Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Bobby Campbell
Bobby Campbell, 87, a resident of Stella Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Russellville, died Sunday, April 15, 2007.
She was born to R. A. and Freeda Best in Shreveport, La. on Nov. 17, 1919. She married John Theodore Brown of Coushatta, La. in 1940. He preceded her in death in 1955. In 1964, she married Travis L. Campbell, also of Coushatta. He passed away in 1992. She moved to Russellville in 2001 to be near her family.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Coushatta for many years. An avid reader, she was known to consume a book per day until failing eyesight later in life forced her to change those habits. She will be remembered for her keen sense of humor and for her devotion to her family and friends.
In addition to her parents and her husbands, she was preceded in death by a sister, Marguerite Cupples of Shreveport, La.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Robert Charles and Jill Brown of Russellville; her grandchildren, Charles Hugh Brown and wife, Sarah, of Allen, Texas, Martha Brown Spack and husband, Steven, of Jonesboro, and John Lestage Brown and wife, Lauren, of Atlanta, Ga.; her great-grandson, Jack Matthew Brown of Allen, Texas; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Brown of Bossier City, La. and Mrs. Betty Jean Harper of Ruston, La. and a number of nephews and nieces, including Fred Thomas DeFee and his wife, Sue, of Raymondville, Texas.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, at the First United Methodist Church in Coushatta, La. officiated by Dr. Steven Fowler. Burial by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville will be private. A time of visitation will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, friends are requested to make a memorial contribution to the First United Methodist Church, 2018 Front Street, Coushatta, La. 71019, or to a charity of their choice.
Debbie Perkins
Debbie Perkins, 51, of Russellville, died Sunday, April 15, 2007 at her home.
The daughter of H.C. and Joyce Young Graves, she was born Oct. 29, 1955 in Eglin, Fla. She was a 1973 graduate of Dardanelle High School then attended Arkansas Tech University.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Perkins and her grandparents, Robert Sherman and Edna Graves and J.H. and Ellie Young.
She is survived by a son, Lance Bartlett and wife, Mary, of Russellville; two grandchildren, Luke Bartlett and Leah Bartlett of Russellville; her mother, Joyce Graves; her father, H.C. Graves and wife, Pat, all of Delaware; two brothers, Mike Graves and wife, Diann, of Delaware, Randy Graves and wife, Debbie, of Lake Jackson, Texas; and a nephew, Shawn Graves and wife, Glenda, of Fayetteville.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 19, 2007 at Dardanelle First Free Will Baptist with Bro. David Bishop officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.
Thelma Styles
Thelma May Shipley Thimmig Styles of Russellville went to meet her heavenly Father on May 5, 2007, after 85 years of life.
She was known as Thelma to her friends and Mama to her daughters. She was born on Feb. 27, 1922, to the late Earl Harrison Shipley and Luvia Leota Davis Shipley Doren.
Thelma was a descendant of the American Revolution. She prevailed in demonstrating the same strong patriotism as her forefathers who fought valiantly for this Nation during the Revolutionary War and who fought on both the North and the South sides during the War between the States. Thelma also came from a strong pioneering heritage; her forefathers were tillers of the soil. Throughout her life, Thelma demonstrated citizenship by working hard (even with only an 8th grade education), by voting, and being a law-abiding member of the community.
Thelma was the granddaughter on her mother's side of William Anderson and Mary Jane Wilson Davis of Pattonsburg, Missouri, and the great granddaughter of the Ellis' of Monroe County, Virginia. On her father's side, she was the granddaughter of William Brumbley and Frances Amelia Wilson Shipley of Missouri. Amelia's family arrived in Washington County, PA from Holland in 1770. This part of the family tree claims to be descendants of the blue-eyed Cherokee of Georgia.
Thelma lived an exciting life, from traveling by horseback, and horse and buggy, then by automobile. She saw man go to the Moon and into outer space. She lived in Kansas City, Kan., Casper, Wyo., Hampton, Va., and Lompoc, Calif., where she retired from Safeway. Thelma also lived in Morrison, Colo., and finally Russellville at the time of her death. Thelma was a member of The Sanctuary Church of God in Russellville, Arkansas.
