DEATHS FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009
Larry Brunson Sr.
Mr. Larry Darnell Brunson Sr., 54, of Pine Bluff died Friday, Jan. 30, 2009.
He was born in Pine Bluff to the late Annie and Crawford Brunson Sr.
His survivors include sons, Lekelon Brunson and Larry Brunson Jr.; daughters, Lesa Brunson, all of Pine Bluff, and Latisha Brunson of Fayetteville; brothers, Rev. Crawford Brunson Jr., of Duncanville, Texas, Alfred Brunson of Yuma, Ariz., and Aaron Brunson of Pine Bluff; sisters, Lillie Hardason of Gladys Stewart, both of Portland, Ore., Carolyn Stevenson of North Little Rock, and Karen Johnson of Little Rock; three grandchildren.
His services will be Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at Brown Funeral Home by Rev. Crawford Brunson Jr., at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Arkansas State Veteran Cemetery in North Little Rock on Monday.
The family will be at 3610 W. Short Second Ave., Pine Bluff, Ark.
Jessie Collier
Jessie Collier, 77, of Pine Bluff died Jan. 25 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
He was born at Kensett, a son of the late Dema Randolph.
Survivors include sons, Jessie Collier Jr., Roy Lee Bennett and Otis Bolden; daughters, Mae Frances Beatlum, Evelyn Dillworth and Marie Owens; brother, William Hodges; sister, Elnora Randolph; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Chapel services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Christian Way Funeral Home. Burial will be in Cypress Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Billy Culclager Jr.
Billy Ray Culclager Jr., 24, of Pine Bluff was born Jan. 12, 1985, to Billy Ray Culclager Sr. and Georgia Culclager of Pine Bluff.
He died Feb. 2 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Jermaine Culclager; grandfather, Rev. Robert Walton; and grandmother, Arneice Walton.
Survivors: mother, Georgia Culclager of Arlington, Texas; father, Billy Ray Culclager Sr., and stepmother, Tina Culclager of Pine Bluff; two daughters, Makyla Culclager of Pine Bluff and Yasmine Culclager of Norfolk, Va.; nine brothers, Martel Culclager, Derek Reed, Carlos Culclager, Junius Culclager, Martese Culclager, Xavier Culclager and Xavion Culclager, all of Pine Bluff, Brian Berry of Little Rock, Ark., and Darius Culclager of Arlington, Texas; five sisters, Belinda Baker, Tameka Walton, both of Pine Bluff, Tiffany Culclager of Tacoma, Wash., Taqueta Walton and Erika Culclager, both of Arlington, Texas; three stepsisters, Quiana Brown, Prea’ Samone Brown and Tarasha Hunter, all of Pine Bluff; grandmother, Elnora Culclager of Wabbaseka, Ark.; and godmother, Marian Rivers of Pine Bluff, Ark.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 at First Trinity Church of God in Christ.
The body will lie in state from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. Interment will be held in Wabbaseka Community Cemetery by Christian Way Funeral Home. Visitation will be today, Feb. 6, at Trinity Annex Building, 2900 W. Sixth Ave., from 5-7 p.m.
Aubrey Jackson Sr.
Mr. Aubrey Jackson Sr., 83, of Pine Bluff, died Jan. 29, 2009, at JRMC.
He was born Sept. 14, 1925, in Menifee to the late Elmo and Colodius Seaton Jackson.
He received his early education in Menifee. After serving in World War II, he entered and graduated from AM&N College (UAPB) in 1949 with a bachelor of science degree.
He was employed by Branton Taxi Company for many years as a mechanic. Later he started several businesses: Jackson’s Texaco Station and Garage, Jackson’s Trailer Park and A&A Mini Storage.
Preceded in death by a son, Kenneth, he is survived by wife, Ava Jackson of Pine Bluff; daughter, Cheryl (John) Walton of Dallas; son, Aubrey Jackson Jr. of New York; grandchildren, John Jr., Leslie and Laura Walton, all of Dallas; sisters, Colonia (Rudolph) Baskins of San Diego and Opha Jean Wert of Menifee.
His services will be at St. Paul Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at 10:30 a.m., with his nephew, Judge Lavenski Smith delivering the eulogy. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Section of Graceland.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff. The family will be at 41 Watson Boulevard, Pine Bluff, Ark.
