Billy Reed, 81, of Sparkman, Arkansas went to meet Jesus in his home surrounded by his family on October 25th, 2024. Billy was born on October 19th, 1943 to Elvin and Imogene Reed. He was married to the love of his life for 61 years. Billy Reed spent his life in ministry as a Southern Baptist preacher where he touched many lives and is a veteran of the United States Navy. He was dearly loved and will forever be missed. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Maggie Reed; two daughters, Paula Nix (Dawaine), Jo Givens (Jermey) of Sparkman; four grandchildren, Josh Nix (Kim) of Sparkman, Conner Givens (Molly) of Rogers, Alyssa Poindexter (Joey) of Rogers, and Taylor Pennington (Wyatt) of Arkadelphia; three great-grandchildren, Gracie Belle Nix, Maci Nix, and Beckett Poindexter; and three siblings, Carolyn Chunn (Charles), Sheila Benson (David), and Jeff Reed (Sonya). Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at Sparkman First Baptist Church, with service to follow at 11:00 a.m., with Brother Wade Totty officiating and with Brother Dale Ledbetter and Brother Sam Turner assisting. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Josh Nix, Conner Givens, Joey Poindexter, Wyatt Pennington, Steven Goza, and Joseph White. Honorary Pallbearers are Dale Ledbetter, Sam Turner, and Donny White. Memorials may be made to the local Gideons. Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home-Arkadelphia/Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923, www.smithfamilycares.com.

Mr. Daniel Macon Brawner, 74, of Wynne, died on Monday, October 21, 2024, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Danny was born on March 16, 1950, to the late Macon and Justine Killon Brawner, in Eupora, Mississippi. His family made the move to Wynne, Arkansas, where Danny graduated from Wynne High School. Danny also graduated from Christian Brothers in Memphis. He taught for several years and was the current pastor at Pine Tree Baptist Church. Danny wrote the book, “The Ridge: The Whisper of the Leaves” under the pen name of D. Macon Brawner. He loved reading, learning, teaching, golfing and was an avid Arkansas Razorback Fan. Danny is survived by his wife of 55 and a half years, Janie Brawner of Wynne, brother, Ronnie “Chub” Brawner and wife Lora of Wynne, nephew, Justin Brawner of Wynne and great nephew, Tucker Brawner of Wynne. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 2 PM at Pine Tree Baptist Church. Thank you very much for your prayers during this time. Memorials may be made to Pine Tree Baptist Church, 6828 Hwy 306, Colt, Arkansas 72326.

Jeania Vae Brown was born to Eugene and Melda Vae Walker of Ozark, Arkansas, on October 12, 1946. Jeania grew up feeding chickens, milking cows, and being the oldest of four siblings. Jeania’s dad taught her to drive a tractor and bale hay long before she learned to drive a car, and a family friend down the road taught her to play the piano. Jeania attended Ozark public schools where she was an excellent student and often played piano accompaniment for fellow students in band competitions. Jeania attended the First Baptist Church of Ozark where she was active in ministry and played piano for Sunday services. In 1961, Jeania was selected by Ozark’s newspaper, The Spectator, for their first annual Americanism Award after her freshman year in high school. After graduation, Jeania attended college at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. As a child growing up in Ozark, Jeania and her siblings were taken to Sunday School at First Baptist by their mother where they learned about the Bible and God’s love for them. When Jeania was 10 years old, she attended Vacation Bible School at First Baptist, and it was during that week that she understood that Jesus had come to save her through His death and resurrection. She asked Jesus to forgive her, and she committed herself to follow Him all the days of her life – she never looked back. During a visit back to Ozark while in college, Jeania played piano for a revival service at Ozark First Baptist where she persuaded a class friend of hers, Larry Brown, to come with her, and he came and also made the decision to commit his life to following Jesus. Their friendship grew into love, and they were married on December 27, 1969. After a honeymoon at Petit Jean State Park, Larry and Jeania lived in Memphis, Tennessee, while Larry finished his dental degree. During this time Jeania worked as a medical technologist at Methodist Hospital. After Larry’s graduation, the couple moved to Danville, Virginia, where Larry practiced dentistry and Jeania taught science in the Danville public school system. In these locations, Larry and Jeania were active in church and ministry, and they developed many friendships that survive to this day. In 1972, Larry and Jeania moved back to Arkansas to be closer to family where they bought a dental practice in Mansfield. Jeania worked alongside Larry in the dental practice as dental assistant, receptionist, and office manager. Larry and Jeania attended the First Baptist Church of Mansfield where Jeania played the piano for services and taught children’s Sunday School, Children’s Church, and Discipleship Training classes. Jeania also led a ministry for widow ladies in the church, and she also served on the Sebastian County Library Board. Larry and Jeania have two sons. Matthew was born in 1973 and Marcus in 1977. Jeania was always a very loving mother who would do anything for her children. On one occasion, at the urging of her sons, she even hiked with them up the side of Poteau Mountain and back down! Her parenting focus, however, was always on making sure that her sons attended church, knew God’s Word, and knew the importance of following Jesus like she did. After Matthew and Marcus moved out of the house for college and families of their own, Larry and Jeania became very active in ministry and mission trips with Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, Arkansas. Jeania taught Children’s Church on Sundays and helped in the church’s AWANA Bible program for kids on Wednesday nights. Larry and Jeania also participated in many mission trips and sports camps around the country and the world. Jeania’s driving passion was in telling kids about the love of Jesus and how they can know and follow Him – just as she learned as a 10 year old back in VBS in Ozark. Jeania told countless numbers of children about Jesus, and she cherished each opportunity to share His Good News and love with them. Just this past summer, Jeania had participated in four mission trip sports camps where many kids and teens heard about Jesus and committed their lives to Him. Jeania’s life long desire was that each person she met would know that the Bible is true, that Jesus loves them, that we are all sinners in need of rescue, and that “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9), so that you also will have Heaven awaiting when your earthly body wears out. Our Lord granted Jeania the privilege of seeing hundreds of young people come to faith in Jesus over her lifetime. She had also just very recently talked with her youngest grandchild, Faith, who has also given her life to Jesus and is planning to be baptized in October. Jeania moved to Heaven from her sleep at her home in the early morning of Tuesday, September 17, 2024, after having seen and talked with many friends and family during her brief hospital stay the weekend before. Jeania is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Melda Vae Walker; her brother, Russell Walker; her brother-in-law, Alfred Williams; and her aunts, uncles, and some cousins. Jeania is survived by her husband of 54 years, Larry Brown; her sons, Matthew Brown and his wife, Joyce, and Marcus Brown and his wife, Amy; her grandchildren, Elliana, Nathan, Sarah, Mikayla, Peter, Xander, and Faith; her sister, Jackie Hill, and Jackie’s husband, Bill, and their children, Mistie and Joshua; her sister, Mary Williams, and Mary’s husband, Paul; her brother Russell’s wife, Vonda Walker, and their children, Andrea, Bethany, Caleb, and Daniel; and many relatives on Larry’s side of the family. Visitation will be held at Fellowship Baptist Church in Witcherville, Arkansas, at 1pm on Saturday, September 21, followed by the funeral service at the church at 2pm. Interment will be at Coop Prairie Cemetery in Mansfield, Arkansas, following the funeral service. Donations in Jeania’s memory can be made to the Lottie Moon Foreign Missions Offering through Fellowship Baptist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Mansfield.

