James Allen “Big Al” Thomas, 68, of Benton, Arkansas walked into the arms of Jesus on November 24, 2022. He was born January 7, 1954 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late James and Helen Howard Thomas. He was a member of Old Union Baptist Church where he faithfully served. Allen’s love for God, his family and people was immeasurable. He never met a stranger. He took every opportunity to share his faith in Jesus. Allen was a great husband who adored his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a joyful man who loved being a silly Papaw. You would often find him with bows in his hair and pink fingernails or showing off his knife collection. Al was everyone’s cheerleader, despite his deteriorating health. He loved animals, fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, collecting flashlights, pens, old bottles, hats, knives, candy bars, and Dr. Peppers. Allen leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Nina Thomas of Benton; three children: Jamie Barker (Sid), Jeremy Thomas (Mandy), and Crystal Williams (Isaac), nine grandchildren: Hunter Barker; Canaan, Graceson, Jericho, and Mercy Thomas; Sunny, Baker, Milly, and River Williams; three brothers: Keith Thomas (Corinne), Mark Thomas (Sharon), Karl Thomas (Carla), and Ralph Warren (Sherry); and many family members and friends who loved Allen and will miss him. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of Arkansas, Finley Pharmacy, and those who regularly spent time with Al, for going above and beyond with exceptional care and love. A celebration of life service will be held Friday, December 2. Visitation at 3:00 and celebration service at 4:00 at Highland Heights Baptist Church, 1421 Alcoa Road, in Benton. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Arkansas Baptist Children Home and Family Ministries or Hospice of Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Nathan Johnson Porter passed away Monday, October 3, 2022. Services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, at Calvary Baptist Church, with Rev. Hannah Coe and Dr. Jon Singletary officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, October 7, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Nathan was born July 22, 1932, in Campinas, Brazil, to Paul and Margaret Porter. Nathan graduated from Baylor University with a BA in History in 1953. He later completed a master’s degree and doctorate at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His work experiences include: pastoring a mission church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, working for the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board, serving as pastor of First Baptist Church, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and later serving as a consultant for domestic hunger and disaster relief. He married Francis Booth on August 23, 1952. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Fran Porter; and four siblings. He is survived by his son, Joel Porter and wife, Janet, of Waco; daughters, Leslie Porter Smith, of Waco, and Becca Hollaway and husband, Steven, of Baltimore, Maryland; grandchildren, Sarah Campbell and husband, Dave, Nathan Hollaway, Whitney Luce and husband, Brandon, Porter Smith, and Josie Porter; and great-grandchildren, Hayden Luce, Hallie Luce, Durham Luce, and Conner Campbell. The family also includes adopted grandchildren Andrea McQuistion Han and Suzi McQuistion Mao. Nathan committed his life to serving God and others locally, nationally, and globally. He was a strong voice for the poor and vulnerable. He was known for his commitment to social justice and spent his life as an advocate for equality for all people. He was known for his gregarious loving nature. He enjoyed travel and sports and was a die-hard Baylor Bear fan. Nathan had tremendous pride in and love for his family. His legacy of love will live on in the lives of all he served and especially in the lives of his family. Honorary Pallbearers are Phil Allen, Nathan Hollaway, Porter Smith, and Brandon Luce. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1001 N 18th-A Street, Waco TX 76707.