Helen Girley
Helen Delores Girley, 58, of Pine Bluff died Monday at JRMC.
She was born Oct. 31, 1950, at Wabbaseka, a daughter of the late Cassie Gibson and Doris Gibson.
Survivors: son, Percy A. Girley of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; daughter, Carmen Girley of Kansas City, Mo.; brothers, Rev. Curtis Wilson of Jonesboro, John Wilson of Fort Wayne, Ind.; sister, Effie Wilson of Cordole, Ga.; three grandchildren.
Funeral services: 2 p.m. Saturday, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Rev. Harold Shirlee officiating. Burial: Henson Memorial Garden by Henson Mortuary.
Visitation will be today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the mortuary. The family will be at 1202 Ashley Drive.
R.E. Maxwell
R.E. Maxwell, age 91, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009.
He was born Feb. 22, 1917, at Formosa (Van Buren County), Ark., a son of the late Loney Maxwell and Eva Mae Walters Maxwell.
He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was predeceased by four brothers and three sisters. R.E. owned and operated Maxwell Electric until retiring in 2001.
Survivors: wife, Alice Marie Spears Maxwell, whom he married on Sept. 25, 1959; children, Alicia Smith, Ray Maxwell Jr., Mona Rhoden, and Anita Maxwell; foster daughter, Mary Wilson; brother, Lonnie Maxwell Jr.; sisters, Lucille Luknis and Lois James; grandchildren, Bryan Comeaux, Timothy Maxwell, Christina Wilson, Corbet Rhoden, Shay Wilson, Dusty Maxwell, Allen Rhoden, Stacy Nations; great-grandchildren, Gaven Maxwell, Donavan Maxwell, Maddison Maxwell, Ronny Lee Ellis.
Funeral services: Saturday, 10 a.m., Fuller Hale-South Chapel. Burial: Butler Cemetery, Star City.
Visitation: Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Fuller Hale-South. Online condolences: www.FullerFunerals.com
Billy Monroe
Billy Ray Monroe, 60, a resident of Pine Bluff, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009, at his home in Pine Bluff.
Born July 19, 1948, in Bastrop, La., he was a son of Isom Adolphis and Espie Harrell Monroe.
Mr. Monroe was reared and received his early education in Eudora. He was a 1966 graduate of Eudora High School. He also attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he was a member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.
Mr. Monroe was a multi-craft mechanic for International Paper Company until his retirement in 2007. He was of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Monroe was preceded in death by his parents and three infant siblings.
Survivors include daughters, Missy Monroe of Conway, Mindy Monroe of Maumelle, and their mother, Debbie Levine of Heber Springs; fianc/, Carol Falcon of Pine Bluff.
There will be no formal visitation but Mr. Monroe will lie in state at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, in the chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Rev. Clyde Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.
Evelyn Murrell
Mrs. Evelyn Victoria Murrell, 81, of Pine Bluff died Monday, Feb. 2, 2009.
She was born in Tarry to the late Robert Sneed and Cardelia Little.
Her survivors include brother, Pearlie Sneed of Star City; sister, Mattie Pace of Pine Bluff.
Her services will be Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at Mount Nebo Baptist Church by Rev. Larry Battles at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Visitation is today from 6-7 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
The body will lie in state at the church from 1:45 p.m. until time of service.
The family will be at 2416 Grider Field-Ladd Road, Pine Bluff, Ark.
Charity Pippins
Charity Mae Pippins, 84, of Pine Bluff died Saturday at Little Rock.
Survivors include one daughter, Elizabeth Tillman; one brother, Hiwatha Pugh; two sisters, Ella Mae Davis and Mattie B. Frazier; 21 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at noon Saturday at Rose Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. G.L. Ford officiating. Arrangements are by Robinson Mortuary at Little Rock.
Family hour will be from 6-7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
J.B. Richardson Jr.
J.B. Richarson Jr. was born Feb. 11, 1938, in Swan Lake, Ark., to the late J.B. Richarson Sr. and Melissa Daniel Richardson. On Thursday, Jan. 28, 2009, the one we loved stepped across to the other side of the threshold of life.
He confessed a hope in Christ at the early age of 13 under the leadership of Rev. R.T. Thomas in Swan Lake, Ark. He obtained his education at Cornerstone, Ark.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Washington Richardson; and a sister, Dorothy Richardson Frazier.
