Special Recognition
Kenneth William Hicks
June 18, 1923 – June 19, 2019
Bishop Kenneth William Hicks, 96, died Wednesday, June 19, at his home in Shepherd’s Cove in Little Rock midst his wife and family. He was born as the only child of Earl and Ertie Hicks on June 18, 1923, near Iola, KS, and graduated from high school in 1941. During the early years of World War II, he worked in a Nashville TN airplane factory where bombers were built.
Eventually, he attended junior college, after which he enrolled at York College (NE), completing a B.A. degree. He then enrolled at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, earning his Master of Theology in 1953. Ordained a Deacon in 1952 and an Elder in 1953, Hicks served Methodist churches in Colorado for seven years, and then later in Nebraska including five years as a District Superintendent.
Rev. Hicks met his lovely wife Elaine in college and they married in 1946. From then until he died last Wednesday, they were one another’s counsel in all matters.
Hicks was elected to the United Methodist episcopacy in 1976, first serving the Little Rock and North Arkansas Conferences (merging in 2002 to become the Arkansas Conference). While in Arkansas he established an excellent record of credibility and gained a respectable reputation for leadership in human relations, justice issues, and a respect for life. He was also called as a plaintiff to testify against the legislation that would have allowed Creation Science to be taught in Arkansas public schools, which was eventually repealed.
In 1984, Bishop Hicks was assigned to the Kansas Episcopal Area, which included the Kansas East and Kansas West Conferences. Again he served for eight years, prodding and challenging the pastors, District Superintendents and laity in his care to innovative and effective approaches to ministry. While there, a Kansas church-affiliated hospital came into a negotiated sale arrangement to a private corporate entity. Though he walked into the developing stages of this sale in his first months in the state, he presided over the consummation of a matter seething with controversy. The hospital is still operating under the name Wesley Medical Center. After retirement, Hicks served on the board of Kansas Health Foundation for eleven years.
In 1992, Ken and Elaine retired back to Arkansas, where he was given an office in Little Rock’s PHUMC as Bishop in Residence. Though retired, his services were always in demand and his commitment to issues and causes close to his heart continued to beckon. Ken Hicks served as a member of Arkansas Friends for Better Schools, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Governor’s Partnership Council for Children and Families, Advisory Council of Carelink, Interfaith Caregivers Alliance, Bishops’ Initiative on Children and Poverty, and the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. He was also a docent at the Clinton Presidential Library, a member of the Steering Committee of Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light. And for several years he was part time director of Ministries of Methodist Family Health.
Ken Hicks’ active ministry included membership on the General Board of Church and Society, and the General Board of Global Ministries being chair of the National Division. Committee chairmanships on these boards included Peace with Justice and Chair of the Advisory Committee on Korean Ministry, among others. Notably, Bishop Hicks was in the forefront of the Peace Ministry at PHUMC begun in 2002 focusing on peacemaking and reconciliation. Many of his writings and thoughts were collected, edited and published in a book entitled “Peace Flowing Like a River” in 2010.
Hicks was granted honorary degrees from Nebraska Wesleyan University, Westmar College, Philander Smith College, Hendrix College, and Baker University. He also served on the Board of Trustees at the latter three schools plus St. Paul School of Theology, Southwestern University, Kansas Wesleyan University, and S. M. U. in Dallas. He also served as a Trustee for Mount Sequoyah Assembly, Youthville Inc., Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Methodist Hospital in Memphis, and Friendly Acres Retirement Center.
His many awards included Civil Libertarian of the Year by the ACLU-Arkansas (1984); the Senator David Pryor Award (1997) for Community Service by CareLink; the Ethel K. Miller Award for Religion and Social Awareness by Hendrix College (1999); and he and Elaine received the Hospice Foundation of Arkansas Compassion Award (1999). He also received a Distinguished Alumnus Award from Iliff School of Theology.
Ken is survived by his lovely wife Elaine, who shared their incredible life journey. And they have been proud parents of two very accomplished daughters, Linda Hicks and Debra Gottschalk, who with the late Wayne Gottschalk parented Ken and Elaine’s very special grandchildren: Kiley and Spencer. Ken was predeceased by a multitude of beloved pets including Danny.
A special thank you goes out to Ken’s caregivers – Andrew, Curtis, Debbie, John, LaTonia, Lucille and T.J., with an appreciative nod to Arkansas Hospice.
A Memorial Service of Resurrection and Thanksgiving to God for Bishop Hicks was held on Friday, June 28, in the sanctuary of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn, Little Rock 72205. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Bishop Kenneth W. Hicks Peace Endowment at PHUMC; Methodist Family Health, 1600 Aldersgate Road #200, Little Rock 72205; or the Kansas Health Foundation at 309 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
Lila Elaine Hicks
March 30, 1926 – June 29, 2019
Lila Elaine Hicks was born in Scottsbluff, NE, March 30, 1926 and died June 29, 2019, at her home in Little Rock AR. Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Bishop Kenneth Hicks, and son-in-law, Wayne Gottschalk. Her survivors are daughters Debra Gottschalk of Topeka KS, Linda Hicks of Cabot AR, granddaughter Dr. Kiley Gottschalk (Oren Lee-Parritz) of Waltham, MA, grandson Spencer Gottschalk of Topeka, KS. She became a true Nebraska girl, living in cities throughout the state under the loving gaze of her mother, Martha Magnolia (Nolia) and an abundance of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who helped define and shape her into a woman who cherished “family”. While attending York College in York, Nebraska, where she pursued teacher education curriculum, she attended an event, in the Fall of 1945, where a student by the name of Ken Hicks was the Master of Ceremonies. She mentioned to a friend she rather liked him. Two days later he called her, they went on a date, became engaged in November 1945 and were married August 11, 1946. After being married nearly 73 years, they decided it was going to last.
The life of a minister’s wife was one of adapting, listening, extrapolating, being creative, being objective, being politically correct, knowing and being social …all while modeling love, grace, intelligence, wisdom and discipline for her daughters, so they could become the best people they could be. With passion, organization and fortitude, she orchestrated the residential moves which occurred about every four years into parsonages in a variety of floor plans and conditions and communities of various personalities. Working was necessary, so she became a Jill of many trades…a dental assistant, a doctor assistant, a kindergarten teacher, an administrative assistant…and a Master of all. Her love of music and wonderful organizational skills enhanced many roles in the churches.
In the role of a Bishop’s wife, she added another job to her resume. Her support of Ken, through facilitating meetings for Bishops and spouses, organizing conference events, organizing Ken for travel…and life, actually…, providing counsel to him, and participating in all facets of the Episcopal wife’s duties rounded out the job description.
When the grandchildren were born, life became even richer for her. She guided them with love and joy, becoming the MaaMaw these children needed to navigate this life.
Elaine belonged to many civic and church organizations, including being part of the first group of people serving as proud volunteers at the Clinton Presidential Center and being a member of P.E.O. Through these opportunities, she brought cherished, enduring friendships into her circle of life’s abundant gifts.
Animals…she loved them all, from rescued baby birds to feral cats to not feral cats, to butterflies, to parrots, to dogs. Abby, her rag doll guardian cat of the last 5 years, was a magical gift, a touchstone for Elaine in good, bad and “It’s OK” times, a spirit dashing between bedrooms, care-taking her beloved people.
A village of people walked with Elaine through the last phase of her life, including caregivers Andrew, Celeste, Curtis, Debbie, John, Latonia, Lucille, TJ, and Arkansas Hospice. The family offers profound appreciation for the respect, kindness, generosity and compassionate care she was given.
Elaine Hicks was probably more than anyone knew, almost always giving the stage, the credit to her successful husband. However, he would not have been who he was or what he accomplished…nor would her children and grandchildren…without this woman of intelligence, resilience, wisdom, humor, and love…a river of deep, generous love.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to organizations close to Elaine’s heart:
Bishop Kenneth W Hicks Peace Endowment at PHUMC, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock 72205
An animal rescue organization of your choice.
A celebration service honoring Elaine’s life as she transitioned and a service of thanksgiving and resurrection for her husband, Kenneth Hicks, were intertwined, as were they, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church on Friday, June 28, 2019.
Special Recognition
Euba Mae Harris-Winton
June 26, 1923 – March 11, 2019
Euba was born in June 1923 and died Monday, March 11, 2019. Ms. Euba’s achievements and activism are too many to share in one post but here are a few of the many things she accomplished within her community and the United Methodist Church.