David Thomas Bond, Jr. was born on May 23, 1972 in Pasadena, TX and moved to heaven from Bryant, AR on October 1, 2022 at the age of 50. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Renee, his daughter & son-in-law, Kelsey & Ethan Blackmon, his daughter, Kassidy Bond, his parents, Yvonne & David Sr., his brother and sister-in-law, Darrin & Robin Bond, and many other loving family & friends. David began his long journey through academia at Ouachita Baptist University, where he created lifelong memories with everyone he encountered. An overachiever in all things, everything he did at OBU was exceptional– from pledging Kappa Chi as pledge “I Saw The Light,” serving as a Tiger Tunes Host twice, or ultimately marrying the EEE of his dreams & high school sweetheart, Renee. After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University in 1994 with a BA in Music Education, David graduated with his Master of Arts from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2001. A lifelong goal realized, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2015. His dedication to education ultimately brought him full circle when he became an adjunct professor and mentor at OBU in 2015. David loved his family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them. This time was most likely to be spent showing off behind the grill, cheering on the Astros or Razorbacks, crafting elaborate bedtime stories, tending to his ever growing flock of chickens, or cleverly rewriting and performing goofy (but brilliant) songs that he knew would leave the room in stitches. His love for his family was only surpassed by his love for Christ. His devotion was demonstrated by his service to the local church. A lifelong member of First Southern Baptist Church, he also served in multiple staff positions in several churches, including Dover First Baptist (youth and music), Hamburg First Baptist (youth and music), First Southern in Bryant (associate pastor), Second Baptist in Russellville (senior pastor), and Harpeth Heights in Nashville, TN (executive pastor). Following his career in direct church service, David joined the Arkansas Baptist State Convention in December 2009 as a member of the Evangelism and Church Health Team, to ultimately become the Director of Convention Business in January 2020. During David’s service at the ABSC, he impacted hundreds of churches in Arkansas and left an indelible impression on thousands of Baptists across the state, nation, and the world. “16 Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” –2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NASB) Contributions in David’s memory may be made to Carti Little Rock, https://carti.ejoinme.org/donate.

Mildred Estelle Weeks (age 95) of Paron, Arkansas passed away Friday, September 9, 2022. She was born August 11, 1927 to William and Agnes Norwood in Cordova, Tennessee. She was the seventh child of ten children, all born at home on a dairy farm. She went to school at Cordova up to the eighth grade, then on to Bartlett High School where she graduated in 1945. After graduating she went to work at Union Planters Bank in Memphis, Tennessee in the Payroll Department. She worked there for ten years. In 1948 she was married to one of her high school classmates, Otto Herman Ham, Jr. They had four children, Carol Lynn Ham, William Phillip Ham, Jerry Wayne Ham and Dorothy Dale Ham. This marriage ended in divorce in 1964. In 1967 she married Albert George, Jr who had four children, two minor and two grown, she became a second mother to those children after the death of their real mother. Mr. George died in 1988. Mildred was very active in her church at Parkway Place Baptist Church, teaching younger children, doing various jobs in the church office, she also helped with the cooking on Wednesday evenings. This is where she met her last husband, Gale Weeks. They were married in 1995 and enjoyed traveling, working in the church and attending the Razorback games in and out of state. They were married for 12 years and she took care of him the last 6 years due to his illness with Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gale; her nine brothers and sisters, Malcolm Norwood, Henry Norwood, Minnie Dunn, Eleanor Philip, Charles Norwood, Sarah Bryant, Dorothy Spence, Thomas Norwood and Barbara Hollowell and one grandson, David. She is survived by her 4 children, Carol Ham of Ferndale, AR, Billy Ham of Tyronza, AR, Jerry Ham of Memphis, TN and Dale (Ham) Wood of Bigelow, AR; by her precious grandchildren; great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren along with a multitude of nieces and nephews across the United States. Memorial Service will be 2:00 p.m, Saturday, October 8, 2022 with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. both at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.

Margery “Ann” Massey, 83, of El Dorado, AR passed away Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at Timberlane Health and Rehab in El Dorado, AR. Ann was born June 21, 1939 in El Dorado, AR to the union of Hudie B. Roberson and Armenda Griffith Roberson. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Robert Roberson and one sister, Jerri Sue Langley. Ann was a member of Calvary Trail Cowboy Church and former Deputy Collector for the Garland County Tax Collector. She loved to bake and would take cookies to church. She never missed sending a birthday card to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ann loved to work in her flower beds, and fish. Survivors include two sons, Donny Hargett and wife Lucretia, Mark Hargett and wife Arlene, six grandchildren, Kimberly Carter, Josh Hargett and wife Nan, Emily Priest and husband Daniel, Alyssa Alderman and husband Brandon, Brianna Woods and husband Michael, and Lucas Hargett, twelve great grandchildren, one sister, Arlene Taylor and husband Eddie, two brothers, Benny Roberson and wife Sue, LeRoy Roberson and wife Barbara, several nieces and nephews, special friend, Mel Reese. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Calvary Trail Cowboy Church. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 9, 2022 at the Calvary Trail Cowboy Church with Dr. Benjy McCann officiating. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Calvary Trail Cowboy Church Building Fund, 316 Ouachita CR 68, Louann, AR