He leaves to cherish his memory six daughters, Diane Adair, Evelyn (Charles) Alexander, Sharron Richardson, Carolyn (Calvin) Jones, Jeanette (William) Hence, Latettee (Carman) Martin; three sons, Charles (NeNe) Richardson, Stanley (Dawn) Richardson, Cortez (Mona) Richardson; three sisters, Catherine Lidell, Lorene Richardson, Deborah A. Williams; eight brothers, Jessie Lee Richardson, Eddie Lee Richardson, Curtis Richardson, Arthur D. Richardson, Leo Richardson, Emphry Richardson, Herman Richardson, John Y. Richardson; 20 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Mount Bayou Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Johnnie Lee Murray officiating. Burial will be at the Altheimer Community Cemetery by the P.K. Miller Mortuary.
Visitation is today from 5 until 7 p.m. at the mortuary.
Mr. Richardson will lie in repose at the church Saturday from 10 until 11 a.m.
Aubrey Mitcherson
EDGEMONT — Mr. Aubrey Lawrence Mitcherson, 83, of Edgemont, formerly of Pine Bluff, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Feb. 2, 2009. He was at home with his family at his side.
Aubrey was born in Crawfordsville, Ark., on Sept. 25, 1925, to Lee Lawrence “Gabe” Mitcherson and Mamie Lee Fowler Mitcherson.
He was a member of the Holiday Hills United Methodist Church in Greers Ferry. Aubrey served in World War II, where he was assigned to the 394th Division of the 99th Infantry Division, Europe Theatre of Operations as a medical aidman.
He participated in the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Remagan and the Battle of Ruhur Pocket. He was wounded twice in the Battle of the Bulge at Bracht, Germany.
He was awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Three Bronze Service Stars and a Combat Medical Badge. He was a lifetime member of the VFW.
After military service, Aubrey married his beloved wife, Mildred and they spent several years in the grocery store and farming business.
In 1966, they established a motel and restaurant business in Pine Bluff, Ark., and Dumas, Ark., which they worked side by side for 27 years. They were married for 61 years and raised three children.
Aubrey is survived by his wife, Mildred Owens Mitcherson; two daughters, Barbara Davis and husband, Butch of Sheridan and Denise Williams and husband, Kyle of Conway; one son, Aubrey L. “Butch” Mitcherson and wife, Nancy of Pine Bluff; five grandchildren, Hope Hendrix, Gabrielle Mitcherson, Sommer Holcomb, Mitch Williams, and Jacob Williams; five great-grandchildren, Drew Hendrix, Nathan Hendrix, Austin Holcomb, Hunter Holcomb and Kyle Holcomb; one sister, Louise George and husband, Hollice.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Holiday Hills United Methodist Church in Greers Ferry. Interment followed at Harrisburg Memorial Park in Harrisburg, Ark., at 3:30 p.m. with full military honors. Rev. Dan Brand and Rev. Denzil Stokes officiated.
Memorials may be made to Holiday Hills United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1254, Greers Ferry, Ark., 72067.
Weston Funeral Service of Harrisburg was in charge of arrangements.
Albert Wolfe
JONESBORO — Albert Wayne Wolfe was born on Nov. 28, 1939, in Rison, Ark., and died Feb. 4, 2009, in Jonesboro.
He was the son of the late Albert “Frankie” and Beatrice Wolfe of Rison, Ark.
He married Patricia Kay Williams of Monticello, Ark., on Jan. 15, 1960. He graduated in 1957 from Pine Bluff High School. He later graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1963. He was a member of Phi Lambda Chi fraternity while at UAM.
In 1963 he began his career at Sears Roebuck in Pine Bluff, Ark., in the executive training program. He worked 30 years in retail. He retired from Sears after managing several stores in the southern territory.
He and Kay returned to Jonesboro in 1993 where he began working at First National Bank of Arkansas. Later, he worked at St. Bernards as the director of “The Foundation.” Afterwards, he worked at Midsouth Bank for several years. In the past eight years he worked at Liberty Bank of Jonesboro as senior vice president of Business Development. His bank family and the friendships he developed there through the years were priceless to him.
He was involved in many civic organizations: Jonesboro Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, United Way Committees, volunteered on “Peach Drive” for Jonesboro Church Health Center, served on the Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other various clubs and organizations.
