LITTLE ROCK — Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.
INDEX
Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition.
For obituaries not in this edition, please see our Web site, Arkansas Online, www2.arkansasonline.com.
Choose the Obituaries link under the News section on the top navigation menu.
PULASKI COUNTY
Theda Wooley Anhalt, 84, of North Little Rock.
Josephine Matthews Filipek, 88, of Little Rock.
George Lee Hayes Sr., 58, of Little Rock.
Michael Boyce "Mike" Holmes, 65, of Little Rock.
Eric Lynn Johnson, 41, of Little Rock.
Lelor King, 96, of North Little Rock.
Robert Eugene Lance, 74, of Jacksonville.
Archie Benjamin Lawhon Jr., 59, of Jacksonville.
Willie Lee "Billy Bo" Smith, 46, of Little Rock.
E. Robert Thorpe, 57, of North Little Rock.
Leato Thomas Walker Sr. of Little Rock.
Annabelle Webb-Smith of Little Rock.
Cecil Howard Yielding Jr., 56, of Mabelvale.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS
BENTON Lou Ella Rankin Smith, 85.
BLYTHEVILLE Charles Ramey, 96.
Marsha Deloris Ramey, 86.
BONNERDALE Ty "Bug E. Bear" Young, 17.
BROOKLAND Effie L. Smith, 87.
BULL SHOALS Judith K. Bean, 65.
CROSSETT John H. Johnson, 74.
DES ARC Effie Mae House, 66.
DOVER Lola Irene Freeman, 82.
DUMAS Dean Tatum Jr., 28.
EL DORADO George "Tom" Floyd, 74.
Calvin Louis Fudge, 82.
GOSNELL Frankie Monroe Poff, 67.
HATFIELD Ruby Lucille Lane, 94.
HOT SPRINGS Clara F. McCall, 83.
Justine Washington-Ross, 83. JERUSALEM Clifford Arnold, 69.
JONESBORO Thedore Smith, 89.
Lance Snider, 47.
JUDSONIA LaDonna Eileen Baesler, 69.
MALVERN C.N. "Porky" Porter, 72.
MOUNT PLEASANT Hannah Lay, 75.
NEWPORT Carolyn Rushing, 65.
NORFORK Charles Brock, 58.
PINE BLUFF Richard David "Dick" Earles, 63. Mildred Belle Forte, 79.
Timothy Grady, 28.
Veoma Linzy Parker, 97.
Jane Davidson Ramos, 79.
Linda Rhoades, 56.
Le'Verne Lee Tyler Jr., 9.
ROGERS Geneva L. Avery Williams, 85.
SEARCY Ralph E. Gilliam, 81.
Velma Mae New, 82.
TEXARKANA Doris J. Cox, 71.
TIMBO Christine Williams, 80.
VENDOR Edna Holt, 89.
WALDO Rodney Williams, 45.
WASHINGTON Ruth M. Bumpurs, 89.
WELDON Loman Clark Sr., 49.
OUT-OF-STATE MALDEN, Mo.
Johnie Culp, 87.
LAWTON, Okla.
Mary Snell, 72.
SALEM, Ore.
Melba D. Williams, formerly of Benton.
FRANKLIN, Tenn.
Rene Hatfield Underwood, 50.
CHESAPEAKE, Va.
Wanda Kay Johnson-Williams, 49, formerly of Altheimer.
Pulaski County
THEDA WOOLEY ANHALT, 84, of North Little Rock, passed awayWednesday, February 18, 2009. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Catholic Daughters of America, a Sacristan, a Eucharistic Minister and a Lector.
She is survived by her, daughter, Ann McElmurry ofNorth Little Rock; grandson, James McElmurry of Missouri; two granddaughters, Amanda Williams of North Little Rock and Jessica McElmurry◊of Georgia; six great-grandchildren, Katie, Corbin, Liam, Caleb, Anna and Connor; and brother, Rayburn Wooley. Mrs. Anhalt was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Joseph Anhalt; granddaughter, Shannon Linsley; three brothers, Guthrie, Elton and J.W. Wooley; and sister, Verlia Foit.
Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church Capital Campaign, 1516 Parker Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The Vigil Service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, 758-1170. Online obituary and guest register at www.nlrfh.com.
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JOSEPHINE MATTHEWS FILIPEK, 88, of Little Rock passed away onWednesday, February 18, after a long and active life and a short illness. Born on June 29, 1920, in Whiting Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Anthony (Moxie) and Agnes Pospychala Matthews.
