Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Marjorie Lane
Mrs. Marjorie B. Lane, of Prescott, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, in Patterson Healthcare Nursing Home in Morgan City, La.
The was born in Prescott, to James R. and Genevieve Ward Bush. She was a retired executive secretary for more than 30 years with McDermott Shipyards. She was a Presbyterian.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, E. Henry Lane, who died in 1976.
Her survivors include one son, Mark Lane and Judy of Morgan City, La., and one daughter, Melody Lane of Houston, Texas.
Grave side services were at 11 a.m., Monday, March 26, at the DeAnn cemetery in Prescott, with the Rev. Jerry G. Westmoreland officiating. Burial followed.
Arrangements were by Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott.
Betty Thomas
Betty Sue Thomas, 50, of Little Rock, died Thursday, March 22, 2007, in a Little Rock hospital.
She was preceded in death by her father, Andrew Lee Thomas, her stepfather, James Anthony Swibaker, and one sister, Vickie Cox.
Survivors include her mother, Mary Nell Swibaker of Tuckerman; two sons, Christopher Wayne Allen and Gary Wayne Allen Jr., both of Thida; one daughter, Rebecca Sue Allen of Little Rock; three brothers, Bill Thomas, Charles Thomas, and Jay Berry, all of Tuckerman; two sisters, Timothia Brownfield of Pencil Bluff and Kathy Thomas of Dickerson, Texas; five grandchildren; several loving cousins and a host of nieces and nephews.
Grave side services were at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 25, at Union cemetery with the Rev. Joe Brown officiating under the direction of Smith Funeral Home of Stamps.
Ruth Daniel
Mrs. Ruth Carolyn Pearson Daniel, 86, of Prescott, died Friday, March 23.
She was born February 8, 1921, to Lillie Ovie Burns Pearson and Arch Elmer Pearson in El Dorado, the third of five children. Daughter of a school superintendent, Ruth graduated from high school and attended business school at State Teachers College in Conway. While living with her parents in Laneburg, she met the love of her life, Al Jennings Daniel, to whom she was married
on December 15, 1941, for whom she was a constant and loving companion for almost 40 years until his death on November 23, 1981, and with whom she made a safe and caring home for their family.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Archie and Bob Pearson and sisters, Virginia Easterling and Violet Matthews.
She is survived by her three children, Al J. Daniel Jr. of New York City, Carolyn Ruth Spigner of Prescott, and Virginia Ann (Ginny) Daniel of Shreveport, La.; grandchildren, Raymond Spigner and wife Nina of New Harmony, Utah, Michelle Crowder of Cale, Kezia Ruth Wineberg of Victoria, B.C. Canada, Jess Bayle of Portland, Ore., and Nicole 'Niki' Spigner of Prescott; great-grandchildren, Kimberly and Michael Crowder, both of Prescott, Crista Albright of New Harmony, Utah; nieces and nephews; other loving family, friends, and devoted care givers, Nicole 'Niki' Spigner, Sabrina Aparicio, Ruby Ledbetter and Margie Richardson.
The family of Ruth Daniel wish to thank Dr. Lowell Vereen and the Dubuis Hospital staff in Texarkana, Dr. Michael Young, the caring staff at Hillcrest Care and Rehab and Medical Park Hospital, and all other family and friends who have given their love and support to mother through the years.
Visitation was from 5-7 p.m., Monday, March 26, at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home. The funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 27, at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Chapel, with interment immediately following at DeAnn cemetery in Prescott.
Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 652, Prescott, AR 71857, or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home of Prescott.
Nora Graham
Mrs. Nora Edna Arnett Graham, born March 18, 1914, in Emmet, died peacefully on March 24, 2007, in Medical Park Hospital in Hope, with her family at her side.
Her parents were Albert Walter Arnett and Mary Esther Brooks Arnett. Nora graduated from Emmet High School and began her nursing training shortly afterwards at the Cora Donnell Hospital in 1935. She also attended Henderson State College and completed a degree as a licensed practical nurse. Nora was a skilled scrub nurse and assisted with almost every surgery. During her career, she was on call most days and went back in at night for every surgery and emergency. Nora transferred to the Nevada County Hospital when it opened in 1967 and served in the same capacity as head surgical nurse. After 42 years of nursing, she retired in 1974. She continued to teach all nurses valuable lessons even in her last years when she was the patient. She entertained them with her colorful stories about her early years in nursing. She was a life long member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rainbow Garden Club, and First Baptist Church of Prescott, where she worked in the nursery and served in the training union for several years. After her retirement, she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren and continuing her hobbies which included gardening, oil painting, crocheting, and writing daily in her journal.
