All Saints Day is a special celebration every year for many in the United Methodist Church. Taking place on Nov. 1, it is a time to remember those who have gone before us in the faith. John Wesley had a particular fondness for the day, writing in his journal in 1767 that it is “a festival I truly love.” This year, the Arkansas United Methodist remembers pastors and their spouses who have gone before us this past year, with a special recognition for former United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas President Jim Argue.
James B. “Jim” Argue Jr, 1951 – 2018
James B. “Jim” Argue Jr. of Little Rock died May 3, 2018, at St. Vincent Infirmary following a brief illness. He was born August 19, 1951, in Carthage, TX, to Dr. James B. Argue and Ann Bourland Argue. The family moved to Little Rock in 1964 when Dr. Argue was named senior pastor at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Jim graduated from Hall High School in 1969 and Hendrix College in 1973, where he earned a degree in history and political science.
Following college graduation, Jim began a 45-year calling in finance and investments, including as a vice president at Commercial National Bank. In 1981, Methodist philanthropists successfully recruited Jim and he went on to become the longest-serving president of the United Methodist Foundation of Arkansas, where he stayed until his death. Under his leadership, Foundation assets grew from an initial investment of $67,000 to a current value of $164 million, making it one of the largest United Methodist foundations in the country.
In early 1980, Jim spotted a beautiful new alto in the choir loft. Their love was almost instant, and he and Elise Carey were married on May 30, 1980. They enjoyed a 38- year marriage of shared devotion, raising two daughters, Sarah and Emily, who Jim cherished with great love and enormous pride. He loved his new role as “Granddaddy” to Charlotte and Anderson and found great joy in this new season of his life.
In 1990, frustrated with the legislature’s failure to provide adequate resources for public schools, Jim successfully ran for the Arkansas House of Representatives as a proud Democrat. He served a total of 18 years in both the House and the Arkansas Senate, 16 of those serving on the education committee of both bodies. State Senate colleagues elected him as president pro tem during the 85th General Assembly. Recognized as one of the key architects in the state’s response to the 2002 Lake View Supreme Court decision, Argue was lauded by colleagues as committed, tenacious, and unwavering in his successful efforts towards major school reforms and improvements.
When his time in the Arkansas Legislature came to a close, Jim and Elise embarked on a series of world travels. Jim especially enjoyed connecting with distant family, the “Argue Clan” of Ireland. A devoted Methodist, Jim was the former chair of the Administrative Board of Pulaski Heights UMC and a member of the denomination’s General Council on Finance and Administration.
He was named a 2017 Distinguished Alumni of Hendrix College. He was an honoree at the 2016 Philander Smith College Living Legends Banquet and received the JCA’s Father Joseph Biltz award in 2000. He was also a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and belonged to a group known as the St. Louis Six, longtime friends who traveled to St. Louis together for big game weekends for more than 30 years.
Jim is survived by his wife, Elise; daughters Sarah Argue and Emily Argue Stotts (Jeff); grandchildren Charlotte and Anderson Stotts; sister Marsha Argue Bozeman; brother Robert Argue; nephew Ryan Bozeman, and sister-in-law Ellen Tarkington. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth, and nephew Bradley Tarkington. Funeral services were held May 9 at Pulaski Heights UMC.
Thomas Alonzo Abney, 1929-2018
Thomas Alonzo Abney, age 88, retired elder, passed away April 22, 2018, at the Gardner Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Star City, Arkansas. He was born to the late Thomas Mark and Willa Ione Abney in Houston, Texas. He served United Methodist congregations in Texas and Arkansas. He was a graduate of Stephen F. Austin University and also held degrees from the University of Texas and Southern Methodist University. He began his ministry as a student local pastor in 1957. His appointments in the former Little Rock Conference included Malvern, Ashdown, Camden-Fairview, University of Arkansas at Monticello Wesley Foundation, Monticello First and Wilmar. He retired in 1994. He served as conference secretary of the Little Rock Conference for a number of years. He was a recipient of the 1984–85 Hendrix College Ethel K. Millar Award for Religion and Social Awareness. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce, his parents, a son, Alford Thomas Abney, and a granddaughter, Anna Elizabeth Abney. Survivors include two sons, Mark C. Abney and wife Teresa of Wilmar, and Timothy E. Abney and wife Diana of Sherwood; two daughters, Linda G. Pierce of Sapulpa, OK, and Rebecca L. Davison and husband Ross of Springdale; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Abney of Star City; a brother, Brian M. Abney of Star City; a sister, Jean Ludwig of Henderson, Texas; and two stepsisters, Gloria Levingston of Houston, Texas, and Twila Thurman of La Grange, Texas; as well 8 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mauzel Beal, 1929-2018
Mauzel Beal of Conway died on Thursday, September 20th at age 88. Mauzel was preceded in death by her husband Rev. Jim Beal, son Rev. Roger Beal, grandson Zachary Beal, brother Steve Matthews and brother-in-law Gene Beal.
Born on October 22, 1929 in Old Joe, to Joe and Willie Garner Matthews, Mauzel graduated from Calico Rock High School and from Hendrix College where she met the love of her life and future husband, Jim. Jim and Mauzel were married on August 24, 1951. Mauzel enjoyed over 50 years of service along with Jim as a United Methodist Church minister’s wife across Arkansas. Being a partner in the ministry with Jim was truly her calling. Mauzel loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed being a Grandmom.
She is survived by her daughter Laura Middlekauff (Steve) and Joy Beal Meriwether (spouse of Roger) of Conway, grandchildren Dr. Wesley Beal (Courtney) of Batesville, Megan Middlekauff West (Chris) of Conway, Molly Middlekauff of New Orleans and four great-grandchildren Reed Beal, Ana Beal, Jackson West and Jameson West. She is also survived by brothers Joe Matthews of Wenatchee, Washington and Rev. Ed Matthews (Pat) of Little Rock, sister Betty Jane Perryman of Pine Bluff, and sisters-in-law Betty Matthews of Pine Bluff and Martha Beal of Conway, and beloved nieces, nephews and treasured friends.
Mauzel was active in many United Methodist Church organizations and served in many volunteer roles. She served as an archivist for the North Arkansas United Methodist Conference for 21 years. She loved working with children and youth ministries, United Methodist Women, Church Women United, FolkLore Camps, local and national United Methodist archives, Disciple Bible Study, Missions Committee, Literacy Councils, Heifer Ranch, and the Conway Cancer Foundation Board. Mauzel and Jim often sang duets together and she sang in their church choirs.
A service of celebration was held at First United Methodist Church in Conway on Friday, September 28 with a reception after the service in the Fellowship Hall. A private family service of interment of ashes will be held. Mauzel’s family is thankful for the care provided by Home Instead Caregivers and the doctors, nurses, therapists and staff at Conway Regional Hospital, Conway Regional Rehab, Heritage Rehab, and Arkansas Hospice. Memorials may be made to Mount Eagle Christian Center or Hendrix College.
