Obituaries, Union County, Arkansas *********************************************************** Submitted by: Angie Dusty <angie @ everett mckinley realty . com> Date: 29 May 2008 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** El Dorado News Times May 10-21, 2008 ELROY COOPER By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/11/2008 Elroy Cooper of Magnolia died on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at St. Michaels Hospital in Texarkana, Texas. Arrangements will be announced by Marks Funeral Home in Magnolia. ------------------ TIMOTHY R. JOHNSON By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/11/2008 Timothy Ray Johnson, 55, of Warren, died on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at his home. Born on Jan. 28, 1953, in Warren, he was the son of Raymond D. and Loreene Reep Johnson. He was a retired construction worker, self-employed carpenter, a member of First Baptist Church, former board member of Bradley County Historical Museum and the Bradley County Genealogical Society. He was preceded in death by his parents; his paternal grandparents, Thomas and Lola Langston Johnson; and maternal grandparents, Elbert and Tempie Blankenship Reep. Survivors include his daughter, Trena Johnson of Mule Creek, N.M.; two brothers, Ronnie and Johnny Johnson, both of Warren; and a sister, Sandra Thompson of Pine Bluff. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Monday in Frazer's Chapel. Burial will be in Union Cemetery in Rye under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home in Warren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Bradley County Historical Museum, P.O. Box 311, Warren, AR 71671. An online guest register is available at www.frazerfuneralhome on the Internet. ------------------ CONNIE R. ROBERSON By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/11/2008 Connie Roberta Roberson, 55, of El Dorado, died on Friday, May 9, 2008 at Timberlane Health & Rehab following a lengthy illness. Born on Nov. 22, 1952, in El Dorado, she was the daughter of Elvis and Opal Jennings Roberson who precede her in death along with a nephew, Billy Nesbit. After graduation from El Dorado High School she attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello and received a master's degree in paleontology. Connie taught school in Stuttgart and Sandy Springs, Texas, and later moved to Memphis and was employed by the Internal Revenue Service as an auditor. Connie reclaimed her El Dorado roots and co-owned and operated Roberson Van and Storage. She was an animal rights activist and served on the board of the Union County Humane Society. She was also a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Survivors include a sister, Glenda Lanier and her husband, Don, of Dubach, La., and a brother, Roy Roberson and his wife, Laura, of El Dorado. Also surviving are nieces Christine Street and her husband, Scott, of Duncan, Okla., Dana Pyron and her husband, Donald, of Smackover and Melissa Whitlow and her husband, Stuart, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and an uncle, K. O. Roberson and his wife, Martha, of Magnolia. Connie is also survived by two special friends, Julia Taylor McCleve and Steve Gates. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. on Monday in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Pam Brule officiating. Interment will be under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home in El Dorado. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m. today. Memorials may be made to UCAPS, 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado, AR 71730. An online registry is available at www.baileyfuneralhome.net. ------------------ J.D. ROBERTSON By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/11/2008 J.D. Robertson, 89, of Camden, died on Friday, May 9, 2008, at Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden. Mr. Robertson was born on Sept. 9, 1918, in Camden, the son of John David and Mary Bradshaw Robertson. He was a Methodist, a retired cattle farmer and construction company owner, and a member of the Mustin Lake Outing Association. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, Bunn and Willis Robertson; and one sister, Margaret Bridges. Survivors include his wife, Edna Fuller Robertson of Camden; two sons, Gary Robertson and wife, Mary Ann, and Jack Robertson and wife, Betty, all of Camden; and a daughter, Jan Tropf and husband, Ron, of Bryant; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Monday at Proctor Funeral Home in Camden with the Rev. James Harris officiating. Entombment will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home. To sign the online guest register visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com on the Internet. ------------------ FRED L. SMITH By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/11/2008 Fred L. Smith, 71, of McNeil, died on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Magnolia Hospital. Arrangements will be announced by A.O. Smith Funeral Home in Stamps. ------------------ HENRY A. TELFORD By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/11/2008 Henry Archie Telford, 90, of El Dorado died on Thursday, May 8, 2008, at Hillsboro Manor Nursing Home. He was born on Nov. 23, 1917, in Junction City to Lewis H. Telford and Effie Bird Telford. He was a retired operator from Monsanto and an Army Air Corp World War II veteran. Henry loved gardening and squirrel hunting and was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Katherine Mae Telford; two brothers, Alton Minor and Benny Telford; and a sister, Bessie Mae Hearin. Survivors include three sons, Eddie J. Telford and wife, Jeannie, of Little Rock, Michael A. Telford and wife, Sarajane, of Magnolia, and Daniel L. Telford and wife, Sherree, of Nashville, Tenn.; a sister, Annie Belle Hudson and husband, Harry, of El Dorado; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Monday in Young's Chapel with the Rev. Steve Pelz officiating. Interment will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors in El Dorado. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church, 3408 N. Wyatt Drive, El Dorado, AR 71730. A guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com on the Internet. ------------------ HARRY B. THURLKILL Published: 05/11/2008 Harry Bryant Thurlkill, 80, of Junction City (Caledonia), died on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at his home. He was born on July 14, 1927, in El Dorado, the son of Marlin Benjamin and Addie Elno Hux Thurlkill. He was retired from Colonial Baking Co., and also retired as a grower for ConAgra. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Madline Foyil. Survivors include his wife, Inez Thurlkill of Junction City; two sons, Michael Thurlkill and his wife, Glenda, of Battlefield, Mo., and Richard Thurlkill and his wife, Cathy, of Monroe, La.; two daughters, Deborah Thurlkill of Junction City and Becky Thurlkill of Ruston, La.; two brothers, Floyd Thurlkill and his wife, Juanita, and Henry Thurlkill and his wife, Cindy, all of El Dorado; one sister, Frances Owens and her husband, John, of El Dorado; five grandchildren, Bryan Thurlkill of Buffalo, Mo., Jeremy Thurlkill of Battlefield, Drew Thurlkill of Phoenix, Ariz., Elizabeth Thurlkill and John Thurlkill of Monroe. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Monday in Perry's Chapel with Bryan Thurlkill officiating. Burial will be in Caledonia Cemetery under the direction of Perry's Funeral Home in El Dorado. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family would like to express their gratitude to Life Touch Hospice, Christine Dalton, Krystal Whitecloud and Phyllis King for the wonderful care they gave. An on line registry is available at www.perrysfuneralchapels.net on the Internet. ------------------ DEBORAH W. TILLMAN Published: 05/11/2008 Deborah Walker Tillman, 51, of Magnolia, died on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in Magnolia. Born on Dec. 26, 1956, in Magnolia, she was the daughter of Luther Walker and Emily Lee Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Andrew Jackson Sterling Jr. and Paul and Johnny Ray Monk. Survivors include sisters Oblige Crumpler, Mary Meadors, Ardean Monk and Christen Watson; and brothers Lawerence D. Walker and James Preston Walker. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday at Marks Funeral Home Chapel in Magnolia with the Rev. Tony C. Smith officiating. ------------------ SHIRLEAN BRITTS By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/12/2008 Shirlean Britts, 67, of Nashville, Tenn., formerly of El Dorado, died on Sunday, May 11, 2008, in Nashville. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ MADELINE BRYANT By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/12/2008 Madeline Utter Cornett Bryant, 96, of Warren, died on Saturday, May 10, 2008, at Bradley County Medical Center. Born on Aug. 7, 1911, in Kingsland, she was the daughter of Andrew Jackson Utter and Mattie Parnell Utter. She was a retired sitter and a charter member and oldest member of Faith Freewill Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ernest Clyde Cornett and A.E. Bryant; a son, Ernest Cornett; a daughter, Virginia Szot; a grandson, Jimmy Brooks; and three stepsons, Jimmy, Billy and Charlie Bryant. Survivors include three daughters, Martha Kimbrell of Warren, Sue McMillian of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Mona Morgan of Warren; 10 grandchildren; 20 great- grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and a host of stepgrandchildren and stepgreat-grandchildren. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in Frazer's Chapel. Burial will be in Willoughby Cemetery under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home in Warren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 tonight at the funeral home. An online registry is available at www.frazerfuneralhome.com on the Internet. ------------------ GENE FILLMORE Published: 05/13/2008 Fillmore Gene Fillmore, 72, of El Dorado, and formerly of Cottonwood Falls, Kan., died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado. He was born June 7, l945, and is the son of Edward William Fillmore and Zelda Grace Spain Fillmore. Gene was a truck driver by trade and drove a truck his whole life. He last drove for Frank Thompson Trucking before retiring. He enjoyed the freedom of riding a motorcycle, and did so in his spare time. He love his family who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Marion "Hop" Fillmore. Survivors include his loving wife of 14 years, Mary Carol Fillmore of El Dorado; a son, Kevin Miller of Cottonwood Falls; a stepson, Tim Green of Crossett; stepdaughters, Linda Stuart of Benbrook, Texas, Brenda Rogriguez of Benbrook and Tammy Foster of Romance; brothers, Robert Fillmore of Strong City, Kan., and Bill Fillmore of Cottonwood Falls; sisters, Peggy Hunt of Smackover, Pat Donelson of Cottonwood Falls, Betty Yoakem of Kennesaw, Ga., Carole Talley of Rockport, Texas, Carla Gibb of Charlotte, N.C., and Kay Kleinsorge of Buda, Texas; 14 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Graveside services were held Tuesday, May 6, at Bazaar Cemetery in Bazaar, Kan., under the direction of Brown Bennett Alexander Funeral Home of Cottonwood Falls. Local arrangements were made by Perry's Funeral Chapels of El Dorado. Memorials can be made to John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730. ------------------ E. FRANKLIN MITCHAM Published: 05/13/2008 Mitcham Earnest Franklin Mitcham, 81, of Strong, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at his residence. He was born in Loran, La., on March 29, 1927, to Ernestine Mitcham and Bessie McBroom Mitcham. Franklin loved his family, especially all of his grandchildren. He loved visiting with family and friends at reunions. He also loved to eat at those reunions. When he wasn't spending time with his family, he was in the woods working. He was a hard working man. He started working with his father in the logging business when he was 16 years old and that work continued as Mitcham Logging through the years, until his sickness wouldn't allow him to work anymore. He also loved the Ouachita River bottoms. He could sit on the banks of the river and admire its beauty. He will be dearly missed by all of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandchild, Eric Wayne Mitcham; great grandchild, Cole R. (Chunky Monkey) Mitcham; and most recently his son, Kenneth Mitcham. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Bennie Fife Mitcham; sons, Wayne Mitcham and David Mitcham; a sister, Betty Dodson; six grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church with the Revs. Don Travis and Lester Pratt officiating. Burial Will be at Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Perry's Funeral Chapels. Visitation will be held beginning at 5 p.m. today at the church. Pallbearers will be Wayne Mitcham, Kevin Black, Nathan Cox, Greg Rawls, Garett Gates, Kendal Dollar, Dustin Allen, Scotty Hudson, Randy Davis, and William Stinson. Memorials can be made to Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730. ------------------ JACK TOWNSEND Published: 05/13/2008 Jack Townsend, 78, of El Dorado, died Saturday, May 10, 2008. Survivors include his children, Ozie, Ronnie, Antonio, and Lonnie Townsend, Larry Murphy of King City, Calif., Laviaikio Levingston of El Dorado, Derek Lee of Lillie, La., and Keesha Hall. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Power House Deliverance Holiness Church, located at 1214 S. Washington. Public viewing will be held from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. at the church. Services are entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home of Little Rock, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. ------------------ SHIRLEY L. BRIGGS Published: 05/14/2008 Shiriley Lean Briggs, 67, of Nashville, Tenn., and formerly of El Dorado, died Sunday, May 11, 2008, at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. Arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------ CECIL T. MUNDAY Published: 05/14/2008 Cecil T. Munday, 91, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Young's Chapel with Dr. Lynn Worthen and the Rev. Wilson Borosvskis officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors of El Dorado. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Young's. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Main St., El Dorado, AR 71730; Medical Center of South Arkansas Auxiliary, 700 W. Grove, El Dorado, AR 71730; or a charity of the donor's choice. ------------------ MORVENE W. GLADIN Published: 05/15/2008 Morvene Wahlquist Gladin, 88, died on Mother's Day, May 11, 2008, at Brookshire Nursing Center in Hillsborough, N.C., after a long illness. She was born in Mammoth Spring, the daughter of William Bryan and Joann Long Wahlquist. The Wahlquist Family owned newspapers across Arkansas and Missouri, including the Wynne Progress, Phillips County Herald in Helena, Nevada County Picayune in Prescott, the Pike County Courier in Murfreesboro, the Marvel Herald, the Woodruff County Free Press in Augusta and the Mammoth Spring Democrat. As a teenager, Morvene set type at the Mammoth Spring newspaper office. Later she was a photographer and writer for the Twin City Tribune in West Helena. In 1940 she married Ivey Stephen Gladin just before he left to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. When he returned, they settled in Helena. Together they operated Gladin's Studio of Photography. The couple raised their two daughters, Sharon and Susan, in their big, Civil War-era house on Porter Street. Morvene was an antiques collector and a stylish woman, engaged in the life of the community. She served with the American Cancer Society, as a member and president of Altrusa International, as an active member of First United Methodist Church of Helena, as an ambassador for the Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Morvene was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 61 years, Ivey; a sister, Peggy Jean Wahlquist; and a brother, Joe Bryan Wahlquist, who died in infancy. Survivors include her sister, Judy Louise Wahlquist Hoover of Hot Springs; daughter, Sharon Gladin Williams; son-in-law Gates Williams; grandsons, H.G. "Tres" Williams III and Christopher Brandon Williams, all of Little Rock; daughter, Susan Elizabeth Gladin and son-in-law, Peter Kramer, of Hillsborough; and granddaughters, Jessica Gladin-Kramer of Cambridge, Mass., and Amanda Gladin-Kramer, of Durham, N.C. Please make memorial contributions to Altrusa International (www.altrusa.com; 332 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1123, Chicago, IL 60604). Services will be held at a later date in Helena. Arrangements are by the Cremation Society of the Carolinas (www.cremnc.ciom). ------------------ GENE LOWE Published: 05/15/2008 Gene Lowe, 89, of Houston, and formerly of El Dorado, died Friday, May 9, 2008, at Kindred Hospital. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of First Baptist Church with the Rev. Roy Perdue officiating. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery on U.S. 167 South in El Dorado under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Young's Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Arkansas Programs and Services, 10411 W. Markham, Suite 130, Little Rock, AR 72205-1409. ------------------ MARGIE C. McMILLIAN Published: 05/15/2008 Margie Carelock Youngblood McMillian, 83, formerly of El Dorado and North Little Rock, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Searcy Healthcare in Searcy. Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Young's Chapel with the Rev. Sam Shepperson officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Memorial Park in El Dorado under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. ------------------ SHANNON P. MORRIS Published: 05/15/2008 Morris Shannon Parnell Morris, 34, of Pine Bluff, died Friday, May 9, 2008. The son of Glynn Morris and Mary Springer, he was born in El Dorado. Survivors include his wife, Shere Morris; brothers, Marcus Morris of Huttig, Keith Morris and Christopher Morris, both of El Dorado; sisters, Terria Springer of El Dorado, Connie Brown of Junction City, and Nikki Morris of Little Rock; and adoptive sons, Aaron and Cody Thomas of Pine Bluff. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, at Kings Highway Baptist Church with the Rev. Walter C. May Sr. officiating, and also at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at El Bethel Baptist Church in Three Creeks. Burial will be in El Bethel Cemetery in Three Creeks under the direction of Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. Visitation will be held from 6 until 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. The family will be at 6116 Irene Drive, in Pine Bluff. ------------------ CECIL T. MUNDAY Published: 05/15/2008 Munday Cecil T. Munday, 91, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Born Oct. 31, 1916, in Wylie, Texas, to Leslie Munday and Attie Wilson Munday, he was a Monsanto Chemical Co. retiree, an Army Veteran of World War II, a charter member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club for 26 years, serving as lieutenant governor for many years. He served as a troop master for the Boy Scouts of America for many, many years where he received the Silver Beaver Award in January 1966. He also was actively involved with the Medical Center of South Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary, serving one term as president. He received the First Humanitarian Award in 1997 from the Medical Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church of El Dorado, where he served as a deacon. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Lois Anders Munday. Survivors include his son, Ralph Munday and his wife, Sandy, of Little Rock; a sister, Mildred Ruth Munday Crawford and her husband, Lamar, of Tyler, Texas; one nephew, Larry Crawford and his wife, Linda, of Knoxville, Tenn.; two granddaughters, Leslie Robinson and her husband, Shane, and Lindsey Robinson; and two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Dylan. Funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Young's Chapel with Dr. Lynn Worthen and Wilson Borosvskis officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Visitation will be held from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Main, El Dorado, AR 71730; Medical Center of South Arkansas Auxiliary, 700 W. Grove, El Dorado, AR 71730; or donor's choice. Family will receive friends at 2425 Mount Holly Road. An online guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com ------------------ DIANE D. VAN NESS Published: 05/15/2008 Van Ness Diane Davis Van Ness was born in El Dorado, on March 20, 1935, the daughter of Jeff and Hautine Davis. She died on Tuesday, May 13, 2008. She graduated from El Dorado High School, attended Hollins College in Virginia, transferred to the University of Arkansas, and received a BA degree in history in 1957. She taught one year in the El Dorado School System. In the seventies, she and her first husband, Harry Bodenhamer, moved to Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Together, they created a sign business, invested in, and managed motels, along with the daughter, Jan, they were successful and happy, and had found a home in Florida. After Harry's death, at age 43, Diane moved back to El Dorado and she brought with her, her joy of gardening, and her special and individual talent for decorating homes. Everything she touched was a "show place." She also brought her wonderful laugh, sense of humor, and love of life. Her caring love for family and friends gave her a special place in everyone's heart. In 1993, she renewed an acquaintance with an old friend, Charlie Van Ness. Their 15 years of marriage, wonderful happiness, and shared families, would make Laura Ann and Harry smile. Survivors include her husband, Charlie Van Ness; daughter, Jan Crawford; son-in- law, Johnny Crawford; grandson, Clint Crawford; brother, Jeff Davis Jr., his wife, Cleo; and step-grandchildren. A private family graveside service will be held Friday morning at Arlington Memorial Park with a memorial service following at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Dan Loomis and Father Charles Chapman officiating and under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UCAPS, 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado, AR 71730, or a charity of the donor's choice. An online obituary will be available at youngsfuneralhome.com ------------------ DORA E. CAUSEY Published: 05/16/2008 Dora Elizabeth McKenney Causey, 91, of Piggott, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in the Evergreen Nursing Home in Rector. She was born June 20, 1916, in Carryville, and was the daughter of James Onia and Elizabeth Fox McKenney. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Piggott. She was preceded in death by her husband, Homer Causey; her parents; her son, Gaylon Causey; sons-in-law, Bill Beckley, Calvin Johnson and Mitchell Johnson; daughter-in-law, Wilma (Johnson) Causey; three brothers, Frank, Howard and Junior McKenney; three stepbrothers, Sonny, Leroy and Bud French; and one stepsister, Madalene. Survivors include her children, Donald Causey of Walnut Ridge, Bob Causey, Delmar Causey, Ira Causey and Jerry Causey, all of Piggott, Thelma Johnson of El Dorado, Martha Thompson of Rector, and Mary Kay Johnson of DeSoto, Mo.; an adopted son, James English of Barnhart, Mo.; 32 grandchildren; 23 step- grandchildren; 62 great- grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren; 19 great- great grandchildren; and one brother, Ansil McKenney of California. Funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Piggott with Kim Bridges officiating. Burial will be in Williams Cemetery. Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held at 5 p.m. today at the funeral home. ------------------ GROVER D. DARDEN JR. Published: 05/16/2008 Grover D. "Buddy" Darden Jr., of Flint Hill, Va., formerly of Alexandria, La., and a native of Haynesville, La., passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at his home, Vista Hermosa Farm, Virginia. Born March 25, 1953, in El Dorado, he was the beloved son of Grover D. and Peggy Goza Darden of Haynesville. He was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his mother, Peggy Darden; his siblings, Kay Darden Stephens of Trenton, Ill., and Alan Darden of Norphlet. He is also survived by nephews, Sumner Darden, Russell Stephens and Judd Stephens, plus many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends, and his very special friend, Richard Lykes of Flint Hill, Va., and Washington, D. C. Buddy graduated from Haynesville High School, attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston and graduated from the University Of Texas. He was an architect in Alexandria for 12 years and then was employed by the Department of Justice Federal Prison Bureau in Washington, D. C. for the past several years. Buddy was a generous, loving person who was always happy and willing to serve his family and many friends with his multiple talents and loving spirit. He will be missed but never forgotten. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Haynesville United Methodist Church. No flowers, please. If you desire to send a memorial to honor Bud's memory, pleases share with someone in need. Bailey Mortuary, Inc. of Haynesville is in charge of arrangements. ------------------ LILLIAN C. FRAZIER Published: 05/16/2008 Lillian C. Frazier, 99, of El Dorado, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Arrangements will be announced by Sims Mortuary. ------------------ MACON C. WILSON Published: 05/16/2008 Wilson Macon Christopher "Chris" Wilson, 24, of El Dorado, died Thursday, May 8, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. He was born April 6, 1984, in El Dorado, and was a member of St. Vestal C.M.E. Church, where he served in the Youth Choir and on the Youth Usher Board. He was an employee of Pilgrim's Pride of El Dorado. He was preceded in death by his biological mother, Edenna Johnson; and his grandparents. Survivors include his parents, Leroy and Morris Jean Williams of El Dorado; his biological father, Larry Post of El Dorado; seven brothers, James Cox, Ricky Cox and Leroy Williams Jr., of El Dorado, Anthony Broadnax of Camden, Edrick Ellerson of Grady, Lancie T. Johnson of Shreveport, La., and Quincie Wilson of Milwaukee; two sisters, Whitney Wilson and Leshia Holmes of El Dorado. Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at St. Vestal C.M.E. Church with the Rev. Monteal Rhynes officiating. Burial will be in Lott Burgy Cemetery of El Dorado under the direction of Andrews Funeral Home. Public viewing will be held from 1 until 5 p.m. today and from 8 until 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. ------------------ JOEY W. BELIN Published: 05/17/2008 Joey Wayne Belin, 40, of El Dorado, died Friday, May 16, 2008, at his home. Aarrangements will be announced by Young's Funeral Directors. ------------------ GROVER D. DARDEN JR. Published: 05/17/2008 A memorial service for Grover D. "Buddy" Darden Jr., of Flint Hill, Va., formerly of Alexandria, La., and a native of Haynesville, La., will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Haynesville United Methodist Church. No flowers, please. If you desire to send a memorial to honor Bud's memory, please share with someone in need. Bailey Mortuary, Inc. of Haynesville is in charge of arrangements. ------------------ JOEY W. BELIN By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/18/2008 Joey Wayne Belin, 40, of El Dorado, died on Friday, May 16, 2008, at his residence. Born on Aug. 7, 1967, in El Dorado, he was the son of James Belin Sr. and Linda Diane Dickson Belin Harris. He worked as a brick layer helper for Johnny Dixon. Preceded in death by his grandmothers, Mildred Dickson and Johnnie Belin, he is survived by his parents; two brothers, James Belin Jr. and Michael Kelley; and one sister, Melinda Kelley, all of El Dorado. The family will have a private burial in Gravel Ridge Cemetery under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors in El Dorado. ------------------ LILLIAN C. FRAZIER By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/18/2008 Lillian Creer Frazier, 99, of El Dorado, died on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Medical Center of South Arkansas. She was born in El Dorado, the daughter of John T. and Eliza Rhem Creer. She was a member of Douglas Chapel Baptist Church, where she was vice-president of missions, sang in the choir, was a member of Circle Sarah, secretary of Friendship District Association, chairperson of Mission Union No. 1, ministers wives and the state convention. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Sammy Frazier; five brothers, Lonnie, Willie R., Marshall, Climmie H. and Earl Creer; four sisters, Sallie Looney, Lillie Creer, Annie Davis and Alice Lockette. Survivors include one grandson. Funeral will be at 1 a.m. on Monday at Douglas Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. D.L. Hegler officiating. Burial will be in Arlington Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary in El Dorado. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. today and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday at the church. There will be no viewing after the funeral. ------------------ HOPE W. GILLIAM By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/18/2008 Hope Wadsworth Gilliam died on May 1, 2008. She was born to J.M. and Frances Wadsworth in Tulsa, Okla., on April 29, 1928. She studied English Literature at the University of Kansas where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. El Dorado was her home when she met Air Force Capt. Julian Gilliam on a blind date during a college break. They were married on April 15, 1950, and had recently celebrated their 58th anniversary. Following marriage, Hope found an outlet for her prodigious creativity in painting. After the Gilliams moved to Little Rock in 1964, she continued to mature as an artist and studied at UALR as well