Nora was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Howard 'Red' Graham on December 26, 2006; her parents; brother, Jack Arnett; sister, Mary Arnett Fincher, and nephew, Scott Graham.
She is survived by her only son, Richard Graham and wife Linda of Prescott; two grandchildren, Dr. Missy Graham and husband Bobby of Little Rock and Ricky Graham and wife Sarah of Sheridan; their mother, Donna Graham of Little Rock; two step-grandchildren, Robin Johnmann and husband Andy of Texarkana, Texas and Lori Murray and husband Roger of Texarkana;; four great-grandchildren, Abby and Kate Graham of Little Rock, Grace Graham of Hope and Claire Graham of Sheridan; four step-great-grandchildren, Josh Edwards and Madison Murray of Texarkana, Justin Stovall and Megan Johnmann of Texarkana, Texas; one brother-in-law, Jimmy Graham and wife Linda of Prescott; two sisters-in-law, Gail Reddin and husband Ricky of Prescott and Edith Arnett of Hope; three nephews, Graham Hardin and wife Rachel of Corpus Christi, Jimmy Fincher and wife Wanda of Prescott and Larry Arnett and wife Terri of Hope; three nieces, Traci Graham of Fayetteville, Mary Jo Curtis of Little Rock, and Jacqueline Hatfield and husband Delton of Hope, along with a host of friends and other relatives.
The family would like to thank her dedicated care givers, Bobbie Blevins, Dee Young, Violet Welsh, Celestine Phillips, Shirley Lewis, and Polly Pennington and the staff of Prescott Family Clinic, Medical Park Hospital, and Nevada County Home Health, Dr. Michael Young and Dr. Richard Portis for their kindness.
A memorial grave side service was held at 10 a.m., Monday, March 26, at DeAnn cemetery in Prescott, under the direction of Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott. The family received visitors at the Graham home following the service. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 7812, Texarkana, Texas 75505.
Phena Hicks
Mrs. Phena Glass Hicks, 76, of Caney, Morris Community, died Thursday, April 12, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs.
She was born April 3, 1931, in Antioch, to Harl and Maud White Glass. She was a homemaker, mother and pastor’s wife for more than 54 years. She was a member of Forrest Hill Baptist Church in Emmet, where her husband currently serves as pastor.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Her survivors include her husband of 59 years, Rev. Raymond L. Hicks of Caney; two sons, Gary Lee Hicks and Paul Raymond Hicks, both of Caney; one daughter, Sandra Brown of Arkadelphia; one brother, Bearl Glass of Fayetteville; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were Sunday, April 15, at Morris Baptist Church in Caney, with Revs. James Doyle Glass and Sam Tamburo officiating. Burial was in Caney cemetery in Caney. Arrangements are by Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott.
Family received friends Saturday, April 14, from 6-8 p.m. at Brazzle/Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, c/o St. Joseph’s Hospital, 300 Werner St., Hot Springs, AR 71913, or Caney cemetery Fund, c/o Donald Munn, 3577 CR 23, Prescott, AR 71857, or Nevada County Cancer Society, c/o Joan Barton, 2902 Hwy 19 North, Prescott, AR 71857.
Jerry Blevins
Jerry Wayne Blevins, 60, passed away Tuesday, April 10, 2007, in Illinois.
Jerry was born in Prescott on Oct. 10, 1946.
His parents, Raymond and Winnie McLelland Blevins, and his sister, Nell Flatt, preceded Jerry in death.
He is survived by his fiance, Marge Barnett; three daughters, Shelane, Amber and Rachel; brother Tom Blevins; two aunts; one uncle; and multiple cousins and nephews.
Funeral services were Saturday, April 24, at Woodlawn Funeral Home, Joliet, Ill.
James Austin Capps Sr.
Colonel James Austin Capps Sr. (Ret. USAR), 93, of Gurdon, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 14, 2007.
Col. Capps was born in Dobyville, on Nov. 22, 1913, as the eldest child of Della Mae Wingfield Capps and James Roy Capps.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Layton; and his devoted loving wife of 67 years, Mary Lou Wells Capps.