Gertrude Regina Bitter, 1924-2018
Gertrude Regina Bitter, having had a “life well lived” for 94 years, died May 4, 2018, with grace, gratitude and faith in the Christian hope of a heavenly home. She was the surviving spouse of Rev. Melvin Bitter, whose last appointment in Arkansas was Good Faith Carr UMC, Pine Bluff. The daughter of Gertrude Regina Jungen and John Jacob Jungen, Gertrude was born in Manhattan, NY, on January 26, 1924. While growing up in the Bronx with her younger brother, John J. Jungen, Gertrude enjoyed equestrian activities and becoming an exceptional classical pianist. At age 15, she was the organist at her local church. At 16, she auditioned on the piano in Carnegie Hall before the longtime conductor/director of the New York Philharmonic Symphony, Walter Damrosch. Although she did not continue on the path to be a classical pianist, it was while Gertrude was playing the piano at the USO during World War II that she met and fell in love with a young sailor who for 71 years would be the love of her life. Together, she and Melvin were blessed with six children, including two sets of twins. After Melvin became an ordained minister, Gertrude blessed others with her gift of music, playing pianos and organs in Lutheran, Congregational and Methodist churches throughout the United States. Although she was a city girl, she joined Melvin in his love for adventure and the outdoors. They sailed their boat “Windborne” in the waters off Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. They motorcycled through the countryside of New England, Arkansas and Florida. She accompanied Melvin when he felt the call to missionary service in the Truk Islands. Their love of camping brought them to the mountains of North Carolina and to their home of the last 25 years in Hayesville. Along with her parents and brother, Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Melvin and daughters Regina and Christine. She is survived by her sons, Paul (Martha McAfee), John (Mary Johnson), and Mark, and daughter Pam (Cliff Obertuck), along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Venita Bruner, 1931-2018
Venita Fern Bruner, 87, died Thursday, May 3, 2018. She was born in Bay on February 24, 1931 to Jack and Ola Isbell. Venita was a 1949 graduate of Bay High School and attended Arkansas State University. She was a homemaker, but also worked outside the home a number of years, including working for Bay Schools for two years as secretary and teacher. She assisted her husband, Rev. Jesse Bruner, in the work of the United Methodist Church for thirty-five and one-half years, serving as organist, pianist, secretary, and church custodian, whatever she could do. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jesse; two sisters, Dorothy Bruner, and Jean Scott; a son, Allan; a granddaughter, Audrey Faye Bruner; and great-grandson, Bryson Colby Corter. Survivors include a son, Greg; a daughter, Jan Corter; a sister, Jackie Hancock; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Novella Carter, 1934-2018
Novella Carter, 84, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, died October 6, 2018. She was born August 20, 1934 in Blossom, Texas to the late Acy and Lilly (Thompson) Luttrell.
Novella was a faithful pastor’s wife and fun-loving mother. She was loved by many. She manifested a spirit of selflessness and loved her family unconditionally.
Loving survivors include her husband of 68 wonderful years, Norman Carter; son Guy Carter (Gina); daughters Norma Jean Carter Arey and “Rockie” Carter Evans (Britt); grandchildren Curt Arey (Erica), Carter Natarajan (Raj), Shannon Rucker (Garrett), Anna Hudson (Chad), and Tiffany Parker (Todd); great-grandchildren Wyatt and Nolan Arey, Ren, Jude, Bodhi and Violet Nataranjan, Kaitland Foster, Abagail Novella Parker, Jackson Criner, and Amelia and Strat Rucker; and great-great-grandchild Parker Foster.
A celebration of Novella’s life was held Monday, October 15, 2018, at Village United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas.
Memorial donations may be made to arkansashospice.org or a charity of your choice.
Mazie Chesser, 1935-2018
From William Chesser: I’m going to tell a few stories about my mother.
Mazie Chesser is my mom and people just loved her. She was a teacher for 40 years. Over the years, on several occasions, when I would state my name to total strangers they would say something like, «Are you related to Mazie Chesser?” to which I would say, “Yes, I am her son.” Then they would say some variation of, “She was my favorite teacher I ever had.” These people ranged in age from their 20s to their 50s, but my mom was an elementary school teacher. Many people remembered her and the impact she had on their lives.
She taught at an all-black girls’ school in North Carolina during segregation. She was the only white teacher (I imagine the only white person) there. She couldn’t sit with her fellow teachers when they went to the movies because they were forced to sit in the balcony. When my mother asked if she could sit with them up there, she was not allowed to do so. She remained furious about this her entire life, I think. When the girls at the school wanted to go to the store, they had to get a teacher to take them. They knew my mother to be a soft touch, so they would often talk her into taking them. The first time she took them, as mom tells it, they were all waiting in line. The white cashier looked over all the heads of the girls in line and asked my mother, “Can I help you, ma’am?” My mother replied, indignantly, “THEY are all in line. You can help THEM.”
My mother was the truest Christian I ever expect to meet. She was the person against whom I always compare every other person who claims to be Christian. She was caring, kind, loving, accepting and forgiving. I have to admit that I infrequently find people who measure up to her (at least, in my mind), and I live in a family full of ministers.
When my mother taught in Waldron in the 1980s, she had a sink in her room. One of the students was absolutely fascinated with the sink. Eventually, she found out that the student didn’t have running water at home. “You just go use that sink whenever you want,” she told the student. “You don’t even have to ask me. Just get up and use it.” That’s the way my mother handled things. She saw something that wasn’t working and, scarcely without thought, she would just correct the problem. It wasn’t even second nature to her. It was her first nature. She was kind and caring without even thinking about it. She was grace personified.
I wouldn’t be here and who I am without her in several real senses. She had always wanted more children than my father (she wanted six) but they had stopped having children after the first two. A decade later, she insisted that she wanted another. So it was that I was born when she was a month shy of 40, in 1975. She (and dad) always claimed that I kept them young. Well I may have kept her young, but she made me the person I am.
If I am a good teacher, it is because of her. If I am patient when I otherwise wouldn’t be, it’s because of her. If you ever catch me in a moment of grace, it’s because of her. Don’t get me wrong, I love dad too, but mom is the person that softened all my otherwise hard edges (and, for those who know me, imagine what I would be like had she not).
I love my mother, Mazie Chesser. I am happy to say that many other people do too. She passed from this earth on the morning of Sept. 26, peacefully in her sleep at the age of 83. I will miss her terribly.
Mazie was preceded in death by her parents, Ross and Clara Louthan.
She is survived by her husband Lewis; her daughter, Dawn Chesser and husband Scot Danforth of Knoxville, Tenn.; two sons, Wilburn Chesser and his wife Frances of Washington, D.C., and William Chesser and his wife Alison of Fayetteville; her sister, Annie Isreal and her husband Bud of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.,; and her brother, William Louthan and his wife Laveda of Aurora, Colo. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Gill Giese, Christopher Giese, Leith Chesser, Lila Chesser and Ares Chesser.
William (Bill) Andrew Cheyne, Sr, 1931-2018
Rev. William Andrew Cheyne, Sr., 87 of Van Buren passed away Thursday, July 12, 2018. He was an Associate Minister of First United Methodist Church of Fort Smith, Minister at First United Methodist Church in Booneville, First United Methodist Church in Ashdown, Arkansas, St. Paul United Methodist Church in Little Rock, Fort Smith District Superintendent, First United Methodist Church Siloam Springs, he served on the Board of Global Ministries and was a former Fort Smith District Superintendent. He retired in 1995; in 1996 he became a part-time minister of pastoral care at First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith. He was a U.S. Veteran of the Air Force of the Korean War.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, July 16, 2018, in Roebuck Chapel at Fort Smith First United Methodist Church with burial at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Earline (King) Cheyne of the home; two daughters, Debra Whitbeck of Holland, Michigan, Jane Cheyne of Springdale, Arkansas; three sons, William A. Cheyne, Jr. of Sedalia, Missouri, Ronald Cheyne of Edmond, Oklahoma and Dr. Stanley Cheyne of Farmville, Virginia; twelve grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Robert Blackwell Cloninger, Sr., 1954-2018
Robert Blackwell Cloninger, Sr., beloved husband of Reverend Kim Kelton Cloninger and very proud father of Reverend Robert Blackwell Cloninger, II (Betsy) and Reverend Mark Lawrence Cloninger and grandfather to Caroline Elizabeth Cloninger and Robert Blackwell Cloninger, III, passed from this life on July 13, 2018.