Ozro “Ozzie” Charles Berryhill, a beloved husband, father, Babaw, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, at the age of 91. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 24, 1932, Ozzie lived a life full of love, service, and dedication to his family and community. Ozzie was preceded in death by his parents, Ozro and Ruby Berryhill, and his daughter, Sherry Berryhill. He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Barbara Berryhill; his daughter, Sandra Berryhill; his grandson, Chris Owen (Christie); his great-grandson, Jaxon Owen; his great-granddaughters, Ella Owen and Emma Owen; his brother, Jerry Berryhill, and Jerry’s three children; his sister-in-law, Jeanette Berryhill; his granddaughter, Stefanie Reckerd (Ben), their four children and one grandchild, and last, but definitely not least, his very dear friend Mary Thompson, who was his fiercest advocate. Ozzie graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1953. It was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara, and they married in May of 1955. Despite losing his sight in 1976, Ozzie’s determination and spirit remained undeterred. He dedicated much of his life to serving the Arkansas Baptist and Southern Baptist Conventions. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Brotherhood Commission for seven years (1990-1997) and was honored with the 1991 Award of Merit from the International Legion of Royal Ambassador Leaders. Additionally, he served on the Board of Trustees for the North American Mission Board and Southern Baptist Convention in 1997 and 1998. Ozzie’s commitment to his faith and community was evident in his 25 years of service as the Brotherhood Director for the North Pulaski Baptist Association. However, aside from family, his greatest joy was serving as the Camp Director of the Royal Ambassador Mission Kids Camp at Camp Paron from 1981 to 2001. His summers were spent guiding and mentoring young boys, leading them to salvation and ministry opportunities. A friend’s and family gathering will be held at Pasta J’s, 1314 Green, Benton, AR on Thursday evening, September 19, 2024 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A service to celebrate Ozzie’s life will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, at 11 am at Holland Chapel Baptist Church, 15523 I-30, Benton, Arkansas. Due to Ozzie’s deep love for animals, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Saline County in lieu of flowers. Ozzie’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, love for his family, and a deep commitment to his community. He loved Jesus and loved pointing others to Him. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Angus L Emerson, III, 87, of Cabot, left this earth for Heaven on Monday, June 24, 2024. He was the son of Angus L Emerson, Jr. and Robbie Sanders Emerson. He was born at home on May 11, 1937 in Hernando, MS, delivered by his grandfather and uncle, who were both physicians. During World War II, Angus’s family moved to Birmingham, AL. His father, an electrician, could make more money there. Angus went to kindergarten through second grade in Birmingham. In third grade he moved back to Hernando, MS, where he finished high school. Angus was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing basketball, baseball, and football. Angus was in the Boy Scouts from age 12-17. At age 17 he finished the requirements in scouting to become an Eagle Scout. He was the first Eagle Scout from the city of Hernando, MS. Angus then attended Mississippi College in Clinton, MS for one year. He then attended Ole Miss and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. It was at Ole Miss that Angus met his future wife, Karen Burford, while he was a lifeguard. At Ole Miss, Angus was Pledge Master with the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. On a dare from some of his fraternity brothers, he tried out successfully to become a varsity cheerleader for Ole Miss football. He told the story of being on the sideline in Tiger Stadium when Billy Cannon returned a punt 89 yards for an LSU touchdown in 1959. Angus and Karen married on August 4, 1960 and they were stationed in Chicago, IL for two years in an Army Missile Battalion. After two years in the Army, Angus felt the call of ministry on his heart, and attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Religious Education. After stints at churches in Cairo, GA and Macon, GA, Angus came “home” to Arkansas in 1968, where he was the Youth Minister at Baring Cross Baptist Church in Sherwood, AR, then at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock in 1974. In 1976 Angus became Youth Minister at First Baptist Church in Cabot, AR. Angus and Karen completed their family in Arkansas, adopting two children – Lee and Chris. After finishing his Youth Ministry career, Angus became a Chaplain at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, where he said he felt perhaps the greatest sense of fulfillment in his career in ministry. Angus is preceded in death by his parents, Angus L Emerson Jr. and Robbie Sanders Emerson of Hernando, MS, his sister Betsy Sartor of Oxford, MS, and his wife, Karen Burford Emerson of Cabot, AR. He is survived by his children, Lee Emerson of Billings, MT (daughter-in-law Sheila Emerson, grandchildren Luke, Avery, and Allison Emerson, great grandchildren Brylin Emerson and Jamison McReynolds) and Chris House of Cabot, AR (son-in-law Bill House, grandchildren Dakota House and Travis Ray Skeen, great grandchildren Berkley and Sawyer Skeen). “Rest…Rest in Him. Your work is through. Lean back on His great power. He’ll work through you.”