Jo was precededin death by her husband of 55 years, Joseph Filipek, a daughter, Rosemary Filipek, a son-in-law, Danny Paulette, two sisters, Margie and Rita Matthews, and two brothers, Walter and David Matthews. She is survived by two daughters: Marguerite (Mimi) Paulette of St. Louis, Mo., and Olivia Filipek Holland and her husband Tom, of Denver, Colo.; three sons: Charles Filipek and his wife, Gina of Himeji, Japan; David Filipek and his wife, Trisha, of Little Rock; Steve Filipek and his wife, Peggy, of Bismarck, Ark.; two sisters: Pat Korth of Pine Grove, Calif. and Jeannie Hayssen of Washington state; ten grandchildren: Sarah Johnson and her husband, Joel, of Little Rock; Laura Filipek of New Orleans, La.; Andrea Paulette of Des Moines, Iowa; Daniel Filipek and Josh Filipek, both of Little Rock; Jacob and Derek Filipek of Bismarck, Ark.; and Joseph, Aizza, and Esther Filipek of Himeji, Japan; one great-grandchild: Maya Johnson of Little Rock; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family gives thanks to caregivers Juanita Charles and Kayla Sheppard and the staff of Arkansas Hospice for their loving care.
Jo was a member of Holy Souls Catholic Church in Little Rock and St. Mary's Church in Arkadelphia. Her favorite pastime was attending daily Mass at any of the 3 churches (Holy Souls, St. Edwards, or St. Andrews Cathedral) that she could secure private or public transportation to and from.
Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 7 p.m. prior to a rosary at Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 N. Tyler, Little Rock. The rosary will be held at Holy Souls Church on Friday evening, February 20 at 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21 at 11 a.m. at Holy Souls Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carmelite Nuns at 7201 W. 32nd St., Little Rock, Ark. 72204, or a charity of your choice.
Please visit www.griffinleggett.com to sign the online guest book.
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GEORGE LEE HAYES SR., 58, Little Rock died Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Born November 9, 1950 in Warren, Arkansas. Survivors include wife, Bonnie; children, George Hayes Jr., Amber Dorsett, Lee Ann Ladmirault and Julie Wagnon. Services at Southwest Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 10412 Mabelvale West Road, Saturday, February 21, 3 p.m. Arrangements by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock 72209 (501) 455-5800. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ drummond.
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MICHAEL BOYCE "MIKE" HOLMES, 65 of Little Rock, Arkansas passedaway peacefully Wednesday, February 18, 2009. His last days were filled with visits from friends and family. He was born to the late Oliver Wendell Holmes and Julia "Burnelle" Boyce Holmes Regnier on December 31, 1943 in LittleRock, Arkansas.
Mike was a native of Little Rock. He went to Forest Park Elementary and graduated from Hall High School in 1962 and then attended the University of Arkansas. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was especially proud of the dream home he and his wife Sharron worked on so diligently to become a reality on Wye Mountain.
He was preceded in death by his great grandmother Bernie Babco*ck (founder of the Arkansas Museum of Natural History and Arkansas Author) whom he fondly remembered spending summers with on Petit Jean Mountain, and his parents Wendell and Burnelle.
Mike is survived by his wife, Sharron Russell Holmes; his two daughters and son-in-law, Margaret Catherine Burnelle Holmes Lankford (Meg) and Jack Lankford , Jennifer Holmes (Jenny) of Little Rock; two grandchildren, Jackson (7) and Mary Margaret Lankford (6); his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Wendell Holmes and Bonnie Holmes of Little Rock; his brother-inlaw, George Russell and Mary Russell of Haleyville; four nephews; and mother-in-law, Mildred Meyer of Little Rock.
Visitation was held, Thursday, February 19 at Ruebel Funeral Home on Markham from 4-6 p.m. A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Friday, February 20, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the chapel. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Museum of Discovery or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
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ERIC LYNN JOHNSON, 41, of Little Rock passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memory; mother, Veda Sims; siblings, Dana, Keenan, and Andre Johnson; and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 11 a.m. at HardyFuneral Home Memorial Chapel. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, (501) 372-4129.
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LELOR KING, 96, North Little Rock, departed this life February 15, 2009.She leaves to cherish her memories: children, James King (Rosemary), Elnora Lewis (Frank), Chestine King, Lavada Summons, Otis King (Sheryl); brother, Jake Jones; sister, Rosey Jones; 25 grandchildren; 61great-grandchildren; 20 great-greatgrandchildren. Family: today, 6-7 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary. Funeral: Saturday, 11 a.m. at Greater Rose of Sharon Baptist Church, Eulogy by Pastor Arthur Blood. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Little Rock (501) 371-0111. "Service You Can Trust".
