May 2002 obituaries from the Newport Independent, Newport, Jackson County, Arkansas Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Mark Williamson <mwillia3@midsouth.rr.com>. ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net ************************************************************************ Copyright 2002 Newport Independent. Reprinted with the permission of the Newport Independent, David Robison, General Manager. The Newport Independent publishes Wednesdays and Fridays, except on major holidays. The offices of the Newport Independent are located at 2408 Hwy. 367 North, Newport, AR; phone 870-523-5855. The Independent's website can be found at http://www.newportindependent.com. ************************************************************************ 1 May 2002 ---------- Caldwell, Otha Fields, Rosie Lucinda (Rice) Harris, Gary Hickman, Pearl Mae (Odom) Hodge, James Harold Johnson, Opal Wingo, Jack P. OTHA CALDWELL Mr. Otha Caldwell, 70 of Jacksonport, died Thursday, April 25, 2002 in Jonesboro. He was born June 25, 1931 in Poinsett County, the son of Ed and Ollie (Hicks) Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell was a carpenter and a member of the Church of God. He was preceded in death by one brother, Ules Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell is survived by his wife of 33 years, Edith (Reeves) Caldwell of Jacksonport; two step-sons, Roger Asher of Diaz, and Lonnie Barks of Drasco; two step-daughters, Winnie Brownderville of Weiner and Carolyn Debow of Batesville; one brother, Mickey Caldwell of Waldenburg; two sisters, Marlene Moss of Jonesboro and Maryline Bolden of Harrisburg; seven grandchildren, Roger Dale, Cindy, Mindy, Randy, Stacy, Pam, and a special grandson, Jarret Barks; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. Graveside service was 10 a.m. Saturday at the Fisher Cemetery with Bro. Leon Tidwell officiating. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. ROSIE LUCINDA (RICE) FIELDS Mrs. Rosie Lucinda (Rice) Fields, 84 of Newport, died Saturday, April 27, 2002 in Jonesboro. She was born July 1, 1917 in Jonesboro, the daughter of William and Bertha (Sullins) Rice. Mrs. Fields was a homemaker and a member of the Newport Extension Homemakers Club. She was a member of the Holden Avenue Church of Christ, where she attended the Ladies Bible Study Group. Mrs. Fields was very active in both church and community activities. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Leo Fields; one son, Jerry Dean Fields; three brothers, Lee Rice, Wade Rice, and an infant brother; one sister, Myrtle Francis Rice; and one grandchild, Donald Wayne Fields. Mrs. Fields is survived by two sons, Talmadge Fields and wife Linda of Jonesboro and Jim Fields and wife Barbara of Tuckerman; two daughters, Catherine Burrow and husband Charles of Newport and Debbie Fields of Newport; two brothers, Edgar Rice and wife Carmen of Yuma, Ariz., and Bobby Rice and wife Vickie of Memphis, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Jackson's Newport Funeral Home with Mr. Bill Holt officiating. Interment was in Sullins Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rick Burrow, Shane Fields, Travis Fields, Todd Norris, Adam Fields, and Dustin Heath. Honorary pallbearers were Bud Barron, Guy Dale Adams, Donald Burgess, Marshall Stites, and Greg Cooper. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. GARY HARRIS Mr. Gary Harris, 43 of Newport, died Sunday, April 28, 2002. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Craft Funeral Home. PEARL MAE (ODOM) HICKMAN Mrs. Pearl Mae (Odom) Hickman, 85 of Newport, died Wednesday, April 24, 2002 in Jonesboro. She was born May 29, 1916 in Newport, the daughter of Orange Eaton and Vilola Pearl (Wilkins) Odom. Mrs. Hickman was a homemaker and a member of the Grace Free Will Baptist Church in Newport. She enjoyed playing card games. Mrs. Hickman was preceded in death by her husband, O.T. Hickmam; seven brothers, Claudie Odom, Jim Odom, Leonard Odom, Ollie Odom, Tom Odom, Johnny Odom, and Artie Odom; and two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Odom and Bessie Mae Cooper. She is survived by one foster son, Jimmy Dale Bible of South Carolina; one brother, Marvin Odom and wife, Fanny of Howell, Mich.; one sister, Rena Leo Gartland and husband, Robert of Little Rock; one foster grandson, Jimmy Bible and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral service was 1 p.m. Saturday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with George Hulett officiating. Interment was in Sandhill Cemetery. Pallbearers were her nephews. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. JAMES HAROLD HODGE Mr. James Harold Hodge, 68 of Bradford, died April 26 2002 at his home. He was a Baptist and a heavy equipment operator. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philmore and Lois Melton Hodge. Mr. Hodge is survived by one son, James Hodge of Cave City; one daughter, Sarah Burress, Glen, Miss.; one sister, Cristine Lackey, North Little Rock; grandchildren, Charity Brennen, Miranda Billingsley, Lori Hodge, and Travis Hodge; special friends, Lloyd and Lida Chambliss of Bradford. Graveside service was 2 p.m. Monday at Oakland Cemetery in Bradford. Pallbearers were Larry Cox, Jason Cox, Lance Cox, Lloyd Chambliss, Jack Lackey, and Lowell Nance. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. OPAL JOHNSON Mrs. Opal Johnson, 82 of Newport, died Saturday, April 27, 2002 in Newport. She was born Jan. 20, 1920 in Hickory Grove, the daughter of Arthur and Rose (Ford) Cruse. She married Mr. Oscar Johnson on June 18,1938. Mrs. Johnson cooked for 20 years at the Castleberry Elementary School and for 18 years at Regional Health Care. She was a member of the Holden Avenue Church of Christ. Her greatest love was her family and her greatest enjoyment was her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. Mrs. Johnson's pride and joy was her cooking. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Peggy Lou Couch on Aug. 10, 2000; two brothers, Arthur Cruse, Jr., and Ford Cruse; and one sister, Julia Elizabeth "Bess" Bishop. Mrs. Johnson is survived by her husband of 63 years, 10 months, and nine days, Oscar Johnson of Newport; one son, Eugene Johnson of Newport; two daughters, Brenda Dawson of Weldon and Joann McCully and husband John of Sherwood; one son-in-law, Alfred Couch of Newport; two sisters, Athleen Greer of Newport and Christine Lamberson of Valparaiso, Ind.; seven grandchildren, Tommy Johnson, David Couch, Dudley Dawson, Joy Abell, Brian Prince, Shane Prince, and Jeff Dawson; 11 great- grandchildren, Justin Couch, Jed Abell, Issac Abell, Taylor Prince, Austin Prince, Connor Prince, Lindsey Dawson, Brooks Dawson, Rebecca Marinoni, Rosa Marinoni, and Kathryn Marinoni. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Monday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Paul Evins and Mr. Bill Holt officiating. Interment was in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tommy Johnson, David Couch, Dudley Dawson, Brian Prince, Shane Prince, and Jeff Dawson. Honorary pallbearers were Alfred Couch, Wade Abell, Jed Abell, Issac Abell, and John Chronister. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. JACK P. WINGO Mr. Jack P. Wingo, 78 of Tuckerman, died Wednesday, April 24, 2002 in Newport. He was born May 17, 1923 in Denton Island, the son of Benjamin Franklin and Artie (Keller) Wingo. Mr. Wingo was a farmer and a member of the Faith Assembly of God Church in Tuckerman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, working in his garden and doing things for other people. Mr. Wingo was preceded in death by five brothers, James Wingo, Delbert Wingo, Frankie Wingo, George Wingo, and Bill Wingo; three sisters, Annie Berry, Minnie Furgeson, and Millie Wingo. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen (Myers) Wingo of Tuckerman; one daughter, Carolyn Johnson and Doug of Tuckerman; one brother, Elmer Wingo of Cash; eight grandchildren, Tammy Crosbie and husband, Kevin, Trent Davison and wife Lawanda, Devon Davison and wife, Julie, Felicity Johnson, Janelle Johnson, Eric Johnson and wife Cassondra, Jessica Johnson and Brian Johnson; eleven great- grandchildren, Britney Dawn Davison, Dominique Johnson, Kristen Davison, Anglee Davison, Jacob Crosbie, Kaigen Rogo, Ashtyn Rogo, Magan Johnson, Alissa Davison, Chance Jackson, Douglas Johnson, and Zack Robertson; many nieces and nephews and one special nephew, Jackie Gray. Funeral service was 4 p.m. Saturday at the Faith Assembly of God Church in Tuckerman with Bro. David Decker and Bro. Leroy Burnside officiating. Interment was in Gracelawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were Scotty Crabb, Orville McManners, George Jacobs, Alf Eads, Chris Clark, Rickey Haney and Billy Davis. Honorary pallbearers were Richard Smith, Jessie Dicus, Harold Winchester, Jessie Dunivan, Doyle Riley, and Dickie Hembrey. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. 3 May 2002 ---------- Conditt, Elwanda Polly Davis, Florence Easley, Gracey Lee Viola Wingo Gaddis, Thelma (Williamson) Harris, Gary ELWANDA POLLY CONDITT Mrs. Elwanda Polly Conditt, 75 of Newport, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was a retired sales clerk for Van-Atkins and was preceded in death by her husband, J. B. Conditt and one brother, Willard Wadley. Mrs. Conditt is survived by two sons, Wilfred Mannie Conditt of Newport and Charles "Choppie" Conditt of Des Arc; three daughters, Paulette White of Campbell Station, Trish Stephens of Newport, and Sherry Doss of Newport; three brothers, Bill Wadley of Newark, Ellis Wadley of Newark, and Wayne Wadley of Jonesboro; three sisters, Lucille Fella of Tuckerman, Lois Stone of Tuckerman, and Dorothea Hetler of Zion, Ill.; 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Friday at the Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Dowells Chapel Cemetery in Tuckerman. Pallbearers are Danny Doss, Jr., Tim Conditt, Ronnie Stephens, Jr., Jeremy Stokes, Donnie Doyle, John Guy Gates, and Johnny Ray Baty. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. FLORENCE DAVIS Mrs. Florence Davis of Newport, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Craft Funeral Home. GRACEY LEE VIOLA WINGO EASLEY Mrs. Gracey Lee Viola Wingo Easley, 69 of Grubbs, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002 at Newport Hospital. She was a retired nurse and member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church where she taught the women's class. She was preceded in death by her parents, Columbus Rupert Wingo and Willie Ferguson Wingo, and one daughter, Vickie Anita. Mrs. Easley is survived by her first husband, Bill Easley of Fouke; three sons, Ray Easley of Fouke, Roy Easley of Cord, and Karry Easley of McNeil; one daughter, Kathy Newton of Grubbs; three brothers, Bob Wingo of Tuckerman, Troy Wingo of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Billy Wingo of Tyler, Texas; three sisters, Juanita Easley of Grubbs, Wanda Hastings of Jonesboro, and Linda Gakewski of Shreveport, La.; eight grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Thursday at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Newport. Interment was in Ballews Chapel Cemetery in Grubbs. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. THELMA (WILLIAMSON) GADDIS Mrs. Thelma (Williamson) Gaddis, 90 of McCrory, died Tuesday, April 30, 2002 in Newport. She was born Sept. 11, 1911 in Clarendon, the daughter of Louis and Hattie (East) Williamson. Mrs. Gaddis was a homemaker and a member of the Beedeville Church of Christ. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, and crocheting. Mrs. Gaddis was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Dovie J. Gaddis; two sons, Doyle Gaddis and Mickey Gaddis; one daughter, Juanita Stuckey; four brothers, George Williamson, Joe Williamson, Harry Williamson, and Jim Williamson, and two sisters, Mae Smith and Mildred Agness. She is survived by three daughters, Imogene Beason and husband, Edward of Memphis, Tenn., Bonnie Breckenridge and husband, B. J. of McCrory, and Joyce Jones and husband Bryant of McCrory; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Thursday at Beedeville Church of Christ with Dr. Gary Elliott officiating. Interment was in Fakes Chapel Cemetery. Pallbearers were Tony Madden, Norman Madden, Hervey Madden, Stan Madden, Ken Madden, and Larry Dabbs. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. GARY HARRIS Mr. Gary Harris, 43 of Searcy, formerly of Newport, died Sunday, April 28, 2002 in a Searcy hospital. He is survived by his wife, Denise Person Harris of Newport; two daughters, Tamika Calamese Harris of Diaz and Keasha Hamber of Fayetteville; six sons, Cornellus Harris of Searcy, Clifford Harris, Jessie Harris, Gary Harris, Jr., Justin Harris, and Wesley Harris, all of Newport; his mother, Mary Martin Harris of Tuckerman; two sisters, Dianne Calamese of Newport and Rose Hall of Diaz; two brothers, Major Harris of Colorado and Leroy Harris of Newport. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church with Rev. Marvin Alcorn officiating. Interment is in Lone Beech Cemetery in Olyphant. Pallbearers are David Hall, Jimmy Hampton, Ray Taylor, Larry Dodson, Lewis Harris, Jerry Alcorn, Charles Smith, and Larry Anders. Arrangements by Craft Funeral Home. 8 May 2002 ----------- Brown, Cleveland Clark, Anson Audrain Cox, Richard Creswell, Wallace Davis, Florence Jones, Essex "Essie" Lancaster, Marium Kathrin CLEVELAND BROWN Mr. Cleveland Brown of Newport, died Monday, May 6, 2002. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Craft Funeral Home. ANSON AUDRAIN CLARK Mr. Anson Audrain Clark, 79 of Newport, died Saturday, May 4, 2002 in a local hospital. He was born in Big Flat on Sept. 18, 1922, the son of Earl and Bertha Griffith. Mr. Clark graduated from Newport High School and was a veteran of World War II, receiving the Purple Heart along with other distinguished medals while a Ranger in the U.S. Army. His occupation was an electronic engineer, working with the Motorola, Inc. and the first actual employee of KNBY radio station in Newport, which he remained loyal to as an engineer up until his health declined. Mr. Clark was preceded in death by his parents; one son Arron Ray Clark; two brothers, Garfield Doty and Anthony Doty; three aunts, Rosie Merchant, Martha Largent, and Mary Hancock. Mr. Clark is survived by three daughters, Sheila Reynolds and Phylis Parsons, both of Newport and Melissa Riley and husband Greg of Tuckerman; two sons, Anson (Buddy) Clark, Jr. and wife Carolyn of Denver, Colo., Darron Clark of Newport; one uncle, Frank Doty of Fort Smith; one aunt, Beatrice Defoor of Newport; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Tuesday at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Maple Springs Cemetery. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. RICHARD COX Mr. Richard Cox, 55 of Newport, died Friday, May 3, 2002 in Little Rock. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, a former employee of Conner's, and a construction worker. He is survived by his wife Beatrice Thomas Cox of Newport; three daughters, Kimberly Block of St. Louis, Mo., Annette Robinson of St. Louis, Mo., and Diane Williams of Newport; four sons, Gerald Webster of Kansas City, Alvis Rivers, Jr., Richard Cox, Jr., and Rick Cox, all of Newport; four sisters, Barbara Ratliffe and Sylvialene Pruitt, both of Newport, Ersalene Cox Shorter of Pine Bluff, and Cinthia Cox Wilson of Little Rock; four brothers, James Henry Cox and Verlenzie Cox, both of Canton, Ohio, Larry Cox of Akron, Ohio, and Lacy Cox of Augusta; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Newport with Bro. Robert Brown officiating. Interment is in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Auvergne. Pallbearers are Clinton Murphy, Herschel Alcorn, Larry Dodson, Rick Dodson, Henry Brown, Jerry Brown, and Robert Dinwiddie. Arrangements by Craft Funeral Home. WALLACE CRESWELL Mr. Wallace Creswell of Newark, died Monday, May 6, 2002 in Newark. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Jackson's Newark Funeral Home. FLORENCE DAVIS Mrs. Florence Davis, 69 of Batesville, formerly of Newport, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002 in Little Rock, She was a member of Calhoun Street Church of Christ and a housemother. Mrs. Davis is survived by four sons, Isiah Robinson of Judsonia, Alonzo Bailey of Newport, Henry Davis of Batesville and Ronnie Davis of Batesville; three daughters, Wanda Davis of Cotton Plant, Sandra Glenn of Newport, and Bonnie Calamese of Batesville; five sisters, Cora Whitmore of Little Rock, Katie Mae Thomas of New Hampshire, Virginia Bailey of Judsonia, Catherine Harston of Cotton Plant, and Lucille Summers of McCrory; one brother, James Bailey of San Fransisco, Calif.; 34 grandchildren and 15 great-children. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Holden Avenue Church of Christ with Bro. Fred Williams officiating. Interment in Gum Grove Cemetery in Newport. Pallbearers are Freddie Vance, Jermaine Calamese, Jermell Calamese, Glenn Conway, and Gary Whitmore. Arrangements by Craft Funeral Home. ESSEX "ESSIE" JONES Mr. Essex Jones of North Chicago, Ill., formerly of Newport, died Saturday, May 4, 2002. Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Craft Funeral Home. MARIUM KATHRIN LANCASTER Mrs. Marium Kathrin Lancaster, 67, of Newport died Wednesday, May 2, 2002 at Harris Hospital. She was an employee of Harris Hospital and a member of the Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rube Carpenter and Coster Smith Carpenter ad her husband, Hershel Lancaster. Mrs. Lancaster is survived by one son, Tommy and wife Stella Lancaster of Jonesboro; one brother, Tommy Carpenter of Covington, Tenn.; one sister, Margie Peyton of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandchildren, Christy Lancaster of Jonesboro, Kevin and Ronika Lancaster of Ft. Smith, and Katie Lancaster of Jonesboro. Graveside service was 2 p.m. Saturday at Gracelawn Cemetery in Tuckerman. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. 10 May 2002 ----------- Brown, Cleveland Creswell, Wallace Jones, Perry Thomas Midgett, Wilma Patricia Smith, Evan Troy Westlake, Frank CLEVELAND W. BROWN Mr. Cleveland W. Brown, 63 of Newport, died Monday, May 6, 2002. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees. He retired from Ever Factory after working 41 years. He was the past Worshipful Master of St. Mark Lodge #7 Prince Hall Affiliated, he also served as District Deputy for the Grand Lodge, and was an employee of M&P Bank for many years. Mr. Brown is survived by his wife, Ruth Brown of Newport; two sons, Michael Brown of Lonoke, and Rodney Mark Brown of New Orleans, La.; one daughter, Regina Brown Lake of Newport; his father, Mack Brown of Newport; three sisters, Mary Runion of St. Louis, Mo., Velma Bobo and Bernice Ridley, both of Tuckerman; five brothers, Clifton Brown of Newport, R.D. Brown, Sr. of Newport, Robert Brown of St. Louis, Mo., Johnny Brown of St. Louis, Mo., and W.L. Brown of Mississippi; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church with Rev. T.W. Barnes officiating. Interment in New Hope Cemetery in Tuckerman. Pallbearers are active members of St. Mark Lodge #7. Honorary pallbearers are the nephews. Arrangements by Craft Funeral Home. WALLACE MINOR CRESWELL Mr. Wallace Minor Creswell, 81 of Newark, died Monday, May 6, 2002 at Newark. He was born July 8, 1920 in Guion, the son of Joseph and Sarah A. "Sally" (Wallace) Creswell. Mr. Creswell married Miss Merle Baker on Nov. 15, 1947. He retired from the Arkansas Highway Department in 1982 with 22 years of service. Mr. Creswell was a member of the Hazel Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church in Newark and a member of the Newark Masonic Lodge #248. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. Mr. Creswell was preceded in death by one brother, William "Bill" Creswell. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Merle (Baker) Creswell of Newark; one son, Mike Creswell and wife, Debbie of Conway; one daughter, Carol Shoptaw and husband, John of Russellville; three sisters, Grace Treadway of Cave City, Gladys Creswell of Little Rock and Lola Creswell of Newark and five grandchildren, Matthew Creswell, Brett Creswell, Ryan Creswell, Daniel Shoptaw and his wife, Meron and Nathan Shoptaw. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Thursday at the Hazel Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church with Dr. Bob Howerton officiating. Interment was in Blue Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers were members of the Newark Masonic Lodge #248. Arrangements by Jackson's Newark Funeral Home. PERRY THOMAS JONES Mr. Perry Thomas Jones, 54 of Newport, died Wednesday, May 8, 2002 at his residence in Jonesboro. Mr. Jones was born Dec. 7, 1947 in Wynne. He attended Wynne and Hickory Ridge Schools as a young person. Mr. Jones was a district supervisor for the Klaasmeyer Construction Company of Conway for over 15 years before his retirement. He was a resident of Forrest City for most of his life and later moved to Batesville. He was a member of the Moose Lodge. Mr. Jones was a self-employed backhoe operator for many years. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and working in his yard. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernie Thomas Jones and Vina Lee Grant Jones and one brother, Marvin Wayne Jones. Mr. Jones is survived by two sons, Tommy Jones and Michael Alexander, both of Jonesboro; three daughters, Patty Cox of Jonesboro, Lisa Sharp of Harrisburg, and Becky Jones of Jonesboro; one sister, Lori Hughes of Hardy; one brother, Ricky Jones of Flint, Mich., and five grandchildren. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday at the Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home Chapel in Wynne with Rev. Alvin Swain officiating. Interment in Crosslawn Cemetery in Wynne. Pallbearers are Curtis Gowen, Wesley Holloway, Steven Jones, Terry Jones, and Kenneth Ponder. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center Hospice Program in Jonesboro. Arrangements by Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home. WILMA PATRICIA MIDGETT Mrs. Wilma Patricia Midgett, 48 of Tuckerman, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002 in Tuckerman. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Beddie Jones. She was of the Pentecostal faith. Mrs. Midgett is survived by three daughters, Theresa Ash of Tuckerman, Misty Midgett of Walnut Ridge, and Felica Absher of Tuckerman; five brothers, Terry Jones of Mountain Home, Dewayne Jones of Wisconsin, Hershel Jones of Hoxie, Jerry Jones of Alabama, and Donald Jones of Jonesboro; four sisters, Sue Pittman and Reba Vanhozer, both of Hoxie, and Joann Ratliff and Fredea Robertson, both of Wisconsin, and four grandchildren. Graveside service is 10 a.m. Friday at Manning Cemetery #1. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. EVAN TROY SMITH Evan Troy Smith, three weeks old of Fayetteville, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at Children's Hospital in Little Rock. He is survived by his parents Michael and Tracie Smith; grandparents, Ralph and Emily Tolles of Jasper, Billy Troy Smith of Eudora, and Diane May of Eudora; and great-grandparents, Louise Smith of Searcy and Margaret Atkins of Eudora. Graveside service was 2 p.m. Thursday at Eightmile Cemetery. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. FRANK WESTLAKE Mr. Frank Westlake, 74 of Harrisburg, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at his home. He was born March 10, 1928 in Hollywood, Calif., the son of Frank Maurice Westlake and Sylvia May (Fowler) Westlake. Frank enjoyed many careers. He was a chemist, logger, truck driver, printer, lumberyard owner, and a real estate investor. He was a member of the Harrisburg Rotary Club and of the Episcopal Faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Jessie Westlake. Mr. Westlake is survived by his wife of 16 years, Marion (Pogue) Westlake of the home; one brother, Robert Westlake of Nevada City, Calif.; one son, Matthew Westlake of San Francisco, Calif.; one step- son, Tony Heeb of Harrisburg; five daughters, Anne of California, Kathy Shanklin of Kenwood, Calif., Helena Sanchez of Petaluma, Calif., Mae Ruth McClain of Corte Madera, Calif., and Rose Lynn Westlake of Jonesboro; four step-daughters, Teressa Parker, Lana Heeb, and Holleah Mross, all of Harrisburg and Alyce Gustafson of Cordova, Tenn.; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Harrisburg Garden Club or the Poinsett County Library. Arrangements by Jackson's Harrisburg Funeral Home. 15 May 2002 ----------- Adams, Charlie Lawrence Brown, Paul McKinley "Mack" Cravens, Charles Etta Fick, Teresa Jones, Essic Melton, Ralph Junior Poole, Rachel Thelma (Haynes) Soth, Dorothy Turner, Carrie Vines, Susan Catherine CHARLIE LAWRENCE ADAMS Mr. Charlie Lawrence Adams, 80 of Grubbs, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at his home. He was a commercial fisherman and a member of the Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alba Edwards Adams; his wife, Mary Louise Adams, eight children, and five brothers. Mr. Adams is survived by nine sons, Tommy Adams, Allen Adams, Edward Adams, Benny Adams, Lloyd Adams, and Douglas Adams, all of Grubbs, Lawrence Adams of Beedeville, and Jimmy Adams and Terry Adams of Oil City, La.; four daughters, Freda Thornton, Uvel Williford, Wilma Tubbs, and Shawna Benskin, all of Grubbs; one brother, Johnny Adams of Newport; one sister, Ruby Whitney of Pitts; 27 grandchildren, 37 great- grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Thursday at Grubbs First Baptist Church with interment in Ballews Chapel Cemetery in Grubbs. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. PAUL MCKINLEY "MACK" BROWN Mr. Paul McKinley Brown, 105 of Tuckerman, died Thursday, May 9, 2002 in a local hospital. He was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Tuckerman and he served in World War I. He is survived by three daughters, Mary Runion of St. Louis, Mo., Velma Bobo and Bernice Ridley, both of Tuckerman; five sons, Clifton Brown and R. D. Brown, Sr., both of Newport, Robert Brown and Johnny Brown, both of St. Louis, Mo., and W. L. Brown of Mississippi; 60 grandchildren, 151 great-grandchildren, 97 great-great grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church in Newport. Interment is in New Hope Cemetery in Tuckerman. Pallbearers will be the grandsons. Arrangements by Craft Funeral Home. CHARLES ETTA CRAVENS Mrs. Charles Etta Cravens, 59 of Jonesboro, formerly of Harrisburg, died Thursday, May 9, 2002 at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro. She was born March 30, 1943 in Harrisburg, the daughter of Edmon Newberry and Etta Irene (Bedwell) Newberry Wallace. She was a graduate of Harrisburg High School and of the Assembly of God faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edmon and Etta Newberry. Mrs. Cravens is survived by two sisters, Vera Fallon, of St. Louis, Mo., and Bobbie Rose of Fenton, Mo.; two step-sons, Ronnie Cravens of Harrisburg and Russell Cravens of Trumann; two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Graveside service was 1 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Terry Newman officiating. Interment was in Holly Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are by Jackson's Harrisburg Funeral Home. TERESA FICK Mrs. Teresa Fick, 41 of Newark, died Saturday, May 11, 2002 in Batesville. She was born May 2, 1961 in Newport, the daughter of B.F. and Lucy (Westerfield) McDoniel. Mrs. Fick was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ in Newark. She was preceded in death by her father, B.F. McDoniel on July 12, 1995. Mrs. Fick is survived by her husband, Bruce Fick of Newark, one son, Joshua Fick of Newark; her mother Lucy (Westerfield) McDoniel of Newark; two brothers, Noel McDoniel of Dallas, Texas and Jack McDoniel and wife, Sue of Camden; one sister, Linda Marshall of Little Rock. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of Christ in Newark with Mr. J.B. Milligan, Mr. Mark Richardson, and Bro. Bill Goodwin officiating. Interment was in Blue Springs Cemetery. Pallbearers were Phillip Fick, Mark Fick, Max Fick, Jr., Henry Fick, Wallace McDoniel, and Marty Duncan. Arrangements by Jackson's Newark Funeral Home. ESSIC JONES Essic Jones, age 82, of North Chicago, Ill. passed away Saturday, May 4, 2002, at Vista Health St. Gherese Medical Center in Waukegan, Ill. He was born November 22, 1919 in Weldon. He retired from the USAF as a Master Sergeant after 30 years. He also retired as Deputy Commisary Officer at Ft. Sheridan, Ill. Survivors include four children, Catheleen Nottingham of West Covina, Calif., Jean Jones of Augusta, Ga., Dennis Jones of Augusta, Ga. and Florenda Jones of Ontario, Canada; three step-daughters, Lisa George of Savannah, Ga., Ranata Lovelace of Zion, Ill, and Kimberly Britt of Zion, Ill.; three sisters, Maime Jenkins of Newport, Jesse Dean Jones of Newport and Katherine Pruitt of Diaz; one brother, Laddie Jones of Chicago, Ill.; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his former wife, Mildred Jones of Zion, Ill.; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Nettie Jones of Newport; one sister, Deborah Jones; one brother, Willie Jones, Jr.; and his former wife, Virginia Jones. Funeral service was 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11, 2002 at Morning Star Baptist Church in Newport. Interment was in Shoffner. Arrangements by Craft Funeral Home. RALPH JUNIOR MELTON Mr. Ralph Junior Melton, 70 of Swifton, died Saturday, May 11, 2002 in Jonesboro. He was born Aug. 28, 1931 in Swifton, the son of Jesse James and Addie Arbell (Hatfield) Melton. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Swifton. Mr. Melton was the best gardener in the country. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack Melton and Darrel Melton. Mr. Melton is survived by his wife, Alna Pauline (Bryant) Melton of Swifton; one brother, Carl Melton of Swifton; one sister, Barbara Jean Melton Goza of Swifton; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Graveside service was 1 p.m. Monday at Swifton Cemetery with Bro. David Decker and Bro. Thomas Patterson officiating. Pallbearers were Blake Dukes, Jimmy Foust, Bobby Keller, Troy Owens, William Roper, and Jimmy Rorex. Honorary pallbearers were Jeff Bain, Eulice Calhoun, Anthony Decker, Floyd Henderson, Junior Johnson, Charlie Montgomery, Ray Thompson, Tim Winemiller, Dan Worthington, Jeremy Johnson, Ricky Midgett, and Terry Blevins. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. RACHEL THELMA (HAYNES) POOLE Mrs. Rachel Thelma (Haynes) Poole, 95 of Jonesboro, formerly of Newport, died Monday, May 13, 2002 in Jonesboro. Mrs. Poole was born March 9, 1907 in Swifton, the daughter of Robert Bolden and Victoria (Newton) Haynes. She was a homemaker and a member of the Assembly of God Church in Newport. Mrs. Poole enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and embroidering. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Felix Poole on Oct. 31, 1986; two brothers, Miles Haynes and Pete Haynes; and two sisters, Lydia Palmer and Liz Phillips. Mrs. Poole is survived by four sons, Billy Joe Poole of Fresno, Calif., Marvin Poole, Jr. of Jonesboro, James Robert Poole of Powhatan, Va., and David Ray Poole of Little Rock; seven daughters, Mary Lee Born of Jonesboro, Louise Keaster of Strong, Victoria Riley of Tuckerman, Lillie Mae Poole of Newport, Peggy Bradley of Newport, Loretta Hewlett of Newport, and Shirley King of Winter Garden, Fla.; 22 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Decker and Bro. Mike Glover officiating. Interment will be in Arnold Cemetery in Swifton. Pallbearers are Billy Floyd, Jerry Keaster, Boyce Keaster, Keith Riley, Perry Riley, Terry Poole, Lynn Bradley, Jason Gregory, Greg Poole, and Ronnie Poole. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. DOROTHY SOTH Mrs. Dorothy Soth, 79 of Saffell, died Thursday, May 9, 2002 at the White River Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Marie Carrol Leak and her husband, Robert Soth. Mrs. Soth is survived by two sons, Terry Soth of Cherokee Village and Robert Soth of Blacksburg, S.C.; three daughters, Sandra Soth of Henderson, Nev., Donna Manning of Fort Mojave, Ariz., and Lisa Thomas of Saffell; one brother, Ralph Leak of Florida; eight grandchildren, and 12 grandchildren. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. CARRIE TURNER Mrs. Carrie Turner, 94 of Newport, died Thursday, May 9, 2002 at a local hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers, and three sisters. Mrs. Turner is survived by Roy Ferguson and Mary Ferguson, both of Newport; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; four stepchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, and a special niece Mrs. Nellie Ross. Funeral service was 1 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church in Newport with Rev. T. W. Barnes officiating. Arrangements by Tolerson and Son Funeral Home. SUSAN CATHERINE (BEUCLER) VINES Mrs. Susan Catherine (Beucler) Vines, 54 of Grubbs, died Friday, May 10, 2002 in Jonesboro. She was born June 22, 1947 in Flushing, N.Y., the daughter of Kenneth and Katherine (Cluney) Beucler. Mrs. Vines was a graduate of Arkansas State University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree and then a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education. She taught in Missouri and Arkansas for the past 25 years and was currently a kindergarten teacher at Castleberry Elementary School in Newport. Mrs. Vines was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Weiner, where she was a member of the choir. Mrs. Vines was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Catherine (Cluney) Beucler and her father-in-law, Elton H. Vines. She is survived by her husband, Wayne Vines of Grubbs; one son, John Thomas Vines of Hot Springs; one daughter, Ann Christine Vines of Memphis, Tenn.; one sister, Patricia Alexander of Greenwich, Conn.; mother-in-law, Irene Vines of Grubbs; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Eugene Kinard of Grubbs; three nephews, Keith Kinard of Grubbs, and Joseph Alexander and Andrew Alexander, both of Greenwich, Conn.; two nieces, Christy Kinard Case of Jonesboro and Katie Alexander of Greenwich, Conn. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Monday at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Weiner with Father Jim Dixon, S.J. officiating. Interment was in Gracelawn Cemetery in Tuckerman. Memorials may be made to St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Weiner, Castleberry Elementary School in Newport, or to the Jackson County Library in Newport. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. 17 May 2002 ----------- Brown, Earshel Kathryn Carpenter, Burlen Conditt, Charles Rollen Freeman, Charles W. Lassiter, William McGee, Ronald James Sowells, Douglas Arthur EARSHEL KATHRYN BROWN Mrs. Earshel Kathryn Brown, 80 of Newport, formerly of Batesville, died Monday, May 13, 2002 at White River Medical Center in Batesville. She was born May 16, 1921 in Randolph County to John Barry and Dora Hardin Shockley. She was a retired housekeeper and a member of the Calhoun Street Church of Christ in Newport. She attended the North Heights Church in Batesville for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tolbert E. Brown; two brothers, J.B. Shockley and Odis Shockley; four sisters, Essie Shockley, Marie Sills, Ressie Moreland, and Nell Shockley. Mrs. Brown is survived by one nephew and niece, Gregory and Wanda Sills of the home, several other nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services is 2 p.m. Saturday at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville with Fred Williams officiating. Interment is in Roselawn Cemetery in Batesville. Pallbearers are Billy Moreland, Brian Sills, Phillip Sills, Scott Sills, Glenn Lee, and Johnny Shockley. Honorary pallbearers are the senior brethren of the Calhoun Street Church of Christ. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Home. BURLEN CARPENTER Mr. Burlen Carpenter, 91 of Newport, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002 in Newport. He was employed with Bridgestone-Firestone, until retiring in 1972 and was a member of the Surrounded Hill Baptist Church. Mr. Carpenter enjoyed auctions, flea markets, and selling watermelons. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Carpenter; his second wife, Arbelle Carpenter; one son, Frank Carpenter; and several brothers and sisters. Mr. Carpenter is survived by two sons, Roger Carpenter of Tallnadge, Ohio and Glen Carpenter of Norton, Ohio; one daughter, Phillis Akors of Dunedin, Fla.; one special daughter-in-law, Eileen (Hoye) Carpenter Stratton of Newport; one brother, French Carpenter of Ohio; 17 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. Graveside service is 10 a.m. Saturday at Coffeyville Cemetery in Possum Grape Community with Rev. Tom Lewis officiating. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. CHARLES ROLLEN CONDITT Mr. Charles Rollen "Buddy" Conditt, 62 of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, May 7, 2002 at Jefferson Hospital in Pine Bluff. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Nora (McGinty) Conditt; two brothers, J. B. Conditt of Newport Airbase and Elzie Lee "Curly" Conditt of Swifton. He is survived by two sons, Lee Conditt of Newark and Tony Conditt of Florida; five sisters, Beatrice Riley of Tuckerman, Elizabeth Crews of Saffell, Opal Thomas of Swifton, Mary Patterson of Dallas, and Kathryn Watson of Tuckerman. Funeral service was Monday, May 13 at Griffin Funeral Home with chaplain Joe Yancy officiating. Interment was at Star City Cemetery. CHARLES W. FREEMAN Charles Wolcott Freeman, 61, landscape and interior designer, died Wednesday, May 15, 2002 at BC Hospital of lung cancer. Mr. Freeman was born in Richmond, Va., was raised in Newport, and has been a resident of St. Louis since 1964. He was the son of Lucy Wilmans Freeman and the late S. W. Freeman and the grandson of the late Robert Dorsey Wilmans and the late Cornelia Phillips Wilmans. He attended St. Andrew's Sewance Military Academy, class of 1958 and Emory University, class of 1962. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elizabeth B. Freeman of Olivette; two daughters, Emily F. Huber of St. Louis, and Lucy Huff of Dallas; one brother, Sam R. Freeman of Washington, D.C.; his mother, Lucy W. Freeman of Newport; his partner, Douglas B. MacCarthy, and two grandchildren, Alexander Robinson Huber and Charles Blanke Huber. Funeral services is 11 a.m. Friday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church at 110 N. Watson Rd., St. Louis, Mo. 63124. Interment will be private at Bellefontaine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden Charles W. Freeman Fund, P.O. Box 299, St. Louis, Mo. 63166. Arrangements by Lupton Funeral Home. WILLIAM LASSITER Mr. William Lassiter of Newport, died Thursday, May 16, 2002 in Little Rock. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. RONALD JAMES MCGEE Mr. Ronald James McGee of Newark, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Jackson's Newark Funeral Home. DOUGLAS ARTHUR SOWELLS Mr. Douglas Arthur Sowells, 41 of Harrisburg, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at the Regional Medical Center of NEA in Jonesboro. He was born Feb. 7, 1961 in Trumann, the son of William Lawrence Sowells and Johnnie Mann (Gann) Sowells. He was a farm hand for Marty White Farms in Weona and was a member of the Harrisburg Church of God. Mr. Sowells is survived by his parents, William and Johnnie Sowells of Harrisburg; grandparents, Mr. Johnny Gann of Jackson, Mo., and Evie Adams of Earle; two brothers, David Sowells and Danny Sowells, both of Harrisburg; one sister, Wanda Carpenter. Funeral service is 2 p.m. Friday at the Jackson's Harrisburg Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Lindsey officiating. Interment is in Holly Springs Cemetery near Harrisburg. Pallbearers are Marty White, Larry Morris, Joey Gann, Donald Holt, Casey Carpenter, and Mitchell Scott. Honorary pallbearers are Roger Davis, Jimmy Carl King, Bill Moore, Barry Waters, Phillip Newcomb, and Jerry Williams. Arrangements by Jackson's Harrisburg Funeral Home. 22 May 2002 ----------- Coffey, Lula Mae Lassiter, William L. Marshall, Bernard William McGee, Ronald James Willbanks, Goldie LULA MAE COFFEY Mrs. Lula Mae Coffey, 100 of Tuckerman, died Saturday, May 18, 2002 in a local nursing home. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Laura Bowden Farmer; husband, Jesse Dewey Coffey; one daughter, Betty Sue Coffey, and all of her brothers and sisters. Mrs. Coffey is survived by one son, Dewey Ray Coffey of Valliant, Okla.; one daughter, T. LaVeeda (Jimmie) Hill of Tuckerman, eight grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Monday at Dillinger Funeral Home. Interment was in Gracelawn Cemetery in Tuckerman. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. WILLIAM L. LASSITER Mr. William L. Lassiter, 78 of Diaz, died Thursday, May 16, 2002 in Little Rock. Mr. Lassiter was born Feb. 13, 1924 in Tuckerman, the son of Fred and Tempie Ann (Ingram) Lassiter. He married Miss Genevieve Guffey on Aug. 17, 1946. He was a machinist for Revere Copper and Brass and National Aluminum. He retired in 1987 after 32 years of service. Mr. Lassiter had also worked as a school bus mechanic and bus driver for the Tuckerman Public Schools from 1950-1957. He was a member of the Diaz Baptist Church, where he drove the church van, encouraging children for many years. Mr. Lassiter also faithfully served the church as an usher for many years. He loved gardening and fixing things around other things around the home. His greatest love was his children and grandchildren. Mr. Lassiter even retired early to take care of his granddaughter, Amanda. He was preceded in death by four brothers, George Lassiter, Roy Lassiter, Nathan Lassiter, and Lavon Lassiter; one sister, Imogene Goad; and twin great-grandsons, Jake and Lane Wesson. Mr. Lassiter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Genevieve (Guffey) Lassiter of Diaz; two sons, Bobby Lassiter and wife Suzanne of Diaz and Galen Lassiter and wife Paula of Claremore, Okla.; two daughters, Sharon Wesson and husband, Phil of Mountain View and Cheryl Gordon and husband Greg of Diaz; two brothers, O.E. Lassiter of Newport and C.G. Lassiter of Diaz; two sisters, Ella Mae Beach of Diaz and Carrie Ann Grigsby of Diaz; seven grandchildren, Jeremy Wesson, Julie Hopper, Brent Lassiter, Lori Lassiter Jones, William Bryan Lassiter, Amanda Gordon, and Rob Gordon; three great-grandchildren, Garret Lassiter, Jessica Wesson, and Will Wesson. Funeral service was 10 a.m. Monday at the Diaz Baptist Church with Rev. Jim Tirey and Rev. William Jaques, Jr. officiating. Interment was in Gracelawn Cemetery in Tuckerman. Pallbearers were Jeremy Wesson, Brent Lassiter, Ivan Mingues, Sam Gordon, Doug Cockrill, and Jimmy Don Balch. Honorary pallbearers were Williams Bryan Lassiter, Rob Gordon, and members of the Men's Sunday School Class: G. L. Balch, Charles Stephens, Oscar Lassiter, Jack Phipps, Dan Haygood, Ben Jones, Leo Stuart, Penn Cockrill, and Royce Grigsby. Memorials may be made to the Diaz Baptist Church, P.O. Box 13, Diaz. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. BERNARD WILLIAM MARSHALL Mr. Bernard William Marshall, 72, died Thursday, May 16, 2002 at White River Medical Center in Batesville. He was born Jan. 25, 1930, the son of the late Bernard H. and Georgia (Childers) Marshall. He was united in marriage to Lillie Mae Couch on Jan. 24, 1978 in Swifton. He was a Merchant Marine, Second Mate, and worked for Midwest Towing-Cargil Steel for 40 years and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Marshall is survived by his wife, Lillie Mae Couch of the home; four daughters, Sharon Cornwell of Perkin, Ill., Renia Killgore of Nashville, Tenn., Janell Eason of Ringgold, Ga., Kim Light of Dallas, Ga.; one son, Dale Rogers of Houston, Texas; two brothers, Bert Marshall of Albion, Mich., James Marshall of Jackson, Mich.; one sister, Georgia Scimes of Marshall, Mich.; 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Tuesday at Higginbotham Funeral Service Chapel in Walnut Ridge with Bro. Jeremy James and Bro. Josh Smith officiating. Interment was in Swifton Cemetery. Pallbearers were Charlie Light, Jimjy Hayden, Jeremy James, O.D. Templeton, Joshua Smith, and Eddie Ross. Arrangements by Higginbotham Funeral Services. RONALD JAMES MCGEE Mr. Ronald James McGee, 49 of Newark, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002 in Little Rock. Mr. Mcgee was born Dec. 19, 1952 in Kalamazoo, Mich., the son of James Philllip and Anna Bell (Bullinger) McGee. He married Miss Norma Jean Stephens on Feb. 13, 1999. He was a grain elevator operator at Griffin Seed and Grain. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served during Vietnam War. Mr. McGee enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmy Doyle McGee and Charles Phillip McGee; and three sisters, Bobbie Jean Crandall, Martha Newberry, and Lora Fitzpatrick. Mr. McGee is survived by his wife of three years, Norma Jean (Stephens) McGee of Newark; three sons, Kery Deude of Westville, Okla., Gerald Christian of Batesville, and Scotty James McGee of Newark; two daughters, Jamie Lynn Winston of Newark and Brandie Kay Marks of Southside; one stepson, Jimmy Dale Huskey of Newark; one stepdaughter, Erica Nicole Huskey of Newark; two brothers, Jerry Ross McGee of Pea Ridge, Mo., and Garland Lewis McGee of Newark; eight grandchildren; three step-grandchildren, and one nephew, Michael McGee. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Saturday at the Jesus is Lord Family Worship Center in Jacksonport with Rev. Leon Tidwell and Bro. Ed Goodman officiating. Interment was in Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark. Pallbearers were William Bethel, Coy Burgess, Paul Patterson, Rick Martin, Kerry Deude, Scotty McGee, and Georgie Bethel. Arrangements by Jackson's Newark Funeral Home. GOLDIE WILLBANKS Mrs. Goldie (Morland) Willbanks, 86 of Bradford, died Monday, May 20, 2002 in North Little Rock. Mrs. Willbanks was Dec. 5, 1915 in Missouri, the daughter of Jessie and Alma Morland. She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Willbanks; one son, J. C. "Jake" Willbanks; and two daughters, Lucy Neal and Rachel Gill. Mrs. Willbanks is survived by five sons, Robert Willbanks of Bald Knob, John Willbanks of Kensett, Jimmy Willbanks of Searcy, James Willbanks of Beebe, and Buster Willbanks of McRae; four daughters, Hazel Cup of Trumann, Pinkie Guthrie of Bradford, Letha Haines of Cash, and Brenda Vickers of Jacksonville; three brothers, three sisters, 36 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Llano Robinson officiating. Interment is in Clark Cemetery in Uno. Pallbearers are Jason Willbanks, Leon Willbanks, Dean Guthrie, Robert Leo Lingle, and Joe Murdock. Honorary pallbearers are Roy Jack Guthrie, Skip Green, and Nicklous Birdsong. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. 24 May 2002 ----------- Davis, Bernice Reid, Wanda BERNICE DAVIS Mrs. Bernice Davis, 71 of Biggers, formerly of Newport, died Wednesday, May 22, 2002 in a local hospital. She was preceded in death by her father Amos Wagner, her husband, Curtis Davis, and two sons, Ronny Davis and Jerry Davis. Mrs. Davis is survived by her mother, Mary Callie Wagner of Amagon; two brothers, Martel (Buck) Wagner of Grubbs and Dewitt Wagner of Louisiana; one sister, Virginia Doyle of Amagon, and two grandchildren. Graveside service is 2 p.m. Friday at Johnstown Memory Garden. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. WANDA REID Mrs. Wanda Reid, 71 of Newport, died Tuesday, May 21, 2002. She enjoyed fishing and playing bingo. Mrs. Reid is survived by her mother, Fay Burgess of Washington; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Rebecca Reid of Greenbier and Tim and Vicky Reid of Greenbier; daughter, Ann McCoy of Newport; brother, Jerry Burgess of Washington, seven grandchildren, and five great- grandchildren. Funeral service is 10 a.m. Friday at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Watson Cemetery. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. 