Minette Williams Drumwright Pratt—a remarkable, accomplished, beloved woman—died on June 15, 2024, at the age of 93. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandparent, denominational servant, speaker, author, and Baylor Regent. One hymn particularly captures Minette—she deeply believed and lived out the Girls’ Auxiliary hymn, “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.” Throughout her life, Minette had a heart and passion for missions. She was an active member and leader of Southern Baptist missions organizations including Sunbeams, Girls’ Auxiliary, Invincibles, and the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU). Later, she worked at the Foreign Mission Board (now the International Mission Board) as the inaugural Director of International Prayer Strategies. Minette was born on Nov. 3, 1930, to Tallie Williams and Minnie Musgrave Williams in Nixon, Texas, where her father was the pastor of the First Baptist Church. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to San Antonio where her father was pastor of the Northside Baptist Church until he retired. Minette’s mother was the church pianist, founded and taught at the church-affiliated school, and led the church’s mission programs. Minette earned a B.A. in English from Baylor University in 1951. At Baylor, she was a member of Alpha Omega sorority, a Baylor Beauty, the star quarterback of the powder puff football team, and an active member of the summer missions program, The Invincibles. While a Baylor student, she met a dynamic pastor and scholar, Huber L. Drumwright, Jr., who was a doctoral student at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. They fell in love and married shortly after Minette’s graduation. When they married, Huber was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Allen, and Minette was an English teacher at Allen High School, which was so small that she taught all four grades. Huber went on to pastor churches in Texas and Oklahoma, and Minette led numerous missions action projects, Bible studies, Bible schools, and WMUs. Minette and Huber returned to Fort Worth in 1960 for Huber to accept a full-time position as a Professor of Greek and New Testament at Southwestern Seminary. He later became Dean of the School of Theology, and she took on the role of a Dean’s spouse while continuing many of her own pursuits. They joined Broadway Baptist Church, and Minette’s passion for “mission action” flourished through a cutting-edge initiative called the Broadway Baptist Center. Minette designed and led programs for low-income women, battered women, orphans, unwed mothers, and women prisoners. Blessed with boundless energy throughout her life, Minette was a speaker and Bible teacher and served on boards for the Women’s Missionary Union, Home Mission Board (now the North American Mission Board), Baptist General Convention of Texas, Seminary Woman’s Club, Woman’s Club of Fort Worth, Friends of the Fort Worth Library, Lena Pope Children’s Home, Edna Gladney Home (for unwed mothers), and Dorcas House (for battered women.) Minette attended Southwestern Seminary and later served as President of the Southwestern Seminary Alumni. In 1978, she wrote a seminary extension study guide, Women in the Church. Minette received the Mrs. J.M. Dawson Award for outstanding contributions to the denomination from the Southern Baptist Convention Ministers’ Wives Conference in 1984. Minette and Huber lived a life of adventure. They lived briefly in Princeton, New Jersey, and Athens, Greece, during Huber’s sabbatical leaves for postdoctoral studies at Princeton Theological Seminary and the American School for Classical Studies in Athens. Minette later wrote a book, When My Faith Seems Shallow: Pursuing the Depths of God, based on insights that she had while taking a course at Princeton Theological Seminary. Minette and Huber traveled Europe and the Middle East often, and both were lecturers for study tours of the Bible Lands and Europe. In 1980, Minette and Huber moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where Huber served as the Executive Director of the Baptist General Convention of Arkansas. After 18 months, Huber died of a sudden heart attack when Minette was 50 years old. Shortly thereafter, Minette was asked to join the leadership team of Keith Parks and Bill O’Brien at the Foreign Mission Board (FMB) in Richmond, Virginia. She worked at the FMB for 13 years and was the inaugural Director of International Prayer Strategies through which she designed programs to engage churches and individuals in prayer for foreign missions. She launched a prayer line relaying the latest prayer requests of missionaries, and she traveled the world to speak, teach, preach, and lead programs on prayer in far flung places such as Moldova, China, and Africa. As Minette stated, “Although some governments won’t let missionaries in, they can’t keep the effects of prayer out.” Former FMB President Keith Parks said, “Minette’s ministry was at the heart of what we were trying to do at the Foreign Mission Board – evangelization that results in churches. Minette’s move to the Foreign Mission Board was providential because of her previous mission exposure in WMU, the Home Mission Board, and as a seminary professor’s wife. But the key to her filling her position was her own personal prayer life and commitment to her own spiritual development.” Minette had remarkable experiences during her service at the FMB, some of which are captured in her book, The Life That Prays: Reflections on a Prayer as a Strategy. Minette demonstrated that she really did have “a story to tell to the nations that would turn their hearts to the right.” She did so as a resourceful, innovative, gifted communicator, inspired speaker, teacher, and preacher and by the way she lived her life. Upon retirement, Minette returned to Fort Worth. She served on the Baylor University Board of Regents from 1999 to 2008 and was an early and strong advocate of establishing the Baylor Honors College. Baylor was one of the loves of her life, and she considered it a great privilege to serve Baylor and its students. While serving as a Baylor Regent, Minette was blessed to re-meet and fall in love with Dr. William (Bill) Pratt, a retired pastor and psychologist, and they married in 2002. Bill became an honorary Baylorite, and they did many important and fun things together. Bill truly lived out his vow to be a loving partner in sickness and in health as he loved, cared for, and supported Minette through her long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease until his death in April of 2024. Minette’s family is eternally grateful to him. Minette’s family expresses deep gratitude to all her friends, neighbors, colleagues, caregivers, pastors, and church members who loved and cared for her. Minette was predeceased by her parents, husbands, sister Dora Kathryn Beazley and husband Liston, brother Glen Williams, sister-in-law Rubye Jeanne Drumwright Pulley and husband Ralph, nephew Ralph William Pulley, and niece Nancy Karkalits Beazley. She is survived by two daughters—Minette (Meme) Drumwright and husband H.W. Perry, Jr., Debra Kay Drumwright Underwood and husband Max—three grandchildren, Bradley Huber Underwood and wife Laura, Emily Kay Underwood Prizer and husband Blake, Lauren Minette Perry—and five great grandchildren—Jackson Bradley Prizer, Rachel Kay Prizer, Madeline Minette Prizer, Isobel Kay Underwood, Joshua Rowan Underwood. She is also survived by her nieces—Lista Kay Beazley Hightower and husband Rick, Claudia Jeanne Pulley—and her nephews, Kenneth Liston Beazley and wife Paula, Thomas Huber Pulley and wife Stephanie. She is survived by two stepchildren—Martha Pratt Wainwright and husband Larry, James Pratt and wife Dana—and six step grandchildren, Matthew Wainwright and wife Mackenzie, Laura Wainwright Feltner and husband Travis, William Wainwright and wife Macy, Claire Wainwright, Michelle Pratt Clements and husband Ryan, Scott Pratt and wife Deanna. Minette has many great nieces and nephews, step great grandchildren, and step great nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in the Sanctuary of Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Baylor University—the Drumwright Family Lecture Fund (Honors College), the William and Minette Pratt Scholarship Fund (School of Social Work), the Louise Herrington School of Nursing—or Broadway Baptist Church.