From 1970 to 1997, Harris-Winton supervised the Mallalieu Community Development Center, which was part of the Mallalieu Methodist Church. The church’s history stretches back to 1886, and Harris-Winton’s father pastored at that church for several years in the early 1900s.
Euba served on numerous conference and district committees throughout her lifetime. At the time of her death, Euba was a member of Mission UMC and participated in St. Paul UMC’s United Methodist Women.
The Lincoln Echo, May 2001 Edition wrote the following:
Her achievements, recognition, and awards could fill a book and would make for some very inspiring reading. In fact, the book entitled, Two Centuries of Methodism in Arkansas 1800-2000 by Nancy Britton, makes reference to Euba numerous times, as follows:
And the book “Our Father: Where Are the Fathers?” wrote this about Euba: Because of her ministry to all God’s children in the city of Fort Smith, AR, in particular, and the state of Arkansas in general, Euba Mare Harris-Winton, a Black Community developer with the General Board of Global Ministries of the UMC, was named one of the 10 matriarchs of Arkansas in 1989.
Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Euba Mae Harris-Winton were Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at First United Methodist Church, 200 N. 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Visitation was Monday, March 18, 2019, from 5-6 p.m. at the mortuary.
Jimmie T. Ames
March 12, 1925 – September 16, 2019
Jimmie Dell Tillman Ames died peacefully at her home on September 16, 2019, at the age of 94. Jimmie was born on March 12, 1925 at Fort Roots in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to J.R. and Ada (Smith) Tillman. She grew up on a peach farm near London, Arkansas, and graduated from Clarksville High School. Jimmie attended College of the Ozarks in Clarksville as well as Hendrix College in Conway. In 1940, she was voted Johnson County Peach Queen (Queen Elberta III), and in 1941, Jimmie (appropriately) won the title of Smile Girl of the Ozarks.
Jimmie married the Rev. G.B. Ames on November 12, 1943, and together they raised two sons and a daughter. Supporting her husband’s ministry as a Methodist minister, Jimmie resided in a number of Arkansas towns over the years: Conway, Paragould, Clarendon, Paris, Siloam Springs, Helena, Farmington, and Fayetteville, as well as Dallas and Louisville, Texas. After her husband’s death, she settled in Fayetteville where she began work as an office manager for Dr. Joe Henley, and subsequently for Dr. Richard Roblee at Roblee Orthodontics until her retirement in 2007 at the age of 82.
Jimmie was a longtime member of Central United Methodist Church, where she taught the Asbury Sunday School class for over 20 years.
Jimmie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother George Tillman, her sister Mary Louise Keeling, and her two sons, Scott Ames and Steve Ames. She is survived by her daughter, Darla Kordsmeier (Larry), her five granddaughters, Kerri Johnson (Mike), Mindy Smith (Stacey), Courtney Hart (Dan), Frankie Fortune (Dale), and Lindsey Ames, as well as 10 great-grandchildren.
Jimmie Dell Tillman Ames endured many trials and difficulties in this life. When asked recently how she could remain so joyful in spite of such hardships, she replied, “Only with the help of the Lord Jesus.” Jimmie’s faith in the Lord Jesus was the source of her strength and joy. She was always looking for ways to lighten others’ loads and to bring peace, joy and light into their lives. One well-known quote asks, “Has ever anyone made so much music in the world by merely passing through it?” Jimmie brought music, love and fun to the lives of everyone she encountered. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but we rejoice in the knowledge of God’s promise that we will see her again.
Tom E. Anderson
September 7, 1931 – December 23, 2018
Tom Anderson, 87, passed away on Dec. 23, 2018. He was a retired Navy Senior Chief and then served as a United Methodist Circuit Rider in churches across Northern Arkansas. After retirement, his ministry continued as part of Arkansas Good Sam events, the Fishnet Ministry food bank and Trinity UMC functions for the past 20 years. Visitation was held on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. The funeral was on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church followed by burial with military honors at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
William “Bill” Bainbridge
August 9, 1940 – March 17, 2019
William Riter (Bill) Bainbridge was born Aug. 8, 1940, in Donora, Pennsylvania, the son of William and Helen Bainbridge. At a young age, his family moved to Waterford, Pennsylvania, near Lake Erie. Bill, and his brother John, grew up playing and fishing in the creek on their property which was a summer resort with cabins for local vacationers. When Bill began school, his mother was his 1st-grade teacher. He was well-liked by his peers and they said, “Everyone liked him. He was really fun!” He excelled at sports and was on the football and wrestling teams.
Bill graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 1958 and joined the United States Navy where he worked repairing and maintaining naval aircrafts. After three years in the Navy, Bill was honorably discharged and returned to Pennsylvania where he attended Slippery Rock College, earning a degree in Health and Physical Education in 1964. Bill taught and coached for a year and then took a job with the General Electric Company in Erie, working in the Personnel Department. He attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and earned a Master’s Degree in Education in 1967.
After graduation from the UofA, Bill and his first wife moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he was in the Personnel Department at Whirlpool Corporation. In 1974, the family moved to Clermont-Ferrand, France where Bill worked at the Michelin Tire Corporation International Headquarters. After two years, he returned to Arkansas and set up his own management consulting business in Little Rock; a business he maintained until he retired.
In 1986, Bill and Sara Reynolds were married and moved to Memphis, Tennessee. He and Sara spent the next 32 years together in various locations in Arkansas settling on Bella Vista as a place for retirement. Bill was a fan of science fiction and enjoyed spending time with others. In his retirement, Bill enjoyed fishing, landscape gardening, and creating sculptural folk art. Bill died peacefully at home in his sleep after an extended illness.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother and father.
He is survived by his wife, the Rev. Sara Bainbridge; her daughter and son-in-law, Jenni and Clay Cox, their two children, Parker and Alli; his oldest daughter, Elizabeth Bainbridge and her two children, Ella and Aidan; his youngest daughter, Heather Hackworth and her son, Alex; his brother, John, and wife, Doris and their two children, Todd and Christine.
Rest in peace sweet Bill. We will miss your loving-kindness, creativity, and humor.
A memorial service was held on Friday, March 22, 2019 at First United Methodist Church in Bentonville.
Rosemary Blakely
November 10, 1945 – October 15, 2019
Rosemary Blakely, 73, of Lake City, wife of Rev. Everett Blakely, went to her Heavenly home from her earthly home in Lake City on Tuesday, October 15, 2019. Rosemary and Everett were married February 2, 1987.
Rosemary was born November 10, 1945, in Vail, Arkansas, to Raymond and Nellie Juanita Eldridge. She served along with her husband as a United Methodist pastor’s wife in Colt, Forest Chapel-Forrest City, Shiloh-Jonesboro and Marmaduke-First, United Methodist Churches.
Rosemary was a member of Lake City United Methodist Church and enjoyed her flower gardens and spending time hosting family in her home.
Rosemary was preceded in death by her parents: Raymond and Juanita Goodman Eldridge; a daughter, Angela Acosta; a son, Raymond (Henry) Martin; granddaughter, Summer Maddox; great grandson, Devin Martin; 2 brothers: James Eldridge and Charles Eldridge; and a daughter-in-law, Sandi Martin.
Survivors include: her husband of 32 years, Rev. Everett Blakely of the home; one son, Kenny Martin of Mountain Home; one daughter, Melinda Maddox of Arizona; three brothers: Duwayne Eldridge (Bonnie) of Lake City, Tony Eldridge (Karen) of Bay and Jacky Eldridge (Patricia) of Hardy; five grandchildren: Adina Hogue (Jared), Starleigh Richardson (Steve), Terri Grimm (Kevin), Hanna Richards and Colin Richards; 11 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.
Funeral services were in Emerson Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Reed and Carolyn Bounds officiating. Burial followed in Shiloh Cemetery north of Jonesboro.
Active pallbearers include Jeff Eldridge, Nathan Eldridge, Brian Eldridge, Keith Eldridge, Brayden Eldridge, Graham Eldridge and Neil Eldridge.
For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Edward Cary Blythe Jr.
February 19, 1932 – February 24, 2019
The Rev. Ed Blythe met our Lord on Feb. 24, 2019.
