virginia Crawford and Shirley Cate, both of Sherrill, and Peggy Drummond of Pine Bluff; 31 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchiIdren. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Monday at Hale-South Funeral Home with the Revs. Jackie Jones and Ralph Smith officiating. Burial will be in Hardin Cemetery. _________________________ JOHN HALE John C. Hale, 83, of Pine Bluff, died March 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born March 13, 1915, in Montgomery County, he was a son of the late Frank Thomas Hale and Nellie Sanders Hale. He received his early education in Oden (Montgomery County). After living in a number of states he moved to Pine Bluff from Mt. Ida in 1975. He was a retired farmer and a member of First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nita Hill Hale, who died February 28, 1986. Survivors include his wife, Myrtice Hale of Pine Bluff; a son, Billy D. Hale of Pine Bluff; a sister, Ruth Thomas of Portland, Oregon, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with the Rev. Ray Edmonson officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. _______________________________ MERELINE MORGAN MESQUITE, Texas -- Mereline Cole Morgan, 66, of Mesquite, formerly of Rowell (Cleveland County), died March 21, 1998, at her home. Born January 17, 1932, at Rowell, she was a daughter of the late Alvin Lee Cole and Faye Covington Cole. She was a homemaker, a Baptist and attended Woodlawn school. She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Ray Morgan, who died June 9, 1985. Survivors include two daughters, Linda McKinney of White Oak, Texas, and Brenda Nelson of Mesquite; two brothers, Embry Cole of Pine Bluff and Raymond Cole of Somerville, Tenn.; two sisters, Matte Esther Vinson and Lorene Vison, both of Dallas, and three grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Buie Funeral Home Chapel in Rison with the Rev. Harold Richardson officiating. Burial will be in Prosperity Cemetery at Herbine. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday evening. ______________________________ KATHRYN SAUNDERS Kathryn Culp Saunders, 67, of Pine Bluff, died March 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born January 14, 1931, at Shreveport, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Henry and Mary Emma Honsinger Culp. She was reared and educated in Pine Bluff after moving to the city from Shreveport at the age of 12. She was a 1948 graduate of Pine Bluff High School. She was married July 18, 1948, to Llewellyn Saunders, Jr., in Pine Bluff. She was a member of Forrest Park Baptist Church and the Open Door Sunday School class. She was preceded in death by her husband, Llewellyn Saunders, Jr., who died December 13, 1973; a daughter, Deborah Kay Saunders and a sister, Jane Strahn. Survivors include a son, Richard Saunders of Conway; a daughter, Karen Saunders Gomes of Pine Bluff; a sister, Martha Shepherd of Pine Bluff and a grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with the Rev. Clyde Jones officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Robinson's. The family requests that memorials take the form of contribution to Forrest Park Baptist Church, 3706 Cherry Street in Pine Bluff or to Gardner Nursing Home of Star City, 702 North Drew Street, Star City. _______________________________ WINNIE MOORE Winnie Ruth Moore, 97, of Pine Bluff, died March 21,1998, at Arkansas Convalescent Center. Born April 1, 1900, at Desha (Independence County), she was a daughter of the late James A. and Marguerite Elizabeth "Feebe" Rutledge Moore. She was reared and received her early education in Independence County. She moved to Pine Bluff in 1947. She was a homemaker who also worked as a babysitter and housekeeper. She was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Southside (Independence County). She was preceded in death by a son, Glinn Virgil Moore, who died in 1991. Survivors include a brother, Clifford Moore of New Orleans; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Home. __________________________ STEVEN MILLER HENSLEY -- Steven Glynn Miller, 38, of Hensley (Pulaski County), died March 20, 1998, at his home. Born December 12, 1959, in Dallas, he was a son of Eugene and Charlene Moore Miller. He was a hair stylist for Super Cuts and a member of the White Rock Community Church in Dallas. Survivors include his parents, Eugene and Charlene Moore Miller, of Hensley, and a sister, Gena Anderson of Van Buren. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. today at the Griffin Funeral Home in Star City with Bro. Douglas Burris officiating. Burial will be in Palmyra Cemetery near Star City. Memorials may be made to Baptist Medical System Hospice, 11900 Colonel Glenn Road, Suite 2300, Little Rock, AR 72210-2820. _____________________________ WILLIAM CATER MONTICELLO -- William C. Cater, 83, of Monticello, died March 20, 1998, at his home. Born September 10, 1914, in Drew County, he was a son of the late William Dee and Ottie Hoover Cater. He was a retired carpenter and member of First Free Will Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosie Cater. Survivors include two sons, Chuck Cater and Roland D. Cater, both of Monticello; two daughters, Carolyn Murphy of Monticello and Alice Faye Wolfe of Harrison; seven sisters, Grace Cater, Lillie Cater and Lovenner White, all of Monticello, Bessie Cox of Warren, Clara Dell Walters of Texarkana, and Evelyn Truman and Mary Sanders, both of Pine Bluff; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday at First Free Will Baptist Church in Monticello with the Rev. Rudell Smith and Jerry Sadler officiating. Burial will be in Gaster Hill Cemetery. Visitation is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Stephenson- Dearman Funeral Home in Monticello. _____________________________ ROBERT EVERIGHT Robert Edgar Everight, 84, of Fordyce, died March 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born November 15, 1913, in Oklahoma. He served in the Navy during World War II. He was a retired farmer and a member of First Baptist Church of New Edinburg. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce with the Rev. A.D. Livingston officiating. Burial will be in New Edinburg Cemetery. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL MONDAY, MARCH 23, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas NELLIE BEEGLE MONTlCELLO -- Nellie Eads Beegle, 85, of Watson (Desha County), died March 21, 1998, at Drew Memorial Hospital. Born September 14, 1912, at Silva, Missouri, she was a daughter of Eli Wyatt Eads and Mary Alice Allen. She was a homemaker and a member of Watson Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Beegle. Survivors include a son, James R. Beegle of Watson; six grand-children; and eight great-grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today in Watson Cemetery with the Rev. Harold Cantley officiating. Burial will be handled by Griffin Funeral Home of Dumas. _________________________ HELEN STAMPER NORTH LITTLE ROCK --Helen Juanita Stamper, 69, of North Little Rock, died March 21,l998, at Riley's Oak Hill Manor Nursing Home. Born June 2, 1928, at Rison, she was a daughter of the late Frederick J. Robertson Sr. and Marguerite Colbert Robertson. She was reared and educated in Rison. She lived in Pine Bluff for a number of years, later moving to Monticello and then North Little Rock in the late 1960s. She was a licensed cosmetologist. She was preceded in death by a son, Hubert Carl Stamper Jr. Survivors include a daughter, EIaine Davis of North Little Rock; and a grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Jim Robinson officiating. A private burial service will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. _________________________________ HAZEL ARMSTRONG (Photo included) STUTTGART -- Hazel Lee Armstrong, 90, of Stuttgart, died March 21, 1998, at her home. Born August 27, 1907, at Humphrey, she was a daughter of the late Robert Frank Lee and Mable V. Dickson. Throughout her life, she was busily involved with church, community and family. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She served as president of the Arkansas Medical Auxiliary and was a valued member of the American Cancer Society. She was an active supporter of the arts and served as area coordinator of the Grand Prairie Festival of Arts. She was poet laureate of Stuttgart and Arkansas County. She was a contributing member of the Poet's Roundtable of Arkansas and a recipient of the Certificate of Merit award from the International Who's Who in Poetry. She was the author of four books of poetry and an autobiography. Her newspaper column, Hazel's Corner, appeared for several years in the Stuttgart Daily Leader. Her poetry brought comfort and inspiration for countless readers. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry Shaw Armstrong of Stuttgart, whom she married in 1928. Survivors include a daughter, Von Armstrong Talbot of Pine Bluff; a son, Norman Armstrong of Stuttgart; seven grandchildren; 16 great- grandchildren; and great-great-grandchiId. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church of Stuttgart. Burial will be in Lone Tree Cemetery by Turpin Funeral Home of Stuttgart. The family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or First Presbyterian Church of Stuttgart. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas ROSE DAVIS CASSCOE -- Rose Kathren Davis, 75, of Casscoe, died March 22, 1998, at her home. She was born on April l8, l922, at Little Rock. She was a homemaker. Survivors include a son, James Ashley of Stuttgart; a daughter, Addie Robinson of Casscoe; and seven grandchildren. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Christian Way Funeral Home with Elder Carl Burns officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery at Casscoe. ____________________________ DOLLIE TURRELL WARREN -- Dollie Turrell, 77, of Warren, died March 22, 1998, at Pine Lodge Nursing Home. She was born on September 29, 1920, at Warren, a daughter of the late John Alvin and Lorena Bland Sloan. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Turrell; three brothers, Grady Sloan, Guy Sloan and Willis Sloan; and a sister, Erma Lee Hall. Survivors include two sisters, Jeanette Johnson of Perryville and Marie Scroggins of Searcy. The funeral will be 2 p.m. today at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren with the Rev. Wayman Mann officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery at Monticello. __________________________ FRANCES WALKER WHITE HALL-Frances W. "Granny" Walker, 76, of Pine Bluff, died March 22, 1998, at her daughter's home at White Hall. She was born on March 20,1922, at Charleston, Illinois, a daughter of the late Webb Campbell and Mae Hopkins Campbell. She was raised and educated at Charleston. She was a homemaker, a Presbyterian and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She participated in the Spacemakers Bowling Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, H.L. Walker of Terre Haute, Indiana, whom she married on November 11, 1939; and who died on November 16, 1982. Survivors include two sons, Terry Walker of Doyline, Louisiana, and Harvey Walker of Winona, Texas; two daughters, Kay Cook of White Hall and Carol Hall of Pine Bluff; a sister, Alma Louthan of Mattoon, Illinois; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Cypress Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Dan Loomis officiating. Arrangements are by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Care Service, 2214 South Blake St., Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603. ______________________________ ESTHER COX (Photo included) Esther Gustava Kline Cox, 80, of Pine Bluff, died March 22, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born September 3, 1917, at Johnstown, Nebraska, a daughter of the late Agusta and Alma Estabrook Kline. She was a charter member of First Pentecostal Church of God at Pine Bluff, where she was a Sunday School secretary for 25 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Union Chapter No. 40 and was a lifetime member of the ABWA Progressive Chapter. She was voted the Woman of the Year for the organization. She worked for Pine Crest Cotton Mill for 17 years. She also worked for the Office of Economic Opportunity and retired as the director of the Senior Citizens Center. She managed the Smart Stuff School Supplies/SonShine Shoppe since 1984. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard Kline and Henry Kline. Survivors include her husband, Glyndol Cox of Fort Smith, whom she married in 1941; a son, Jerry Lee Cox of Kingsland; two daughters, Patricia Murdock of Fort Smith and Glenda Peyton of White Hall; a sister, Matilda V. Sherbourn of Portland, Oregon; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at First Pentecostal Church of God with E.L. Redding and Jerry Orf officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery by Cranford Funeral Home of White Hall. Memorials may be made to First Pentecostal Church Windham Street, Pine Arkansas, 71602, or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 7101 West 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. _______________________________ MAE HELEN THOMPSON (Photo included) DETROIT -- Mae Helen Thompson, 62, of Detroit, died March 6, 1998, at Sinai Hospital. She was born on June 25, 1935, at Varner, Arkansas, a daughter of the late James and Margie Cannon. She moved to Detroit in 1949. She graduated from Northwestern High School and was a member of Mount Zion AME Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed traveling and shopping and spending time with loved ones. Survivors include her husband, Calvin Lee Thompson, whom she married on April 5, 1959; a son; four daughters; two brothers; two sisters; and 11 grandchildren. The funeral was March 12, l998, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church at Detroit with the Rev. Samuel White officiating. Burial was in Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery at Mount Clemens, Michigan, by O.H. Pye, III Funeral Home at Detroit. __________________________________ GEORGE JOHNSON SHREVEPORT--George F. "Pat" Johnson, 89, of Pine Bluff, died March 21, 1998, at Grace Home Hospice Care at Shreveport. He was born October 14, 1908, at Magnolia, Arkansas, a son of the late Robert J. and Fannie Bell Dodson Johnson. He was raised and received his education at Magnolia and graduated from Magnolia High School. He moved to the Pine Bluff area in 1930 and retired from Perdue Company in l973, after 30 years of service. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was an Army veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by two wives, Anne Ferrara Johnson and Eva Gilmer Johnson; and a daughter, Margaret Ann Johnson. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Gill Johnson; four sons, George Patrick Johnson of Washington, D.C., Dr. William Ferrara Johnson of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, Richard M. Johnson of Memphis and Robert J. Johnson of Pine Bluff; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Andrew Smith officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Junior High School, 412 West Sixth Avenue, Pine Bluff. _________________________ CHRISTIAN DEMAILLY MCGEHEE -- Christian Jean-Francois Demailly, 50, of Little Rock and McGehee, died March 19, 1998, at McCehee from injuries received in an airplane accident. He was born on February 5, 1948, at Bergerac, France, a son of Pierre and Suzanne Festal Demailly of France. He came to the United States to further his education. He owned and operated an aerial application service, Chris Flying Service at McGehee. He was a licensed attorney. He was a member and served as a state officer for the Arkansas Aerial Applicators Association and was a member of the Arkansas State Bar Association. Other survivors include his wife, Kay Jackson Demailly of Little Rock, whom he met in law school at Little Rock and whom he married on March 22, 1982; a daughter, Catherine Demailly of Little Rock; and three sisters, Catherine Demailly, Florence Demailly and Isabelle Chiron, all of France. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral at Little Rock with the Rev. Henry Hudson officiating. Burial will be in Mount Holly Cemetery by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital. ________________________ JACK GRIFFO KANSAS CITY, Kansas -- Jack Alex Griffo, 69, of Kansas City, Kansas, died March 19, 1998, at the V.A. Medical Center at Kansas City. He was born on April l4, l928, at Dumas, Arkansas, a son of the late Alex and Helen Griffo. He attended school at an early age in the Dumas School System and graduated from Stone Street High School at Greenwood, Mississippi. He attended AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff until he was drafted. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War and was honorably discharged after serving two years. He then attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University at Stillwater, Oklahoma, with a degree in culinary arts. He was a chef at Pustach Restaurant at Kansas City. Survivors include three sons, Larry Lavern Griffo of Little Rock, and Roy Lee Jasper and Willie Jasper, both of Chicago; a sister, Mae Helen Hamilton of Prescott; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be noon Wednesday at Tyree Temple AME Church at Dumas with the Rev. James Edwards officiating. Burial will be in Banks Cemetery at Dumas by Washington-Dolls Funeral Home at Dumas. _______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas GLADYS REYNOLDS LITTLE ROCK--Gladys Lucille Fee Reynolds, 75, of Sheridan, died March 23, 1998, at Baptist Medical Center. She was born February 26, 1923, at Rose Hill, Virginia, a daughter of the late Lester and Ada Denson Fee. Her family moved to Sheridan when she was 12 years old. She was a member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church at Sheridan. She was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Fee. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Okie T. Reynolds, whom she married on December 24, 1943; three daughters, Wrennita Cash, Peggy Reynolds and Leann Hall, all of Sheridan; two brothers, Neal Fee of Malvern and Eugene Fee of Sacramento, California; three sisters, Estelle Clark of Sheridan, MaIy Plunkett of Grapevine and Alice H. Ross of Pine Bluff; and three grandchildren. The funeral will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Buie Funeral Home at Sheridan with the Rev. Tim Montgomery and the Rev. Harold Epperson officiating. Burial will be in Lost Creek Cemetery at Sheridan. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Grant County Museum or to First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. _______________________________ RICHARD SMITH SR. LAKE VILLAGE--Richard "Cutie" Smith Sr., 95, of Eudora, died March 22, 1998, at Chicot Memorial Hospital. He was born on March 14, 1903, at Eudora, a son of the late Richard Smith and Minnie Payton Smith. He was a long-time butcher, a Mason and a Baptist. He was a member of Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church at Eudora, where he was a deacon for many years. Survivors include two sons, Richard C. Smith Jr. of McGehee; and Edward R. Smith of Chicago; 13 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchiidren. The funeral will be at I p.m. Saturday at Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. David Green officiating. Burial will be in Masonic Cemetery at Eudora by Dillard Funeral Home of Eudora. _______________________________ VICTOR HARRIS SR. LEOLA--Victor Noel Harris Sr., 75, of Prattsville, died March 24, 1998, at Leola. He was born September 10, 1922, at Little Rock, a son of the late Wesley H. and Nobie Burke Harris. He was a retired minister, a member of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church at Prattsville and an Army veteran of World War II. Survivors inclued his wife, Virginia C. Baker Harris; two sons, Victor N. Harris Jr. of Conway and Derrell W. Harris of Sheridan; A daughter, Lynda S. Aaron of Texarkana; two brothers, Elmer Harris of Houston and W.H. Harris Jr. of Prescott; a sister, Lovenia Burch of Hot Springs; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. The funeral will be 3 p.m. Thursday at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Don Goodman officiating. Burial will be in Philadelphia Cemetery at Prattsville by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan. _________________________ IVA HEARNSBERGER LUFKIN, Texas -- Iva Vernon Hearnsberger, 81, of Lufkin, Texas, died March 22, 1998, at Lufkin Hospital. He was born on March 24, l916, at Fordyce, Arkansas, a son of the late John D. and Mary Anna Lindsey Hearnsberger. He was a retired market manager for Brookshire Brothers, working there for more than 30 years. He was a member of Southside Baptist Church. He was an Army military messenger during World War II and served in the Normandy, Rhineland, Northern France and Central Europe battles and campaigns. He received the American Defense Service Ribbon, EAME Service Ribbon, four Bronze Service Stars and the Good Conduct Medal. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Hearnsberger; two sons, John Hearnsberger and Ted Hearnsberger, both of Lufkin; two brothers, J.D. Hearnsberger of Pine Bluff and Rex Hearnsberger of Warren, Arkansas; two sisters, Irma Scarborough of Fordyce and Edna Baker of Conway, Arkansas; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. today at Oakland Cemetery at Fordyce. Arrangements are handled by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. ______________________________ EULA RODGERS Eula Mae Rodgers, 88, of Pine Bluff, died March 23, 1998 at Davis Life Care Center. She was born August 6, 1909, at Calmer, a daughter of the late Ed Reed and Jennie B. May Reed. She was a homemaker and attended Immanuel Baptist Church. She enjoyed needlework and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wiiliam L. Rodgers, who died on May 30, 1981; two brothers; and two sisters. Survivors include three sons, Travis Rodgers, Billy Rodgers and Eddie Rodgers, all of Pine Bluff; two daughters, Maxine Owens and Linda Ray Yaney, both of Pine Bluff; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great- great-grandchild. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Hale-South Funeral Home with John Brock and Luke Criswell officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery. ____________________________ ADA GILBERT LITTLE ROCK -- Ada B. Gilbert, 73, of Little Rock, died March 20, 1998, at Arkansas Heart Hospital. She was born December 15, 1924, at Watson, a daughter of the late Isiah Pickett and Annie Robinson. She was a homemaker and a member of Morning Star Baptist Church at Watson. She was also a member of the American Association of Retired Persons, Gorfield Height Senior Citizens Center, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Urban League. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rogers Gilbert. Survivors include a son, Elijah Gilbert of Little Rock; four daughters, Elizabeth Jackson of Cleveland, Margaret Turner of Avondale, Arizona, Dorise Gilbert of Kansas City and Barbara J. Gilbert of Phoenix; a brother, Henry Pickett Sr. of Watson; a sister, Pankie Thomas of Watson; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be 11 a.m. today at Watson District Headquarters at Mitchellville with the Rev. Bobby Brassfield officiating. Burial will be in Jerusalem Cemetery at Dumas by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas WILLIE ARCHER LlTTLE ROCK -- Willie White Archer, 94, of England, died March 24, 1998, at Four Oaks Nursing Home. She was born on February 21, 1904, in Lonoke County, a daughter of the late M.M. White and Lula Hilliard White. She lived in Jefferson County for 40 years and was a member of Plum Bayou Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alba Archer; two sons, Clyde Archer and Otis "Doc" Archer; and a daughter, Maxine Archer. Survivors include a son, Herchel Archer of England; two brothers, Melvin White and Odel White, both of Phoenix, Arizona; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. today at Roller-England Funeral Home at England with the Rev. John Hagan and Shane McNary officiating. Burial will be in Mulberry Cemetery at England. Memorials may be made to Plum Bayou Baptist Church. ______________________________ ELLA EDWARDS WARREN -- Ella Mae Edwards, 76, of Warren, died March 21, 1998, at Wagnon Place Nursing Home. She was born on March 6, l922, at Selma, a daughter of the late John Leonard and Lizzie Leonard. She was a homemaker and a member of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church at Warren, where she was a deaconess. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Edwards Sr.; a son, Napoleon Daniels; six brothers, Milton Leonard, J.C. Leonard, J.D. Leonard, Charlie Leonard, John Leonard and Virgil Leonard; and two sisters, Annie Mae Bolton and Leomie Colberson. Survivors include four sons, Roy Edwards Jr. of Warren, Willie Earl Edwards of Dallas. Billy Mack Edwards of Monticello and Ray Charles Edwards of El Dorado; a brother, Sandy Leonard of Selma; three sisters, Ada Everett of Selma, Flossie Leonard of St. Louis and Shirly Meadows of Milwaukee; a stepson, R.C. Edwards of Wilmar; and 13 grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. K. Lewis Dawn officiating. Burial will be in Selma Cemetery by Henderson Funeral Home of Monticello. _________________________ BERTHA KEMP CHICAGO-- Bertha Bell Kemp, 58, of Chicago, formerly of Dumas, Arkansas, died March 18, 1998, at Loretta Hospital at Chicago. She was born on March 18, 1940, at Pickens, Arkansas, a daughter of Rosetta Dantzler of Dumas and the late Stanfield Bell. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lem Kemp. Survivors include three sons, Darren Kemp of Little Rock, Kenneth Dantzler of Kansas City and Leroy Kemp of Milwaukee; two daughters, Latecia Strain of Dumas and Linda Kemp of Chicago; two sisters, Evelyn Bell and Doris Bell, both of Chicago; and 12 grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at Mount Moriah Baptist Church at Dumas with the Rev. Eddie Carter officiating. Burial will be in Lincoln Memorial Lawn Cemetery at Varner by Brown Funeral Home of Dumas. _____________________________ MINNIE JONES DUMAS -- Minnie B. Jones, 79, of Dumas, died March 16, l998, at Delta Memorial Hospital. She was born on July 11, 1918, at Watson, a daughter of the late Charley and Mae Frances Mosby Cowley. She was a member of Union Baptist Missionary Baptist Church at Dumas and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Jones. Survivors include a brother, Alex Jackson of Dumas; and two sisters, Mattie Speeks and Juland Ward, both of Dumas. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Union Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Howard Bess Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Jerusalem Cemetery at Backgate by Brown Funeral Home of Dumas. _______________________________ GENEVA DeROUSSE Geneva Jeanette Howie DeRousse, 68, of Pine Bluff, died March 21, 1998, at Sunchase Nursing Home. She was born on March 5, l930, a daughter of the late Roland and Jewell Keel Howie. She was a member of Elks Lodge at Puyallup, Washington and was a member of Forrest Park Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Walter DeRousse, whom she married on September 14, 1966; two daughters, Linda DeRousse and Debra DeRousse, residences unavailable; two stepsons, Thomas DeRousse of Korea and Roland DeRousse of Washington; two stepdaughters, Susan Barry of Pine Bluff and Tammy Cagle of Redfield; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great- grandchildren. A memorial service and visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Cranford Funeral Home at White Hall. _______________________________ ALONZO JACKSON LITTLE ROCK -- Alonzo Jackson, 81, of Pine Bluff, died March 23, l998, at Veterans Administration Hospital. He was born on January 23, 1917, at Swan Lake, a son of the late Grant and Arnell Robinson Jackson. Survivors include his wife, Beulah Jackson; three sons, Dennis Jackson, John Jackson, both of Pine Bluff, and Joe Jackson of Flint, Michigan; seven daughters, Cynthia Rouse, Debra Thornton, Donna Brown, Shirley Hannett and Natasha Jackson, all of Pine Bluff, Lisa Warfield of Little Rock and Lucynell Ward of Oakland, California; 41 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at noon Friday at Union Baptist Church with the Rev. Leroy Spears officiating. Burial will be in National Cemetery at Little Rock by Henson Mortuary. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL FRIDAY, MARCH 27,1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas CHARLES SHELTON (Photo included) WABBASEKA -- Charles Pershun Shelton, 22, of Altheimer, died March 23, 1998, at Wabbaseka from injuries received in an automobile/train accident. He was born on September 19, 1975, at Wabbaseka, a son of James and Joyce Shelton of Altheimer. He was a member of Mulberry Grove Baptist Church at Wabbaseka and a 1993 graduate of the Altheimer-Sherrill School District. Other survivors include five brothers, Steven Shelton of Pine Bluff, Marlon Shelton of Little Rock, and Kerry Shelton, Travis Shelton and Keith Shelton, all of Altheimer; three sisters, Vanessa Shelton of Pine Bluff, and Tomeka Shelton and LaTonya Shelton, both of Altheimer; and grandparents, the Rev. Frank Shelton Sr. of Altheimer, and James and Norma Batemon of Wabbaseka. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Central District Tabernacle at Altheimer with the Rev. Robert A. Anderson Sr. officiating. Burial will be in Wabbaseka Cemetery by Perry Funeral Home. ________________________________ BEATRICE TAGGART (Photo included) Beatrice Taggart. 41, of Pine Bluff, died March 21, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born on July l7, 1956, at Pine Bluff, a daughter of Emma Simmons Gardner of Pine Bluff and the late Bennie Gardner. She was a cook at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and a member of St. Luke Baptist Church at Sherrill, where she was a member of the choir, the youth department and was a Sunday School teacher. She attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Other survivors include her husband, James Taggart Sr.; a son, James Taggart Jr. of Pine Bluff; a daughter, Jasmine Taggart of Pine Bluff; six brothers, Theodis Eaton and Timothy Gardner, both of Detroit, Eddie Gardner, Sammie Gardner and Curtis Gardner, all of Pine Bluff, and Cleo Gardner of Chicago; and three sisters, Ruby Garner of Chicago, and Linda Alexander and Rose Gardner, both of Pine Bluff. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke Baptist Church with the Rev. Steven A. Marsh officiating. Burial will be in St. Luke Cemetery at Sherrill. Visitation will be from 4 to 8:30 p.m. today at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. ______________________________ TAMARA TISDALE LITTLE ROCK -- Tamara Marie Tisdale, of Pine Bluff, an infant daughter of Gregory Tisdale and Tammie Eans of Pine Bluff, died March 24, 1998, at Arkansas Children's Hospital. She was born on March 10, 1998, at Pine Bluff. Other survivors include a brother, Dontrez Williams of Pine Buff; three sisters, Keisha Chavers and Tierra Jackson, both of Pine Bluff, and Monica Tisdale of Little Rock; grandparents, Della Webster, Charles Tisdale Sr., Mary Tisdale and Mack Arthur Eans Sr., all of Pine Bluff; and great- grandparents, Sadie Webster, Bertha Gregory and Lillian Tisdale, all of Pine Bluff. Graveside senices will be at noon Saturday in Shiloh Cemetery with the Rev. David Deadman officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. ___________________________ BILLIE SIMS Billie L. Sims, 84, of Pine Bluff, died March 20, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born at Wilmar, a daughter of the late Earnest Sims and Lelar McNeary Sims. She received her early education in the public schools in Drew County and was a homemaker. Survivors include a daughter, Willie Mae Grimm of Pine Bluff; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at P.K. Miller Mortuary with the Rev. Dennis Smith officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Section of Graceland Cemetery. ______________________________ GEORGE W. GARMAN SR. George W. Garman Sr., 78, of Pine Bluff, died March 25, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born August 10, 1919, at Waverly, Illinois, he was a son of the late Clifton Everett Garman and Sarah Hagan Garman. He moved to Pine Bluff with his family at the age of 6 where he grew up and attended Watson Chapel Schools and graduated from Watson Chapel High School. He owned and operated Garman's Cleaners in Pine Bluff nearly 40 years before retiring in 1995. He also retired from the Postal Service where he worked out of the Pine Bluff office as a rural letter carrier. He served in the Army during World War II and was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church at Pine Bluff. He was an out-doorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his son, George William "Bill" Garman Jr. who died June 22, 1994. Survivors include his wife, Alice Virginia Smith Garman whom he married August 2, 1940, in Pine Bluff; a sister, Gladys Garman Mitchell of Pine Bluff; a brother, C.E. Garman Jr. of Pine Bluff; and three grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. John Brock officiating. Burial will be in Bellwood Annex. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 1801 West 17th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, 71603. ______________________________ JACK WISNER LITTLE ROCK -- Jack Wisner, 65, of Monticello, died March 25, 1998, at Veterans Adrninistration Hospital here. He was born July 20, 1932, at Dermott, a son of the late John C. Wisner Sr. and Helen E. Stone Wisner. He was retired from the Air Force, having served 23 years with four years in the Navy during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion and Pauline Missionary Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Patsy Wisner; two daughters Teresa Garrett of Camden and Clarissa Vierrether of Rolla, Missouri; a brother, John C. Wisner Jr. of Star City; four sisters, Mary Johnston of San Diego, Frances Kresser of El Cajon, California, Martha Gangnat of Winchester, Tennessee, and Gloria Doty of Lebanon, Illinois and five grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. tdday at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home at Monticello with the Rev. Larry Clements and Larry Fisackerly officiating. Burial will be in Rash Cemetery in Drew County with full military honors. ______________________________ HARVEY FUEL SR. MARION -- Harvey Johnson Fuel Sr., 94, of Marion, died March 25, 1998, at Marion. He was born August 27, 1903, in Wayne County, Tennessee, a son of the late James E. Fuel and Jackie Stringer Fuel. He was a former chief of police of Lake Village, a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the D.H. Reynolds Lodge No. 563 in Lake Village, a shriner and member of Lake Village Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his son, Harvey Fuel Jr.; and one brother, Tary Cecil Fuel. Survivors include three sisters, Nora Strahn and Mary Phillips, both of Pine Bluff, and Carrie Townsend of Texas; five grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Steele Funerai Home at Lake Village with the Rev. Jack Albritton officiating. Burial will be in Lake Village City Cemetery. _____________________________ EPHRAIN KNIGHT JR. OMAHA - Ephrain Knight Jr., 87, of Omaha, died March 19, 1998 at Villeda Sante Care Center at Omaha. He was born on March 9, l9ll, at Sweden, Arkansas, a son of the late Ephrain Knight Sr, and Martha Mason Knight. He was a self-employed farmer and a member of Damascus Baptist Church at Grady, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ida Mae Winston Knight. Survivors include two sons, Roy Knight of Dumas, Arkansas and Otis Knight of Detroit; four daughters, Opal Chaney of Grady, Billie Jean Murry of Omaha, Josephine Trotter of St. Louis and Jimmie Lee Knight of Fort Dodge, Iowa; 35 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Damascus Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Lee Scott officiating. Burial will be in Randolph Cemetery at Grady. Visitation will be from 4 to 8:30 p.m. today at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. _______________________________ HELEN STUART Helen Mae Rainey Stuart, 71, of Pine Bluff, died March 25, 1998, at her home. She was born on July 17, 1926, at Pine Bluff, a daughter of the late W. Tom Rainey Sr. and Myrtle Hopkins Rainey. She was raised and received her education at Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School. She was a homemaker and member of First Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, F. Hunter Stuart Jr., whom she was married to for 50 years; a brother; and three sisters. Survivors include a son, Hunter Stuart III of Little Rock and Germantown, Tennessee; two daughters, Lynn Milroy of Pine Bluff and LuAnn Brent of Nashville; a brother, W.T. Rainey of Sherrill; two sisters, Evelyn McEwen of Star City and Dot Woodson of Macon, Georgia; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Allen Womack officiating. 