Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Richard Blankenship
Richard Blankenship, 72, of Chidester died Wednesday, November 8, 2000, at Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden.
Mr. Blankenship was retired from Southwester Bell.
Survivors include his wife, Joy Blankenship of Chidester; a son, Tracy Blankenship of Camden; two stepsons, Billy Riffe of Newark, Ohio, and Bobby Riffe of Utica, Ohio; a daughter, Marti Sue Blankenship of Camden; three brothers, Billy Blankenship of Ashdown, Jim Blankenship of Jacksonville and Robert Blankenship of Angelton, Texas; five grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Funeral services were held Friday, November 10, at Proctor Funeral Home in Camden with Bro. Tommy Barnhart officiating. Burial was in Missouri cemetery under the direction of Proctor Funeral Home of Camden.
Kitty Sue Ellis
Kitty Sue Ellis, 83, of Prescott died Wednesday, November 8, 2000. at Hillcrest Care and Rehab of Prescott.
Mrs. Ellis was born March 5, 1917, in Nevada County to Lonnie Joseph and Leola Edwards Mann. She was a former co-owner of Ellis City Furniture and a homemaker. She was a member of the Prescott Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Howard Ellis, who died December 28, 1997, two brothers, Lonnie and Leo Mann, and one sister, Vera Odom.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Butch and Linda Ellis of Prescott; one daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Bob Higginbotham of Prescott; a sister, Cleo Tippitt of Little Rock; a half-sister, Sue Baskin of McNeil; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday, November 10, at the Church of Christ with Gene Cloer officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge cemetery under the direction of Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home of Prescott.
Esther Ruth Sampson Barker Boswell
Esther Ruth Sampson Barker Boswell, 93, of Prescott died Wednesday, November 8, 2000, at a Chattanooga, Tenn., hospital.
Mrs. Boswell was born September 21, 1907, in Laneburg to Jack and Margaret Barksdale Sampson. She was a housewife and member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Camden. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Barker, her second husband, R.O. ‘Jake' Boswell, by a stepson, Dalton Boswell, and by one grandson, Richard Wayne Barker.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, William F. ‘Sonny' and Ruth Barker of Dalton, Ga.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Glenda Jean and George Owens of Phoenix, Ariz., and Betty Lou and Richard Linords of San Francisco, Calif.; a stepson, Dub Boswell and his wife Johnnie of Hot Springs; two step-daughters, Veda Beavers of Camden and Jeweldine Boswell of Camden; 15 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one ‘special' great granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 11, in Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home Chapel of Prescott with Rev. Raymond Hicks officiating. Burial was in Laneburg cemetery under the direction of Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home of Prescott.
Opal Ward Guidry
Opal Ward Guidry, 78, of Prescott died Saturday, November 11, 2000, at Christus St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana, Texas.
Mrs. Guidry was born April 12, 1922, in Prescott to Frank and Zora Buie McGlone. She was a retired licensed practical nurse.
Survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Pat and Wendy Ward of Prescott; one daughter, Vanessa Ward of Texarkana, Texas; and one sister, Agnes McGlone of Prescott.
Funeral services were Tuesday, November 14, at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home Chapel in Prescott with Bro. Neal Ridling officiating. Burial was in Deann cemetery under the direction of Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home of Prescott.
Phillip Munn Murry
Phillip Munn Murry began his earthly journey April 14, 1958, at Prescott. He passed from this life Monday, November 13, 2000
Following high school graduation at Prescott, Phillip received his bachelor's degree from Henderson State University. Mr. Murry was a certified public accountant and was employed by the Division of Legislative Audit for the state of Arkansas. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs. He was also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and of the Moncrief Hunting Club in Nevada County.
Survivors include his wife, Carol McConnell Murry; two sons, Darren Michael and Phillip Andrew, all of Hot Springs; his parents, Rucker W. and Wilma Munn Murry of Prescott; a sister and her husband, Tanna and Charles Clark of Hot Springs; a brother and his wife, Dr. Steve and Cindy Murry of Gilmer, Texas; an aunt and her husband, Tanna and Jim Howell of North Little Rock; an uncle and his wife, Tom and Lana Munn of Hope; a step-grandmother, Madelyn Murry of Little Rock; seven nephews; and a cousin, Jim Howell.