While finishing Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, he served Capital Methodist in Dallas, College Mound in Terrell, Texas, and one year as associate pastor at First United Methodist in Irving, Texas.
At Conference, he was appointed to First United Methodist Church in Farmers Branch in Dallas. He then served nine years at Lake Highlands United Methodist Church in Dallas and six years at Sherman UMC, followed by pastorates at Paris, Wichita Falls and Irving, Texas.
Ed and Marion served First UMC at Magnolia, Arkansas and then he was appointed District Superintendent by Bishop Wilkie at Hope, Arkansas where he retired.
W. Darrel Bone
January 29, 1933 – January 2, 2019
The Rev. William “Darrel” Bone, 85, of Bryant passed away Jan. 2, 2019. He was born on Jan. 29, 1933, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to the Rev. W.T. and Ruth Bone. Darrel, graduate of Hendrix College, received his call to preach in 1955. His active ministry in the Methodist Church spanned 50 years serving churches in Bryant, Little Rock, Texarkana, Prescott, and Glenwood.
Darrel is survived by his wife of 61 years, Zetha Camp Bone; son, Harold Bone and wife Perry; daughter, Ruth Ellen Epperson and husband Steven; and seven grandchildren, Lucas, Skylar, and Allison Epperson and Austin, Joshua, Charlie and James Bone.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, Jan. 10 at First United Methodist Church, Bryant, Arkansas.
Treccie Cook
October 10, 1929 – August 10, 2019
Treccie Dee Lammers Cook, 89, of Searcy completed her earthly journey on August 10, 2019. She was born October 10, 1929 in El Paso to the late Cecil E. and Emily Middleton Lammers. She met the love of her life, a handsome curly-headed young man who attended her 16th birthday party and she always said he would not leave until he told her “one day I am going to marry you” and Charles E. Cook held true to his promise and did just that. They were married at the Searcy, First United Methodist Church. Cook preceded her in death on August 19, 1972 in Dallas, Texas.
Treccie was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Searcy where she was active in many different capacities. She served as a Local Pastor for the Arkansas Conference where she was appointed to the Oak Grove/Gum Springs Charge in 1993 and served there until 1996. In 1996 she was appointed as Associate Pastor at Searcy First United Methodist Church and served there until she retired in 2000. Even though on paper she retired, she never stopped serving. She continued her worked through the Emmaus Communities in Arkansas and led many Women’s Retreats across the state.
She is survived by her sons Charles Glenn (Sandra) Cook of Cabot and Keith Edwin Cook of Sherwood; her grandchildren, Jacob Gates, Corrie (Waylon) Edge and Joshua Cook along with a host of loving friends which she thought of as her family.
Funeral services were Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at First United Methodist Church in Searcy. Interment followed at White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy. All services are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, Searcy. In Lieu of flowers, the family has requested Memorials be made to a Charity or Organization of your choice.
George Corbett
June 2, 1934 – June 24, 2019
George Corbett was born June 2, 1934 to George James Corbett and Ruth Shields Corbett of Texarkana, AR.
He graduated from Texarkana, Arkansas High School and attended LSU in Baton Rouge, LA. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955, became a Russian Language technician, serving in the National Security Agency and Air Force Security Service. He was stationed on an island in the Sea of Japan and flew Reconnaissance Missions intercepting and translating Russian transmissions.
In 1959, He returned to Texarkana, married Jamie Grimes in Fairview Methodist Church. He was a Computer Analyst for NCR when the Computer Industry was in its infancy. Later he was co-owner with his wife Jamie of Jamie Corbett’s Music World in Texarkana until 1986 when God called him into the Ministry. He attended SMU School of Divinity and served in the Arkansas Conference. He pastored Hatfield, Wicks, Vandervort, Cove, Dierks, Few, Holly Springs, Stamps and First UMC Texarkana as Associate until retirement. After retiring from the AR Conference, he served 5 Churches in the Texas Conference.
In 2005, He and Jamie moved to West Memphis, AR where they became active in First United Methodist Church there.
He is survived by his wife, Jamie; a son, Jeffery Grimes Corbett of West Memphis; a daughter, Jennifer Ziegenhon Campbell (John); two grandchildren, Whitney Ziegenhon and Walker Campbell of Germantown, TN.
Mary Ann Davis
August 17, 1934 – September 23, 2019
Mary Ann Traylor Davis, 85, of Conway, Arkansas, died Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, surrounded by family and friends.
Born Aug. 17, 1934, in Augusta, Arkansas, Ann was the daughter of A.R. “Pop” and Marian B. Traylor. She married the love of her life, Rev. Lamar Davis, on June 21, 1955, in Little Rock, and enjoyed 49 years with him before his death in 2004.
Ann had a lifelong commitment in service to and care of others. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church, serving not only as a pastor’s wife but as a member or leader of various committees and related organizations. She had a “call” to be a Stephen Minister, and was an active member of the United Methodist Women, Church Women United, and the Methodist Federation for Social Action.
Ann helped to educate children in three different states as an elementary education teacher, mostly in fifth grade. She extended her commitment to education as a member of PEO, Chapter CA, and as a Sunday school teacher and facilitator of other church classes. She also served within her community as a founding board member and past president of the Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas, and Democratic Women. Ann supported many charities that aided in sustainability, reduction of poverty, and those in need.
Ann cherished her family, not only as mom, grandmother, aunt or cousin but as a friend, too. She held dear many friends, of all ages and interests. She looked forward to gatherings of all kinds – music, book club, bridge, supper group, birthday club, lunch group. Later in life, Ann said she found her true calling – as a grandmother, to her own, the neighborhood kids, and many others, cheering them in their accomplishments and lifting them up with her love.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, A.R. “Boots” Traylor. She is survived by her daughter, Leigh (Bruce) Walls; her son, Alan (Lisa) Davis of Kenya; her grandchildren, Micah Davis, Luke Walls, Claya Davis, and Tyler Davis; and several nieces and cousins.
A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, at First United Methodist Church in Conway, with Dr. Michael Roberts officiating.
Mark Donald
February 15, 1954 – September 21, 2019
Mark Hightower Donald, of Harrison, passed from this life on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 at his home. He was 65 years old.
A memorial service was held Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Harrison, AR at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Rocky Starnes, Pastor Mike Bishop, and Pastor Dave Smith officiated. Honorary pallbearers are the Men’s Breakfast Group from St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
The son of Adlia Stevenson Donald, Jr. and Gene (Hightower) Donald was born on Feb. 15, 1954 in Durant, MS.
Mark graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in music education. He was an established musician and enjoyed traveling, the Drum and Bugle Corps, and loved his Mississippi State Bulldogs. Mark pastored churches in Mississippi and Arkansas for 22 years, most recently at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and the Diamond City United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Cindy Donald; one sister, Lyn Donald; and one brother, Steve Donald; a fur baby, Mark nicknamed, “Monkey Butt”; best friends, Rusty and Sharon Cauthen; an honorary grandchild, Lettie Bessonette; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and his church families.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Paul’s UMC, PO Box 355 Harrison, AR 72602 or to the First United Methodist Church of Goodman, PO Box 246, Goodman, MS 39079.
Mary Lou Doom
September 9, 1930 – May 7, 2019
Mary Lou Doom (nee Conner), of Saint Peters, MO, passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at the age of 88. Loving wife of the late Robert I. Doom, Sr.; beloved daughter of the late Everett Ausby and Margie Rhea Conner; devoted mother of Robert I. Doom, Jr., James Doom, John (Mei) Doom, and David Doom; cherished grandmother of Steven Everett (Danielle) Doom, Jacqueline Elizabeth (Chris) Hull, and David Liu Doom; great-grandmother of Caleb Russell Hutchings, Jacob Stephen Doom, Ashton James Doom, Gage Kenneth Doom, Brianna Lynn Doom, Macie Lee Schweppe, and Lucy Lynn Hull; dear sister of Charlene (the late Simos) Ioannou and Helen (the late Reno) Sotiriou.
Mary Lou was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. In 1952, Mary Lou married the love of her life, Robert and they were married for 61 years. They met at the School of the Ozarks in Branson, MO. Both Mary Lou and Robert were the first from Carroll County, AR to receive both a high school and a college degree. She was a choir member at church and moved all around the country with her husband as he preached at numerous Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Mary Lou was an English teacher in secondary education. Being a college graduate was very important to her and she made sure that all four of her children were college graduates. Mary Lou was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Memorials may be made in Mary Lou’s honor to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
William Payne “Dub” Fiser
July 31, 1924 – May 18, 2019
The Rev. William Payne “Dub” Fiser, 94, departed this earthly life on Saturday, May 18, 2019 in Little Rock under the care of Hospice.