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 Multiple Sclerosis National Society, 11OO North University, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas MISTY ERWIN (Photo included) JEFFERSON -- Misty Dawn Erwin, 20, was found dead March 25, 1998, at Jefferson from injuries received in a shooting. She was born May 23, 1977, at Dumas, a daughter of Douglas Randall and Lula Bell Paul Erwin of Star City. She was a 1996 graduate of Star City High School and a member of Old Union Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Francis Paul Sr. and Johnny and Loins Erwin. Other survivors include three sisters, Tabitha Lynn Bunting and Francis Michelle Erwin, both of Traverse City, Michigan, and Margo Mae Erwin of Star City; and a grandmother, Mae Paul of Star City. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Buie Funeral Home of Rison with Richard Burton officiating. Buriai will be in Macedonia Cemetery near Rison. _____________________________ SHELLY SORG (Photo included) JEFFERSON--Shelly Marie Erwin Sorg, 24, of Pine Bluff, was found dead March 25, 1998, at Jefferson from injuries received in a shooting. She was born on October 30, 1973, at Vicksburg, a daughter of James A. Envin and Bobbie Lemonds Erwin. She was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Johnny Erwin and Loins Erwin. Other survivors include her husband, Rodger Dale Sorg; three brothers, James Erwin Jr., Robert Erwin and Edward Erwin, all of Pine Bluff; a sister, ShaShonee Maria Erwin of Pine Bluff; and a grandmother, Jean Ratteree of Lake Village. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Buie Funeral Home of Rison with James Vines officiating. Burial will be in Macedonia Cemetery near Rison. ______________________________ TAYLOR SORG (Photo included) JEFFERSON -- Taylor Nicole Sorg, 3, of Pine Bluff, was found dead March 25, 1998 at Jefferson from injuries received in a shooting. She was born on May 28, 1994 at Jonesboro, the daughter of Rodger Dale Sorg of Pine Bluff and the late Shelly Marie Erwin Sorg. Other survivors include grandparents, Fred Sorg, Phil and Linda Clay, all of Pocahontas and James and Bobbie Erwin of Star City; and great-grandparents, Raymond and Bessie Sorg of Pocahontas, and Frances Anderson of Alexander, Nebraska. The funeral service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Buie Funeral Home of Rison with James Vines, officiating. Burial will be in Macedonia Cemetery near Rison. _________________________ SEAN SORG (Photo included) JEFFERSON -- Sean Michael "Mickey" Sorg, 5, of Pine Bluff, was found dead March 25, 1998, at Jefferson, from injuries received in a shooting. He was born on October 25, 1992, at Memphis, son of Rodger Dale Sorg of Pine Bluff and the late Shelly Marie Erwin Sorg. Other survivors include grandparents, Fred Sorg, Phil Clay and Linda Clay, all of Pocahontas, James Erwin and Bobbie Erwin, both of Star City; great- grandparents, Raymond Sorg and Bessie Sorg, both of Pocahontas, and Frances Anderson of Alexander, Nebraska. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Buie Funeral Home of Rison, with James Vines, officiating. Burial will be in Macedonia Cemetery near Rison. ________________________ GENEVA PREWITT LAS VEGAS -- Geneva Prewitt, 80, of North Las Vegas, Nevada, died March 22, 1998, at IHS Health Service Center at Las Vegas. Born September 17, 1917, at El Dorado, she was a daughter of the late D.D. Pumphrey. Survivors include two sons, Frank Williams of Houston, and Nathan Prewitt Jr. of Las Vegas; five daughters, Bernice Jordan, Luella Prewitt, Dorothy Prewitt and Emma Prewitt, all of Las Vegas, and Geraldine Prewitt of McCehee; two brothers, Jim Pumphrey of Little Rock and S.T. Pumphrey of McGehee; two sisters, Daisy Bullock of Little Rock and Elnora Scott of Oakland, California; and 18 grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Zion Hill Baptist Church at Arkansas City with the Rev. Jesse Radford officiating. Burial will be in Lacey Cemetery in Drew County by M. Davis Strickland Funeral Home at Dermott. ____________________________ WILLIE STEWART DUMAS -- Willie James Stewart, 78, of Arkansas City, died March 22, 1998, at Dumas Nursing Center. Born April 4, 1919, at Arkansas City, he was a son of the late Lizzie Young. He was a retired farmer. Survivors include his wife, Bessie Lee Stewart of Arkansas City; a son, James W. Stewart of Camden; a stepson, Charles Calvin of McGehee; a daughter, Carrie B. Hall of Camden; 15 grandchildren; and six great- grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at St. Andrew Baptist Church at Arkansas City with the Rev. Roy Lee McDaniel officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Garden Cemetery at Arkansas City by M. Davis Strickland Funeral Home at Dermott. _____________________ BETTY ESTES FORDYCE -- Betty Estes, 66, of Fordyce, died March 26, 1998, at her home. She was born on December 19, 1931, at Burbank, California, a daughter of the late Joseph Basta and Evelyn Herschel Basta. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Judy Estes; and a son Donald Basta. Survivors include her husband, John E. Estes; a son, Ronnie Estes of Fordyce; four daughters, Jeanne Campbell of Camden; Debbie Rogers of Monticello, Johnnie Ruth Ferrington of Warren and Connie Tidwell of Okinawa, Japan; four sisters, Shirley Onken of Ceylon, Minnesota, Deloris Bass of Jackson, Minnesota, Judy Kelly of Maple Grove, Minnesota, and Joanne Dillon of Apple Vally, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Benton Funeral Home at Fordyce with the Revs. Horace Dunn and Richard Wade officiating. Burial will be in McCoy Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Baptist Hospice in Arkadelphia. __________________________ BESSIE JOHNSON MONROE -- Bessie Coon Johnson, 66, of Monroe, formerly of Monticello, Arkansas, died March 25, 1998, at North Monroe Hospital in Monroe, Louisiana. She was born on January 9, 1932, in Drew County, Arkansas, a daughter of the late William Crawford Coon and Palestine Brister Coon. She was a retired nurse, active in community and political affairs, and a member of Prairie Road Baptist Church of Monroe. She was preceded in death by her grandson. Survivors include her husband, Herman A. Johnson II; a daughter, Linda Johnson Frith of Keithville, Louisiana; two sisters, Lula Mae Fedde of Seattle, Washington, and Willie Faye Masters of Shreveport; 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today in Ladelle Cemetery in Drew County, Arkansas, with the Rev. Ronnie Carpenter officiating. Arrangements will be handled by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello. _____________________________ CORINE MURPHY (Photo included) WABBASEKA -- Corine Murphy, 69, of Wabbaseka, died March 20, 1998, at her home. She was born August 10, 1928, at Scott, a daughter of the late Drew and Mamie Stanton Glover. She was a member of the Freedom Missionary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active on the mother's board. Survivors include her husband, Earnest Murphy Sr.; five sons, the Rev. Earnest Murphy Jr. of Gary, Indiana, Johnny L. Murphy and Floyd Murphy, both of Wabbaseka, Billy C. Murphy of Chicago and Edward L. Murphy of Little Rock; two daughters, Cora Finley of Little Rock and Vickie Thomas of Altheimer; a brother, Mozell Glover of Gary, Indiana; 26 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchiIdren. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at Freedom Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer with the Rev. Brian Dodson officiating. Burial will be in Wabbaseka Community Cemetery at Wabbaseka by Henson Mortuary of Pine Bluff. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas SAMANTHA RHODES (Photo included) JEFFERSON -- Samantha Marcia Dianne Rhodes, 12, of Pine Bluff, was found dead March 25, 1998, at Jefferson, from injuries received in a shooting. She was born August 4, 1985, at Antlers, Oklahoma, a daughter of James Troy Rhodes Sr. and Brenda Sue Davis Cox of Pine Bluff. She was a lifelong resident of Pine Bluff and was a seventh grader at Dollarway Junior High School. She was a member of the Junior High Band where she played the violin. She loved to sing and was a member of the school choir and church choir at Victory Baptist Church. Samantha enjoyed skating and played in the White Hall Girls Softball League as a member of the Reyco team. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, George Davis and Ethel Davis. Other survivors include three brothers, Johnny Rhodes, James "Troy" Rhodes Jr. and Jason Rhodes, all of Pine Bluff; two sisters, Veronica Horton of Dumas and Courtney Horton of Pine Bluff; a stepbrother, J.J. Nail of Lamar; a stepsister, Tesha Nail of Pine Bluff; her stepmother, Barbara Rhodes of Pine Bluff; her mother's fiance, Bobby Glen Bratton of Pine Bluff; her paternal grandmother, Norma Sanders of Wright; her paternal stepgrandfather, Gene Sanders of Wright; and her maternal grandmother, Audrey Jones of Pine Bluff. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Rodger Bottrell officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church Bus Ministry, Post Office Box 8741, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611. ____________________________ SUSAN ODEN LITTLE ROCK -- Susan Cater Oden, 40, of Rogers, died March 26, 1998, at University Hospital here. She was born October 15, 1957, in Gilmer, Texas, a daughter of Don Cater and Nita Poynter Cater of Rogers. She was reared and educated in Pine Bluff. She started her banking career at National Bank of Commerce at Pine Bluff. In 1992, she moved to Rogers. At the time of her death she was a vice president at Simmons First Mortgage Company. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Optimist Club at Rogers. She was preceded in death by a brother, Donnie Cater. Other survivors include her husband, Mark Oden of Rogers; a son, Matthew Oden of Rogers; a sister, Eve McCormick of Rogers; and three brothers, Johnny Cater of Lonoke, Bobby Cater of Pine Bluff and Lloyd Cater of Houston. Funeral services are scheduled far 3:30 p.m. Monday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors with the Rev. Rick Glover and the Rev. Hurbert Holley. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Susan Oden Memorial Fund, C/O Simmons First Bank of Northwest Arkansas, Rogers, Arkansas, account 04013956 or the Ronald McDonald House. ______________________________ MARTHA CHATMAN MONTICELLO -- Martha Louneil Chatman, 67, of Monticello, died March 28, 1998, at Drew Memorial Hospital. She was born June 15, 1930, at McArthur, a daughter of Hazel Bonds King of Monticello and the late Smead P. King. She was a Baptist and employed by Professional Food Management at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. Other survivors include her husband, Bernard Chatman of Monticello; three sons, Barry Chatman and Phillip Chatman, both of Monticello, and Paul Chatman of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; two daughters, Pam Moore and Mary Musick, both of Monticello; two brothers, Robert King of Lake Village and Benny Ray King of Monticello; a sister, Avi Lea Pharr of Hobbs, New Mexico; 13 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery in Drew County. ______________________________ MARJORIE MOORE BENTON -- Majorie Culp Moore, 69, of Redfield, died March 27, 1998, at Saline Memorial Hospital. She was born November 17, 1928, at Rowell, a daughter of the late Bryce Culp and Goldie Shockley Culp. She graduated from Star City High School in 1946. She retired as a production worker from Stant Manufacturing. She was a member of Redfield Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Culp, who died in 1981. Survivors include a daughter, Sherry McFatridge of Redfield; three brothers, Billy Culp of Redfield, M.B. Culp of Bartlett Tennessee, and Jimmy Culp of Springdale; a sister, Martha Lindsey of Hot Springs; and a granddaughter. Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Cranford Funeral Home in White Hall with Carroll Koon officiating. Burial will be in Redfield Cemetery. ______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas JULIA STUCKEY LlTTLE ROCK -- Julia Gossett Stuckey, 78, of Little Rock, formerly of Bearden, died March 29, 1998, at Little Rock. She was born March 14, 1920, at Bearden, a daughter of the late Warren Gossett and Ozella Gossett. She taught elementary school for over 20 years at Pine Bluff and Bearden. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Eric Stuckey Sr., who she was married to for over 50 years. Survivors include three sons, John Stuckey of Little Rock, Jim Stuckey of Russellville and Bill Stuckey of Camden; two sisters, Ethel Burton and Martha Milner, both of Hot Springs; and five grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday in Moss Hill Cemetery at Bearden with Dr. John Wright officiating. Visitation is scheduled today from 7 until 9 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. ________________________________ LEOLA WAGNON WARREN -- Leola Kitchens Wagnon, 83, of New Edinburg, died March 29, 1998, at Bradley County Medical Center. She was born January 16, 1915, in Bradley County, a daughter of the late Will Kitchens and Roxie Carter Kitchens. She was a homemaker and a member of Emmaus Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Odis Alvin Wagnon, who she married on October 22, 1938. He died on July 25, 1980. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Chester Kitchens and Lester G. Kitchens. Survivors include two daughters, Norma Johnston of Warren and Judy Simmons of New Edinburg; a brother, Herman Kitchens of Atlanta, Texas; a sister, Joyce McMurray of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 4 p.m. today at Emmaus Baptist Church near Warren. Burial will be in Mosley Cemetery near Warren by Frazer's Funeral Home of Warren. _____________________________ CARRIE HICKERSON Lonnie Carolyn "Carrie" Hickerson, 94, of the Sulphur Springs area near Pine Bluff, died March 28, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Born December 9, 1903, in Drew, Mississippi, she was a daughter of the late Henry Alonzo Allen and Caroline Filley. She retired after 35 years as a cook for the Altheimer Public Schools and attended Sulphur Springs Baptist Church. She was a former member of Altheimer Baptist Church and the Dorcas Sunday School class. She received her education in Eupora, Mississippi and attended State Teachers College at Memphis. Her hobbies were sewing, cooking and gardening. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert "Ted" Hickerson, whom she married in July 1931. He preceded her in death on June 27, 1979. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Jean DeLois Hickerson; three brothers; and five sisters. Survivors include a son, Coy Elbert Hickerson of Pine Bluff; a daughter, Joan Kenward of Pine Bluff; a sister, Elsie Stanton of West Point, Mississippi; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday in Graceland Cemetery with the Rev, Billy West officiating. ______________________________ RUTH LYON WARREN -- Ruth Maxine Lyon, 76, of Warren, died March 28, 1998, at Wagnon Place Nursing Home. She was born October 1, 1921, at Fordyce, a daughter of the late J. Frank and Adelia Kirkland Campbell. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Warren. She was preceded in death by a great-grandchild. Survivors include her husband, Leroy Lyon; a son, Philip Lyon of Nashville; a brother, Walter Campbell of Fort Smith; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today at Frazer's Funeral Home at Warren with the Rev. Greg Stanley officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetely in Warren. _____________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com ==================================================================== PINE BLUFF COMMERCIAL TUESDAY, MARCH 31,1998 Pine Bluff, Jefferson Co., Arkansas BONNIE REGINELLI MILLINGTON, Tennessee -- Bonnie Reginelli, 75, of Millington, Tennessee, formerly of Pine Bluff, died March 28, 1998, at her home. She was born on November 22, 1922, at Conway, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Thomas Hardin and Florence Black Hardin. She graduated from Eudora High School and attended college at Little Rock. She and her husband moved to Pine Bluff in 1949. She was a licensed practical nurse and a lab technician for Dr. Harold Morris. She worked for Morris for almost 35 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of St. William's Catholic Church at Millington and a former member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pine Bluff. She was preceded in death by her husband, James O. "Reggie" Reginelli, on December 23, 1994. They married on September 5, 1946, at Lake Village, Arkansas. Survivors include a son, James H. Reginelli of Millington; a daughter, Dianna Jane Reginelli Aniello of Bloomfield, Connecticut; a brother, Howard Hardin of Pine Bluff; a sister, Susie Cooper of Mount Vernon, Arkansas; and four grandchildren. Graveside services will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Graceland Cemetery with the Rev. Andrew Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. _____________________________ ELMER PETERSON Elmer C. Peterson, 66, of Star City, died March 29, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on Februaly 3, 1932, in Lincoln County, a son of the late Marvin A. Peterson and Hattie Cook Peterson. He was a retired machinist at Arkansas Cutting Tool and a former manager of garment factories in Arkansas, Tennessee and Louisiana. He was a member of the Branchville Masonic Lodge 256 at Star City and a Baptist. He was preceded in death by a son, Phillip Peterson, who died in 1995. Survivors include his wife, Majorie Pearl Harper Peterson; two sons, Joseph Peterson and Steven Peterson, both of Star City; a daughter, Kathryn Walker of Star City; three brothers, Robert H. Peterson and James Edward Peterson, both of Rising Star, and Leonard A. Peterson of Woodlawn; a sister, Nell Hughes of Rising Star; five grandchildren; and a stepgrandchild. The funeral will be 2 p.m. today at Griffin Funeral Service at Star City with Charles Ashcraft officiating. Burial will be in Mount Zion Cemetery near Rison. Memorials may be made to Mount Zion Bowman Township Cemetery Association, c/o NationsBank, 120 West Fifth Avenue, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601; or to Lone Grove Missionary Baptist Church. _______________________________ VIRGINIA VANGILDER GOODLETTSVILLE, Tennessee -- Virginia Lee Vangilder, 78, of Nashville, formerly of Pine Bluff, died March 26, 1998, at Vanco Manor Nursing Home at Goodlettsville. She was born on November 13, 1919, at Buffalo, Missouri, a daughter of the late William Russell and Minnie Nunn Russell. She lived at Pine Bluff about 20 years. Survivors include a son, Mark Vangilder of Nashville; two daughters, Helen Gamble of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Linda Kempler of Nashville; and four grandchildren. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in Church Grove Cemetery at Buffalo by Cantlon Funeral Home of Buffalo. Other arrangements are handled by Forest Lawn Funeral Home at Goodlettsville. ____________________________ ADERIAN WRIGHT WABBASEKA -- Aderian Wright, 21, of Altheimer, died March 24, 1998, at Wabbaseka from injuries received in an automobile/train accident. He was born on August 19, 1976, a son of Lorenzo Wright Sr. of Pine Bluff and Shirley Gardner Walker of Altheimer. He was preceded in death by grandparents, James Gardner Sr., Webber B. Early Sr. and Areather Early. Other survivors include two brothers, Terrance Coleman of Altheimer and Lorenzo Wright Jr. of Ruston, Louisiana; three sisters, Dionne Walker and Felicia Walker, both of Altheimer, and Shirell Wright Thompson of Ruston; and his grandmother, Georgia Gardner of Altheimer. The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Central District Tabernacle at Altheimer with the Rev. Darrell Martin officiating. Burial will be in Altheimer Community Cemetery by Henson Mortuary of Pine Bluff. _____________________________ JOHN PAYNE John Edward Payne, 61, of, near Pine Bluff on Highway 133, died March 27, 1998, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. He was born on April 7, 1936, at Little Rock, a son of the late Ray and Myrtle Payne. He wqrked for Tyson Foods. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ernestine Payne. Survivors include two sons, Tracy Turnbow and Scott Turnbow, both of Houston; four daughters, Judy Normand and Pamela White, both of New Orleans, Tina Vanderpool of Pine Bluff and Debra Paxton of Benton; two sisters, Dorothy Pickett of Macon, Georgia, and Mary Fields of Albuquerque; and seven grandchildren. The funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Crouch Funeral Home at Batesville with the Rev. Jim Harrell officiating. Burial will be in Alderbrook Cemetery at Desha (Independence County). Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association. _______________________________ Submitted by Linda P. Smith DougMIV@aol.com