Pastor Theodis Brown Jr. entered this earthly life on May 14, 1944, in Wilmot, Arkansas, to the late Theopolish Brown Sr. and Erma Lee Lewis, whom he loved immensely and cared for devotedly in their later years. Raised by his grandparents, the late Henry and Marie Harrington, Pastor Brown cherished many fond memories of his childhood. It was on their small farm that he first felt God’s calling, preaching to the chickens. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at the tender age of eight. Pastor Brown attended Slack LeGrande in Wilmot and graduated at the age of 16 in 1960. Shortly thereafter, he bravely joined the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War, dedicating eight years to military service. Upon returning to the United States, he furthered his education at Crossett Vo-Tech, earning a certification in electronics in 1973. That same year, he married the love of his life, Doris Marie Scott, affectionately known as his “sugar pie, honey bun.” With her unwavering support, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, while actively serving as a deacon at Sweet Home Baptist Church under the late W.L. Plummer. In March 1985, Pastor Brown and Doris moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where they joined Ebenezer Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Carlton Berry. In 1988, he answered the call to preach, delivering 66 sermons in his first year. In March 1989, he became the Pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in Mt. Pine, Arkansas, where he faithfully shepherded his congregation for 35 wonderful years. During his tenure, he led many souls to Christ, conducted workshops and classes, and passionately engaged in community outreach. Pastor Brown earned multiple seminary extension certifications in biblical studies. He served as vice moderator for the Central Baptist Association from 2002-2003 and as moderator from 2004-2006. In addition to his pastoral duties, he co-owned BCL2, a company established in 1987, for 20 years. He was a trustee on the board at Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. He also served as a substitute teacher in various local school districts. He worked for the VA Hearing and Vision Impaired, traveling throughout Arkansas to set up computer systems. In 2006, he founded Brown’s Consulting Services, specializing in business and personal tax preparation, which he continued until his health declined in May 2024. God called Pastor Brown to his heavenly home on June 8, 2024, as he peacefully slept under the care of Arkansas Hospice. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Lee Scott Sr., his mother-in-law Pinkie L. Scott, his brother William T. Smith, and three brothers-in-law: Bert Bethea, Darrick Stephens Sr., and Fert Keith Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 51 years, Doris Marie Brown; three children: Rodrick (Gloria) Johnson, Melissa (Darren) Washington, and Mashawnda White; five grandchildren: Gwendolyn (Trimel) Henry, Desiree (Eric) Francis, Melanie (Marcel) Clary, Jermaine Johnson, and Danielle (Jason) Goyne; three sisters: HenryMae Bethea, Louise Lewis, and Theautra Stephens; four brothers-in-law: John Henry Scott, Richard (Carolyn) Scott, Lee A. (Emma) Scott Jr., and Weaver (Dana) Scott; two sisters-in-law: Anna Keith and Clara Scott; his bonus mom Lena Brown; two bonus siblings: Isaac (Michelle) Kirk and Bonnie Kirk; eight great-grandchildren; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and bonus children and grandchildren, especially Blake (Felicia), Carson Haynie, Zachery Wagner, Taylour Woodward, and Morgan Hamilton. He also leaves behind his prayer partner and best friend, Pastor Donald Crossley Sr. Pastor Brown’s Homegoing Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 A. M., on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at St. Mark Baptist Church in Hot Springs. Military Honors will be rendered at 1:00 P. M., at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery in North Little Rock that afternoon. A visitation will be held at the church on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 P. M. You are welcome to express your condolences in Pastor Brown’s online guestbook below.