Bob loved his family with all of his heart, animals (especially his German Shepherd, Belle). He loved God and honored Him by supporting a family of ministers and being actively involved as a longtime member of Goddard United Methodist Church. Bob was an avid gardener, and especially loved tending his rose bushes. Bob was a computer-engineering instructor at the University of Arkansas—Fort Smith. Bob held a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hendrix College, a master’s degree in adult education from the University of Arkansas—Fayetteville, and a master’s degree in information quality from the University of Arkansas—Little Rock. In May 2018, Bob was awarded the Lori Norin Faculty Appreciation Award given by the Student Government Association. Over the course of the last eighteen years, Bob was able to instruct and guide a number of his students, which he counted as one of his greatest blessings. At the age of seventeen, Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country on active duty for four years and he finished his military career serving in the inactive reserves. Those who will continue to celebrate his memory include Kim Kelton Cloninger (his wife of forty years), his sons, Robert Blackwell Cloninger, II (the daughter-in-law whom he loved, Betsy and their beautiful children, Caroline Elizabeth and Robert Blackwell, III) and Mark Lawrence Cloninger. His siblings include Susan Bradley Cloninger (Matt), John Lawson Cloninger (Louise), and Fred Maxey Cloninger (Polly); and his mother-in-law, Renna Kelton. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Bob fought the good fight, he ran the good race, and he is now no longer in pain.
Memorial service was Wednesday, July 18, 2018 in the Goddard United Methodist Church under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The family greeted friends following the Memorial Service in the Church Parlor. Memorials may be made to Goddard United Methodist Church, The Goddard Hospital House, The Goddard Weekday Ministries, or the Hope Humane Society.
Henry Franklin Cook, 1941-2018
Henry Franklin Cook, 77, retired associate member, died April 13, 2018. A Celebration of Life was held April 21 at Decatur UMC. He was born January 19, 1941, on a houseboat on the Black River in Pocahontas, AR, to Jim and Minnie Stokes Cook. He was a minister for 52 years, most recently pastoring Lincoln and Morrow United Methodist churches. He was a man who loved unconditionally. He always carried a stone in his pocket as a reminder not to cast the first stone. His favorite saying was “Never judge anyone. We are all sinners saved by grace. Except for God’s grace, that could be me.” His entire life was dedicated to the service of others. He helped build homes in Mexico. He would give his last penny to anyone in need. He was a Master Mason of Masonic Lodge #364 in Huntsville, a member of Christian Motorcyclist ASC and a member of Kiwanis. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, J.T. Cook. Survivors include wife Theresa of the home; son Terry Cook of Mountain Home, daughter Jerrie Duncan and husband Shorty of Decatur, son Daniel Cook and wife Rie-C of Marshall; son Matthew Cook and wife Sarah of Aurora, CO; son Hank Cook and wife Amanda of Osage; 19 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a host of friends.
Edwin B. Dodson, 1922-2018
Dr. Edwin B. Dodson, a retired clergy member, of Texarkana, AR, died May 18, 2018. He was born Dec. 22, 1922, in Cotton Plant. He graduated from Marianna High School, Hendrix College and Perkins School of Theology. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Hendrix College. Dodson served as a minister in the United Methodist Church from 1946 until his retirement in 1984. He served churches in Becker, TX, Widener, Round Pond, Madison, Tuni, Berryville, Pocahontas, Siloam Springs, Batesville, Benton, Camden and Texarkana. During his final appointment at Texarkana, he served as chairman of the Board of Directors of the Southwest Arkansas Mental Health Center, the Texarkana Religious Emphasis Committee and the Volunteer Services Bureau. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Tri-State Chapter of the American Red Cross, Senior Citizens Services of Texarkana, the Temple Memorial Treatment Center, Hospice of Texarkana and Awareness of Crime in Texarkana. He was also a member of the Executive Committee of United Way, where he was a recipient of the United Way Cline Cup Award, and the Institutional Review Committees of St. Michael Hospital and Wadley Hospital. He was the founder and first president of the board of One Point of Light, which became Harvest Texarkana, which channels surplus food to feed hungry children and adults. He was a former member of the Board of Trustees of Hendrix College. Dodson was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Mary (Molly) Dodson and his brothers and sister, Hendrix Dodson, Morris Dodson, Delle Paulk, Frank Dodson and Eugene Dodson; his wife, Ellen Becker Dodson; his son, Don Dodson; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Dodson. He is survived by his children, Bob Dodson and Dick and Cheryl Dodson; five grandchildren, Mark Dodson, Robert and Katie Dodson, David Dodson, John and Christen Dodson, and Mason Dodson; and five great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held May 23 at Texarkana First UMC, with interment at the Becker Family Cemetery in Becker, Texas.
William D. “Bill” Elliott, 1932-2018
William D. “Bill” Elliott, 85, of Maumelle died May 6, 2018, surrounded by his family. He was born October 19, 1932, in Texarkana, AR, to Ruth and James Ira Dean Elliott. He graduated from Texarkana High School. Hearing the call to preach at age 12, he later graduated from Hendrix College and seminary at Southern Methodist University. He met Ethel Lu Teague at Camp Tanako. After becoming engaged on their second date, they were married November 27, 1964. During their 54 years of marriage, they traveled to 47 states, Europe and Asia. With more than 40 years of pastoral service, his first appointment was associate at Magnolia First, followed by the Chidester Circuit, Conference Youth Director, Winfield (associate), DeQueen, Pine Bluff Wesley, Monticello, Little Rock Trinity, Searcy First, Stuttgart First and Little Rock Winfield. He retired in 1998. He is survived by his wife Lu; sons Dean (Jacquelyn), Lee (Astrid) and John Paul (Rhonda); sisters Emma Owenby and Ann Honeycutt; and five grandchildren whom he adored and who brought him great joy. He was predeceased by his parents and one brother, James. Services were held May 11 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Little Rock.
Kaye Hammett Evans, 1948-2018
The Rev. Kaye Hammett Evans, 70, retired elder, died at her home in Rogers on March 19, 2018. She was born March 2, 1948, in Beebe, to Norma Jean (West) and Rev. Gerald Hammett. She was a graduate of Beebe High School, Hendrix College and Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University. Her ministry included pastoral service at Tillar Charge, Jonesboro First, Dardanelle First, Rogers Central, Alma, North Little Rock Trinity, Newark Hazel Edwards Memorial and Batesville Asbury. She retired in 2013 after serving 27 years as a United Methodist pastor in Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her father, and the father of her children, Rev. T. Nichols (Nick) Evans. She is survived by her mother and her children, Rev. Hammett N. Evans (Michelle Pounds) of Bryant, Brice Evans of Little Rock, and Eleanor Evans of Rogers. A memorial service was held March 26 at First United Methodist Church, Bryant, followed by burial at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Beebe.