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ROBERT EUGENE LANCE, 74, of Jacksonville passed away on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009. He was born on April 20, 1934, in Yates Center, Kan., to Jean and Helen (Smith) Lance. Robert retired from the Air Force after over 20 years of faithful service to his country.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of almost 50 years Sylvia Joy Lance, two siblings Helen Williaby and Harold Lance. Robert leaves to cherish his memory his children Alan (Mary) Cowdery of Pearl, Miss., Jan (Karen) Lance of Jacksonville, Melody Lance of Austin, Ark., Joy (Joe) Leervig of Tomball, Texas, Helen Lance of Jacksonville, and Dawn (Mark) Coffman of Pocahontas, Ark., one brother, Don Lance of Coos Bay, Oregon, 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a host of extended family and friends, all who will miss him dearly.
Graveside Services with full military honors will be at 1 p.m. on Feb. 21, 2009, at Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock, Ark., 72117, (501) 835-3515. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Okla., 73123-1718. To sign Mr. Lance's online registry, please visit www.griffinleggettresthills.com.
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ARCHIE BENJAMIN LAWHON JR., 59, of Jacksonville died, Feb. 18, 2009. Private family services will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Wood-Bean, 2015 N. First St., Jacksonville, Ark., (501) 982-3400. Please sign his online guest book at www.woodbeanfuneralhome.com.
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WILLIE LEE "BILLY BO" SMITH, 46, of Little Rock passed away Tuesday,Feb. 10, 2009. He leaves to cherish his memory; wife, Karen Smith; children, Lee, Willie D., and Teayona Smith; parents, Willie York and Gloria Collier; two brothers, three sisters and a host of other relatives and friends. A celebration of life will be tomorrow, 11 a.m. at Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. A visitation will be held today from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, (501) 372-4129.
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E. ROBERT THORPE, 57, of North Little Rock, departed this life, tosuffer no more and be with the Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009. He was born in Little Rock to the late E.R. and Dorothy Thorpe, Dec. 29, 1951. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He served in the U.S. Army from July1971 to May 1978. Robert previously worked for the Grant County Sheriffs Dept. He volunteered at Palestine Fire Dept. He was most recently the Assistant Chief at the VA (Foot Roots) Fire Dept. in North Little Rock, Ark. Robert was a member of BPOE, Elks Lodge #1004.
He is survived by his wife, Martha; daughter, DeAnna Eubanks; brother, James Thorpe; sister, Pat (Truel) Turner; grandchildren, Aaron and Haley Eubanks; stepdaughter, Mandy and her daughter, Taylor; a family of firefighters and host of other family and friends.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home. Memorial service will be 11:30 a.m.Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, (501-791-7400). Interment will follow at 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Mid-South Division Inc., 901 N. University, Little Rock, Ark., 72207-6354, Arkansas Fallen Firefighters Memorial, P.O. Box 56470, Little Rock, Ark., 72215; BPOE #1004, 123 East Broadway, North Little Rock, Ark., 72114, or, Pulaski County Humane Society, 14,600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark., 72210. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ owens.
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It is with deep sadness but ultimate respect for God's Will that we,the entire congregation of Arkansas First Jurisdiction of the Church of God In Christ, announce the homegoing of our Jurisdictional leader, Bishop LEATO THOMAS WALKER SR.
The lives he touched during his49-year tenure as Bishop are immeasurable. His elevation to the bishopric placed him in the company of world leaders including Presidents and Royalty, but he never lost the common touch.
Bishop Walker was a leader among leaders and held numerous positions, including Chairman of the Board of Bishops of the Church of God in Christ. Many will miss him.
The administrative assistants, Mother Deloney and the entire jurisdictional staff are committed to the legacy of our leader. We do ask that each of you pray for the Walker Family and especially Mother Walker who worked by Bishop Walker's side for 65 years.
Bishop Walker's body will lie instate from 12 noon, Monday until the Jurisdictional and local service at 7 p.m. that evening at the Holy Temple Cathedral Church of God In Christ, 1322 Pulaski St., Little Rock, Ark., 72204.
Then on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Bishop Walker's body will lie in-state from 10 a.m. until The National Service, which is at 12 noon at St. Mark Church located at 5722 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72204. The International Bishop, Charles Blake, of the Church of God In Christ, Inc. will preside. You may also find additional information on the Church Of God In Christ web page (www.cogic.org or www.cogic.com).
Both Services are open to the public. All expressions of kindness to the Walker Family (cards, flowers, resolutions, etc.) can be sent to: Mother Lottie Walker, 2323 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark., 72206.
Christian Way Funeral Home, 1204 West 5th, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601 is entrusted with the body. 870-536-2800.
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Funeral services for ANNABELLE WEBB-SMITH of Little Rock, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at Greater Christ Temple Pentecostal Church, 12th and Lewis. Services entrusted to Walton GateWay Funeral Chapel, 2405 South Gaines. Open visitation will be at the funeral home today from noon-6 p.m., with family hour from 6-7 p.m., also at the funeral home, (501) 376-7188.