Freda Faye Parker Jones, a devoted mother and servant of the Lord, passed away on June 4, 2024 at the age of 77. She was born on August 27, 1946, to Clifton Parker and Ora Dean Jackson Parker in Moulton, AL. Freda was a proud graduate of Florence State College, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, and later earned a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Alabama. She was a dedicated professional in accounting, serving with Boeing, Arkansas Baptist State Convention, and Abundant Life Christian Academy. Freda was an active and long-time member of Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. She lived her life striving to please the Lord in all she did, exemplifying her life verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Survivors include her three daughters: Brandey and Kevin Burnett of Sherwood, Melissa and Brian Tullos of Paris, TX, and Kerry and Paul Murphy of Hot Springs; six grandchildren, Hannah, Brandon, and Madelyn Tullos, and Emery, Theodore, and Raleigh Murphy; and her nephew, Bill Parker of Tuscumbia, AL. Freda was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Ora Dean Parker, and brothers Joel and Randy Parker. The family would like to express their gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Park Hill Baptist Church in North Little Rock. Family and friends will gather one hour prior to the service, 10:00 a.m., at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.

Gordon Swaim lived every minute of his 88 years to the fullest! He loved shocking people with his questions, making them laugh, think, and often reflect. He referred to himself as a spoon: stir things up, sit back and watch while they settled. Most all his family, friends, and sometimes strangers have fallen victim to a challenging question or two. His grandchildren grew up loving Papa G’s “quizzes” after a meal at the table. Born August 24, 1935, he died on June 2, 2024. Gordon was born and raised in Lexington, North Carolina. He is predeceased by his parents, Carey Gordon Swaim and Anna Young Swaim; two sisters, Winona Kimrey and Caroline Smithman, and his beloved son, Carey Gordon Swaim, III. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dianne Swaim; his brother, William Caskey Swaim; daughter Michelle Flores and her husband, Carlos Flores; step-daughter, Laura Warren Miller and her husband, Paul Miller; and step-son, David Warren. He left behind eight grandchildren: Lexie Swaim, Melissa Swaim, Michelle Swaim, Kari Amber Gallant, Ryan Flores, Tyler Flores and wife Shelby; Kylee Flores, Jonathan Miller and wife Bianca; and Meagan Miller. He left three great-grandchildren, Michael, Kinzlee, and Damon; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He graduated with an AB in Business Administration from Davidson College, splitting his four-year degree by volunteering for the draft between his sophomore and junior years. His military time was served as a military police officer. An avid sports fan all his life, he played football, basketball and baseball in high school and baseball in college. And, he was a quarterback on the flag football team to the Fifth Army Championship. He kept up with major sports until his 40’s when he took up bowling, tennis and golf. He was still stabbing away at the little ball until just before his death. Gordon’s avocation was entertainment. He acted and directed plays in six states, wrote eight unsold screenplays and four one-act plays. And, he wrote, directed and acted in five short films. If one looked hard, he could be seen in several movies. He spent most of his vocation in supplemental insurance industry where he at one time was a salesman, manager, state director, taught sales and management schools and was vice-president of two insurance companies. He was also the MC and skit director of their year-end meetings. A deep belief in God compelled him to tell others about his faith. He had so many questions to ask God; no doubt that is what he is doing right now! A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Second Baptist Church (222 East 8th Street) with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Nancy Ruth Jordan (92) passed away of natural causes on May 20, 2024. She is now with her Lord and Savior Christ Jesus and her beloved family. She was born on October 14, 1931, to parents Trever and Cecil Beard in Warren, Arkansas. Nancy was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. She was married to Lindsey Benjamin (LB) Jordan on January 31, 1947, in Magnolia, Arkansas. She and L.B. raised three children (Lynn, Jennifer, and Nan). Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Rev. L.B. Jordan, her parents Trever and Cecil Beard, sister Peggy Burch (John), and grandson David Jordan. Nancy leaves behind her loving children, Lynn Jordan (Kathy) of Arkansas, Jennifer Babcock (Rex) of Kansas, Nan Sanders (Doug) of Arkansas, brother-in-law Lloyd Jordan (Joanne) of Arkansas, grandchildren: Kristen McCauley, Benjamin Babcock (Rachel), Melissa Walker (Zach), Lindsey Jordan, D.J. Sanders, and Omega Sanders Jones (Brantley), great-grandchildren: Kiana Jordan, Aiden McCauley, Walter Babcock, Vincent Babcock, and Alisa Corinne Jones, one great-great granddaughter Elena Rene’ Jordan and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at Chapelwood Funeral Home of Nash, TX on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Scott Neathery officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service from 9:00-10:00 A.M. Memorials may be made to the Ouachita Baptist Student Foundation.