Marion Eugene Fleming, 1944-2018
Marion Eugene Fleming, 73, of Cherokee Village, a retired elder, died April 25, 2018, at the White River Medical Center in Batesville. He was born Sept. 10, 1944, in Malvern, to Leo Joseph Schweitzer and Ruby Jean (Dickey) Schweitzer. He attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello and Memphis Theological Seminary. He was an active duty member of the Air National Guard, a past lieutenant governor and president of Kiwanis, and a dedicated member of the Jonesboro Emmaus community. Beginning in 1975, he served local churches including Tillar Circuit, Horatio, Dierks Circuit, Dierks, Foreman, Norphlet, Hawley Memorial, Corning, Marked Tree, Jonesboro First, Leachville, Weiner, Pottsville and Salem. He retired in 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Judy Lynch Fleming. Survivors are his wife Vicki Richardson Fleming; son Greg (Jennifer) Fleming of Clinton; brothers Gary (Maryland) Fleming of Little Rock and Jerry David Fleming of Morrilton; and granddaughter Katie Fleming. A celebration of life was held May 19 at First United Methodist Church, Cherokee Village.
Eleanor Gramling Forbes, 1932-2018
Eleanor Gramling Forbes, 85, of Noel, Missouri, formerly of Hartford, Arkansas passed away Saturday, June 9, 2018 in Bentonville, Arkansas. She was born at Bishop, Virginia to Andrew and Helen Marie Martin. She was a beautiful woman from the inside out, talented baker who loved to feed the souls of others with her love and most of all was adored by all who knew her. For years, she cooked for the students of Hartford Schools and then in later years for those at Hartford and Mansfield Senior Centers. She attended Hartford Assembly of God Church.
Funeral service was Thursday, June 14 at Hartford Assembly of God Church with burial at Hartford Memorial Park under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing was Wednesday at the funeral home, where the family visited with friends.
She is survived by her husband, Barney Forbes; one daughter, Tina Durham and husband, David of Little Rock; three sons, Robert Chick and wife, Pamela of Hartford, William Chick and wife, Wilma of Hartford and Paul Gramling and wife, Michelle of Springdale; three step-children, Mary Correia and husband, Paul, Charles Forbes and wife Mary and Marty Luebker and husband, Herman; one brother, James Steele and wife, Iris of Mansfield; two sisters, Dean Luton of Mansfield and Wanda Suttles of Moore, Oklahoma; eighteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Bernard L. Chick and Joe Gramling, a local pastor in the United Methodist Church; her parents, Andrew and Helen Marie Martin; two sisters, Betty Woosley and Frances Keener and one brother, Morris Buck Steele.
Wayne Crittenden Jarvis, 1935-2018
Wayne Crittenden Jarvis passed away on September 19, 2018. He was born September 7, 1935 in Evanston, Illinois to Crittenden Curtis Jarvis and Marjorie Ackerman Jarvis. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Bert Jarvis PhD and Doug Jarvis. He is survived by his beloved wife of thirty-two years, Frances Ramoly Jarvis; son, Curtis Jarvis and wife, Susan; daughter, Pam Jarvis; step-son, Steve Benton; step-daughter, Robyn Garrett; granddaughter, Evie Jarvis Nichols; step-granddaughters, Brooke Jackson, Jackie Myers, Stephane Benton; step-grandsons, Shawn Garrett and Brian Garrett, Jr.; and four step-great-grandchildren; brother, Critt Jarvis and wife, Amy; sisters-in-law, Pat Jarvis, Mary Jarvis, Sue Abshire and husband, Dale, and Barbara Ramoly; and several nephews, nieces and many friends.
He served in the United States Army. He then graduated from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas in 1959 with dual degrees in History and Political Science. He graduated from Perkins Theological School at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 1962 with a Masters Degree in Theology. He also attended Arkansas State University with thirty hours in graduate history.
He was ordained Deacon with the United Methodist Church in 1960 and ordained Elder in 1963. He served numerous churches in Arkansas as a senior pastor and after retirement as an associate pastor for a total of more than fifty years, as well as, District Superintendent and Associate Director Conference Council on Ministries. He retired in 2000 and as a retired minister, he served as Pastor of Christian Care of Maumelle United Methodist Church until 2013.
In the 1980’s he completed two marathons, one in Arkansas and one in Dallas, Texas but his favorite pastimes were playing golf and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Other areas he served were Annual Conference Leadership, Secretary Board of Education, Secretary Board of Pensions, Chairman Committee on Higher Education and Campus Ministry, Chairman Board of Church and Society, Secretary Board of Missions, Secretary Committee on Structure, Delegate to South Central Jurisdictional Conference 1976, Lab Leader for Children’s Ministries, Chairman Area Disaster Response Committee, Disaster Response Consultant United Methodist Committee on Relief, Member Catastrophic Disaster Response Team of the United Methodist Church, extensive disaster response work in Arkansas and around the country, expertise in earthquake disaster response and the New Madrid Seismic Zone, member Governor’s Advisory Committee on Earthquakes, assisted in Organization of Our House Board, assisted in organization of Grace Community Food Bank in Helena, assisted in organization of Reading Program for Phillips County, assisted in organization of Phillips County Transitional Employment Assistance Program and Chairman for two years, member Phillips County Disaster Response Team, board member of Arkansas Committee Against the Death Penalty, chaired Arkansas Interfaith Hunger Task Force, worked with the prison ministry, and worked with President Bill Clinton when he was Governor of Arkansas on social issues.
The family wants to thank the loving caregivers of Baptist Home Health and Baptist Hospice with special thanks to Fleshia and Nathan; and also, to Rev. Jerry Meeks, and most of all to his sister-in-law, Sue Abshire, for her unending and loving devotion in helping to care for him during his final days, and to everyone else who showed their love to him.
Peggy Joy Miles Lann, 1942-2018
Peggy Joy Miles Lann died on January 1, 2018. Peggy was born to Ina Pearl Miles and J.B. Miles on March 14, 1942, in Leesville, LA. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Rev. John Miles and Warren Miles. Peggy is survived by her husband, retired local pastor Rev. James Lann, and their children, Cindy and John Reister, Andy Lann, Debbie and Andy McDade, Audrea and Greg Duckworth; grandchildren, Amber and Billy Quick, Nikki and Tommy Taylor, Taylor and Ana Byrd, Karyn and Eric Sanders, Jimmy and Erin Lann, Katie and Lucas Hancock, Jessica and Sergeant David Lambert, Emily McDade and Theodore Goodwin, Jessie Green and Shelly Green; great-grandchildren, Harley Kozak, Caleb Kozak, Lucas Quick, Gage Quick, Brice Quick, Hayden Quick, Mason Quick, Cade Quick, Ashlyn Taylor, Madilyn Taylor, Kinley Brooke Sanders, Eli Lann, Nathaniel Lambert and Mason Porter; and sister-in-laws, Sarah Jo Murphy and Joy Miles; her nieces and nephews, Deborah Miles, John Miles, Rebekah Miles, Heather, Martin, and Michael Miles, Shannon Vickers, Kayla Hatcher, and extended family and friends. She was loved by all. A memorial service was held January 20 at Marshall United Methodist Church, with internment at Leslie Cemetery.
Thomas Mark Letchworth, 1955-2018
Tom Letchworth, 62, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 27, 2018. He was born Aug. 20, 1955 in Dayton, Ohio to Clarence and Billie (Wood) Letchworth. Preceded in death by his parents, Tom is survived by his wife of 37 years, Celesta Lynne (Shaulis); his sons, Sam and Joe; and his big brother Steve (Nancy). Other survivors include his nephew, Dan (Koh); his sister-in-laws, Zola (Will) and Jane (Joseph); and his niece, Mila (Jesse). The son of an Air Force chaplain, Tom grew up in Ohio, France, Maine, Spain, Michigan, Japan and California.