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CECIL HOWARD YIELDING JR. of Mabelvale, passed away on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009. He was born on March 17, 1952, in Little Rock, Ark.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Helen Yielding. He is survived by a daughter, Brittany Yielding and her fiance, AnthonyDavis, son, Cecil Brandon Yielding, and his wife, Tiffany, brother, Gary Yielding, grandchild, Kylie Kay Davis and life long friend, Pamela Yielding.
Memorials may be made to Central Arkansas Chapter of Harley's Owner's Group. Funeral Services will be held Friday, Feb. 20, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Griffin-Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home (501) 661-9111. Interment willfollow at Monk Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. To sign the online guest register, visit www.griffinleggett.com.
Arkansas
BENTON - Lou Ella Rankin Smith, 85, of Benton, Arkansas, passedaway Wednesday, February 18, 2009. She was born December 8, 1923, in Brush Creek, Arkansas, the daughter of John H. and Annie A. Brashears Rankin.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Smith, and twelve brothers and sisters. She is survived by two sons and one daughter, Robert Lane Smith and wife, Madelaine, of Palo Alto, Calif., Steven Lee Smith and wife, Lynn, of Little Rock, Ark., and Marilyn Louise Rumph and husband, Robin of Benton, Ark., seven grandchildren, Mark Russell Smith and wife, Bernadette of Palo Alto, Calif. and his mother, Patti Beavers, of Elkins, Ark., Madelaine Alexia De Pottere-Smith of Washington D.C., Andrew Christoph Smith of San Francisco, Calif., Richard Allen Smith of Boston, Mass., Stephanie Lynne Bruning and husband, William, of Benton, Ark., and their mother, Kathleen Louise Brown Smith of Little Rock, Ark., James Richard Bertram and wife, Meredith, of Little Rock, Ark., Dylan Parker Rumph and Dana Marie of Benton, Ark. and 10 greatgrandchildren.
Lou Ella enjoyed a productive and generous life as a musician and educator. She started her teaching career in 1942 in Tull, Arkansas, where she met Robert, her husband of 62 years. In 1951, the family moved to Benton, Arkansas, where she began teaching piano and voice lessons while raising her children. She returned to Little Rock University in 1964 to resume her education culminating in a Bachelor's degree. Her teaching career included schools in Harmony Grove and Mabelvale Arkansas. She subsequently transferred to the Benton School system from which she retired in 1988. During this time, she completed a Master's degree in Music Education at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. She served as President of the Saline Country Retired Teachers Association and was active in Arkansas Retired TeachersAssociation. She was a member of the MacDowell Music Club, Benton Garden Club and an avid participant in the Saline County Financial Ladies Investment Club. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton Arkansas where she participated in the Choir, the Recycled Voices, the Dorcas Class, United Methodist Women and various other church groups.
Visitation services will be held at Ashby Funeral Home, Benton, Ark. and memorial service will be held Friday, February 20, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Benton, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Benton, the Ebenezer Cemetery Association of Tull, Ark. or Brush Creek Cemetery Fund, 1012 Mount Zion Road, Malvern, Ark. 72104. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
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BLYTHEVILLE - Mr. Charles Ramey, 96, of Blytheville, Ark., died Thursday at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. Services are Sunday, February 22, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Blytheville with burial following in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m., Saturday at Cobb Funeral Home in Blytheville.
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BLYTHEVILLE - Mrs. Marsha Deloris Ramey, 86, of Blytheville, Ark., died Wednesday, February 18, at her home. Funeral services will be held today at 3:30 p.m. at Cobb Funeral Home in Blytheville with burial following in Dogwood Cemetery. Visitation is from 2 p.m. until service time today at the funeral home.
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BONNERDALE - Ty "Bug E. Bear" Young, 17, of Bonnerdale, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Visitation 5 - 7 p.m., Friday. Services 1 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2009, Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel. "Bug E. Bear" will be cremated and will go home to rest with his family in Bonnerdale. Guests register at www.caruth-hale.com.
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BROOKLAND - Effie L. Smith, 87, of Brookland, died Wednesday, Feb. 18. Services Friday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at the New Antioch Baptist Church in Brookland. Services Sunday, Feb. 21, at 2 p.m. at the Qualls Funereal Home Chapel in Cave City. Visitation 12 until service time. Burial, Maxville Cemetery.
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BULL SHOALS - Judith K. Bean, age 65, of Bull Shoals died Wednesday. Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Sunday at the Hoevel Barnett VFW Post 1341 in Bull Shoals. She is survived be her husband: Edward, three daughters, mother, sister and five grandchildren. Arrangements are by Twin Lakes Cremation Society and Funeral Home, (870) 445-4257.