He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro. He was a Christian and enjoyed worshipping with his church family.
One of the family hobbies was raising and showing registered quarter horses. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends during the “show season” and truly loved his time at “the barn.”
One of his personal hobbies was playing golf with friends and his favorite partner “Kay.” He enjoyed many rounds of golf and developed many close friendships during the years.
He is survived in death by his wife of 49 years, Kay Wolfe of Jonesboro; two daughters, Lesa Kay Smith and her husband, Stan Smith of West Plains, Mo., and Patricia “Lynn” Dent of Cordova, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Kristi Drummond and husband, Josh Drummond of West Plains, Mo., Brandon Keith Dent of Cordova, Tenn., and Sidney “Elise” Dent of Cordova, Tenn.; one sister, Glenda Hooker of Pine Bluff, Ark.
He was preceded in death by one grandson, Benjamin Aaron Dent.
He loved his family very much. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and a true friend to all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church with Rev. John Miles officiating.
Visitation will be Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at First United Methodist Church. Burial will be private.
Active pallbearers will be Ed Way, Dick Darouse, Tom Clark, Louis Schaaf, Steve Smith, Ken Copeland, Wallace Fowler and Lloyd McCracken Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Vittitow, Bob Fowler, Bob Newcomer, Allan G. Williams, Jack Bell, James Moseley, Darrell Argo, Frank Cook, Cecil Harris and Kelly Hodges.
For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to First United Methodist Children’s Ministry, 801 S. Main St., Jonesboro, Ark., 72401.
An online registry may be signed at www.emersonfuneralhome.com
Joan Herring
MONTICELLO — Joan C. Herring, 58, of Monticello died Sunday at Drew Memorial Hospital.
She was born March 16, 1950, at home in Monticello to Mildred B. Gunn Miller and the late Robert Lee Miller.
She was a housewife and a member of Second Baptist. She was also a wonderful caretaker and hairdresser.
Also preceding her in death were two half sisters, Marcelle Clarey, Eloise Gregory; and brother, R.L. Miller.
Survivors include her mother, Mildred B. Miller; husband, Damon Herring; two sons, Kevin Herring, Doug Herring and wife, Diane; two brothers, Roger Miller and wife, Sandra, Gary Miller and wife, Mary; sister-in-law, Barbara Miller, all of Monticello; two sisters, Vivian Johnston of Greenbriar, Eddie Stout of Texas; six grandchildren, Michael Herring, Zach Herring, Whittney Bowers, Brittany Bowers, Joshua Nickolson, Herman Nicholson Jr.; and great-grandchild, Madison Nickolson.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Camp Ground Church in Monticello. Rev. Gene Gregory will officiate.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City.
James Smith Sr.
SHERRILL — James Smith Sr., 53, of Sherrill died Sunday at his home.
He was born Oct. 5, 1955, at Sherrill, a son of the Ruby Smith of Sherrill and the late Elwin Smith Sr.
Survivors: son, James Smith Jr. of Goldsboro, N.C.; brothers, Charles Smith, Elwin Smith Jr., both of Chicago; sisters, Climmie Walker of Fort Worth, Texas, Sammie Johnson, Carrie McIntosh, both of Pine Bluff, Rubbie Gardner of St. Louis, Viola Cherry of Chicago, Flora Gibson of Sherrill, Jennifer Kelley, Ronda Alexander, both of Grand Prairie, Texas; five granchildren; one great-grandchild.
Funeral services: 11 a.m. Saturday at New Salem Baptist Church, Rev. Clark Thomas officiating. Burial: Elwin Smith Sr. Cemetery at Sherrill by Henson Mortuary.
Clifton Patton
WHITE HALL — Clifton Patton of White Hall went to be with Jesus on Feb. 4, 2009, at the age of 78.
He was born Jan. 29, 1931, at Watervalley, Miss.
He stood proud and served our country and his family during the Korean Conflict in the United States Army from 1952-1954. For his love of John Deere tractors and the great outdoors, he retired as a farmer in 1995 from the McGeorge Farm at Cornerstone. He was a faithful member of the West Pine Bluff Church of God.