Thelma was reared and educated in Kansas City, Mo. On 11 May 1940, she married Charles Joseph Thimmig in Mills, Wyo. Her husband preceded her in death during WW II at the invasion of Normandy in Southern France on 19 Aug. 1944. On 3 Jan. 1945, Thelma was remarried in Fort Worth, Tex. to Carl Melburn Styles, a WW II veteran who served as a crew member of the Flying Tigers. Carl had been shot down over Burma, China before returning state side. Thelma and the family moved to Lompoc, California in 1964. On 25 Feb. 1970.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands; her parents; three brothers, Lyle Brumley, Fern Harrison, and Victor Irwin; four sisters, Nora Leota, Bonnie Maxine, Francis Lee, and Edna "Um" Juanita.
Thelma is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Bonnie May Thimmig Rudolph and Richard Earl Rudolph of Arkansas, Patricia Kay Styles Brown Gruda and Anthony Gruda of Colorado, and daughter Kathryn Lynn Styles Blackner of California; five grandchildren, Jeffery Garrison Rudoph of Texas, Kathy Patricia Rudolph De Angelo of California, Steven Gregory Rudolph of Vermont, Lon Brown of Arizona, and Elizabeth Brown of California; and eight great-grandchildren.
Interment was held at the Highland Park Cemetery, Kansas City, Kan. under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation, Western Arkansas Chapter, 322 North Greenwood, Fort Smith, Ark. 72901, The Sanctuary Church of God, 138 Church Street, Russellville, Ark. 72802, or the Arkansas Hospice, 2405 East Parkway, Suite 3, Russellville, Ark. 72802.
Vera Cornett
Vera Lee Price Petray Cornett, 91, born April 1, 1916, to the late Archie and Maudie Martin Price , London, passed away May 2, 2007.
Twice widowed, her husbands were childhood sweetheart and World War II Veteran, Vim Petray and Clarence C. "Lefty" Cornett.
Vera Lee was London High School Valedictorian, 1934. She was employed during World War II at Jacksonville Munitions Plant as a "detonator girl". A former member and a founder of London Eastern Star, served as Grand Worthy Matron. She and "Lefty" operated "Cornett's Grocery" and later owned and operated Russellville's first automated car wash, "Robo Wash" until retirement in 1964. For many years, she actively served in the Republican Party. She was also a member of the First Baptist Church.
Known for her beauty, both inward and outward, Vera Lee was family centered, and always there for them.
She is preceded in death by siblings, Clarence Price , Mary McDonald, Estelle Pyle Sorrels, and Howard "Gene" Price .
Surviving nieces and nephews are, companion and caregiver, Judy Lucas of Little Rock, Jeannine Jones of Dothan, Ala.. Dr. James Price of Athens, Ga., Kay Parrish, Sandra Jones, Dr. John Price , and special sister-in-law, Eunice Price , all of Russellville.
Funeral services were Saturday at Humphrey Chapel with Dr. Stephen Davis officiating. Burial was in Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.
Carole Freeman
Carole Elaine Freeman, 73, of Hector died Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock
She was born July 9, 1933, in Sioux Falls, SD, and was the daughter of the late Bert and Helen McConniel Miller. She was a homemaker and a member of the Hector First Assembly of God Church.
She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Debrah Freeman and two brothers, Marvin "Fat" Miller and Jerry Miller.
Survivors include her husband, Earl Freeman; two sons, Edward James "Fuzzy" Freeman and Jack Allen Freeman, all of Hector; one brother, Rod Miller of Sioux Falls, SD; two sisters, Mary Boone of St. Charles, Iowa and Shirley Van Hamick of Russellville; two grandchildren, Jessica Hollis of Conway and Greg Coffman of Russellville; two great-grandchildren, Graci Hollis and Cruz Coffman.
Funeral services were Friday at the Hector Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Leonard Hodges and Rev. Dean Caldwell officiating. Burial was in Rock Springs Cemetery by Lemley Funeral Service.
Pallbearers were Billy Ray Freeman, Jerry Don Freeman, Gary Boone, David Freeman, Kenny Bull and Billy Joe Crouch. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Freeman, Billy F. Mason, Eddie Bishop, James Hull, Bill Hull, Ray Cossey.
Memorials may be made to the Hector First Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 160, Hector, Ar. 72843.
Linda Horn
Linda J. Horn, 55, of Atkins died Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville
She was born April 21, 1952, in Ponca, Neb., and was the daughter of the late William and Violet Turner Willis. She was a homemaker.
She was also preceded in death by a sister, Diane Millikin.