Dub was born July 31, 1924 in Sweet Home, Pulaski County, Arkansas to Robert Payne Fiser and Mable Esther Dixon Fiser. During his senior year at Fuller High School, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and the United States declared war. Dub enlisted in the Army Air Corp in the summer of 1942 after his 18th birthday and was trained first as an aircraft mechanic and then as a Cadet for pilot training. He completed training as a B-24 pilot and was then moved to B-29’s. He was stationed in El Paso, Texas and was standing outside on the flight line early one morning in July 1945 when he saw a huge flash in the Northern sky, the first test of an atomic bomb.
After the war, he returned to Sweet Home and tried farming with his father but the boll weevils destroyed their crops two years in a row so he sought other work. He married Golma Irene Daniel on Dec 18, 1948 and they eloped to Benton. He went to work for his uncle Paul Dixon and Harold Balios at Dixon Dairy where he started with delivering milk and then graduated to working in the business office. He had a religious conversion and was called to become a Methodist Minister, attending college at what is now UALR while continuing to work at Dixon Dairy including loading milk trucks at 4 AM. Golma and Dub’s only child, William Payne Fiser, Jr., was born on Feb. 18, 1953. Dub attended seminary at SMU Perkins School of Theology in a nontraditional pathway going to summer school for 6 years which meant moving to Dallas every summer. Dub officially became Reverend Fiser in 1958 and was fully ordained in 1964.
During his ministry Dub served many churches, including Brasfield on Cache River; Pride Valley, now Highland Valley; the Hickory Plains Circuit which included Hickory Plains, Johnson Chapel, Cross Roads, Hebron, Old Austin, Bethlehem, and Providence; Tigert in Hot Springs, including Fountain Lake and Morning Star; Elaine, including Mellwood and Wabash Federated Church; Wesley in Springdale, including Mt. Hebron; Rosewood in West Memphis; St. Paul in Jonesboro, including Mount Carmel; and Trinity in North Little Rock. After retiring he served as visitation minister at St. Paul in Little Rock.
Dub was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Golma Irene Daniel Fiser, who passed away in 2010, Georgia Mae Russenberger, his wife who passed away in 2015, his parents, and his younger brother, Thomas Edwin Fiser.
Dub’s legacy will be cherished by his son William Payne Fiser, Jr. MD and wife Gina; his three grandchildren, Rachel Fiser Klotzman and husband Spencer in Victoria, Texas, Christian Cole Fiser and wife Amber in Little Rock, and Elizabeth Payne Fiser in Rogers; his three great-grandchildren, Eliza Claire Klotzman, Christian Cole Fiser, and Hollis Claire Fiser; his two younger sisters, Margaret Elizabeth Langston and Esther May Poulin; and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation was held on Thursday, May 23, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral home on Chenal Parkway. The funeral service and burial was held on Friday, May 24, 2019 at 10 a.m. at Primrose United Methodist Church on Dixon Road. Pallbearers will be Cole Fiser, Spencer Klotzman, David Fiser, Lance Schmidt, Brad Daniel, Austin Calhoun, John Wayne Daniel (honorary), John Scott Daniel (honorary), Harold Balios (honorary), and Drew Illing (honorary). In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Primrose United Methodist Church or the Primrose Cemetery Association.
Clarence O. “Dooley” Fowler
October 8, 1942 – January 14, 2019
C.O. “Dooley” Fowler, age 76 of Bryant passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2019.
He was born Oct. 8, 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee and was raised in Grenada, Mississippi to the late Clarence Odell Fowler, Sr., and Erin Carroll Fowler. He was a United Methodist Pastor for 19 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jerry O’Neal Fowler.
Survivors are his wife Janet Fowler, his brother Doug and Karen Fowler; son Micheal and Gwen Fowler-Berken; daughters Christy and Heather Fowler, son Trey and Lori Fowler, bonus kids Lindy and Richard, grandkids: Meesha, Mickey and Luke; Wyatt and Mason; Gage and Drake; Mitchell, Zeke and Micah and great-grandkid Alice and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held at Parkview United Methodist Church in Benton on Feb. 28.
In Lieu for Flowers Dooley wants to follow his love for children and ask for donations to CJCOHN (Churches Joint Council on Human Needs) 103 Elm Street Benton, AR. 72015 to provide food for children in the surrounding area and region.
William K. Goddard
May 13, 1929 – November 21, 2018
William K. Goddard Jr left this earth to join his beloved creator on Nov. 21, 2018. He was preceded in death by his two sons, William Kenneth Goddard III and William Freely Goddard; both parents, William Kenneth Goddard, Sr. and Ida Viola Street Goddard; and his three siblings, Ansel Griffin, Richard Goddard and Louise Cook. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Rev. Dr. Iva Carol Smith Goddard; his daughter, Elise (Lisa) Henson (Steve); his youngest son, Clayton Hall Goddard (Amy); four grandchildren, Lauren Elise Underwood, William Greyson Goddard, John Grant Goddard and Owen Griffen Goddard; and much loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.
William (also known as W. K., Bill, or “Peepaw” to his grandchildren) was born May 13, 1929 in Grand Junction, Tennessee. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in soil science. Upon graduation, Goddard worked for the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (USSCS) in Montana. During the Korean War, he was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After his service to our country, he rejoined the USSCS, working in both Colorado and Tennessee. In 1961, he was hired by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Mr. Goddard served as a soil and water chemist, working out of offices in both Ozark and Russellville, Arkansas. He retired from the U.S. Forest Service after more than 35 years of service. Much of his work involved soils, watershed, and water quality projects in the Ozark and St. Francis National Forests. During this time, Goddard played a significant role in the opening of Blanchard Caverns in Mountain View, Arkansas.
In addition to his occupational contributions, Mr. Goddard also served the communities where he lived through his work as a member of the United Methodist Church, the Ozark Lions Club (Past President), the Toastmasters, and the North Little Rock Optimist Club.
Visitation was held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 at Moore’s Funeral Home of Jacksonville, Arkansas. Funeral services were held Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, Arkansas. Burial services were held on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018 in Grand Junction, Tennessee.
Paige Elizabeth Shields Gustin
December 28, 1973 – February 27, 2019
Paige Elizabeth Gustin, age 45 of Searcy, died Wednesday, Feb. 27 in Searcy. She was born Dec. 28, 1973 in Little Rock to Billy Ray Shields and Donna Jean Barnett Shields. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, currently attending Asbury Theological Seminary, a Hendrix University alumnus, and a Masonic Lodge Rainbow Girl. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Shawn Gustin; two sons, Morgen Tayler Gustin and Brennan Wade Gustin, all of Searcy; parents, Bill and Donna Shields of Mayflower; parents-in-law, Randy and Amy Gustin of Searcy; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, two nieces and one sister-in-law. She was a loving mother and friend to all. Visitation and funeral services were held at Searcy First United Methodist Church.
Helen Covel Henderson
April 11, 1930 – September 30, 2018
Our beloved and precious Helen C. Henderson, 88, of Murfreesboro, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 30, at home surrounded by family and loved ones. She was born on April 11, 1930 in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Osco Taylor and Myrtle O. Hignight Lingo.
Helen was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church, served on the cemetery board, and was very involved in her church and community.
She was a loving devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Nannie to everyone. Her passions were her husband, family, church, community and she loved her garden. Her pride and joy was her weekly Sunday lunches and her precious family who rarely missed a meal. If asked, she might say “we had 27 today for Sunday dinner.”
Mrs. Helen was preceded in death by her best friend and soul mate of more than 69 years, Rev. Freeman Henderson; her parents; brothers, John Lingo, L.C. Lingo, Joe Eldon Lingo, Marion Lingo, Frank Lingo, Randolph Lingo; sisters, Janie Lou Nevels, Dora Smead; and two infant brothers. Survivors include Bill and Dian Henderson of Murfreesboro, Jim and Susan Henderson of Delight, Mark Henderson of Murfreesboro, and daughter Christy Coccarelli of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Todd and Mariel Henderson of Benton, Amy and David Lott of Delight, Kayla and Aaron Thompson of Texarkana, Matt Taylor of Eureka Springs, Zach Taylor of Los Angeles, Jade and Craig Ledesma of Arkadelphia, and Cory Coccarelli of Murfreesboro.