29 May 2002 ----------- Jones, Tommy Middleton, Nore Marie (Curtis) Western, Vernon Ray TOMMY JONES Mr. Tommy Jones, 51 of Newport, died Friday, May 24, 2002 at his home. He was born May 16, 1951 in Newport, the son of Walter E. Sr. and Kathryn (Tinkle) Jones. He married Miss Carolyn Sue Green on Oct. 3, 1969. He was an active and faithful member of the Central Baptist Church in Newport, where he served as Sunday School superintendent, teacher, and trustee. Mr. Jones was a 1969 graduate of Oil Trough High School. He was senior operations specialist at Arkansas Eastman Corporation in Batesville, until his retirement on Aug. 1, 2001. He served for two years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves during the Vietnam conflict. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and camping. His greatest love was spending time with his church and his family, especially his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter E. Jones, Sr., and his mother, Kathryn (Tinkle) Jones. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Carolyn Sue (Green) Jones of Newport; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Scott Jones and wife Kim of Stamps, Shawn Jones and wife Courtney of Conway, and Brian Jones of Newport; three grandchildren, Zack Jones, Katie Jones, and Kevin Jones, all of Stamps, one sister, Carolyn Sue Edwards of North Little Rock; one brother, Eddie Jones and wife Kay of Cabot; his 'other' mother, Kathyrn Lackey of Newport ; his stepmother, Winnie Jones of Oil Trough; one stepbrother, Darrell Wrinkles of Oil Trough; three stepsisters, Carolyn Whitby of Tuckerman, Vivian McBride of Newark, and Sheila Williams of Thida; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Maxine and Claude Burris, J.C. and Carol Green, Norman and Donna Green, and Brenda and Dub Pry; several nieces and nephews and othe relatives and friends. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Monday at the Central Baptist Church in Newport with Bro. Roy Tinkle, Jr., and Bro. Thom Stapleton officiating. Interment was in Coffeyville Cemetery. Pallbearers were Jack Coggins, Gary Murphy, Bill McElvaney, Jerry Gates, Cris Driver, and Gary Barton. Honorary pallbearers were Gary Edwards, Connie and Pat Hodge, Larry and Tami Orr, Greg Hodge, David Murphy, Shirley and Aleta Haigwood, Glover Haigwood, Dennis and Denise Haigwood, Malcolm and Lisa Haigwood, members of the Central Baptist Church, and friends from Arkansas Eastman. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. NORE MARIE (CURTIS) MIDDLETON Mrs. Nore Marie (Curtis) Middleton, 85 of Bradford, died Thursday, May 23, 2002 in Searcy. She was born Jan. 24, 1917 in Denmark, the daughter of Bonnie and Effie (Brown) Curtis. Mrs. Middleton was a homemaker and a member of the Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening and sewing. Mrs. Middleton was preceded in death by her husband, Matthew Middleton. She is survived by one son, Steve Middleton of Bradford; five daughters, Dean Arnold of Pullman, Mich., Matharee Rash of Bald Knob, Christie Green of Bradford, Darnell Berger of Damascus and Debra Martin of Bradford; one brother, Clenard Curtis of Salem, Ill.; 21 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren. Funeral service was 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bradford Baptist Church with Bro. Tom Levis officiating. Interment was in Heard Cemetery in Bradford. Pallbearers were Ted Rash, Raymond Arnold, Mark Green, David Green, Daniel Green, Tony Ray, and Joe Berger. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. VERNON RAY WESTERN Mr. Vernon Ray Western, 74 of Edgemont, died Sunday, May 26, 2002 at his home. Mr. Western was a retired mail carrier for the postal service and was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, A. G. Western. He is survived by two sons, Allan and Ellie Western, both of Allen, Texas; three daughters, Donna S. and husband Dwight Crider of Wake Village, Texas, Dana Mathis of Texarkana, and Mitzi and husband David Dowd of Texarkana; one sister, Ruth and husband, Edward Edwards of Bradford; a special aunt, Bertha Raper; grandchildren, Casey and Lauren Western, Dee Hudson, Katie Reed, Trevor Mathis, Jaicey Culwell; great- grandchildren, Preston McCarty and Peyton Hudson; several nieces and nephews. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Coffeyville Cemetery near Bradford. Arrangements by Dillinger Funeral Home. 31 May 2002 ----------- Coleman, Loyd McFadden, Homer William "Butch" III Morrison, Vivian G. LOYD COLEMAN Mr. Loyd Coleman, 81 of Jonesboro, formerly of Newport, died Wednesday, May 29, 2002 at his home. He was born December 12, 1920 at Shelbyville. Mr. Coleman was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church in Grubbs and a member of the V.F.W. He had lived in Grubbs several years before moving to Newport where he lived for 51 years before moving to Jonesboro in 2001. He was retired from the Corps of Engineers and also served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ivy Coleman of the home; one daughter, Peggy Stoner, of Jonesboro; three brothers, Billy Coleman, of Jonesboro; Tommy Coleman, Newport and Floyd Coleman, Newport; one sister Avelene Bundy of Little Rock; two grandchildren Sherry Tucker and Wayne Stoner, Jr., and four great-grandchildren Kristy Thompson, Kyle Lee Cook, Brandon Shea Cook and Lindsey Renee Stoner. Visitation was Thursday, May 30 at 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Funeral service is today at 10 a.m. at Roller-Farmers Union Chapel with Larry Miles officiating. Interment is at Jonesboro Memorial Park. Pallbearers are Wayne Stoner, Jr., Brandon Shea Cook, Richard Thomas Tucker and James Thompson. Arrangements by Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. HOMER WILLIAM "BUTCH" McFADDEN, III Mr. Homer William McFadden, III, 40 of Heber Springs, died Friday, May 24, 2002. He was born Dec. 23, 1961 in Trumann, the son of Homer W. McFadden, Jr. and Joan Nichols McFadden. He attended Pocahontas and McCrory Schools and ASU in Jonesboro. He was a truck driver for Pat Armstrong Trucking. Homer loved trout fishing, duck hunting, archery, cooking, and traveling. Mr. McFadden is survived by his wife, Marsha Baker McFadden of Heber Springs; two sons, Sean Brandon McFadden of Pocahontas and Bradly Matthew McFadden of Cabot; one step-son, James David Parsons of Heber Springs; one step-daughter, Brandi Miller of Heber Springs; his parents, Homer and Joan McFadden of McCrory; two brothers, Michael Joe and Mark Lynn McFadden, both of McCrory; two sisters, Judy Neal of McCrory and Nina Downing of Hickory, N.C.; six nephews, one niece, and one step- granddaughter. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Thursday at Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home in McCrory with Rev. Charles Davis, pastor of Hopewell Assembly of God Church officiating. Interment was in Woodman Cemetery in McCrory. Pallbearers were Jody Neal, Nicholas Neal, Mike McFadden, Mark McFadden, John Paul Thielemire, Sean McFadden, Butch Sparkman, and Rocky Poole. Arrangements by Thompson-Wilson Funeral Homes of McCrory and Wynne. VIVIAN G. MORRISON Mrs. Vivian G. Morrison of Newark died Thursday, May 30, 2002 in Batesville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Jackson's Newark Funeral Home.