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CROSSETT - Funeral services for Mr. John H. Johnson, age 74, of Crossett, Ark., will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at 11 a.m. The service will be held at Living Word Church of God in Christ, 2109 South Main, Crossett, Ark., Supt. Joe D. Mason, officiating. Burial will be in Jim Smith Cemetery, Wilmot, Ark. Service entrusted to Dillard Funeral Home, 137 Front Street, Eudora, Ark.
Survivors wife, Synthia Johnson, Crossett, Ark.; one daughter, Linda Bens, Crossett, Ark.; one son, Thurman Johnson, Crossett, Ark.; one sister, Nottie M. Fields, Little Rock, Ark.; one brother, Manuel Curtis (Jewel), Denver, Colo.; five grandchildren; one great-grandson.
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DES ARC - Effie Mae House, 66, of Des Arc, died Tuesday. Survivors include her husband, Akron; two daughters, Belinda Roberts and husband, Scott, Tina House and husband, Alan; two granddaughters, Veronica Hale, Tasha Hale; two step-granddaughters, Stephanie Summers, Nicole Roberts; two step-grandsons, Jared Roberts and James Roberts; three step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Friday at Garth Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Johnson Chapel Cemetery by Garth Funeral Home.
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DOVER - Lola Irene Freeman, 82, of Dover, died February 17th, at the Arkansas Heart Hospital. The funeral is 10 a.m., Friday, February 20th, at the First Assembly of God in Dover with burial in Cowell Cemetery in Newton County by Shinn Funeral Service. The full obituary and guestbook are available at www.shinnfuneral.com.
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DUMAS - Mr. Dean Tatum Jr., 28, of Dumas died Feb. 17, 2009. Funeral will be Feb. 21, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., at Hunt Memorial at Dumas with Elder Glenn Tatum officiating. Burial in Free Gift Cemetery at Dumas by Brown Funeral Home of Dumas.
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EL DORADO - George "Tom" Floyd, 74, of El Dorado died Wednesday. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Burns Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Young's. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., tonight at the funeral home. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
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EL DORADO - Calvin Louis Fudge, 82, of El Dorado, Ark., died on Feb. 16, 2009. Calvin was a former English and Literature teacher with the Magnolia School District, an author and lecturer. Memorials may be made to Lifetouch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, Ark. 71730. Cremation provided by Bailey Funeral Home.
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GOSNELL - Mr. Frankie Monroe Poff, 67, of Gosnell, Ark., died Tuesday in Memphis, Tenn. Services are Saturday, February 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Cobb Funeral Home in Blytheville with the Rev. Joe Lyons officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. tonight at the funeral home.
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HATFIELD - Ruby Lucille Lane, age 94, of Hatfield, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009, in Mena. Funeral services are Saturday, February 21, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Hatfield United Methodist Church with interment at Six Mile Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.
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HOT SPRINGS - Clara F. McCall, 83, of Hot Springs, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Born October 6, 1925, in Montgomery County, Arkansas. She was a member of the Lake Hamilton Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Mrs. McCall owned and operated Mc-Call's Beauty Salon 1947 - 1994.
Clara is preceded in death by her husband Willis H. "Mac" McCall, one brother, John Edgar Tackett, and one sister, Dorothy Caplener. She is survived by her two daughters, Katie Mitchell and husband, Wayne of Hot Springs, Diann Ward and husband, Marvin of Waldron, Arkansas; one son, David McCall and wife, Jan of Hot Springs, brothers, L.D. Tackett of Tuscon Arizona, Clifford Tackett of Hot Springs, and J.W. "Joe" Tackett of Smithville, Tennessee; sisters, Verna Tackett Black of Hot Springs, Lorene Spiers of Wellsville, Missouri, and Laura Wagner of Riverside, California; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Service will be at 1 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2009 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Bill Bowen and Bro. Bill Bates officiating. Mrs. McCall will lie in state from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.
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HOT SPRINGS - Justine Washington-Ross, 83, of Hot Springs diedFebruary 18, 2009. Survivors include her son, James (Yvonne) Washington of Little Rock, daughter Mary Justine (Leroy) McPherson of Manteca, Calif.; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and her extendedfamily. Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2009 in Cottrell Chapel C.M.E., 698 East Grand Ave., Hot Springs. Visitation will befrom 3 - 5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Arrangements are with Carrigan-Sanders Memorial Funeral Services, Inc., 336 East Grand Ave., Hot Springs, (501) 623-7664.
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JERUSALEM - Clifford Arnold, age 69, of Jerusalem, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, February 21, at Robertstown Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. The family will receive friends 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 20 at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.
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JONESBORO - Thedore Smith, 89, of Jonesboro, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2009. Funeral services will be Saturday at Roller-Farmers Union Chapel at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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JONESBORO - Lance Snider, 47, of Jonesboro died Wednesday. He served four years in the Marines and eight years in the National Guard.