Great-grandchildren include Adam Lott, Valorie Lott, Brian and Anita Lott, Erica and Chad Staggs, Hadley Staggs, Evan Henderson, Aiden Henderson; sisters-in-law, Doris Lingo of Nashville, Mary Lou Lingo of Murfreesboro, Darla Lingo of Birmingham and Patsy Troust of Galveston.
She is also survived by her best friend, Joyce Woodruff, and her faithful companion, Cricket. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins to cherish her loving memory but, as we all know, she was the sweetest lady you would ever have the pleasure of being loved by.
Visitation was held Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Latimer Funeral Home, Murfreesboro. Services were Wednesday, Oct. 3 at the Methodist Church in Murfreesboro, with Bro. Michael Daniel, Bro. Al Terrell and Bro. Jim Henderson officiating. Burial followed in the Murfreesboro Cemetery under the direction of Latimer Funeral Home in Murfreesboro.
Richard R.T. Jarrell
October 5, 1933 – July 22, 2019
Richard Turner “RT” Jarrell, 85, of Hot Springs Village was doing God’s work as a minister since 1955, until God welcomed him home on July 22, 2019. He was born in Wichita Falls, TX to the late Clifford Jack and Mary Margaret (Stewart) Jarrell.
RT Jarrell spent his life in service to others; he loved people. He loved Jesus. The story of his life was written in chapters that were centered around the churches he led for over 49 years. In 2004, Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church honored him with the title Pastor Emeritus. This affirmation filled the final years of his life with great joy. His greatest pleasure was investing his life and resources in his family, other pastors, and local churches he served. He will be remembered for his compassion, his sense of humor, patience, and great hugs. His loving influence will be missed. His life was a blessing.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Jack Jarrell; and great-grandson, Micah Scott Kester. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Dejuana Jarrell of Hot Springs Village; sons Richard Jarrell of Hot Springs Village, Jack Jarrell (Laura) of Woodinville, WA; and David Jarrell (Joy) of Kent, WA; daughter Sharon Kester (Jerry) of Olympia, WA; ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, 12:30 pm- 2:00 pm at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Village with service immediately following at 2:00 pm. Rev. Sieg Johnson, Rev. Jerry Kester, Rev. Sheila Jones, and Rev. Carol Stewart will be officiants and burial will be held at Cedarvale Cemetery in Hot Springs Village.
Pallbearers include Richard Jarrell, Jack Jarrell, David Jarrell, Adam Jarrell, Wayne Jarrell, and Jerry Kester.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Memorial Fund at Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church.
Bill R. Kelton
July 16, 1928 – May 18, 2019
Bill R. Kelton, was born July 16, 1928 in Black Jack, Oklahoma and went home to be with the Lord Saturday, May 18, 2019 in a local nursing home. He was a retired Methodist Minister having served churches in Hartford, Midland and Hackett as well as City Heights and New Hope in Van Buren and retired from Heritage Church as Pastoral Care Pastor. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.R. and Mary (Ross) Kelton; two sisters, Ruby King and Gwen Haggard; one brother, M.B. Kelton.
Memorial service was held Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.
He is survived by his wife, Emma Lee (Hammontree) Kelton of the home; two sons, Steve Kelton of Van Buren and Kevin Kelton of Fort Smith; three grandchildren, Amanda Davis and husband, Matt of Beebe, Daniel Kelton and wife, Tara of Greenwood, Kelsey Kelton of Rogers; four great-grandchildren, Georgia and Jack Davis of Beebe, Charlie and Chase Kelton of Greenwood.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to the Heritage Church Building Fund, 1604 East Pointer Trail, Van Buren Arkansas 72956.
Susan A. Kemp
December 16, 1941 – October 28, 2018
Susan A. Kemp, 76, of Surfside Beach, died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 at Embrace Hospice House with her daughter, Mia, by her side, holding her hand.
Susan was born in Trenton, Michigan. She was the daughter of the late Edwin Ross and Beatrice Guilley.
Susan was a retired United Methodist Minister from the Arkansas Conference. She was a graduate of Henderson University, Southern Methodist University and graduated cum laude from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. She had a deep love for God and appreciation for music, animals and the ocean. She was also an artist and musician and was very patriotic. Susan had the unique ability to make friends anywhere she went.
In addition to her parents, Susan is preceded in death by her two grandchildren.
Susan is survived by four daughters, Laura Marie, Angela Marie, Christina Marie, and Mia Marie; two brothers, Patrick & Michael Ross; as well as eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and her loving dog Gracie.
A graveside service was held on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 in the Belin UMC church Cemetery in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Robert Langley
July 26, 1934 – August 5, 2019
Robert E. Langley of Batesville, Arkansas passed away on August 5, 2019, at the age of 85. He was preceded in death by his father Vernie Langley, Sr., his mother, Lou Ethel Hunter Langley, and his brother Morris Langley. He is survived by wife Marcella Brumley Langley, daughter Jill Hilton (Ricky) of Batesville; one granddaughter Emily Hilton of Fayetteville and one brother Vernie (Kathy) Langley of Dalark.
Robert (Bob) obtained his undergraduate degree from Henderson State University and his Master of Theology from Southern Methodist University. He served as a Senior Pastor for churches in North Texas and in Arkansas for 45 years and was Pastor Emeritus of First United Methodist Church Batesville. He served two terms as a board member at Hendrix College and was a 32-degree Mason.
Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8th, at First United Methodist Church Arkadelphia. Memorial service will follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Dalark United Methodist Church or First United Methodist Church Batesville.
Albert W. “Bill” Martin
June 6, 1930 – January 9, 2019
Albert William (Bill) Martin, Jr. passed away peacefully in Waverly, Ohio on Jan. 9, 2019. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee on June 6, 1930 to Albert William Martin, Sr. of Pea Ridge, Arkansas and Sallie Hairston Martin of Conway, Arkansas. Bill grew up in Arkansas and moved to Dallas, Texas, where he graduated as valedictorian from Highland Park High School in 1948. He graduated from Southern Methodist University (1951) and Union Theological Seminary (1954). He completed an MA (1961) and Ph.D. (1971) at Vanderbilt University. While at Vanderbilt, Bill and his wife, Bea, participated in the Nashville sit-in movement and helped to organize student protests.
In the early 1950s, Bill was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Church and later became an elder. He was admitted in the North Arkansas Conference of the Methodist Church in the mid-1950s, and served as pastor or youth minister for numerous churches from 1951-54, including the Jerico Springs Circuit of the Southwest Missouri Conference of the Methodist Church, the Scurry Circuit of the Texas Conference of the Methodist Church, First Methodist Church in New Rochelle, New York, and First Methodist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was pastor of the Methodist Church in Green Forest, Arkansas from 1954-56; Denton’s Chapel Methodist Church in Whites Creek, Tennessee from 1961-64; and associate pastor at Centenary United Methodist Church in Memphis, Tennessee from 1970-71. He was pastor of Santa Cruz United Methodist Church in Española, New Mexico from 1978-81.
During his teaching career, Bill worked for the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church, which later became the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. He held numerous positions at Methodist or United Methodist-related schools from 1956-81, including Robinson School of San Juan, Puerto Rico; the Navajo Methodist Mission School of Farmington, New Mexico; and McCurdy School of Española, New Mexico. Bill taught at seminaries including the Centro Evangélico Unido in Mexico City from 1965-69, and the Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, 1971-77. He taught classes for pastors at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, and at their extension center at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas. Bill was a professor at Oklahoma City University (OCU) from 1981-98, where he served one year as Acting Dean of the Wimberly School of Religion and was named Professor Emeritus upon his retirement.
Bill’s publications include his book, A Diary of Devotion: A Month with John and Charles Wesley, and multiple articles in journals such as Methodist History, New Mexico Historical Review, The Chronicles of Oklahoma, Quarterly Review, Studia Liturgica, Journal of Ecumenical Studies, The Craighead County Historical Quarterly, Flashback and Tennessee Historical Quarterly. He wrote occasional guest columns for the United Methodist News Service, the Arkansas United Methodist and the United Methodist Reporter. One of Bill’s articles published in The Chronicles of Oklahoma received the Muriel H. Wright Award for the “outstanding article” in 2000.