He leaves behind his loyal and loving wife, Felcia Patton of White Hall; two sons he loved dearly, Rick Patton of Lilbourn, Mo., and Robert Patton and wife Gina of Galena, Mo.; one daughter he cherished, Ruth Patton of Sycamore, Ill.; five stepsons whom he loved as his own, Dennis Johnson and wife, Judy of White Hall, Johnny Johnson and wife, Ronnie of Colorado Springs, Colo., Andy Johnson and wife Dianne of Epping, N.H., Tim Johnson of Rogers, Ark., and Melvin Blevins of Frenchburg, Ky.; one stepdaughter he loved as his own, Gail Castleberry of Searcy, Ark.; He has eight grandchildren, 13 step-grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and seven stepgreat-grandchildren, all of whom he adored with his heart and soul.
He is joining in Heaven his father, Johnny Patton; his mother, Pearl Knighten Patton; two daughters, Roxanne and Rozanne Patton; three brothers, Tom Patton, J.L. Patton and Clinton Patton; two sisters, Ruth Pope and Louise Pittman; a step-daughter-in-law, Cassie Blevins; and a step-son-in-law, Gene Castleberry.
Pallbearers consist of devoted family and loyal friends Brad Johnson, Jason Johnson, Chris Johnson, Billy Patton, Chuck Beard, and John Chrabol. Alternate pallbearers are John Patton and Richie Cooper. Honorary Pallbearers will be Curt McNabb, Rick Rhodes, Ellis Purnell and Charles Beard.
Funeral services will be Saturday, 2 p.m. at the West Pine Bluff Church of God with Rev. Scott Cox officiating. Interment will be in Flat Bayou Cemetery at Altheimer by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services.
Visitation will be today from 6-8 p.m. at the West Pine Bluff Church of God on Malcomb Street.
Online condolences: www.FullerFunerals.com
Julie Carnahan
NEW ORLEANS — Julie M. Carnahan, 90, died Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, in New Orleans (Jefferson), La.
Miss Carnahan had resided in the New Orleans area for over 60 years.
She was born April 25, 1918, in Pine Bluff, daughter of the late Clarence H. and Margaret Granberry Carnahan.
Miss Carnahan was reared and received her early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1936. She graduated from the Touro School of Nursing in New Orleans in 1939 and began her career there at the Ochsner Surgical Clinic in 1942. Miss Carnahan retired from Ochsner in 1985 after 37 years as a supervisor and Dr. Alton Ochsner’s most trusted assistant.
She was a past president and board member of the New Orleans District Nursing Association Board of Directors and past Secretary and Board Member of the American Nurses Association.
She belonged to the Louisiana Bridge Association, was a Touro Nurses Alumni, a member of the Alton Ochsner Society and member of Colonial Golf and Country Club in Harahan, La., where she was the Ladies Golf Champion in 1985.
Survivors include her sister, Edwina C. Oglesby of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; niece, Julie O. Yonge of Angleton, Texas; nephew, Gayle A. Oglesby Jr. of Spring Branch, Texas; and two great-nephews, Jason and Jeremy Klahorst of Austin, Texas.
There will be a visitation at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with the funeral service officiated by Dr. Andr/ Strydom at 1:30 p.m. in Robinson’s Chapel. Burial will be private.
Online register: ralphrobinsonandson.com
Larry Hardin
NEW LONDON, Pa. — Larry W. Hardin, age 59, of New London, Pa., passed away on Feb. 3, 2009.
Survived by his wife Susan F. Hardin, stepfather to Anthony Meyer and Sarah Meyer Slaght; grandfather to Corinne, Elliot, Colin Meyer and Mikaela and Brady Slaght; brother of Edward Lee Hardin, his wife Shelia; and uncle of Ryan Hardin of Pine Bluff, Ark.
Mr. Hardin worked for SEPTA railroad for many years. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying activities such as white water rafting and fishing.
Mr. Hardin was an Eagle Scout and accepted a God and Country Award.
He is a member of St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Devon, Pa.
A Memorial Service will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at 11:30 a.m. from St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 217 Berkeley Road, Devon, Pa., 19333. A reception will follow immediately after.
In lieu of Flowers memorial contributions can be made to the above named church or Neighborhood Hospice, 400 E. Marshall St., West Chester, Pa., 19380. Arrangements by Alleva Funeral Home Inc.
Alma Franklin, 52, of Pine Bluff died Wednesday at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
REDFIELD — Sylvia Babcock, 92, of Redfield died Wednesday. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services at Pine Bluff.