JOHN C. “JACK” CHANDLER, JR, (85) of Cabot, Arkansas, was born March 21, 1937, to John and Cleo Chandler in Hardeman County, Tennessee. He died September 5, 2022. He joined the Naval Reserve in 1954 while still in high school. After completing high school in Jackson, TN, he completed his training and then served his tour of active duty. He was a second-class yeoman, having served on the USS Saratoga and the USS Forrestal. Jack was retired from the Allied Chemical Corporation and the Arkansas Workers Compensation Health and Safety Division. He served as a deacon at First Baptist, Helena, AR, and Second Baptist, Jacksonville, AR. He was an active member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Cabot. He was an organizer and charter member of the Arkansas Baptist Bikers Association (ABBA) and served for many years on the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team. Jack was preceded in death by his parents. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 63 incredibly wonderful years, June, two sons, Ken Chandler (Kay) of KY and Jay Chandler (Judy) of Cabot and one daughter, Lena Rye of Cabot; 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 cousins and many other family and friends. He loved all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but most of all he enjoyed being a part of their lives. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, September 10, at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, Cabot, AR, with visitation at 9:00 and service at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Baptist Disaster Relief, 10 Remington Dr., Little Rock, AR 72204. Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service. 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

Jack Bloxom, of Conway, age 90, passed from this life on August 14, 2022 in Benton, Arkansas. Born November 12, 1931 in Normangee, Texas, Jack was the youngest of Monroe and Amy Bloxom’s six children. As a high school student Jack felt called to vocational ministry. After high school he attended Jacksonville (Tx) Baptist College, where he met his best friend for life Jimmy Henry and fell in love and married Mary Jane (Janie) Strong in 1953. Together Jack and Janie raised two sons, Andy and Clay. Jack always said he wanted a house full of kids, he just didn’t know how full two could make a house. In addition to his parents, Jack is proceeded in death by his wife and all his siblings and their spouses. Jack is survived by his two sons, Andy (Glenda) of Benton and Clay (Cindy) of Merritt Island, Florida; grandchildren, Ashley (Hadyn) Thomas, Bridget Bloxom, Candee Bloxom, Paul (Kristy) Sutherland and Samantha (Juan) Escriva; great grandchildren, Dempsey, Ryker, Elora, Falynn, Ryleah, Xiarah and Noah and a large extended family of both the Bloxom and Strong linage. Jack served as a pastor of Baptist churches in both Texas and Arkansas for the majority of six decades, including Central Baptist Church in Conway and Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Wooster. He also enjoyed years of service with Dale Carnegie, organizing and teaching classes and later he worked for Citizens Fidelity Insurance associated with Roller Funeral Homes, until he finally retired at the age of 83. He made lifelong friends at every stop during his career. Most importantly he leaves behind a legacy of faith, hope and assurance for his family. Visitation will be held Friday, August 19th at Roller Alcoa Funeral Home in Benton from 10:00am to 12:00pm. A brief service will be conducted by Rev. Jimmy Henry at the Gazebo at Pinecrest Memorial Park at 1:00pm, followed by interment. The family would like to thank the kind folks at Mt. Carmel Elijah’s Place and Heartland Nursing for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to the Maggie Chandler Endowed Scholarship Fund, at Central Baptist College, 1501 College Avenue, Conway AR 72034.