Bill was one of the founders and early chairpersons of Amnesty International Chapter 238 in Oklahoma City, and served as President of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. He and his wife, Bea, received a lifetime service award from the Coalition. Both were arrested numerous times and jailed on one occasion following demonstrations against the death penalty in Oklahoma.
Bill actively supported the Reconciling Ministries Network and the Methodist Federation for Social Action, both unofficial United Methodist organizations. This support included participation in committees at Epworth United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and St. John’s United Methodist Church in Lubbock, Texas that petitioned the General Conference of the denomination to become more fully open in its acceptance of LGBTQ persons. As a citizen, he supported Amnesty International, the American Civil Liberties Union, and numerous other organizations.
Bill and Bea moved to Waverly, Ohio in 2013 and became members of Broad Street United Methodist Church in Columbus and Orchard Hill United Church of Christ in Chillicothe. As a resident of Bristol Village, Bill was active in the Faith & Values group and the Religious Liberal Fellowship.
Bill is preceded in death by his two sisters, Mattie Sue Emerson and Betty Jane Anderson. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Annie Beatrice (Bea) Martin née Williamson of Philadelphia, Mississippi, and their three children, Sara Lee (Sally) Delgado (husband, José Delgado) of Athens, Ohio; Andrew William Martin (wife Christina Ashby-Martin) of Lubbock, Texas; and Anthony Lloyd Martin of Ashland, Oregon. Bill is also survived by his two grandchildren, Alejandro Delgado (wife Lauren Delgado) of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Alma Ann (Annie) Martin, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life was held Saturday, Jan. 19 in the assisted living activity room of Traditions at Bristol Village in Waverly, Ohio, with the Rev. Terry D. Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Amnesty International, Bread for the World, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Reconciling Ministries Network (UMC), the Pike County Outreach Council in Waverly, or a local food bank. Bill’s remains will be buried in the cemetery of Pea Ridge, Arkansas where his parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and many other relatives are buried.
James M. Meadors Jr.
May 23, 1929 – December 9, 2018
Jim Meadors, the son of Son and Stella Meadors was born in Alma. He graduated from Alma High School, then attended John Brown University and graduated from the College of the Ozarks while serving as pastor to the Lamar Methodist Church. During this time, in 1951, Jim married Ella Mae Odom of Lamar, a marriage of 67 years. Jim received his Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and during this time was the pastor of Bellevue Methodist Church in Bellevue, Texas.
Jim was the pastor of many different churches all over the North Arkansas Annual Conference. He was conference secretary for many years. Jim served twice as a district superintendent and was the director of the council office for the North Arkansas Conference. Jim was also a delegate to the United Methodist General Conference.
Jim and Ella Mae had two sons, James M. Meadors III (Dianne) and Stephen O. Meadors. They have five grandchildren, Trevor, Cory (Alyson), Tyler (Lindsay), Ranzie and Kathlynn. Jim and Ella Mae have five great-grandchildren.
The memorial service for Jim Meadors was held at Goddard United Methodist Church.
David M. Moore
September 19, 1949 – May 1, 2019
David Moody Moore Jr., born September 19, 1949 in Little Rock to David Moody Moore and Jane Frances Paschal, passed away May 4, 2019 at the age of 69. After graduating from high school he attended UALR and the UAMS College of Health Related Professions School of Radiologic Technology where he began a long, rewarding and impactful career at UAMS. He first began as a radiology tech performing special procedures with Dr. Joseph Bissett, advancing later to Associate Director of Patient Care, overseeing special projects and day to day operations of Radiology, MRI and PET facilities. During his 50 years at UAMS, David cared deeply for the quality of patient care and understood excellence which he pursued to the highest degree. He was most recently named to the committee overseeing floor additions to the UAMS Cancer Research Center in its quest for national recognition. David simultaneously pursued a second career in the ministry, attending SMU Perkins School of Theology and working as an Associate Pastor at Highland Valley UMC from 1989 to 1995, then transferring to Asbury UMC in 1995 as Associate Pastor of Congregational Care until his retirement in 2015.
David had many friends and was beloved and adored by all. He had a special gift for bringing strength, joy and laughter to others. He will be greatly missed; many hearts are broken, but we rejoice in his heavenly reunion with his Lord and Savior and with his parents and others who have gone before him. He had a deep faith and knew the power of God’s love and grace which he freely shared with others.
Preceded in death by his parents, David is survived by his deeply loved wife, Melissa; his three sons by marriage, David, Matthew and John Michael Lee, all of Little Rock; sister, Frances Ann Barre; two beloved nieces, Clare Lauer and Lara Garmon; and five great-nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Thursday, May 9 at 11 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. Tom Weir. Memorials may be made to Asbury UMC, 1700 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72212. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. David’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Mary Ellen Murray
November 27, 1924 – April 2019
Mary Ellen Pendleton Murray was born Nov. 27, 1924, daughter to the late Bill and Gladys Pendleton of North Little Rock, Ark. Mary Ellen grew up in North Little Rock attending local schools, graduating from Old Main High School and then attending John Brown University with her brother Edmund.
JBU offered the Pendletons a two for one deal so that Mary Ellen could attend college! After marrying her high school sweetheart, Alvin Curtis Murray Jr., Mary Ellen transferred to Hendrix College where Alvin was enrolled and attended with him until Alvin’s graduation. As Alvin began his ministry with the United Methodist Church, Alvin and Mary Ellen began building a family, first in Texas and then in Arkansas. As Mary Ellen tells it, they lived in so many wonderful small towns around Arkansas and were well-loved by all their congregations. Mary Ellen had a beautiful singing voice (a Pendleton family trait) and always participated in the church choir as well as the women’s ministries of their many churches. The Pendleton clan were avid supporters of vaudeville and always had a song and dance for every occasion, which Mary Ellen continued until her last days. Even in the emergency room on her last hospital visit she was tap dancing and singing while sitting in a wheelchair – ever the entertainer to the end.
Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Alvin C. Murray Jr, her brother, Edmund Pendleton, her sister, Jean Pendleton Rice and William (Bill) Rice. Survivors include her five children, Lt. Col. Alvin C. Murray III (Frances) of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Stephen M. Murray (Butch) of Hughes, Ark., Nanci E. Kellams (Kevin) of Fayetteville, Ark., Samuel W. Murray (Patty) of Chicago, Ill., and Rev. Raymond Alvin Kahng of Boston, Mass. grandchildren include Christy Bray (Scott) of Little Rock, Leslie Rice (Ryan) of Phoenix, Dee Brister (Paul) of Collierville, Rupert Murray (Maren) of Chicago, and Grace Kellams of Fayetteville. Great-grandchildren include Jennifer and Elizabeth Bray, Sam, Riley and Maya Rice, and Hugh Brister. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Lou Pendleton of Enid, Okla. and her niece, Carol Rice Reel of Colorado Springs, Colo.
The family wishes to thank her many friends and the great staff at Brookdale Pleasant Hills Senior Living for the last 20 years of loving Mary Ellen as well as her friends at Asbury United Methodist for your love and support.
A graveside service was held for family only at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock followed by a celebration of life at 2 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Little Rock with a reception immediately following in the great hall. Rev. Mary Hilliard officiated, Ruebel Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to: Asbury United Methodist Church, 1700 Napa Valley Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72212 or Hendrix College, 1600 Washington Ave., Conway, Ark. 72032, 501.450.1491.
Eva M. Nash
March 23, 1929 – August 9, 2019
Martha Ann Oliver
July 15, 1935 – April 5, 2019
Martha Ann Oliver, 83, of North Little Rock died April 5, 2019. She was born July 15, 1935 in Prescott, Ark. to the late Dean and Bonnie Holder. She was a retired nurse and served alongside her husband, the late Rev. Richard G. Oliver, Sr., in his ministry for many years. Martha was a member of the Gardner United Methodist Church, a church pianist, and Sunday School Teacher and a member of their Quilters Club.
Survivors include her children: Marsha Warren and Richard “Rick” Oliver; grandchildren Brandon Warren (Andrea) and Taryn Lightner Chism; great-grandchildren: Justin, Alexandria and Joseph; brothers: Billy Holder (Bobbie), Charles Holder and David Holder (Martha Lynn); as well as several extended family members and friends.