Survivors include her husband, Gerald Horn of Atkins; one son, Jason Horn of Atkins; four brothers, Don Biggerstaff of Midway, Duane Biggerstaff of Emerson, Neb., Leland Biggerstaff of Scottsville, and Ricky Biggerstaff of Atkins; two sisters, Janice Asmus of Norfork, Neb. and Carol Moore of Atkins.
Funeral services were Saturday at the Lemley Chapel with the Rev. Greg Proctor officiating. Burial was in Bells Chapel Cemetery by Lemley Funeral Service.
Pallbearers were Clifford Champion, Jason Carter, Jeff Holt, Eric Sweeden, Robert Wooten, and Ron Ellis. Jason Moudy was an honorary pallbearer.
Hazel Taylor
Hazel Inez Taylor, 83, of Dover died Thursday, May 3, 2007 at St Mary's Regional Medical Center.
The daughter of Clarence and Delphia Morton Cline, she was born Feb. 11, 1924, in Pottsville. She was a waitress at Ole South Restaurant for 32 years. She was a member of the Dover United Methodist.
She was preceded in death by her husband William P. "Hoss" Taylor; parents; and one sister, Lela Grayson.
Survivors include her daughter, Shirley Walters and husband, Wade, of Dover; one grandson, Keith Walters of Dover; one great grandson, Wade C. Walters of Pottsville; one great granddaughter, Chelsy Walters of Pottsville; a sister, Eunice Adams of Dallas, Texas; two brothers, James E. Cline of Houston, Texas and Lloyd Cline of Duncan, Okla.
Funeral services were Saturday at Humphrey Chapel. Burial will be at McFadden Cemetery at Dover under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice 2405 East Parkway, Suite 3 Russellville, Ark., 72802.
Nelson Montero
Nelson Montero, 53, of Pottsville, died Monday, April 30, 2007, at his home.
The son of Ramon Montero Hernandez and Amelia Leon Gomez, he was born April 24, 1954, in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. He married Jean Hill on August 9, 1985 in Clarksville. He was employed with Tyson Foods of Dardanelle for 23 years, recently as a Maintenance Mechanic.
He was preceded in death by his parents in Cuba.
Survivors include his wife ,Jean Montero of Pottsville; two stepsons, Dale Duvall of Morrilton and Tony Duvall of Conway; a step-daughter, Crystal Hill of Russellville; five step-grandchildren; several relatives still living in Cuba and many friends from Tyson Foods, Hampton Inn and Hartman Properties.
Funeral services were Thursday at Humphrey Chapel. Arrangements were under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.
Marion Jones
Marion Wright Jones, 63, of Piney Bay died Friday, May 4, 2007 at her home.
The daughter of Dr. Harold and Elsie Wright of Waldron, she was born March 17, 1944 at Little Rock.
Marion was a native of Waldron. She lived with her husband, Ron, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Region for twelve years, moved to and raised her family in Yellowstone National Park, and retired to Piney Bay with her husband in 1994.
In every area of the country where she lived, Marion was an active member of the community, playing the organ for church, volunteering for the library, hospice and participating in various civic organizations. Most recently, she was the organist for the Wesley United Methodist Church in Russellville, where she was also a member of the choir. She was an active member of the Johnson County Extension Homemakers Club.
Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Ronald Doss Jones; two sons, Michael Jones and his wife, Lee, of Wilsall, Mont. and Chris Jones and his wife, Mitzi of Fort Smith; two grandsons, Simon and Felix Jones of Fort Smith; a sister, Gail Davis of Piney Bay, and brother, Craig Wright and his wife, Debbie, of Hartford, Ar.
A memorial service was held at the Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday with the Reverend Blake Bradford officiating.
The family requests memorials be made to the Marion Jones Memorial Music Fund at Wesley United Methodist Church, 300 North Cumberland, Russellville, Ark. 72801.
Rossetta Brown
Rossetta Sumners Brown, 75, of Russellville, died Sunday, May 6, 2007, at Russellville.
She was born April 12, 1932, at Dover, to James and Mabel Campbell Sumners. She was a Southern Baptist and former member of Baker's Creek Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Willard Guy Brown Sr.; and a brother, Herbert Sumners.