Edgar Alvin Lauderdale, Jr., age 90, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed away on May 6, 2024. Born on May 1, 1934 in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Edgar Alvin Lauderdale, Sr. and Beulah Faye Ballard Lauderdale. Ed was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was a veteran of the United States Naval Reserves, a member of the Little Rock Fire Department for over 22 years, he was a member of the First Baptist Church in Heber Springs where he served as a deacon and taught a Sunday School Class and served on the Arkansas Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Team. He owned and operated Ed Lauderdale Fiberglass Repair for many years after moving to Quitman, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Tommy Lauderdale. He is survived by his wife Norma Louise Lauderdale, his children Michael Andrew Lauderdale and his wife Charlotte, Amy Weeks and her husband Kim, and Shane Lauderdale and his wife Angel, his grandchildren Leah Lauderdale, Lauren Ackmann and her husband Brad, Chad Weeks and his wife Kelly, and Reese Lauderdale, and his great-grandchildren Emmett Weeks and Will Ackmann. Mr. Lauderdale is also survived by his other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be held from 10:00am to 11:00am on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in the First Baptist Church with funeral services following at 11:00am with Pastor Matt Basford and Lauren Ackmann officiating. Interment will follow on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11:00am in the Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Southern Baptist Disaster Relief at www.abscdisasterrelief.org Obituary published on Legacy.com by Olmstead Funeral Home – Heber Springs on May 9, 2024.

Robert Lyndon Finney, age 76, of Little Rock, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 18, 2024. He was born on May 23, 1947, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Nolan and Louise Finney. He is preceded in death by his sister, Gail Finney, and infant son, Chad Jeremy Finney. Lyndon studied music and journalism at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he was also a member of the Arkansas Razorback Marching Band. His journalism career began as Sports Editor for the Southwest Times Record in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He then moved to Little Rock to become the Sports Editor at the Arkansas Democrat where he was later promoted to Assistant Managing Editor. Following his tenure at the newspaper, he became the Director of Public Relations for Baptist Health. In 2004, Lyndon became the editor of The Trucker newspaper, the Truckload Authority (a trade magazine for the Truckload Carriers Association), and was named Editor Emeritus of The Trucker in 2023. He also served on the Board of the Arkansas Baptist News Magazine, where he was chairman three times. In 1973, Lyndon was hired as the Organist at Immanuel Baptist Church in downtown Little Rock before moving to the west Little Rock location. His ministries at Immanuel included serving as a member of the Orchestra where he was a percussionist, Director of the Immanuelaires Men’s Quartet, Director of Handbells, played for countless rehearsals, worship services, weddings, and funerals. Lyndon retired from Immanuel in 2019 after 46 years of ministry. During his ministry in music, Lyndon played for the funeral service of United States Senator, John L. McClellan, played for Ecumenical Services and for the choir and orchestra at the Inauguration of President Bill Clinton in 1993 and 1997. Lyndon appeared on Good Morning, Canada and served on the Board of the Arkansas Hospital Association. His love of sports led him to become a college baseball umpire, and he would later coach and pitch for the Immanuel Men’s Softball Team, and coach the Immanuel Women’s Softball Team. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Donna Kay (Farrar) Finney; his three children, Christa Finney of Bryant, AR, Shawn Finney (Pam) of Rhome, TX, and Merritt Finney of Little Rock, AR; five grandchildren, Jack Finney, Owen Finney, Emma Finney and Ryan Finney all of Rhome, TX and Charlie Rausch of Little Rock, AR along with numerous cousins. A visitation will be from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Immanuel Baptist Church. Burial will be at 11:00am on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Pinecrest Memorial Park followed by funeral services at 1:00pm at Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 North Shackleford Road, Little Rock, AR 72211. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Little Rock Chapter of the American Heart Association.

Harold Lee Garrett, 83, of Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, passed from this life on Sunday, April 14, 2024, or as he would have said “041424”. He was in residence at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House after an extended hospital stay in Jonesboro, Arkansas and Memphis, Tennessee since before the end of 2023. Hal left high school after his junior year to join the Navy, where he served for 23 years as a aircraft maintenance officer on numerous aircraft carriers. He retired from the Navy in 1981 in Hawaii with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He had several Associate degrees from the former State Technical Institute, several Bachelor degrees from Memphis State University. He also obtained a Masters degree in Quantitative Methods and Systems Design from Memphis State University. He was a professor at Embry Riddle University and was given an honorary doctorate from this university. After retiring from the Navy, Hal went on to a computer programming position with Shelby County Government. He retired from there after 15 years of service. Sitting still in retirement was not him; he began to do mission work traveling to various countries, and states. He led many trips to Israel and worked to become a Messianic Rabbi, always wanting to spread the Word of the Lord. In addition, he was very active in the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in various capacities. He helped with accounting, home missions, and in substitute pastoring in small churches. He was a volunteer with Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief. He was a devoted and loving husband who even at his sickest, was concerned about the welfare of his wife of almost 63 years. He had a very dry wit, and was quick with a sarcastic come back. He was a calm, kind, peaceful person and could deliver discipline with words skillfully. He often sat back with his hands behind his head and observed before interjecting into situations and conversations. He was known to ask ‘What’s the bottom line?” Hal leaves behind his wife, Esther and children Cindy (Phillip), Randy, and Sandy. Poppop left five grandchildren Michael (Crystal), Katrina (Michael), Dalton, Addie, and Matthew. four great grandchildren Aiden, Nora, Caleb, and Phillip. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and a son in law, Scott.