Visitation was at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home.
Muriel H. Peters
November 19, 1925 – May 1, 2019
The Rev. Muriel H. Peters, 93, of Jacksonville passed from this life on Thursday, May 2, 2019. He was born in Jacksonville on Nov. 19, 1925. He was the son of the late Andy and Hazel Peters and was a grandson of the late Rev. Samuel J. Holt.
Mr. Peters was a graduate of Jacksonville High School. Following his graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served 2 1/2 years in World War II. He was in the South Pacific Theater of operation for 16 months. He served in various capacities, including as an electrician and as a gyroscope technician.
Following his return from naval service, he was married to a high school classmate, Othella Whitfield. They were faithful companions for over 61 years. Following his marriage, Mr. Peters began his first career as an electrician in the construction industry. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 295 for over 60 years.
After serving as a lay leader in the Bethel United Methodist Church, Mr. Peters was invited to a consultation with the late Dr. James Upton to discuss the possibility of a fulltime ministry. Following a tragic accident, an appointment opportunity became available at the Dover/London Charge. Mr. Peters accepted the appointment and began a journey that lasted more than 30 years.
After receiving his License of Preach, Mr. Peters enrolled in what is now Arkansas Tech University receiving a BA degree with highest honors. While he completed his degree he also served and appointment at the Pottsville/Bell’s Chapel Charge.
Following consultation with the late Bishop Paul Martin, it was decided that Mr. Peters would enroll in the newly established St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri as the first candidate from Arkansas to enter the seminary. He graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree with highest honors.
Mr. Peters returned to Arkansas and was ordained elder in the former North Arkansas Conference by the late Bishop Kenneth Pope and was appointed to the Hardy Charge. While there, Mr. Peters was asked to provide leadership in the founding of a new church in Cherokee Village.
Rev. Peters held a number of offices in the former North Arkansas Conference. He served on the Board of Ordained Ministry and was the registrar of the Board. He served as the Chairperson of the Worship Committee and the Board of Trustees. He served as the secretary of the Council on Ministries. He served on other boards and committees as well as many committees and boards on the district level.
Rev. Peters served appointments at Rosewood, West Memphis, Wesley Foundation Director at Arkansas Tech University, and the Corning/New Home Charge. He was appointed to lead in the development of the Maumelle Cooperative Ministry that later became the present United Methodist Church. He also served Wiggins Memorial/Farmington Charge and the Harrisburg/Pleasant Valley Charge. In 1989, he was transferred to the former Little Rock Conference and served the Primrose Church in Little Rock. He retired in 1991 and returned to the Bethel United Methodist Church where he was elected Pastor Emeritus of the church.
Rev. Peters is survived by son, Dale (Ann) of North Little Rock; daughter, Debbie (Richard) of Jacksonville; daughter-in-law, Kay of Jacksonville; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one sister, Grace Thrash of Houston, Texas. He is preceded in death by his wife Othella; son, Don Peters; parents, Andy and Hazel Peters; and three brothers, Lloyd, Arthur and Billy Gene.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Rebecca Peters, Dixie Willsey, Stormy Smith and Arkansas Hospice for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church.
Teresa K. “Terri” Powell
July 20, 1941 – May 31, 2019
Teresa (Terri) Thomas Miller Powell, born July 20, 1941 in Columbia, Mo., the only child of Stanley Ellis Thomas and Reta Mae Forbis Thomas went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 31, 2019.
Following a blessed and happy childhood and youth, she graduated from Camden (Arkansas) High School in 1959 where her sweet, happy spirit had endeared her to all with whom she came in contact. She adored her parents, loved her friends, delighted to laugh, always smiled, possessed impeccably high morals, and doted on her pets. She was an accomplished baton twirler, having won numerous State and Regional Championships. She was a twirler for the ASTC (now UCA) Marching Band. During her Freshman year (1960) at ASTC, she married Tommy Miller and they would have two children (Tammi and Stan) and would remain married until 1980.
On Easter Sunday, 1981 she and Larry D. Powell were married in the Oaklawn United Methodist Church in Hot Springs, Ark., and together, they pastored United Methodist churches in Hot Springs, Little Rock, Malvern, El Dorado, and Lakewood (NLR) until retiring in 2005. She was a consummate “parsonette” singing in choirs, playing handbells, working at the Dorcas House, attending Community Bible Study groups, delivering Meals on Wheels, hosted countless dinners and meetings, visited in hospitals and homes, enjoyed the company of a multitude of friends, and brightened any place or occasion simply by her presence. She had a delicate, tender heart, loving soul, tireless devotion, happy countenance, was extremely polite, never met a stranger, and would never withhold a compliment. She loved needlepoint, reading, being with her pets, and had an exceptional, childlike enthusiasm about Christmas. She loved her family and ALWAYS sent cards for special occasions. She was incapable of being critical, adversarial, or negative. She prayed regularly, read her Bible daily, and believed with all her heart that God would hold her securely in his arms in death just as He had in life. She was, in the words of an old song, “A Jewel Here on Earth, a Jewel in Heaven.”
She is survived by her husband, Larry of 38 years, her children, Tammi Miller Herren and Stan Miller; two stepsons, Bryan Powell and Wade Powell; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A private family graveside was conducted at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway and a Memorial service followed Monday, June 3 at Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock with a visitation following in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock.
Virginia Randle
July 4, 1936 – April 19, 2019
Virginia L. Randle, 82, of Jonesboro, died Friday, April 19, 2019 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. She had lived in Jonesboro since 2004, moving here from Earle, Arkansas. She taught in public schools and became the school librarian. She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women. Being the wife of a minister, she was very active in the churches her husband, Reverend James Randle, pastored. Reading was a passion of hers, and taking care of her family, church family and friends was also a lifetime undertaking. She was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.
Survivors include her son, Tom Randle and his wife Melisa of Jonesboro; and two grandchildren, Joshua and Matthew.
A memorial service was held Thursday, April 25, 2019 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Reverends Rex Darling and Billy Vanderbilt officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. All other arrangements are private.
Danny Rogers
March 16, 1940 – November 15, 2018
Daniel Alvarado Rodriguez, 64, of Bella Vista passed away Monday, June 11, 2018. He was born June 17, 1953 in New Braunfels, Texas to the late Juanita Alvarado Rodriguez and Cruz Alcarez Rodriguez Sr. He was also preceded in 2003 by his previous wife, Claudia, along with a sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and David Garcia. Danny was a man who loved socializing, giving, and helping people feel special! Favorite times were spent shopping at the Associate Store, Walmart, and Sam’s and visiting with friends he encountered. He always remembered everyone he met. For 24 years he worked in management for HEB before relocating to NW Arkansas and enjoying a 20-year career with Walmart, from which he retired. Survivors include his loving wife, Gloria Rodriguez; his daughters, Claudette Watterson (Daniel) of Rogers and Chrisanne Salinas of Texas; his sons, Dustin Rodriguez of Bentonville, Nicholas Rodriguez of Rogers, Jean-Claude Rodriguez and Daniel Rodriguez Jr (Jennifer) of Texas; his siblings, Mary Leal (Roger), Martina Rodriguez (David Alvarado), Margaret Rodriguez (Leslie), Jesse Rodriguez (Barbara) and Cruz Rodriguez Jr (Cheryl) all of Texas; his grandchildren, Dustin, Dante, Dexter, Max and Maya Rodriguez, Scout and Adriel Salinas; a large extended family; business associates and dear friends. Visitation was held from 5-7 pm both Thursday and Friday and his funeral service was at 2 pm, Saturday, June 16 all at Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers. Interment follows in Bentonville Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed at www.RollinsFuneral.com.
Lewis See Jr.
September 9, 1952 – October 14, 2019
Rev. Lewis Thompson See Jr., 67, of Batesville, passed away Monday, October 14, 2019. Rev. See was born in Cabot, Arkansas to Lewis Thompson See Sr. and Wilhelmina Bogle See, who preceded him in death along with his son, Geoffrey Benjamin See. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Melody Alexander See; daughter, Jennifer See-Rodgers (Bradley); son, Daniel Thompson See (Rebecca); sister, Elizabeth See Scott (Richard) of Summerville, S.C.; brother, John See (Kathy) of Cabot; and grandchildren, Parker Benjamin Rodgers, Kenzie Grace Rodgers, Henry Thompson See and Eleanor Catherine See.