A service to celebrate Phillip's life and resurrection was held at First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs Friday, November 17, at 2:30 p.m. The service of interment was at Deann cemetery in Prescott. Pallbearers were Jeremy Bruner, Shane Clark, Peter Couch, Matt Dennis, Jimmy Garrett, Layne McConnell, Joel Murry and Doug Shackelford. Memorials may be given to First Baptist Church of Prescott or First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs.
Ezra V. Muldrow
Ezra V. Muldrow, 89, of Rosston died Saturday, November 25, 2000, at Medical Park Hospital in Hope.
Mr. Muldrow was born September 13, 1911, in Blevins to John Samuel and Elizabeth Muldrow. He was a retired carpenter. He was a member of St. Peter AME Church in Willisville, where he was a steward and a trustee. He was preceded in death by his wife, Myrtle Muldrow, who died in March of 1999, a son, John Muldrow, and by one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Muldrow.
Survivors include three sons, Robert Muldrow and James Muldrow, both of Rosston, and Clarence Muldrow of Texarkana; three daughters, Waverline Matlock of Las Vegas, Nev., and Ivory Jordan and Ethel Brown both of Chicago, Ill.; one brother, Jewel Muldrow of Rosston, 20 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, November 30, at St. Peter AME Church in Willisville with Elder Thomas Adair officiating. Burial was in St. Peter cemetery under the direction of Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home of Prescott.
Tyler Wayne Gourley
Tyler Wayne Gourley of Prescott, infant son of Wayne and Christy Rhodes Gourley, passed away Friday, December 1, 2000, at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia.
Tyler was born December 1, 2000, in Arkadelphia.
Survivors include his parents, Wayne and Christy Rhodes Gourley of Prescott; one brother, Jake Gourley of Prescott; paternal grandparents, Bud and Ann Gourley of Prescott; maternal grandparents, Bill and Marcia Rhodes of Prescott; maternal great grandparents Louise Rhodes of Prescott and Laverne Pruitt of Rosston.
Graveside services were held Sunday, December 3, 2000, at Caney cemetery with Rev. Tal Webb officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Brazzel-Cornish Funeral Home of Prescott.
Amanda Danielle Carwile
Amanda Danielle Carwile, 18, of Waldo died Wednesday, November 29, 2000, at University Medical Center in Little Rock.
Amanda was born March 5, 1982, in Springhill, La., to Richard and Tammy Sue Carwile. She was a graduate of Nevada High School in Rosston, attended Shiloh Baptist Church, was president of the Art Club, member of Future Business Leaders of America, Teen Leader on NHS Drug-Free Team, and she was an outstanding pottery student-2000. She was preceded in death by her mother, Tammy Sue Carwile and her grandfather, James Rogers.
Survivors include her parents Richard of El Dorado; two brothers Shane Free of Mountain Home and Cody Carwile of Stephens; three sisters, Jamie Carwile of Willisville, Hannah Carwile, Shy Ann Carwile and Amy Rae Carwile, all of El Dorado; grandparents, Jimmy and Johnette Dickerson of Willisville and James and Jo Ann Carwile of Waldo;great grandparents Winfred and Ruby Steen of Clayton, N.M..; Aunt Cathy Rogers of Waldo; and Uncles, Randy Rogers of Willisville and Uncle Jerry Carwile of Waldo.
Funeral services were Saturday, December 2, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Willisville with Rev. John Marlar officiating. Burial was in Willisville cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home of Magnolia. Pallbearers were Shane Cogbill, DeWayne Rogers, Josh Rogers, Michael Oliver, Tony Wyatt and Shane Rayborn. Memorial may be made to Cancer Research Center at University Arkansas Medical Sciences in Little Rock.
Dessie Hendrix Andrews
Dessie Hendrix Andrews, 87, of Hot Springs, formerly of Gold Beach, Ore., died Monday, December 4, 2000, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Hot Springs.
She was born January 31, 1913, in Delight to Mack and Minnie Hornady Hendrix. She was a homemaker and a member of the Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, John William (J.W.) Andrews, and by two sons, Cecil Ray and Charles Andrews.
Survivors include three sisters, Flora Milner of Waco, Texas, Gracie Young of Marietta, Ga., and Mildred Hill of Prescott; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 6, at Antoine Church of Christ with Rev. Larry Jones officiating. Burial was in Antoine cemetery under the direction of Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home of Prescott.
Ira Willie Harris
Ira Willie Harris Sr. of Pine Bluff died Friday, November 24, 2000.