Survivors include six sons, Willard Guy "Bud" Brown Jr. of Fort Smith, Roger Allen Brown of Russellville, Bobby Gene Brown of Longview, Wash., Clinton Ray Brown of Dover, Charles Lee Brown of Fort Smith, and Willard Lamont Brown of Russellville; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Teresa and Bobby Johnson of Dover, Carolyn Jean Brown of London, and Barbara and Jerry LaRue of Russellville; a brother, Dwayne Sumners of Russellville; two sisters, Bernice Freeman of Russellville and Modean Griffith of Longview, Texas; 17 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and a special friend, Michael Rhea of Russellville.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at Rankin Cemetery at Russellville with the Rev. Terrell Bishop officiating. Arrangements by Shinn Funeral Service.
Pallbearers will be Clinton Brown, Troy Morris, Bud Chisum, Ron Rhea, Albert Webster, Justin Vanderpool, and Jerry LaRue.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 320 Executive Court, Suite 104, Little Rock, Ar. 72205.
Dwight Hays
Dwight "Butch" Hays, 58, of Atkins departed this earthly life after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, May 12, 2007, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville.
He is now victorious with his reward of eternal life. He was born June 20, 1948, in Caglesville, the son of R.G. and Virginia Kinder Hays.
He was a Staff Sergeant and disabled veteran of the Vietnam War where he received several medals including a Purple Heart, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement. He served as an elder and former treasurer of Atkins Memorial Presbyterian Church, was a former employee of Cheek Wholesale Grocer Company, the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, and was retired from the United States Postal Service. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. His life has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to many people.
He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Carroll Hays.
He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Betsy Bauer Hays of Atkins; a son and daughter-in-law, Bryan Steven and Angela Hays of Morrilton; a daughter, Rachael Elizabeth Hays of Russellville; his mother, Virginia Kinder Hays of Atkins; a brother, Burl Hays of Cabot; and two sisters, Charlotte Harper of Russellville, and Pamela Pruitt of Hector.
A celebration of his life was held Tuesday at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Atkins with the Rev. David Davies officiating.
Pallbearers were Gary Murdoch, Elmo Haney, Van Allen Tyson, Scott Harper, Rick Pruitt, Robert Pruitt, Bill Conley, Jonathan Conley, Jim Caldwell and Burl Hays. Honorary pallbearers were George Bailey and Atkins Postal Service employees. Burial was in Atkins Cemetery, by Lemley Funeral Service.
The family extends a special appreciation to the physicians and nurses at Ward 6C of the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the Memorial Presbyterian Church, 206 North Church, Atkins, AR 72823, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.
Marvin Essinger
Marvin Essinger, 59, of Hector died Thursday, May 10, 2007, at his residence.
The son of Stephen and Alma Taylor Essinger, he was born Oct. 27, 1947, in El Paso. He attended Newton Springs Full Gospel Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife, Mazelee Essinger of Hector; a daughter, Deloris Smith of Hector; a brother, Jimmy Dale Essinger of Hector; three grandchildren, Jessica Lee, Johnathan Smith, and Miranda Smith; one great-grandchild, Eleanore Lee; and a host of other relatives.
Graveside services were Monday at Crossroads Cemetery. Rev. Bob Branch officiated. Burial was under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.
Johanna Johnson
Johanna D. Johnson, 81, of Russellville, died Sunday, May 13, 2007, at her home.
She was born Aug. 12, 1925, in Atkins and was the daughter of the late John and Dora Kettle Nottenkamper.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Atkins Church of the Assumption and the St. John's Catholic Church in Russellville.
She was also preceded in death by her step-father, Joe Wilker; her first husband, Carl Schmoll; and a granddaughter, Heather Huffman.
She is survived by her husband, Elmer Johnson; her children, Carlene and John Ewing of Alma, Joann and Al Spence of Atkins, Louis and Ann Schmoll of Atkins, Bernadine Mitchell of Atkins, John and Cathy Schmoll of Montana, Eulene Naifeh of Oklahoma City, Okla., Mary Beth Fox-Brashear of Anna, Texas, Judith Burris Mueller and Jason Mueller of Atkins, Elmer E. Johnson Jr. and Toni Johnson of Dover and Johanna R. and James, Huffman of Atkins; grandchildren, Erica, Barrett, Deidre, Doug, Robbie, Richie, Marlena, Duncan, Brandi, Bradick, Shaun, Danielle, Blake, Jessica, Benjamin, Matthew, Amanda, Trey, Courtney, Nathan, Dalton, Cheyenne, Hunter, Hannah and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 15, 2007, at the Atkins Church of the Assumption with Father Ernie Hardesty officiating. Burial will be in Atkins Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
Ruth Clark
Ruth Clark, 83, of Santee, Calif., passed away Monday, May 14, 2007, at Sharp Gross Mont Hospital in San Diego, Calif.