Linda McClung, 77, of Sherwood passed away peacefully July 27, 2022. Linda was born in Abbott, Arkansas to the late Charles and Francis Casey. She served alongside her husband, Paul, in churches in Kentucky and Arkansas. She was an elementary school teacher in several places in Arkansas, but finished her career at Abundant Life Christian Academy for 23 years before she retired in 2009. She loved being a Nana and taking care of her little dog Carley. She loved doing needlepoint, plastic canvas needlework and crocheting and swapping her creations with her swap groups. Survivors include her children: Dave McClung and wife Christy of Vilonia and Stacy Jaglal and husband Carl of Sherwood; grandchildren: Sydney Smith and husband Wesley, Austin, Carson, and Maggie McClung, Tiffany and Alexa Jaglal, Casey Roberts, Jacob Roberts and his wife Julie; great-grandson, Amir Stevenson; as well as several extended family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul, her sister Donna and her husband JB. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday, August 1, 2022 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at First Baptist Church, Sherwood. Interment will follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williams Baptist University or The Summit Church in Vilonia. Guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com

Barbara Revelle Gilbert, age 81, of North Little Rock passed away on June 7, 2022. She was born in Adams County, Illinois to Willie Gilbert and Mildred Altheide. Barbara was of Baptist faith and a follower of Christ. Barbara was an avid reader, a lover of animals and a follower of professional rodeo. For the duration of her adult life, she collected pro rodeo magazines and books and spent many hours recording rider’s scores. As a lover of animals, Barbara finally got her first dog, JJ, after she retired from her printer assistant position with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jessie Gilbert and Francis Gilbert, as well as her best friend Rose Marie Willis and her beloved JJ. She is survived by many friends, in particular Janet Williams and Linda Miller, both of whom helped to care for her over the past few years. She is also survived by a niece and many nephews. A visitation was to be held Saturday, June 18, 2022 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Arkansas Memorial Gardens.

Daniel R. Grant, President Emeritus of Ouachita Baptist University, died May 25, 2022. He will be remembered as a man of faith, a global educator, churchman, author, human rights advocate, tennis enthusiast, and committed family man. Dr. Grant was born August 18, 1923, in Little Rock, AR, the son of James R. and Grace Sowers Grant. He spent his childhood in Arkadelphia, where he developed a love for nature and the environment through Scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle. He graduated from Arkadelphia High School (co-valedictorian, 1941). He earned a BA degree from Ouachita (summa cum laude, 1945), an MA degree from the University of Alabama, and a Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern University. In 1970, Grant left his successful career to become the 12th president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR. During his 18-year tenure as president, Grant led Ouachita in achieving significant growth in academic strength, student enrollment, international focus, relations with constituents, fund-raising, and a rebuilding of the campus. Grant was a faithful member of Arkadelphia’s First Baptist Church, served as a deacon, sang in the choir, chaired numerous committees, and volunteered in the Arms Around Arkadelphia ministry. Dr. Grant is survived by daughters Carolyn Walton (Bill), and Shirley Hardin (Phil) and by son, Daniel Ross Grant, Jr. (Liz). Other survivors include five grandchildren, Tad Hardin (Monica), Allison Hyll (Dan), Jon Hardin (Katie), Gary Grant (Katherine), and Gina Scheer (Zach); and 12 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Isaac, Charlie, and Leo Hardin; Keller and Kaleb Hyll; Elliott, Julianne, and Mason Grant; and Jordan, Adam, and Molly Scheer. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Jo Oliver Grant; his parents; two brothers, James Richard Grant, Jr. and George S. Grant; and two sisters, Elizabeth Grant Stanford and Harriet Grant Hall. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m. in the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, under the leadership of the church’s pastor, Rev. Jimmy Darby, and former Ouachita president, Dr. Rex Horne. Memorial gifts may be made to the Grant Center for International Education, in care of the Development Office, Ouachita Baptist University, OBU Box 3754, Arkadelphia, AR 71998, or to Arms Around Arkadelphia, in care of First Baptist Church, 116 North 7th Street, Arkadelphia, AR 71923. The full obituary may be found at www.welchfh.net