Mr. Harris was born to Alonza Harris and Laura Hughes on October 17, 1915, at Crossett. A family of four, three siblings preceded him in death. He finished high school at Ashley County Training School. He was a member of St. John AME Church as he served in several capacities, including pro-tem of the trustee board, class leader, and as chairman of benevolence and evangelistic committee. He graduated from AM&N; College (now UAPB) with a B.S. degree in vocational agriculture. His first job was an instructor at Clow Training School in Ozan. Along with his school assignments he ventured into the community where he organized the Clow Civic League and he was instrumental in economic development, especially in the agriculture field, where he began several programs for those in the area. He organized a voter registration drive that resulted in a 80% increase in the number of registered voters the first year.
Mr. Harris' second job was at Oak Grove High School in Rosston. There he served as vocational agriculture instructor from 1945 to 1975. His first move was to become a member of Bethel AME. After making a survey of the needs of the community he immediately formed the Oak Grove Civic League. Some of its accomplishments included organizing the Swine Producers Association. The Sears Roebuck Foundation donated two registered gilt pigs. From this program a nationwide program was developed. Seven counties in Arkansas also joined the association. As a result his project developed into a million-dollar enterprise. This project gained the attention of the U.S.D.A. and was used as a training station for government officials from 23 different foreign countries. Gov. Frank White appointed him to the State Council CETA. He was elected to the Nevada County board of education. He was selected as a Vista worker with the Swine Producers Association, and he was. appointed to the state board of higher education and became its vice president. He received one of the first volunteer state awards given by Channel 4 and the Governor's office. He was a charter board member of the Arkansas Land and Farm Development. A board member of the Pine Bluff Citizen Boys Club and a member of Partner For Better Pine Bluff. He was a former president of Family Community Development Corp.
Survivors include his loving wife of 61 years, Ersalene Harris of Pine Bluff, one son, Ira W. Harris Jr. of Pine Bluff, and a host of cousins and special friends.
Funeral services were Wednesday, Nov. 29, at St. John AME Church in Pine Bluff with Rev. Richard Allen Chappelle, Rev. T.G. Allen and Rev. W.R. Norful officiating. Burial was in Cedar Grove Section in Pine Bluff under the direction of Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
Alvis Eugene Harris
Alvis Eugene Harris, 68, of Greenville, Texas, died Monday, December 18, 2000, at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.
Mr. Harris was born June 27, 1952, in Prescott to Owen Harris and Lucille Delaney Harris. He was the owner of H&W; Supply and member of Johnson St. Church of Christ.
Survivors include his wife, Vernice Harris of Greenville; one son, Lynn Harris of Emory, Texas; daughter, Debbie Ivy of Point, Texas; three sisters, Joyce Welch of Mabank, Texas, and Lou Elmore and Polly Lewis both of Winnsboro, Texas; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 21, at Johnson St. Church of Christ with ministers Rick Henslee and Richard Kellam. Burial was in Memoryland Memorial Park in Greenville. Arrangements were under the direction of Coker-Mathews Funeral Home of Greenville, Texas.
Mary McMahan Coleman
Mary McMahan Coleman, 98, of Prescott died Tuesday, December 19, 2000, at Hillcrest Care and Rehab Center in Prescott.
Mrs. Coleman was born July 25, 1902, in Mountain Home to S.H. and Ada McCabe McMahan. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Prescott and Benjamin Culp Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was former president of the Prescott Garden Club and also the Prescott Council of Garden Clubs. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Ottis Coleman, in 1958 and a son, Granville Ottis Coleman in 1995.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Jane Pakis of Jackson, Tenn.; four sisters, Gertrude Estes of Prescott; Clara Wishard of Little Rock, Ina DeVore of Grand Saline, Texas, and Mozelle McSwain of Albuquerque, N.M.; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.
Funeral services were Thursday, December 21, in the Shackelford Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jimmy Hull officiating. Burial was in DeAnn cemetery in Prescott under the direction of the Shackelford funeral Home of Prescott.
Rhoda V. Spruill
Rhoda V. Spruill, 91, of Gurdon died Tuesday, December 26, 2000.
Mrs. Spruill was the widow of Frank Spruill and a member of the Church of God in Gurdon.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Virgil and Vivian Spruill of Gurdon; her daughter and son-in-law, Jean and J.B. Martin; five grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 28, at Horne Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Rose Hedge cemetery in Gurdon by Horne Funeral Home of Gurdon.