Dr. Thomas Otis Spicer, Jr, age 87, of Fayetteville, AR, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024. He was born February 22, 1937, in Paris, AR, a son of the late Thomas Otis Spicer, Sr. and Golda Elizabeth Norfleet Spicer. T.O. was a retired Southern Baptist Minister, serving churches in Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri. He served for 25 years as the director of missions for the Spring River Baptist Association in Joplin, MO. For the past 20 years, after retiring and moving back to Fayetteville, he served as the pastor of Sang Avenue Baptist Church, as the Baptist pastor of Elkins Community Church, associate pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Huntsville, and associate pastor of Old Missouri Road Baptist Church in Springdale. Survivors are his wife of sixty-six years, Martha Alexander Spicer; a son, Thomas Otis Spicer, III, “Tom” (Kyle); and his grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Spicer, and Jacob White (Chio). Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens by Nelson Berna Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made to Washington/Madison Baptist Association or Old Missouri Road Baptist Church.

Edward F. McDonald, III passed away peacefully on February 16, 2024, at the age of 84 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born on June 24, 1939, he was the son of Edward and Wanda McDonald. Ed received his B.A. degree from Ouachita Baptist University and his Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky. For 34 years, Ed dedicated his life to serving as a chaplain for Baptist Medical Center, where he provided comfort and support to countless patients, their families, and employees. He was widely respected for his leadership as the head of Pastoral Care at the medical center. Ed welcomed all and was accepting of all denominations. Ed’s caring nature extended beyond his professional life. Ed was married to Patricia Smith McDonald for 47 years. He was an incredibly devoted husband and loved her well until she succumbed to cancer. Ed remarried in 2010 to Suzanne Smith McDonald. He devoted countless hours alongside his wife, Suzanne, as a Facilitator of Grief Share, lending a helping hand and caring heart to those wading through the waters of grief and mourning. He found joy in so many hobbies and interests including gardening, photography, traveling, and being a member of the Monarch Watch Program. Ed, known as “Daddy Mc” to all those close to him, selflessly loved, adopted, and served everyone that was fortunate enough to come into his life. He was an excellent listener, counselor, and friend. Daddy Mc had an uncanny ability to meet you wherever you were in your life and minister to your needs. He was a master of the “dad joke” but may have been known to have a few of them on repeat. Everyone knew when he was at the grandkids’ sporting events when they heard the loud, and we do mean LOUD, and unmistakable Daddy Mc “Whoot! Whoot!” He also famously taught one of them an amazingly loud “cluck” at a very young age. He could catch anyone’s attention and laugh with his Donald Duck voice. His children and grandchildren were greatly blessed to grow up with this wonderful example of God’s grace and humility. He loved his family and friends unconditionally and served the Lord well! Ed is survived by his wife, Suzanne Smith McDonald; son, Stephen McDonald (Sandy); daughter, Judy Wingfield (Jeff), stepson-in-law Van Tilbury (Elizabeth); grandchildren, William McDonald, Clayton McDonald, RJ Coleman, Jake Wingfield, Emily Tilbury, Liz Tilbury, Eleanor Tilbury, and Henry Tilbury; sister, Marty Davis, sister-in-law Ruth Smith Johnson (Francis), brothers-in-law Tom Smith (Margarette), Bill Smith (Judy); and other extended family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Patricia Smith McDonald. The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Shell Alzheimer’s Unit and Baptist Hospice Care for their love and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christie’s Corner at Arkansas Hospice: https://www.arkansashospice.org/foundation/donate, or Monarch Watch: monarchwatch.org, or a charity of your choosing.

Jerry Morris George, born November 7, 1936, in Leslie, Arkansas was called home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, and brother. He served as a pastor to Gilead, First Baptist of Social Hill and Manning for over 40 plus years. He was a dedicated timber buyer at Anthony Timberland in Bearden for over 20 years. Papaw’s faith in Christ and devotion to sharing the gospel made an impact with everyone he came in contact with. We know he is in heaven eating Cheetos, Orange Slices and drinking a Diet Pepsi while Memaw is giggling at him for washing paper plates. He is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mary George; his parents; and his great-granddaughter, Kylee. He is survived by his two daughters and son-in-law, Debbie Holland and Maryetta and David Beals, all of Donaldson; his son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Tracy George of Donaldson; his sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Dallas Horton of Marshall; his four grandsons and their spouses, Jerry and Amy Holland of Durant, Oklahoma, Nathan and Julie Holland of Claremore, Oklahoma, Dustin and Hollie Beals of Benton, Brandon George of Mississippi; his granddaughter and her husband Ashley and Jesse Hopkins of Holly Springs; his 8 great-granddaughters; his 5 great-grandsons; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends. Memorial services were held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Ruggles-Wilcox chapel with visitation held prior to services at 10:00 AM. The family would like to thank Baptist Health Hospice in Arkadelphia and special caretaker, Courtney. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jerry George to American Cancer Society Arkansas.

Brenda Gail Wheeler Quimby, age 72, of Warren, AR passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, at her home. She was born on February 21, 1951, in Hermitage, AR to the late Richard F. Wheeler, Jr. and Frances Trotter Wheeler. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. Other than her parents she is preceded in death by her sister, Sarah Hughes. Survivors include her husband, Hugh Allen Quimby of Warren, AR whom she married on June 17, 1970; son, Scott Allen Quimby and wife Amy of Stuttgart, AR and grandson, Jed Quimby of Stuttgart, AR. Funeral service was 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Frazer’s Funeral Home. Burial was in Holly Springs Cemetery by Frazer’s Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church or Holly Springs Cemetery.