Lynn Garmroth, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend, pastor, and fishing enthusiast left this world peacefully on 4-24-22 at his home in Lamar, AR. Harry Lynn Garmroth was born in Stanford, Arkansas to the late Harry Clifton Garmroth and Dora Hunt Garmroth on October 12, 1942. Preceding Lynn in death, his only son, Roger Lynn Garmroth, his parents Harry and Dora, father-in-law Laverne Rogers and mother-in-law Frances Evans Roger, brother MC Garmroth and wife Betty, brother Billy Joe Garmroth and wife Betty, brother George Wayne Garmrath and wife Geraldine, brother Bobby Max Garmroth and sister Alma Jean Arrant and husband Roy. Lynn is survived by his beautiful wife of 62 years, Verenda Lee Rogers Garmroth, daughter Carol Lynn Baird (John) of Las Vegas, NV, Daughter Lee Ann Lewis (Gilbert) of Damascus, AR, and daughter Christina (Kyle) Trimble of Maumelle, AR. Grandchildren Elizabeth Winkler (David), Jordan Baird, James Baird, Kennedy Baird, Adrienne Moore (Justin), Austin Lewis (Carrigan), Lucas Potts, Lindy Trimble, Clay Trimble (Bekah), Shelbi Reynolds (Chris). Great grandchildren Layton, Adalynn, Evan Jo, Maverick, Elliot, Blakelee, Lincoln, River and Rowan, sister-in-law Laura Jean Morris and many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. Lynn was born and raised in Stanford, Arkansas and graduated from Stanford High School in 1960. On February 13, 1960, Lynn and Verenda married and eventually relocated to Flint, Michigan for a few short years before moving back to Arkansas in 1968, making Fairfield Bay, Arkansas their new home. One of Lynn’s great passions was fishing, and he cherished beautiful Greers Ferry Lake where he spent countless days fishing with his many friends and relatives. Lynn worked several jobs in different industries throughout the next 24 years and it was at that time that he received his greatest calling, which was his call to ministry in 1992. Over the next 30 years Lynn served as associate pastor at First Baptist Church of Shirley which then led him to full time ministry where he served as head pastor at Rupert Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Hoxie, and Lexington Baptist Church until he reached his final pastoral position at Cabin Creek Baptist Church in Lamar in 2015. Lynn’s passions were his family and fishing, but his greatest passion of all was serving his Lord Jesus Christ and spreading the gospel of salvation and the Love and Peace that only He can give. Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Thursday, April 28, 2022, at Roller Cox Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 10 AM, Friday April 29, 2022, at Cabin Creek Baptist Church with Bro. JR DeBusk, Bro. Free Clower, and Bro. Austin Lewis officiating. Pallbearers are Austin Lewis, James Baird, Lucas Potts, Kennedy Baird, Justin Moore, John Baird, Gilbert Lewis, Kyle Trimble, Clifton Garmrath, Steve Garmrath, David Winkler, and Jim Garmroth. Private family burial will be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cabin Creek Baptist Church Block Party Ministry, PO Box 315, Lamar, AR 72846. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home in Clarksville, AR. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville.

Joan Beard Uth, 92, of Little Rock, AR passed away peacefully on April 20, 2022-her husband’s birthday. She was born in Palestine, AR on September 19, 1929 to Lela and Melvin Beard. She served most of her career as an administrative assistant, including executive assistant to the President of Ouachita Baptist University. She was a devoted member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church. Joan was a faithful pastor’s wife for over fifty years. She was also an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Survivors include her children, Lynda Jack and husband Ron of Maumelle, AR, Tony Uth and wife Teresa of Tulsa, OK, David Uth and wife Rachel of Orlando, FL, and she was “Nonnie” to her seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Joan is also survived by other extended family and a host of friends. She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Anton “Buddy” Conrad Uth, Sr., her parents and her brother Tom Beard. Visitation will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, April 22, 2022, followed by a celebration of her life at 4:00 pm at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home. To access the live stream of her service, click this link: http://cloud.ndigo.tv/koolplayer/gsfbctest.html In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the online ministry of First Baptist Orlando (www.firstorlando.com) or Geyer Springs First Baptist Church World Mission Offering (https://gsfbc.org/give).