Rev. See graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1974 with a Business Administration Degree. After earning his Masters of Divinity Degree in 1980 from St. Paul’s School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, he served at Belton United Methodist Church in Belton, Missouri, Huntsville/Presley Chapel UMC in Huntsville, Shiloh UMC in Paragould, 1st United Methodist Church in North Little Rock, Prescott United Methodist Church in Prescott, West Memphis UMC in West Memphis, Asbury UMC and St. James UMC, both in Little Rock. He also served as District Superintendent for the Fort Smith District and Area Director of the United Methodist Church of the State of Arkansas. Rev. See served in the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant and Pilot.
He loved fishing, the New York Yankees, chocolate, teaching the scriptures (if you met him for the first time, he always had a bible quiz for you), and history. He especially loved his grandchildren and had a great passion for pets, especially those who are hurt or have no home.
Visitation was Thursday, October 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Cabot United Methodist Church. Services were Friday, October 18 at 1 p.m. at the church, officiated by Rev. Philip Hathcock, Rev. Paul Seay and Rev. John Fleming. Interment followed at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Independence County Humane Society, 5 Environmental Dr., Batesville, Ark. 72501. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200.
Lloyd F. Smith
June 24, 1923 – September 1, 2019
Rev. Lloyd F. Smith, 95, of Little Rock, Ark. passed away Sept. 1. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hattie Smith; daughter, Mary Grandison. He was a retired United Methodist pastor of the Arkansas Conference. He is survived by three grandchildren: Robert P. Grandison, Robyn Grandison Richmond, Lindsay Harris (Larry, Jr.); 14 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Mary Shurn, Oshia Washington.
Funeral services were Saturday, September 14, 2019 11 a.m. at Geyer Springs United Methodist Church 5500 Geyer Springs Rd. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home 1518 S. Battery st. Little Rock, Ark. 72202.
Billie Jean Tate
June 23, 1944 – December 28, 2018
Billie Jean Tate passed away on December 28, 2018 in Hydro, OK. Billie Jean, the third daughter of Willard and Louella Tate, was born in June, 1944 in Asheville, NC. As a child, she wanted to become a champion clogger. By the time she graduated from Asheville High School and Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC, she felt the Lord’s call to ministry.
Billie Jean graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1975 and moved to Allentown, PA to teach at United Wesleyan College. She was the first woman in the college’s history to serve as Director of Admissions. During Summer vacations, Billie Jean would take her family on epic road trips recruiting at Wesleyan youth camps from Delaware to Lake Champlain. She also taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School at Trinity Wesleyan Church in Allentown, PA.
Billie Jean returned to seminary in her mid-40s. She received her Master of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1992. While living in Dallas, she was an active member of Highland Park United Methodist Church. Billie Jean became an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church and was admitted in the North Arkansas Conference.
For nearly 20 years, Billie Jean served as the pastor of many different churches in the North Arkansas and Little Rock Conferences. She truly believed there was no greater blessing than preaching the good news of God’s love for all people. Billie Jean retired from ministry in 2006. She moved to El Reno, OK in 2012 and attended Wesley United Methodist Church.
Billie Jean is survived by her sisters, Yvonne Boggs of Lawndale, NC, and Linda Wheeler of Calumet, OK; and her son, Wesley, a graduate of Hendrix College in Conway, AR. She is also survived by her much-loved nieces, Teresa Crick and Pam Toho, and their families.
Vida L. Thompson
February 10, 1919, January 17, 2019
Vida Lou Jacques-Thompson, 100, of Cotton Plant, died Thursday morning January 17 at Unity Health–White County Medical Center in Searcy. Her daughter Memory Conley, five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends survive her. Funeral services were held Saturday morning January 26 at 11 a.m. at the Brinkley Convention Center, 1501 Weatherby Drive in Brinkley with interment to follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery.
Kenneth Ellsworth Watson
August 2, 1926 – July 12, 2019
Rev. Kenneth Ellsworth Watson, age 92, of Lonoke, Arkansas, passed away July 11, 2019. Born on August 1, 1926 in Antioch, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Ina Mae Talkington Watson and James Kenneth Watson.
Rev. Watson was a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II. He was a graduate of Lyon College and attended Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University. He was a United Methodist Minister for over 50 years pastoring countless churches during that time.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Delma Kate White Watson.
He is survived by his daughters Karen Wagner, Gloria Bridges and Judy Foley, his sister Thorvle Pickard, his grandchildren Mike Bridges, Kenneth Witt, Jerrod Shaffer, Jason Shaffer, Michelle Dove and Alyssa Foley, and many special great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held at Holiday Hills United Methodist Church on Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 1:00 pm with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm with Rev. Dan Brand and Rev. Jeff Warrick officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Antioch Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to The Journey United Methodist Church 15361 Hwy 5 Cabot, AR 72023, Holiday Hills United Methodist Church 8824 Edgemont Rd. Greers Ferry, AR 72067, Antioch Cemetery Fund c/o Joe Belew 535 Louie Pruitt Rd. Beebe, AR 72012.
Gene Edwin White
March 4, 1936 – May 31, 2018
Gene Edwin White, 82, of McGehee, AR passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018 at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, AR. Mr. White was born March 4, 1936 in Warren, AR to the late James Ebb and Sally Starnes White. He was the Pastor at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church in Dewitt, AR for ten years. He also was the owner and operator of White’s Grocery in McGehee, AR for thirty years. He served in the United States Army and the U. S. Air Force.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Lance White and grandson Josh Cummings.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Robbie Crutchfield White; daughter, Pam (Freddie) Cummings of McGehee, AR; brother, James White of Dermott, AR; sisters, Katherine Garner of Plano, TX, Patricia Landers of Sherwood, AR, Joyce Hall of Sherwood, AR, and Mary Morton of Morrilton, AR; granddaughters, Whitney (Travis) Caudell and Sydney Cummings; great-grandchildren, Ava Caudell, Cooper Caudell and Lynley Grace Caudell.
Visitation was held Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, AR. Funeral Services were held Sunday, June 3, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in McGehee, AR with Rev. Tim Landers and Rev. David Bush officiating. Burial followed at McGehee Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, C/O, Pam Carver, 6137 Hwy 153, Dewitt, AR 72042.
Walter Mike Wilkie
September 2, 1944 – January 21, 2019
Rev. Walter Michael “Mike” Wilkie, 74, of Helena, AR passed away Monday, January 21, 2019, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado, AR. He was born September 2, 1944 to Calvin Russell Wilkie and Mary McDowell Wilkie in Gurdon, AR.
After graduation from Ringgold High School, he joined the United States Army during which time he received a degree from Louisiana Tech University and was a member of Army special forces Green Beret. During his career Mike served with the Washington Capital Police, becoming a Captain. Then became Chief of Staff for Senator Russell Long and also served during this time as the Chief of Staff for the Senate Finance Committee. Mike later was the Chief of Staff for Senator Bob Dole. Following a medical discharge Mike earned his Masters of Theology from SMU’s Perkins Theological Seminary and was ordained Elder with the United Methodist Conference. Mike served in various United Methodist Churches in Arkansas and was currently the Senior Pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Helena. Mike had a passion for and was involved in many community services. He was named the 2016 Phillips County Citizen of the Year.
Preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Brad Wilkie.
Survivors include his spouse of 16 years, Nancy Watson Wilkie of Helena, AR; a brother, Robert Russell Wilkie (Sandy) of Minden, LA; a step daughter, Nanette Darden (Robert); a step son Rick Warren (Janet) and grandchildren, Joshua Warren, Mary Catherine White (David), Caitlin Tillson and a great grandchild, Braylee Tillson. Along with nieces Leah Donnally and Melissa Fox and nephew John Wilkie.
Visitation with the family will be an hour prior to a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM, Thursday, January 24, 2019 at Silver Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Norman officiating. Visitation with the family will be an hour prior to an 11 AM Saturday, January 26, 2019 Memorial Service at First United Methodist Church in Helena, AR. with Rev. Mark Norman officiating. Cremation services were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.
Memorial may be made to the church of your choice or to Life Touch Hospice of El Dorado.