He is survived by his parents, Bob and Peggy Snider of Jonesboro; one daughter, Katie Elizabeth Snider of Fort Smith; two brothers, Brad and Butch Snider, both of Jonesboro; and two sisters, Robin Snider and Phyllis Meredith, both of Jonesboro; and two grandmothers, Elizabeth Snider of Carlisle and Dollie Loftis of Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, W.B. Snider and Thurman Loftis; one uncle, Ted Snider; and one niece, Brooke Meredith.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 10 a.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Emil Williams and Bobby Crabb officiating. A committal service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Carlisle Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 Friday evening at Emerson Funeral Home.
Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the Lance Snider Memorial Fund at Pulaski Bank and Trust, 1700 E. Highland Dr., Jonesboro, Ark. 72401. An online guest book may be signed at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.
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JUDSONIA - Mrs. LaDonna Eileen Baesler, 69, of Judsonia, Ark., passed away on Feb. 15, 2009. She was born Nov. 27, 1939. A private service was held. Arrangements entrusted to Faith Funeral Home of Bradford, Ark.
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MALVERN - C.N. "Porky" Porter, 72, of Malvern, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at HSC Medical Center. He was born June 25, 1936, in Malvern to the late Henry Neal "Hypo" and Naydene (Brent) Porter. He was a retired Trainman of 41 years from Union Pacific Railroad, a retired Union Officer of 25 years from the United Transportation Union, and a continuous member of 48 years in the United Transportation Union.
Survivors include his wife, Patsy Porter; son, Charlie Porter, both of Malvern; daughter, Carla Beatty and husband, Woody, of Bismarck; stepdaughter, Gina Mace of New Caney, Texas; step-sons, Michael Robertson, Dan Robertson, both of Texarkana, Texas, Billy Robertson and Kelly Barnes, both of DeKalb, Texas; one grandson; seven step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held Thursday, February 19, 2009, at Regency Funeral Home in Malvern from 6 to 8 p.m. Graveside services will be Friday, February 20, 2009, at 11 a.m. at the Ouachita Cemetery near Donaldson. Reverends W.E. Yarbrough and Andy Burks will officiate. Pallbearers will be Joe Cunningham, Jerry Tomline, Richard Karstattler, Larry Massey, Charlie Freeman and Milburn Crawford.
The family will be at the Porter residence, 28626 Hwy. 67 South.
Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guestbook at regencyfuneralhome.com.
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MOUNT PLEASANT - Hannah Lay, 75, died February 17. Funeral service will be Saturday, February 21 at 10 a.m. at the Lafferty Community Church in Mount Pleasant. Burial will be at Nail Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Visitation will be Friday, February 20 from 6-8 p.m.
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NEWPORT - Carolyn Rushing, 65, of Newport died Wednesday. Survivors: son, Tim Thompson; stepson, Mike Rushing; daughters, Tammy Walter, Angie Taylor, Karen Maples; stepdaughter, Donna Blalock; sisters, Glenda Smith and Vicky Moody; 23 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday, Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment, Watson Cemetery. www.jacksonsfh.com.
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NORFORK - Charles Brock, 58, of Norfork died Tuesday. Survivors include two daughters: Samantha Simpson of Norfork and Christy Mc-Donald of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Galatia Assembly of God. Burial will be in Galatia Cemetery. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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PINE BLUFF - Richard David "Dick" Earles, 63, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
Born February 13, 1946, in Searcy, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Paul Richard and Gretchen Lucille Moon Earles.
Moving to Pine Bluff as a small child, he was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1964.
He joined the United States Navy in 1967, serving three years as anaircraft mechanic during the Vietnam Era.
He was employed by the Cotton Belt Railroad, as a Mechanical Foreman for 34 years until his retirement in 2005. He loved antique cars, spending his free time camping, fishing and boating. He was a Daylily Hybridizer, and spent much time tending to his flowers.
Mr. Earles was a member of Broadmoor Missionary Baptist Church. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and Past Master of Quapaw Lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandchild, Tyler David Tate.
He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Linda Leasure Earles, of Pine Bluff; their children, Rachel Cates and husband, Corey, of Mountain View, Paul David Earles and wife, Patricia, of Clarksville, Tennessee, Robert Lawyer and wife, Slavea, of Dallas, Texas, and Janessa Moore and husband, Walter, of Collierville, Tennessee; nine grandchildren, McKenzie Paris, Bradley Cates, Kari Earles, Cody Bone, Zoe Lawyer, Michael Moore, Ian Moore, Samuel Moore,and Julia Moore; and his sister, Diana Reynolds and husband, R.C., of White Hall.
The service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Home with Reverend Johnie Brewster officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Robinson's. Friends may sign the online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.