Tommy Joe Nash passed away on April 19, 2022 at the age of 68, in his home surrounded by his family. His illness with cancer over the past two years showed those around him not only his courage when facing life’s battles, but also his unshakeable faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. Tommy met the love of his life, Trisha, during their sophomore year at Strong High School. They were inseparable and got married June 16, 1972. For the past 50 years they have been each other’s constant companion and best friend. After their marriage Tommy joined the United States Air Force. While serving, they welcomed their first son, Brian, and a few years later another son, Matthew. In 1977, after leaving the service they moved back to El Dorado where he began a 28-year career at Great Lakes Chemical Company. One of his greatest passions outside of work was motorcycles. This led him into ministry with the Christian Motorcyclist Association. He served as a local chapter president and area representative. While preaching at CMA events he was called into full time ministry at Knowles Baptist Church in Strong. He has faithfully served as pastor at Knowles for the past 16 years. People in his church family and those he came in contact with describe Tommy as a positive, welcoming, and accepting man of God. He was asked to participate in countless weddings, funerals, and other special events and mission projects by many of his friends and family. Family was very important to Tommy. He spent many weekends preparing for deer season with his son, Matthew and enjoyed taking his grandkids hunting. One of the grandkids favorite memories was going to a firework stand with Pappaw. He would let them pick out anything they wanted and let them shoot anytime they came for a visit. He also enjoyed sitting on the porch watching the grandkids play or drive circles around the yard on his golf cart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Travis and Sylvia Nash. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Trisha Nash; sons, Brian (Monica) Nash and Matthew (Ashley) Nash; grandchildren, Drew Martin, Kailey Nash, Garrett Martin, Lex Nash, Mattie Nash, Brett Nash, and Presley Nash; sisters, Kathy (Doby) Dopson and Tammie Womack. He also leaves countless special extended family, friends, and children who called him Pappaw. God used Tommy to touch and change many lives, and lead numerous people to the Lord. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Knowles Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Knowles Baptist Church followed by Interment at Center Point Cemetery under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Memorial Donations may be made to Center Point Cemetery or Knowles Baptist Church at 467 Old Strong Hwy El Dorado, AR 71730. Online condolences at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com

Evangelist and pastor, Reverend Paul Edward Jackson, 67, of Little Rock, Arkansas, gloriously graduated to Heaven on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022. He is survived by his wife Kathy Jackson; sons, Matthew Paul and Micah Daniel Jackson; their wives, Shannon Reep Jackson and Raelee Toye Jackson; grandchildren, Luciana and Max Jackson, and brothers Brent and Timothy Jackson and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Johnny Joe and Hilda Carlene Jackson; older brother, Johnny Joe Jackson Jr., and first-born grandchild, Gabriella Grace Jackson. Paul was born May 30, 1954, in Dallas, Texas. Over the next 67 years, his life was a powerful testimony of what God can do with a heart that’s surrendered to Him. He had the privilege to lead hundreds of thousands of people to faith in Jesus Christ during his more than four decades in full-time ministry. Also, a gifted singer, musician and songwriter, Paul recorded multiple albums and was honored through the years as dozens and dozens of his songs were recorded by other Christian artists. Paul was also deeply devoted to his family. He was a faithful husband of 49 years as well as a loving father and grandfather. Paul also enjoyed fishing, golfing, and supporting the Arkansas Razorbacks, New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys and Boston Celtics. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7, at 2 p.m. at The Summit Church located at 6600 Crystal Hill Road in North Little Rock.