Tom received the call to ministry while he was a student at San Jose State University in 1974. “I discovered that God is Real. And if God is Real, life is meaningful. And if life is meaningful, I wanted to tell everyone I possibly could. From this seed, my understanding of God’s love — revealed in Jesus Christ and confirmed through the Holy Spirit — has continued to grow.”
Tom graduated from the University of California, Riverside with high honors and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated cum laude from Perkins School of Theology with a Master of Theology degree. Tom was ordained an Elder in the Little Rock Conference of the United Methodist Church in 1985.
Tom pastored dynamic churches of varying sizes throughout his ministry since 1980. Twice, Tom received appointments as a full-time General Evangelist, in which he enjoyed adding drama to his sermons. He preached, taught and wrote as a means of fulfilling his call to ministry.
Tom and Celeste wrote full-length plays published by Lillenas Drama: Mysteries With a Message, Volumes I and II; and Meet Me at Luigi’s. Their two favorite “creative collaborations” are Sam and Joe.
Tom’s book, War Ain’t No Picnic: 30 Civil War Stories & Devotionals, was released by Fermata House in August 2017. Since the Lectionary calendar cycles every three years, Tom’s weekly Bible studies will continue to be posted at soarlectionarybiblestudy.wordpress.com.
Tom earnestly attempted to “speak the Truth in Love.” The week prior to his death, the Confessing Movement of Arkansas acknowledged Tom’s life work by awarding him the Defender of the Faith award.
Tom’s life was celebrated on Tuesday, July 3rd at Searcy First United Methodist Church, with viewing before the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Heifer International are appreciated.
Interment will be in Keene Cemetery, Keene, Kentucky at a later date.
Gerald Bruce “Gary” Lunsford, 1942-2018
Gerald Bruce “Gary” Lunsford, of Lincoln, a retired associate clergy member, died January 24, 2018, at the Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. He was born August 3, 1942, in Westville, OK. The son of Bruce and Rosa Lee Lunsford, Gary began his life in Arkansas when the family moved to Bentonville and then settled in Fayetteville. Gary attended Washington Elementary and was a 1960 Fayetteville High School graduate. He played for the 1957 undefeated football team and embraced Fayetteville’s public schools’ integration. He began his mastery of carpentry and woodworking by working with and learning from his dad. He was part of the construction crew that built the Mountain Inn across from the Washington County courthouse. Gary joined the Marine Corps in 1960 but in less than six months received an honorable discharge after an accident from faulty explosives caused deafness in his left ear. He returned to Fayetteville where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Arkansas. Gary’s incredible life experiences continued when he moved to Washington, D.C., in the 1960s and joined the Capitol Hill police force. During his time away from Fayetteville, he learned how to skydive, snow ski, and race stock cars. When Gary returned to Fayetteville he worked various jobs including: being a bouncer, teaching art at Woodland, operating the horse-riding concession at Devil’s Den, and opening a woodworking shop. Then he married the love of his life, Marty Jones. He continued carpentry, woodworking and substitute teaching until he received the call to go into ministry. He organized and traveled on several mission trips to South America, Africa and Russia. Gary served as pastor of visitation at Central United Methodist Church. He pastored several United Methodist churches in Northwest Arkansas, including St. James and Wiggins in Fayetteville and congregations at Rheas Mill, Winslow, Lincoln and Morrow. He loved God, his family, the Razorbacks, riding his motorcycle, old cars, down-home cooking, chocolate cake, stray dogs, Siamese cats, mission work, talking about old Fayetteville, story-telling, traveling, Sunday afternoon drives, backyard barbecues, swimming in the river and woodworking. Most of all, Gary loved people. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Porter and David Lunsford. He is survived by his wife, Marty, three sons, Jason, Quentin and Allan; five grandchildren, his sister, Barbara Pryor, and his brother, Scott Lunsford. A memorial service was held January 30 at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville.
Lillie Raney Major, 1919-2017
Lillie Raney Major, 98, died October 21, 2017. Born on January 14, 1919, to Thomas Jefferson Raney and Inez Brannon Raney, she was the youngest daughter of 10 siblings. Lillie raised three children while successfully balancing a career in education and supporting her husband of 75 years, the late Rev. Dr. James E. Major. Together they served the United Methodist Church and Hendrix College. Lillie received her BA from Sullins College in Virginia and her Master’s degree from the University of Central Arkansas. She was very instrumental in establishing the Foreign Language programs in the Little Rock Public Schools. She taught school in every city where she and Jim lived starting with Durham, North Carolina, while Jim went to graduate school. In her role as a missionary in Santiago, Chile, she taught at the Sweet Memorial Institute alongside her husband. She was the quintessential “Preacher’s Wife,” devoting her life to God, the Church, and her family. Lillie is survived by her daughter, Mary Susan Major Holton (Len) of Little Rock, her son, Thomas R. Major (Carla) of Little Rock, and her son, James V. Major (Tamara) of Medford, MA; as well as grandchildren, Mike Major (Nikki), Lauren Major Averill (Chris), Alexis Major Jameson (Neil), Wesley Major, and six great-grandchildren. A service celebrating Lillie’s life was held at First United Methodist Church in Little Rock on Wednesday, October 25.
Carlos Martin, 1924-2018
Rev. Carlos Martin, retired elder, of Brandon, MS, died January 28, 2018. He served churches from 1951 to 1987, primarily in the former Little Rock Conference.
He was born December 27, 1924, at Austin, AR, the son of Rev. and Mrs. J.R. Martin of Cabot. A graduate of Prescott High School, he served 3½ years in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After his discharge, he attended Hendrix College and received his degree. He then earned his Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology. His pastoral appointments included Greenbrier, Winfield-Little Rock, St. Luke-Pine Bluff, Lewisville, St. Paul-El Dorado, Hamburg Charge, Carlisle, Oaklawn-Hot Springs, St. Luke-Little Rock and First Church Hot Springs. Following retirement, he was named Pastor Emeritus at Hot Springs First. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years, Verlene Richardson Martin, a daughter, Judy Martin Cook, and an infant brother, Clyde. Survivors include his son, Ron of Brandon, MS; a son-in-law, Toby M. Cook; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The Service of Celebration was held February 1 at First United Methodist Church, Hot Springs, with interment at Crestview Memorial Park.
James Robert McElhannon, 1944-2018
Rev. James Robert “J.R.” McElhannon, a longtime resident of Jonesboro, reached his eternal home in heaven on Wednesday. October l7, 2018
He was born in Henryetta, Oklahoma on July 19, 1944 to Rev. M.K. and Rosetta Been McElhannon.
He was an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God for nearly 50 years. pastoring churches in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kansas. After retiring from full-time ministry, he had pastoral charges with the United Methodist Churches in Mammoth Spring and Camp, Arkansas. At the time of his death, he was serving as pastor of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in the Lorado community and Pine Log Methodist Church near Brookland. One of his passions was providing mentorship to those fulfilling the call of God in their Iives. In earlier years, he held several children’s crusades in Oklahoma and Arkansas. ministering as Busooka the Clown, captivating children with puppets, sleight of hand tricks, and making Bible stories come to life.