He is survived by his two sons Col. James A. Capps Jr. (Ret. USAF, MD) and wife Judy, and William Roy Capps, D.D.S. and wife Betty of Hot Springs and Gurdon; two sisters, Louise Mann of Houston, Texas, and Alyene Fowler of Ft. Scott, Kan.
Affectionately known as 'Big Daddy' to his family, the memory of his famous Easter boxes full of chocolate candy and Christmas surprises will be carried forever in the hearts of his seven grandchildren, Don Austin Capps of Gravette, Jon Thornton Capps of Centerton, Julia Anne Beldyga of Bella Vista, Mary Frances Capps of Springdale, Leslie Ann Whalen and Charles Michael Capps of Hot Springs, and Jon Mark Capps of Gurdon. The love that 'Big Daddy' invested in his family will be carried on in the lives of his 19 great-grandchildren.
A life-long resident of Clark County and a graduate of Ouachita Baptist College where he was commissioned as second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Austin served his Country during World War II in North Africa, Italy and France. Under his command in Marseille, France, Austin’s 379th Port BN Army unit was awarded the Pacific Victory Cup in recognition by the US Army for Excellency in Performance of Duty in facilitating troop and supply ships. Austin continued his service to his country by enlisting in the US Army Reserves upon his return to Gurdon.
He carried with him his diligence to duty and his service to his fellowman while in the retail and rental business for 70 years in Gurdon. The foundation for Austin’s high level of commitment to his family, church and community was his love for his Lord Jesus Christ. He lived his faith by always striving to benefit the town of Gurdon both professionally and personally. Exercising his gift of mercy and service, he was always sensitive to recognize the needs of others and respond quickly.
He will be remembered as a fine man with a most generous heart – his blessings from the Lord were always shared with others. Austin was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Gurdon, serving as an Elder, Sunday School teacher and choir member while his late wife Mary Lou was organist for over 40 years. Active in every aspect of life in Gurdon, Austin was a Paul Harris Fellow in the Gurdon Rotary where Mary Lou was the first woman member and also recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. Austin was a faithful Gideon, former member of Board of Trustees of Baptist Hospital in Arkadelphia and receiver of many awards for his retail success while owner of Austin ’s Appliance and Furniture in Gurdon.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Gurdon. Officiating will be Rev. Rick Pyron, lay leader Liz Hardin, and one of Austin’s beloved 'second children, ' Col. Jackie Ryan, Chaplain, US Army. Serving as pallbearers will be Austin’s grandsons, great-grandsons and grandsons-in-law, Jeremy Whalen and Cory Beldyga. Interment will follow in Rose Hedge cemetery with military honors. The family will host a Celebration of Life visitation beginning at 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Horne Funeral Home of Gurdon.
Rickey Johnson
Rickey Dean Johnson, 53, of Hope, died on Sunday, April 15, 2007, at his home.
He was born on Dec. 20, 1953, in Prescott, the son of Lowell and Mildred Hill Johnson.
Rickey worked in maintenance at a structural plywood company and attended Crossroads Assembly of God Church in Delight.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Rickey is survived by four sons, Aaron Johnson, Michael Bledsoe and Gregory Bledoe, all of Hope, and Adam Bledoe of Laneburg; his mother, Mildred Johnson of Prescott; three sisters, Cynthia Usrey of Las Vegas, N.V., Darlene Peterson of Bryant and Brenda Nelson of Prescott; two brothers, Armond Johnson of Hagarville and Winston Johnson of Las Vegas, N.V.; and four grandchildren.
Graveside services were at 10 a.m. Friday, April 20, at Delight cemetery with the Rev. Neil Ridling officiating. Family hours were from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Prescott Assembly of God Church.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1132, Fairfax, VA 22038-1132. Services are entrusted to Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.
Cyrus Sulzer
Mr. Cyrus Sulzer, 83, passed away Sunday, April 15, 2007, at Central Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Miss.
Cyrus served in the Navy during WWII and the Korean Conflict. Later he taught school in Texas.
He is preceded in death by parents, Joseph Arthur and Esther Turner Sulzer; and brothers, Jesse Augusta and Howard.
He is survived by two sons, Cyrus, Jr. and Carl; two daughters, Camilla and Christina; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; one great-grandson; two sisters, Juanita Bethany and Carolyn Peterson; one brother, Travis; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services were Wednesday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at Friendship cemetery in Cale. Chancellor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Local arrangements are by Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home in Prescott.