Beverly Jean Childs Jones was born October 21, 1927 in Cullman, Alabama to Myrtle and Charlie Childs. After graduating from Cullman High School in 1945, she entered Auburn University in the Fall and graduated in December 1948. She met Jamie Jones at Auburn and they married in December 1947. They moved to Fayetteville Arkansas in 1951 when Jamie was hired to be the Director of the Baptist Student Union. They joined First Baptist Church and remained there, serving with various committees, and active in Sunday School, Training Union, and Women’s Missionary Union. She taught school in Springdale from 1968-1971 and in Fayetteville from 1971-1989. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Jamie L. Jones Jr., her parents, one sister, Nell Johnson. She is survived by her children Jamie L Jones III and wife Ceal of Little Rock, Arkansas, Suzanne Schwartz of Conway, Arkansas, Charles Russell “Rusty” Jones and wife Charlotte of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Cynthia “Cindy” Rush and husband Mike of Conway, Arkansas, Nancy Beahm and husband Paul of Rogers, Arkansas; one brother, Wendell Childs of Rome, Georgia; 11 grandchildren, Hali Jones, Kakki Jones, Alison, husband Justin Perez, Aaron Schwartz, Adam Jones and London Biggerstaff, Nathan Jones, wife JaneAnn, Rachel, husband Jordan Wimpy, Hannah, husband Chris Burt, Rebekah, husband Josh Thacker, Jamie Ellen, husband Eric Carden, and Madeline Jones. 16 great grandchildren, Madison Jones, Sela Grace Perez, Adelle Perez, Elise Perez, Makaleigh Thacker, Jocelyn Thacker, Kiersten Thacker, Adalynn Jones, Grady Jones, Vivie Carden, Josephine Carden, Thrasher Ready, Jackson Jones, Wyatt Jones, Shea Jones, James Burt and many other relatives and friends. Memorial Service 11:00 am Saturday April 23, 2022 at First Baptist Church Fayetteville. There will be a private committal at the Fayetteville National Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty at https://bjconline.org or First Baptist Church Fayetteville, 20 East Dickson Street, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com

HAROLD MITCHELL, 85, was born October 24, 1936 in Pine Bluff, Ark., to F. Harold and Reba Lee Adams Mitchell. He departed this earth April 13, 2022. He was pre-deceased by his parents and a brother, William F. (Bill) Mitchell. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Rene Boschetti Mitchell; three children, Reade Mitchell (Carla Koen), Little Rock, Molly Beasley (Jason) Richmond, Va. and Amy Sims (Robert), Maumelle; four grandchildren; Aidan Beasley, Taylor Rene Beasley, Kelsey Beasley and Emily Koone; A sister, Margaret Ann Mitchell Murchison (Rodger) of Augusta, Ga., nieces and nephews, as well as countless “spiritual” children from all over the world. Harold was born and raised in Pine Bluff, in the idyllic “Happy Days.” He was friendly and had many friends. His love for music led him into the Jr. and Sr. High School bands, where he played the French horn, served as drum major and was noted for spectacular twirling of fire batons. He continued exhibiting his twirling skills as drum major of the Reddie marching band at Henderson State Teachers College where he did his pre-dental studies. From there he attended the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in Memphis where he obtained his DDS Degree. While there, he married his childhood sweetheart, Rene Boschetti. After graduation and three years of military service at Ft. Dix, N.J., he was in private dental practice in Pine Bluff for 11 years. From the marriage issued an incredibly blessed and long life together, producing three children, taking them into an ever-deepening spiritual life which led them to life and ministry in a number African countries and the Indian Ocean Islands. In preparation for missionary service he studied at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Harold’s dental skills and musical gift with the French horn gave him many ministry opportunities. His always active wit caused him to give himself the nick-name, “the horn of Africa.” While in Africa Harold served in a number of capacities, including conducting bush dental clinics, leader of the International Baptist Church of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and clinical instructor at the Muhimbili Medical Center there. Harold maintained his heart for service after retiring from Africa. He was pastor of Second Baptist Church in Pine Bluff and associate pastor at Eastside Baptist Church. He became involved in the KAIROS prison ministry, and served as chaplain at Randal Williams Correctional Institution in Pine Bluff. Harold was a life-long member of First Baptist Church, Pine Bluff, where he served as Sunday School teacher, deacon and Boy Scout leader. In recent years he worked with youth at First Baptist, Maumelle, and was a member of the Rock of Ages Sunday School class. It has been said that a life well lived brings its own rewards. Harold would agree that he was rich indeed with countless blessings from his beloved Lord Jesus. A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to: International Mission Board, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Va., 23233.