David L. Dillard, age 65 of Holly Springs passed away Wednesday, February 07, 2024 at his home. He was born to the late Louie Hollis and Lola Lorene Dillard in the backwoods of Nevada County, Arkansas on November 23, 1958, the youngest of three. He loved to run and play in the woods and creeks, hunting and fishing, and causing havoc along the way. He would tell you quick he was the baby of the family and his mother’s favorite, his brother Donnie and sister, Carol he loved so well. Many a stories he would tell of the adventures he shared with them. He met the love of his life at a gospel singing in a small country church in the woods. He convinced Teresa to get married in May of 1980, for 43 years he pestered, loved, and adored his wife Teresa. They had two kids, Dewayne and Charla. David was a loving, supportive father; that sacrificed daily to be present. He was a provider, protector, mentor, and above all those he pointed his family toward the Lord. While he loved his wife and kids with all he had, he found even more love when his grandkids arrived. Olivia, Graham, Paisley, Hazel, and Max, he was a proud Poppa and loved them very much. When this earthly life ended he was reunited in heaven with many family members and a whole host of friends. However, he would tell you he was most excited to see the Lord. Wednesday morning in the early hours David raised his hallelujah and a Praise to the Holy name of Jesus. For over 50 years he proclaimed the goodness of God and the gift of eternal salvation from pulpits, gas stations, hospital bed sides, grocery store aisles, and anywhere he meet someone he did not know. David was a son, brother, husband, dad, and poppa, who without a doubt has heard, “well done my good and faithful servant”. He was known as “Preacher Man” to many but a special one to Jon Pigott, Kenzie Hayes, Sidney Pigott, and a special young man Gannon Paul. Larry Gaston, Walt and Angel Pigott and Kim Harper – you were and are dearly loved by Teresa, Charla, and Dewayne. The family would like to express their deepest thanks to their church family for all their support and love. A special thanks to Dr. Braden and OCMC Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holly Springs Baptist Church or OCMC Hospice. Memorial services will be 10:00 am Saturday at Holly Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Jeremy Horton and Rev. Wayne Daniel officiating. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

Marvin Peters, DMin., 82, recently of Sherwood, and formerly of Jacksonville, passed away February 2, 2024. He was born December 29, 1941 in Jacksonville, Arkansas to the late Alonzo and Ruth (Kyzer) Peters. In addition to his parents, Marvin was welcomed into Heaven by his siblings, Edwin Peters, Eugene Peters, Lucille McGee, Evelyn Peters, Carolyn Kelley, and Brenda Compton; his three nephews, Greg Kelley, Tony Compton, and Kenneth Peters; and one niece, Janet Reniere. Marvin proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for six years. He was sweet, even-tempered with a heart of gold. He was a man of faith and was led by God to spread the Lord’s message by pastoring several churches throughout his career, including: First Baptist Church, Ben Lomond, AR; First Baptist Church, Winthrop, AR; First Baptist Church, Biscoe, AR; First Baptist Church, Granite City, IL; and Area Missionary and Church Planter for the Illinois Baptist State Convention. Marvin also served as the Church Planter and Language Mission Director at the Blue River/Kansas City Baptist Association, in Kansas City, MO, the Director of Missions for the North Pulaski Baptist Association, and as Associational Missions Director at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. After retiring from the ABSC, Marvin trained other pastors in the Intentional Interim program and served as an intentional interim for both churches and associations in the Ouachita Baptist Association. Marvin’s love for Jesus extended as well to leading mission trips to Brazil, Mexico, and Guatemala. In his spare time, Marvin enjoyed playing guitar, camping, fishing, golfing, sailing, flying, and reading. He loved working with his hands and made his own golf clubs, sail boat, and rebuilt his own motorcycle. He was a loving and attentive husband, father, and grandfather to his entire family. Those left to cherish the memories of Marvin include his wife of fifty-nine years, Pamela Peters; his children, Kevin (Lori) Peters and Stacy (David) Cook; siblings, Kathleen (Levoy) Little and Karen Hightower; eight grandchildren, Brandon, Alisa, Ashley, Ryan, Jonathan, Matthew, Joshua, and Peyton; and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, 9:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Marvin will be laid to rest following the service with military honors at Chapel Hill Memorial Park.

Johnny Gilbert Biggs, 86, of Bryant, Ark. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 25th, 2024 in Little Rock, Ark. Johnny was born on April 2nd, 1937 in Meridian, Mississippi. He attended High School in Hickory, Mississippi, then attended Miss. College and received his Master’s degree from LSU. Johnny’s life work was as the Director of Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries where he served for 27 years. After “retirement” Johnny continued to serve in many ministries throughout his life of service. Johnny faithfully served in many positions at Geyer Springs FBC. He loved his family and is survived by his loving Wife; Joyce Biggs, Daughters; Jenny Luningham (David), Janis Masters (Scott), Grandchildren; Justin Luningham (Katie Jo), Danielle Luningham Milner (Jett), Taylor Masters (Katy), Dylan Masters (Alyssa), and Austin Masters. Great Grandchildren; James and Lily Mae Luningham, Bella Joyce Milner, Jax and Beau Masters, Sanford and Wallace Masters. Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, 11:00 A.M., February 1, 2024 at Geyer Springs FBC. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. prior at Geyer Springs FBC. Memorial donations can be made to https://arkansasfamilies.org or https://gsfbc.org Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.combryant