She was born in Conway County on Oct. 6, 1923, to Elmer Lee and Mary Krissel Bizzell.
Survivors include her husband, Bill of Santee, Calif; a daughter, Rita Alread of Santee; a brother, Elmo Bizzell and wife, Lillian, of Atkins; two brothers-in-law, Euel Harelson of Atkins and Luby Lewis of Gideon, Mo., and many special nieces and nephews.
C.L. Karnes
C. L. Karnes, 70, a resident of Russellville, died Saturday, May 12, 2007, at his home.
He was born May 28, 1936, at Dover to Lee Roy and Mary Dell Wait Karnes. He was a member of the Gravel Hill Church of Christ. He was a "Jack of All Trades," able to do anything, including electrical, plumbing, and water well drilling. He enjoyed music, carport sales, discussing the Bible, fishing, and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his mother; two infant brothers; an infant sister; and a brother-in-law, Hays Poynter.
Survivors include four sons and three daughters-in-law, Robert Lee and Anna Karnes of Rock Springs, Wyo., Keith Douglas and Brenda Karnes of Witts Springs, Charles Lee Karnes Jr. and Barbara of London, and Mark Brown of Russellville; a daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Terry Taylor of Batesville; his father, Roy Karnes of Russellville; a brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Vickie Karnes of Dover; three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Joyce Poynter of Dover, Rex Ann and Bill Roderick of Dover, and Nena and Cletis Storment of Benton; ten grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at the Gravel Hill Church of Christ near Dover with Bill and Scott Roderick officiating. Burial will be in the North New Hope Cemetery at Dover under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.
Active pallbearers will be Jonathan, Daniel, and Steven Karnes, Ryan Gray, Mark Brown, and Terry Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Karnes' grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the World Video Bible School, 130 Lantana Lane, Maxwell, TX 78656.
J.M. Keltner
J.M. Keltner, 81, of Benton, died Sunday, May 13, 2007, at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton.
He was born on July 16, 1925, in Plumerville to the late Jefferson Montgomery Keltner and Velma Williamson Keltner.
He served in the Navy in World War II and the Korean War. He worked at the Benton Service Center of Benton as the Recreation Director for 33 years. He was loved and respected by all that knew him.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Lottie Keltner of Benton; three children, Mary Copeland of Vilonia, Charlie Keltner of Des Moines, Iowa, and Tommy Keltner of Bismarck; a sister, Mildred Dixon; a brother, Leonard Keltner; three granddaughters; two step-grandsons; and eight great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, at Rankin Cemetery in Russellville with Pastor Ben Palmer and the Rev. Ken Kalvesmaki officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the V. F. W. Rogers-Rye Post 2283. Arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Harmony Baptist Church, 245 Mt. Harmony Dr. – Haskell, Benton, AR. 72015.
Russell Hendrix
Russell Odell Hendrix, 96, of Dover, died Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at Russellville Nursing and Rehabilitation in Russellville.
The son of Winford Richard Hendrix and Lettie Elizabeth Huckabee Hendrix, he was born Dec. 12, 1910, in Newton County.
He was a farmer and a member of the Phoenix Freewill Baptist Church where he served as deacon for 44 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Edward Odell Hendrix; two sisters and one brother.
Survivors include his wife of 75 years, Myrtle Hendrix of Dover; a daughter, Anna Robbins and husband, Doyle, of Dover; a daughter-in-law, Juanita Hendrix of Dover; one granddaughter, Debbie Brown of Russellville; one great-grandson, Brent Odell Brown and wife, Alicia, of Dover; one great-granddaughter, Traci Hampton and husband, Brandan, of Dover; and one great-great-grandson, Blake Odell Brown of Dover.
Funeral was Saturday at Humphrey Chapel with Rev. Bob Alexander, Rev. Fred Goates, and Rev. Terry Duvall officiating. Burial was at Phoenix Cemetery under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.
Memorials may be made to Phoenix Cemetery Fund, 306 Sherwood Dr. Russellville, AR 72801.