as the Arkansas Arts Center. She garnered numerous awards for her work. Her paintings and prints have been acquired by private collectors across the country. Several museums have also purchased Hope's artwork. Subsequently Julian retired and they began to travel extensively. During this time, Santa Fe, N.M., became a second home, where Hope blossomed in the artistic community and made many close friends. She died peacefully at home almost three years after experiencing a massive stroke. The family would like to acknowledge the dedication, loving care, and friendship given by Debra Anderson, Rudy Grimes and Theresa S. Vogelpohl, MNSc, RN, thus allowing Hope to remain in the home she loved. Survivors include her husband, Julian; daughters, Betsy and her husband, David Trapp, of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Julie and her husband, Peter Roth, of Boston; grandchildren including Betsy's children, Maria Trapp of Herndon, Va., Becky Trapp of Long Island City, N.Y. and Davey Trapp of Lawrenceville, Ga; and Julie's children, Ellen and Chris Roth of Boston. A memorial service will take place on at 1 p.m. on May 24 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi St., in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Arkansas Arts Center, the Pulaski County Humane Society or to the donor's favorite charity. Arrangements are being handled by Ruebel Funeral Home in Little Rock. ------------------ THURLON GREEN By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/18/2008 Thurlon Green, 45, of McNeil, died on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Magnolia Hospital. Arrangements will be announced by Marks Funeral Home in Magnolia. ------------------ JANE E. HOUSTON By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/18/2008 Jane Earnest Houston, 89, of Kempner, Texas, formerly of Cushing, Okla., died on Friday, May 16, 2008, at Springs Oaks Nursing Facility in Lampassas, Texas. Born on May 14, 1919, in Stroud, Okla., she was the daughter of Thomas T. and Anna Belle Sample Earnest. She was a retired school cafeteria worker and a Baptist. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred Theodore Houston; daughters Ruby Coleen Henderson and Freda Louise Houston; a brother, Elvin Earnest; and sisters Goldie Reeves and Audrey Morehouse. Survivors include two sons, Bobby Dale Houston of Merced, Calif., and Jimmy Shelton Houston of Portland, Ore.; one daughter, Patricia Harrod of Cushing; 23 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday in Union Hill Cemetery in Ingalls. Burial will be under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home in Warren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. An online guest register is available at www.frazerfuneralhome.com on the Internet. ------------------ GEORGE TAYLOR By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/18/2008 George Taylor, 76, of Stamps, died on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at St. Michael Medical Center in Texarkana, Texas. Arrangements will be announced by Henderson's Funeral Service in Magnolia. ------------------ BETTY P. NICHOLSON By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/19/2008 Betty P. Nicholson, 83, of Warren, died on Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Wagnon Place Nursing Home. Born on April 14, 1925, in Warren, she was the daughter of Jim Jeff Phillips and Rose Kirk Milner Phillips. She was a homemaker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Jimmie Lee Nicholson. Survivors include her husband, Robert Lee Nicholson; two daughters, Susan Rose Creswell and Sara Marie Weaver, both of Warren; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in Oakland Cemetery. Burial will be under the direction of Frazer's Funeral Home in Warren. An online guest registry is available at www.frazerfuneralhome.com on the Internet. ------------------ OTIS H. TATE By: - El Dorado News Times - Published: 05/19/2008 Otis H. Tate, 92, of Arkadelphia, died on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at the Golden Living Center. He was born on May 24, 1916, in Sims, La., to Ewell and Nola Smith Tate. Otis was a veteran of World War II as a Navy Seabee, as well as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a member of First Baptist Church in Camden. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ester Evelyn Tate; a brother, James Tate; and two sisters, Edna Mae and Frances. He is survived by his son, Troy Tate and his wife, Deanie, of Arkadelphia; his daughter, Nelda D. Lee and her husband, Alton, of El Dorado; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday in Resthaven Memorial Gardens with Brother David Tate officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. An online guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com on the Internet. ------------------ DARYL L. FORD Published: 05/20/2008 Daryl L. Ford, 39, of El Dorado, died Monday, May 19, 2008, in Little Rock. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Andrews Funeral Home. ------------------