In recent years. he enjoyed traveling with his wife; was an avid Arkansas State University football and basketball fan; and thoroughly enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite thing to do was to “pester, pester, pester” them. He also never met a stranger, and he touched many lives with his humor, wit, and charisma.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve, training troops deployed to Vietnam. He married the love of his life, Gwendolyne Hill McElhannon on February 21, 1964. They have shared 54 years of love and commitment.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father & mother-in-law, Rev. Alva & Ella Mae Hill; brother, Marvin Lee McElhannon; sister-in-law, Nadine McElhannon; and nephew, Rev. Rick McElhannon.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children. Michele (Glen) Dunnam, and Rev. Shawn (Sherry) McElhannon, both of Jonesboro; grandchildren: Jonathan (Brandi) Dunnam of Pocahontas, Jeremy (Ashley) Brown of Paragould, Stephen (Emily) Dunnam of Jonesboro, Jordan Brown of Bay, Thomas Dunnam, Shayden McElhannon, Shyler McElhannon, and Shelsi McElhannon. all of Jonesboro; great- grandchildren: Kingston Dunnam, Aubrey Dunnam, Brantley Brown, Harper Brown, Jack Dunnam, Everett Brown, and an unborn great-grandchild arriving in March; his brothers Edgar (Ruth) McElhannon of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Walter (Barbara) McElhannon of Seminole, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Debbie (Ed) Taylor of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nieces, Regina (Jeff) Lang, Dianna McElhannon, Dawnita Hill, Amanda (Joseph) Rudolph. Jennifer (Joseph) Geilfuss, and Meghan Taylor; nephews, Reggie McElhannon, Charles (Bonita) McElhannon, Chris (Donna) McElhannon, and Denton McElhannon; special family members, Harriet McElhannon Parker, Beth Anne Dunnam, Christin Brown, and a host of loving friends and family members across the country.
John P. Miles I, 1929-2017
The Rev. John Pershing Miles I, a United Methodist pastor, died November 2, 2017 surrounded by family. John was born to Esther (Martin) and J.B. Miles on November 11, 1929 in Crowley, Louisiana. With his brother, Warren, he was raised in Crowley, Baton Rouge, Beaumont, Los Angeles, and Hot Springs. As a young man at Hot Springs Methodist, John accepted a call to ordained ministry and was licensed to preach 70 years ago. While at Hot Springs High he won the Arkansas Golden Gloves Featherweight Boxing championship. At Hendrix College, he was an All AIC nose guard at 135 pounds. While taking his last college courses, John went to an event at Conway First Methodist and met JoAnn Ridgway, a student at State Teacher’s College. They married in June 1952 at First Methodist in Forrest City. After honeymooning at the Methodist annual conference in Hot Springs, they moved to Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, where they welcomed the first of their three children. John was a faithful, buoyant, and effective pastor in the churches to which he was appointed—the Hamilton Circuit, Wilmot, Eudora, Star City, Fairview, Oaklawn, Arkadelphia First, St. James in Little Rock, and, finally, Hot Springs First, as an emeritus pastor. He received honorary doctorates from Shorter College and Hendrix College and served on many boards including those at Hendrix and Perkins. A gifted and outlandish raconteur, John won national and state awards for preaching, evangelism, and church growth. He was a yellow dog democrat and a passionate advocate for people and issues on the margins. A loving pastor to senators and presidents, the felons and the faithful, and everything in between, he was known to be encouraging to sinners and exasperating to saints. To all, he preached a message of graceful and loving acceptance, faithfulness to God and one’s covenants, and dogged self-discipline. Preceded in death by his wife JoAnn and his brother Warren, John is survived by his children Deborah Miles and Marc Rudow, John and Susan Miles, and Rebekah Miles and Len Delony; his beloved grandchildren David, Caleb, Joshua, and Galit Rudow; Trey and Kelsea Miles; Zoe and Brandon Loeser, and Anna and Katherine Delony; his lady friend Corrine Gooch; his brothers and sisters, Peggy and James Lann, Joy Miles, and Melvin and Kay Ridgway; his nieces and nephews Heather, Martin, and Michael Miles, Jeffrey and Michael Pratt, Bonnie James, Mel Brooks, Suzanne Childs, Cindy Reister, Debbie McDade, Andy Lann, and Audrey Duckworth; and a wider community of extended family and friends. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, November 11 at Hot Springs First United Methodist.
Rebecca “Becky” Jones Miller, 1956-2018
Rebecca “Becky” Jones Miller of Van Buren died March 15, 2018, at the age of 61. She was the spouse of Rev. Randy Miller, pastor of City Heights United Methodist Church, Van Buren. She was born May 20, 1956, to James Ray and Jo Ellen Jones of Van Buren. She was the Principal Broker of J.E. Jones Real Estate in Van Buren. Becky was a member of the City Heights United Methodist Church in Van Buren. She was a past president of the Crawford County Board of Realtors, former Realtor of the Year and Rookie of the Year for the Crawford County Board of Realtors. She was a graduate of the Realtor Institute, a Certified Residential Specialist, and a past Zone Director of the Arkansas Realtor Association. She was a graduate of Van Buren High School and Arkansas Tech University, a former assistant children’s leader in Bible Study Fellowship and a gifted children’s teacher at her church. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jo Ellen Jones. She is survived by her father, James Ray Jones of Van Buren; her husband of 40 years, Randy Miller of Van Buren; one brother, J.R Jones and his wife Maryanne Pace Jones of Atlanta, GA; a son, James Aaron Miller of Van Buren; a daughter, Anna Miller Daily and husband Samuel Daily of Fayetteville; three grandsons, Ray Miller, Andrew Miller and Luke Daily; one nephew, Brandon Jones of Mooresville, NC; two dogs, Adler and Daisy, who watch the door for her to come home; along with numerous cousins and a multitude of close friends and family. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.
Calvin D. Mitchell, 1928-2018
Rev. Calvin D. Mitchell, 90, of Little Rock died July 4, 2018. He was born January 10, 1928 to Dewey and Eunice Mitchell. Calvin graduated from Dumas High School, University of Arkansas and Perkins School of Theology. He served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War. He was a United Methodist minister, serving churches across Arkansas for 35 years. In 1985 he received the Mary and Ira A. Brumley Award for Religious Education. In retirement, he served as Pastor Emeritus at St. Luke United Methodist Church and co-managed the Broadmoor Neighborhood Pool with his wife, Pat.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Tracy Boxley.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pat Mitchell and his children, Michael Mitchell, Terri (Fred) Rowlan, Mark (Mark Giles) Mitchell, Toni (Jim) Bemis, Tami (Jim) Cross, son-in-law, Mark Boxley; grandchildren, Luke (Jill) Rowlan, Drew Mitchell, Victoria (Jonathan) Pennington, Eric (Keara) Cross, Matthew Bemis, Brandon Bemis, Austin Cross, Isaac Cross, Logan Bemis and Cassandra Schlatter; great-grandchildren, Nylah Cross, Shayne Pennington, Logan Schlatter and dear friend, Lee Boozer. He lived his life as he taught: be kind, love your neighbor and serve others.
The family would like to thank the staff of VA Hospital, 4C, 1B and Palliative Care for the wonderful care he received.
A memorial service will be held July 13, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 6401 West 32nd Street, Little Rock, AR 72204.