Memorials may be made to the American SIDS Institute, www.sids. org.
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PINE BLUFF - Mrs. Mildred Belle Forte, 79, of Pine Bluff, died Monday, February 16, 2009. Her services will be Saturday, February 21, 2009, at St. Paul Baptist Church by Reverend Isaiah Easter Jr. at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
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PINE BLUFF - Mr. Timothy Grady, 28, of Pine Bluff, died Monday, February 16, 2009. Services will be Friday, February 20, 2009, at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff by Bishop Leroy J. Hampton Sr. at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Morris Chapel Cemetery in Pastoria by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
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PINE BLUFF - Veoma Linzy Parker, 97, of Pine Bluff, died Wednesday. Survivors: daughter, Jo Ann Raley; granddaughter, Beverly Raley; grandson, Phillip Raley (Karen);granddaughter-in-law, Betty Lou Raley; four great-grandchildren, Brian (Malinda), Clinton, Andrea and Carrie Raley; and one great-greatgrandson, Zachary Raley. Service: Saturday, 10 a.m. in Robinson's Chapel. Burial: private. Website: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.
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PINE BLUFF - Mrs. Jane Davidson Ramos, 79, of Pine Bluff, died Wednesday, February 18, 2009. Her services will be Saturday, February 21, 2009, at Trinity Episcopal Church by Reverend Walter Van Zandt Windsor at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Bellwood Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
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PINE BLUFF - Linda Rhoades, age 56, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday. Survivors: sons, Jody Harp and James Harp; daughter, Linda Harp; three brothers; five sisters; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.Funeral services are Saturday, 10 a.m. at Fuller Hale-South Chapel. Burial in Mulberry Cemetery at England. Visitation: Friday, 6-8 p.m. Online condolences: www.FullerFunerals.com.
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PINE BLUFF - Master Le'Verne Lee Tyler Jr., 9, of Pine Bluff, died Saturday, February 14, 2009. His services will be Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Christian Outreach Church by Reverend Christopher Mack, Sr., at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
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ROGERS - Geneva L. Avery Williams, 85, of Rogers, Arkansas died Wednesday, February 18, 2009 in Rogers. She was born August 27, 1923 in Dierks, Arkansas to Sarah co*ckrell. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2009 in the Avery Cemetery, near Hot Springs, with Mr. Robert Brown officiating.
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SEARCY - Ralph E. Gilliam, 81, of Searcy, Arkansas, died Wednesday,February 18, 2009. He was born September 13, 1927, at Crosby, Arkansas to Byars and Vevil Gilliam. Ralph was a retired farmer and drove truck for Barger Oil Co. He was a Baptist and an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, where he was a recipient of the Purple Heart.
Ralph is survived by his wife,Nancy Gilliam of Searcy; one son, Randy Gilliam; one daughter, Sheila Halford, both of Beebe; five grandchildren; one brother, Pete Gilliam of Beebe; and one sister, Susie Coffey of Floyd.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009, at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.
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SEARCY - Velma Mae New, 82, of Searcy, Ark. passed away Wednesday, February 18 2009. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 20, 2009, at Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home in Searcy, Ark. Graveside funeral service: 2 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2009, at Weir Cemetery in McRae, Ark. www.searcymceuenfuneralhome.com.
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TEXARKANA - Doris J Cox, 71, of Texarkana, Ark. passed away February 18, 2009 in Texarkana, Ark. A Memorial service will be held Saturday, February 21, 2009 in the Herndon-Pharr Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. Sign the online guest book at www.pharrfuneralhomes.com.
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TIMBO - Christine Williams, 80, of Timbo died Feb. 17, 2009 at her home. Survived by two sons, two daughters, one sister, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral service is 2 p.m., Feb. 20, 2009 at Roller Coffman Chapel, Mtn. View (870) 269-3462. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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WALDO - Funeral services for Mayor Rodney Williams, 45 years old, of Waldo, Ark., will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the New Life Mission Church of God in Christ, 417 N. Olive, Waldo, Ark., under the direction of Marks Funeral Home of Magnolia, Supt. Donald Page officiating.
Burial will be in the St. Peters Cemetery in Willisville, Ark. Mayor Williams died Friday, Feb. 13, 2009.
Survivors include wife, Angela Williams; two daughters, Adrienne Williams of Magnolia, Ark., and Gabrielle Williams of Waldo, Ark.; six sisters, Ola (William) Brown and Rosie Williams, both of Willisville, Ark., Ethel Wimbley, Lisa (Kenneth) Harris and Antonina (Eric) Land all of Waldo, and Liz (Samuel) Pitts of Magnolia, Ark.; five brothers, Ronnie (Dehavilland) Williams of Ft. Worth, Texas, Edward (Phyllis) Williams of Cullens, La., Michael (Sarah) Williams of Waldo, Ark., Antonio (DeShannon) Williams and Douglas (Cassandra) Moss both of Magnolia, Ark.
Visitation Friday, Feb. 20, 2009 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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WASHINGTON - Mrs. Ruth M. Bumpurs, 89, Washington, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, February 18, at a Hope Nursing Home. Funeral Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, 21st, 2009, Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home Chapel, Hope. Burial Memory Gardens Cemetery, Hope. Arrangements Brazzel/Oakcrest Funeral Home, Hope. Visitation: Friday, February 20, 6-8 p.m., Brazzel/Oakcrest, Hope. Guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com
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WELDON - Loman Clark Sr., 49, of Weldon died Wednesday. Survived by son, Loman Clark Jr.; daughter, April Underwood; mother, Virginia Clark; granddaughter, Dakota Underwood; sisters, Brenda Rucker and Diane Teague. Graveside services 2 p.m. Saturday at Sandhill Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Friday. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. Sign online at www.dillingerfuneralhome.com.
Out-of-state
MALDEN, Mo. - Johnie Culp, 87, of Malden, Mo., passed away Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2009. Services are Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at 12 noon at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, Ark. Burial is in Hall Cemetery in St. Francis, Ark. Visitation is Saturday at 10 a.m. until service time.
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LAWTON, Okla. - Mary Snell, 72, of Lawton, Okla. passed away Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009 in Lawton, Okla. Viewing will be Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009 at Herndon-Pharr Funeral Home between 9 a.m. until the service time at 2 p.m. which will follow in Snell Cemetery in Emmet, Ark. Sign the online guestbook at www.pharrfuneralhomes.com.
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SALEM, Ore. - Melba D. Williams, of Salem, Ore., formerly of Benton, passed away Feb. 16, 2009 in Salem, Ore. She is a retired State of Oregon employee for 27 years. One of herlast jobs was a DMV examiner in Salem, Ore. She managed many DMVoffices, and traveled to work in a variety of DMV offices in Oregon. Melba received an Honorable Award in Recognition of Faithful and Loyal Service to the people of Oregon through the Oregon Department of Transportation!
She has two children, Kim Jaeger of California, and Royce Williams in Oregon. She has seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter along with another great-granddaughter on the way! Melba was born in Little Rock, Ark., then moved to Oregon in 1958. Her sister Margaret Jones lives in Benton, Ark., along with many other family members in Arkansas.
Services will be held at Ashby Funeral Home on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 10 a.m. with burial at Pine Crest Cemetery. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
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FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Rene Hatfield Underwood, age 50 of Franklin, Tenn.Rene received her wings and left this world of ours on Sunday, February 15. She was born April 12, 1958 in Prescott, Ark., to Autry and Lela Mae Hatfield. Rene received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at TexasWomen's University in Denton, Texas. Continuing her education, she later earned her Master's degree in Public Health. Rene had a full nursing career and was currently employed as the Sr. Vice President of Quality for HealthSpring, Inc. located in Nashville, Tenn. She spent most of her career in Houston where she met and married James David Underwood. They gleefully gave birth to their son Sterling Prescott Underwood on September 5, 1992. Rene's burning passion was her love for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and her family. She spent tireless hours fighting for proper care and dignity of her patients, the elderly, and equal treatment, respect, and compensation for women in the workplace. She took special pride leading the efforts to care for the injured and elderly in the Astrodome in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Rene had great interest and fascination with the Orient. Her wedding dress as well as her home decor reflected this passion.In 2006, she and her family relocated to Nashville where she found great peace, welcome, warmth, and love through the people at Brentwood Baptist Church.
Rene is preceded in death by mother, Lela Mae Hatfield. Survived by her husband James David Underwood; son, Sterling Prescott Underwood of Franklin, Tenn.; son, James David Underwood II and wife, Traci Underwood, granddaughter, Jordan and grandson, Trey of Houston, Texas; daughter, Renee Underwood Hooker and husband, Carl Hooker, granddaughter, Sophia of Austin, Texas; parents, Autry and Pat Hatfield of Hope, Ark.; siblings Sheri Brownlow and family of Houston, Texas, Ted and Debbie Hatfield and family of Nashville, Tenn.; Tim and Leslie Hatfield and family of Dallas, Texas; grandfather, Marvin Jezek of Houston, Texas, and many other dear family and friends.
Memorial Services were conducted on February 19th at Brentwood Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross, 2201 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, Tenn. 37203.
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CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Mrs. Wanda Kay Johnson-Williams, 49, of Chesapeake, Va., formerly of Altheimer, died, Thursday, February 12, 2009. Services will be Saturday, February 21, 2009 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Altheimer by Reverend Ricky Bifford at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