Sylvia Lynn Nosic, 1934-2018
Sylvia Lynn Nosic, 84, of Sherwood, a retired clergy associate member of the Arkansas Conference, died May 19, 2018. She was born February 9, 1934, in Little Rock, to Evans Vaughn Sanders, Sr. and Pauline Omelia Sanders. Retired from the U.S. Postal Service, she earned a bachelor’s degree in theology and was an ordained United Methodist minister. During her ministry, she served as pastor at Quitman, Dumas Memorial in El Dorado, Wye Mountain and Western Hills in Little Rock. She loved God and her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Evans Vaughn Sanders, Jr. She is survived by her four children, Paula Miles (Bruce), Patricia Patton, Diana Roberts and Anita Johnston (Chris), all of Sherwood; six grandchildren, Randy Roberts, Jr. (Jessica), Amber Patton (Justin), Stephanie Roberts, Matthew Hodges, Tom Watson, and Cory Watson; four great-grandchildren, Avery, Patrick, Eden and Ezra; and other family members whom she loved dearly. Services were May 30 at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills in North Little Rock, with burial at Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock.
Eva Louise Horton Pettus, 1947-2018
Eva Louise Horton Pettus died February 17, 2018, at CrossRidge Community Hospital in Wynne, AR. She was the spouse of Rev. Glen Pettus, pastor of Wynne First United Methodist Church. She was born March 20, 1947, to J.B. Horton and Melba Farris Horton in Detroit, MI, and grew up in New Madrid, MO. She attended Arkansas State University, earning a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1970 and a Master of Science in Education degree in 1971. She performed with the ASU Concert Choir, Madrigal Singers, Marching Indian Band and Concert Band. She was president of Kay’s Hall, Associated Women Students and Sigma Alpha Iota. She was a member of the ASU President’s Roundtable and Lecture-Concert Committee, as well as the hospital auxiliary at St. Bernard’s Hospital. Among her many honors and awards were the ASU Distinguished Service Award, Alpha Omicron Pi Music Award and Sigma Alpha Iota Sword of Honor. Eva led mostly choral music in schools in Missouri and Arkansas, including Tuckerman, Lakeside Hot Springs and Pocahontas. As a United Methodist, she served as Sunday School teacher, choir director, organist, pianist and director of children’s and youth choirs. She was active in United Methodist Women and served on many Conference and District committees. Instrumental in bringing Walk to Emmaus and Chrysalis to Arkansas, she was Chair of the Arkansas Emmaus and Chrysalis Formation Committees, Lay Director of the Women’s Walk and Girls’ Chrysalis Flight and served on the International Emmaus Board and National Chrysalis Board. Eva was a certified adjudicator with the National Piano Guild and a National Certified Teacher of Music through the National Teachers of Music Association. She was a member of the Music Educators National Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, American and Arkansas Choral Directors Associations, Choristers Guild, Suzuki Music Association, Musicgarten, Kindermusik, Musical Coterie, Music Club and PEO. She was a member of Wynne First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, American Legion Auxiliary, Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln Presenters and the Kelly’s Roundtable. Her greatest gift was her enormous love of others and especially her love of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her father, J.B. Horton. In addition to her husband, survivors are her mother, Melba Horton, sisters Janelle (Kenny) Burch and Karen Horton of Sikeston, MO, and extended family. A memorial service was held February 20 at Wynne First UMC.
Ralph Gary Riley, Sr., 1938 – 2018
Ralph Gary Riley, Sr., 79 of Stephens, AR passed away in his home surrounded by those he loved on Wednesday, August 01, 2018. Gary was born November 24, 1938 to Ralph and Lou Neal Riley.
He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War, Pastor with First United Methodist Church and associate Pastor of Rolling Hills First Assembly of God. Gary was a devoted husband, a loving father and the world’s greatest papaw and a friend to all he met.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lou Neal Riley; brother, Marcus Don Riley; and son, Michael Eugene Riley.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeanie Riley; six children, Jamie Collins of Paragould, AR, Gary Riley, Jr. of Little Rock, AR, Mike Kinley of Frenchport, AR, Dennis Kinley of White Hall, AR, Lisa Smith of White Hall, AR and Devonna Campbell of Camden, AR; twenty grandchildren; twenty one great-grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Saturday, August 04, 2018 at Proctor Funeral Home with Larry Goza, Mike Kinley, Jamie Collins and Terry Walthall officiating. The family received friends Saturday before the service.
Carol Ann Robbins, 1944-2018
Carol Snowball Bell Robbins, 73, died April 23, 2018 at Parkside Home in Hillsboro, Kansas. She was born November 28, 1944 to Ralph and Florence (Neuschafer) Snowball in Ellsworth, Kansas. She was the surviving spouse of retired United Methodist local pastor Ronald L. Robbins who served the Cedar Grove/Pleasant Ridge charge in Yellville from 2003 to 2008. She was a registered nurse for many years.
Carol married Ronald Robbins in 1987, and they spent many wonderful years in Yellville, Arkansas, before moving to Salina, Kansas. Survivors include a son, Creigh Bell of Hillsboro; daughter, Stacey Gingell of Delphos, Kansas; grandchildren, Surinda Bell, Sonareigh Bell, Robert Gingell, Jamie Gingell.
Betty Ann Embrey Robertson, 1929-2017
The Rev. Betty Ann Embrey Robertson, 88, died October 25, 2017. She was born March 9, 1929 in Fort Smith, AR, the daughter of Blake and Anna Louise Andres Embrey. She was a retired United Methodist clergywoman and elder. She graduated from Fort Smith (Northside) High School, Fort Smith Junior College (University of Arkansas Fort Smith), and the University of Arkansas Little Rock with a BA in Elementary Education. She then earned a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN. Betty Ann substituted in elementary schools in Fort Smith, taught third grade at Jefferson Elementary in Little Rock and at Smackover Elementary in Smackover, AR. She was director of education at Western Hills United Methodist Church in Little Rock and at the Batesville South Parish in Batesville. She pastored United Methodist churches in Tumbling Shoals, Cedar Grove, Crawfordsville and Salem-Viola in Fulton County, taught Disciple Bible Study classes, served on several United Methodist Conference Committees, including Finance and Administration, Education, the Board of Diaconal Ministry and served as District Coordinator of Children’s Ministries. She was a past president of Chapters BD, DB, I of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, and a national officer in the Delta Beta Sigma Sorority. Preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Rev. Robert Wilson Robertson, she is survived by her children, Dr. Blake Robertson and wife, Dr. Charlotte Robertson, of Springdale and Diana Myklebust and husband, Mark, of Maumelle; sister, Marian Bartlett of Russellville; grandchildren, Matthew Robert Myklebust and wife, Melanie, Mary Kay Myklebust-Steves, Jonathan Blake Robertson and Stephen Lane; and great-grandchildren, Logan Robertson, Ashtyn and Coltyn Lane, Morgan, Mason and Maddox Myklebust, and Victoria Myklebust-Steves; and a host of other family and friends. Services were held on Friday, October 27 at St. James United Methodist Church.
Robert P. Sessions, 1926-2018
Robert Paul (“Bob”) Sessions was born on October 5, 1926 in Hardy, AR and died on March 26, 2018 at his home in Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, MD. An ordained United Methodist minister, university professor and college president, he is survived by his wife of 57 years, Julia Sessions, as well as four daughters, ten grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He was buried on March 30, 2018 at the Greenwood Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Richmond, VA.
When Bob graduated from high school he joined the Navy and served from 1944-1946. He was in the officer’s training program at Dartmouth College and Brown University. He graduated with honors in 1948 from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, TX, earning a Master’s degree in theology in 1950. That year he was ordained as a United Methodist minister and was assigned to St. John’s Methodist Church in Van Buren, AR, serving there as pastor from 1950-1956. Bob married Martha Rae Rutledge from Batesville in 1950. They had two daughters, Laura and Teresa.
From 1956-1962, Bob served as pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Booneville, AR. In 1957 he and Rae divorced; Laura and Terri continued to live with Bob. In December 1960, Bob married Hendrix College graduate Julia Margaret Anderson from Conway, AR. They had two daughters, Kathy and Sarah. In 1962, the family moved to East Braintree, MA for Bob to attend Boston University School of Theology, where he studied sociology and race and ethnic relations. He supported the family as minister of a small United Methodist church in Braintree.
He earned a PhD in Theology in 1967. After graduating, Bob became an assistant professor of sociology and religion at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV. In 1970 he became a sociology professor and department chair at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN.
He was tapped to become president of Southwestern College in Winfield, KS in 1980 and served there from 1981-1984. From 1984-1988 he was dean of the Graduate School and director of institutional planning of Kearney State College in Kearny, NE. Seeking to be closer to his daughters’ families as he neared retirement, Bob finished his academic career as professor of the University of Richmond from 1988-1992. He was intellectually curious throughout his life and cared deeply about the state of his community and society.
He was passionate in the belief that every person was loved in the eyes of God and deserved the right to be treated fairly. This conviction was tested during his years as a young pastor in Arkansas communities that were being challenged to desegregate in the 1950s-1960s. His statewide sermons on fairness and race relations found a mixed response, from criticism by the governor and a KKK cross-burning on the family lawn, to staunch supporters.
In 1961 Bob wrote an article entitled “Are Southern Ministers Failing the South?” that was published in The Saturday Evening Post calling on Southern ministers to reflect Christian values in supporting racial equality.
These events culminated in his decision to pursue graduate studies, to understand and help others understand the interplay of social and religious forces. Bob’s stance for racial equality remained one of the things Bob was most proud of in his life. Music and the creative arts were also his passion.
He loved musicals and sang, along with his wife Julia, for decades in church choirs. He wrote Christian music that was often incorporated into services of his home churches. Upon retirement, he took piano lessons and wrote a musical called “Remind Me to Tell You” which was performed by local groups in Tennessee and Maryland. Bob’s most enduring passion was for family.
Born to Adolphus Wann Jernigan and Mattie Orel (Gibson) Jernigan in 1926, his childhood was interrupted by the death of his father. His mother found work in a cotton mill and placed Bob and his older brother Adolphus in a children’s home in Arkansas run by the Freemasons. Bob, Adolphus and their sister Laura were later adopted by Loys Rutherford Sessions.
He was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, and – just before his death – great-grandfather. He loved each family member including a succession of dogs and cats, penning an argument in his last book that they too would surely enjoy an afterlife in heaven.
Bob enjoyed every family gathering, regularly expressing his pride in and affection for his relatives, and often talked about how lucky he was to have such a loving family. The family he helped build will keep him in their hearts and hope to sustain his legacy of curiosity, good humor, and decency.
Wensil Allene Lowery Smith, 1935-2018
Wensil Allene Lowery Smith, 82, of Butterfield, the spouse of retired elder Rev. David Smith, died February 5, 2018. She was born on March 11, 1935, in Cooper, the daughter of Granville Allen and Clara Anita James Lowery. She graduated from Magnet Cove High School where she met her husband, David.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three of her siblings, sister Delores Lowery Lawrence, brothers Hulon and Donnie Lowery. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, David Smith of Butterfield; children Debra Smith (Jerry) Segers of Canton, GA, and Philip “Fritz” (Cathleen) Smith of Kennesaw, GA; sisters Jannis Lowery Smith of Hot Springs and Reta Lowery (Clarence) Woosley of Malvern; brother-in-law Howard Wilson of Tuscaloosa, AL, sisters-in-law Eva Jean Hathcock Lowery of Malvern, Rosalind Crawford of Houston, TX, and Frances (Van) Wells of Ruston, LA; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives.
Genealogy was one of her favorite pastimes and she gathered a wealth of family information for more than 60 years. Remembered for her wit, kindness and generosity, Wensil loved her God and her church.
A preacher’s wife much of her adult life, she had a quiet way of supporting behind the scenes. She was active in Girl Scout leadership and her local PEO chapter. She was an exceptional bookkeeper, working for Sears, Millsaps College, Capps Funeral Home and was Deputy Tax Collector for Walthall County in Mississippi. She highly valued education and provided “Nana Scholarships” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wensil credited her creativity to growing up in the post-Depression years saying, “We always had to make something out of nothing.” She enjoyed life and preparing special tea parties for her grandchildren.
She loved butterflies, was a marathon shopper and inquisitive world traveler. She claimed her greatest accomplishment was raising her two children to become caring, productive adults. Services were held February 9 at J.A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern, with interment at Cooper Cemetery.
Judith Stroud, 1938-2018
Judith Stroud, surviving spouse of Rev. William “Bill” Stroud, died June 19, 2018, in Almagordo, NM.
Dorothy Yarnell Warden, 1934-2017
Dorothy Yarnell Warden, 83, surviving spouse of the late Rev. Frank Warden, died November 21, 2017 at Searcy Healthcare Center. She was 83. Dorothy was born May 4, 1934 in Searcy to the late John Harbin and Doris Neeley Yarnell. Dorothy grew up in Searcy. She attended Hendrix College, where she met Frank Warden, and they were married August 14, 1954. He preceded her in death on November 14, 2012. Dorothy attended Peabody College in Nashville, graduating with an education degree, while her husband was attending law school at Vanderbilt. After graduation, they relocated to San Antonio and California where Dorothy taught school. They returned to Little Rock where Frank practiced law in Little Rock for the Friday firm until he heard the call to ministry. During this time they were charter members of Lakewood United Methodist Church where Dorothy was active in the choir. They moved to Dallas in 1969 so Frank could attend seminary. After being ordained, he was assigned to Highland Park United Methodist Church. Dorothy was very active in the life of the church during his pastorate there, serving as the wedding hostess for the church, among other duties. They wrote and published Trinity Bible Studies while in Dallas, traveling the world over teaching the methods and training other pastors. Some years later they retired to the Searcy area where both were involved at First United Methodist. Dorothy was constantly giving to her community as a facilitator in cancer support groups, working with families of the addicted and alcoholic, and as a writer of a weekly column for the Searcy Daily Citizen in addition to her manifold work for the local churches. Dorothy’s great love was music. She was an accomplished soprano and a teacher of voice both in Searcy and Dallas. She was deeply committed to the music programs of every church they attended. She is survived by one son, Clark Warden of Searcy; daughter, Elizabeth Warden of Dallas, TX; and grandson, Matthew David Warden (Tiffany) of Mt. Vernon, AR.
Sondra Lynn Scott Warren, 1948-2018
Sondra Lynn Scott Warren, 70, of Morrilton, the surviving spouse of Rev. Ellis Edward Warren, died May 22, 2018. She was born May 19, 1948, in Morrilton, AR to Thomas and Jessie Ruth Scott.
She obtained a master of science in education degree with an emphasis in history from the University of Central Arkansas.
She taught at Morrilton Junior High School for two years before devoting her life to being a United Methodist preacher’s wife and stay-at-home mother. She is survived by her children, Christopher (Kathy) Warren of Fort Worth, TX, Courtney (Thomas) Turner of Marvell, Scott Warren of Russellville, Jennifer Warren, John Warren, William Warren and Joshua Warren, all of Morrilton; and grandchildren, Nathan, Lauren and Wesley Turner, Michael and Andrew Warren.