James “Bill” William Holland was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 3, 2022. He was born January 9, 1959, in San Antonio, Texas. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and a decorated veteran of the United States Air Force, serving thirty-two years retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant of the 93rd Bomb Squadron. Most importantly, he was believer in Christ. His faith and sense of humor was a gift and light to all who knew him. He previously pastored Riverside Baptist Church in Donaldson. Bill was preceded in death by his father, Wendell J. W. “Jim” Holland of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Survivors are his wife of forty-five years, Debbie Holland of Donaldson, Arkansas; sons, Jerry Holland and wife, Amy of Durant, Oklahoma, Nathan Holland and wife, Julie of Claremore, Oklahoma; mother, Mary Elizabeth Bruton of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Tammy Guttry of Kissimmee, Florida; brothers, Robert Perez of Gilroy, California, Ricky Perez of San Antonio, Texas, John Holland of Dallas, Texas and Matthew Holland of Hartville, Missouri; granddaughters, Taylor Holland of Claremore, Oklahoma, Emma Holland of Claremore, Oklahoma, Kamryn Holland of Durant, Oklahoma, Addison Holland of Claremore, Oklahoma, Mary Beth Holland of Durant, Oklahoma and Macy Holland of Claremore, Oklahoma. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Social Hill First Baptist Church. Memorial service will be at 2:00 PM Thursday, April 7th at Social Hill First Baptist Church. Military honors will be rendered at the conclusion of the service. Memorials may be made to Social Hill First Baptist Church Building Fund 25432 Hwy. 84 Malvern, AR. 72104.

Nancy Lee Stringer Hall went home to be with the Lord on March 10, 2022. Nancy was born on August 22, 1930, the youngest of nine children born to Guy Earl and Effie Knowles Stringer. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Little Rock, the Ruth Sunday School Class, and SAGA. Nancy also spent several years with the ministry at the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home at Monticello. She was educated in the public schools of Arkansas and spent most of her career at various financial institutions. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by her husband, Norman Russell Hall. Survivors include nephews, Wayne Cullins of Hot Springs, Bruce Cullins of East End and Arnold Stringer of Pine Bluff; three nieces, Barbara Taylor of Amity, Shirley Bennett of Cabot, and Mona Clark of East End. Graveside services will be 2:00pm, Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Sheridan Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Baptist Foundation, Nursing Scholarship Fund, the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home’s, or the Pulaski County Humane Society.

Rev. Johnny A. Green, 89, of Wynne, Arkansas, passed from this walk of life on Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Wynne. He was born on February 6, 1933, in Trumann, Arkansas, to Allen Green and Minnie Lock. Bro. Johnny served our country for three years in the United States Army. He was united in marriage to Frances E. Aston on January 18, 1953, in Arlington, Virginia and together they celebrated over sixty-nine years of marriage. Bro. Johnny was an ordained Southern Baptist minister who served faithfully in pastoral work as well as spending several years as an evangelist. He traveled many miles preaching the gospel message throughout the United States, Africa, Korea, and Argentina, and pastored churches in Arkansas and Oklahoma. After retiring from evangelism he continued serving as interim pastor in several churches and lastly served as Associate Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Wynne. He also served as chaplain of Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department and the Cross County Sheriff’s Department, as well as bailiff for Cross County Sheriff’s Department. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Frances Green of Wynne, Arkansas; son and daughter in law, Steven A. and Annette Green of Arlington, Tennessee; daughter, Kathy Wallace of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas; daughters and son in laws, Carol and David Hunter of Soddy Daisy, Tennessee and Kay and Kenneth Holland of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas; ten grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Green and Minnie Lock, brothers, Irvin Lawrence, James Lawrence and Bill Lawrence, sister, Arnetti Ragland, and son in law, Jr.Wallace. A Funeral Service will be Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. at the Trinity Baptist Church in Wynne, Arkansas with Dr. David Hunter officiating. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow the service in the Arkansas State Veteran Cemetery in Birdeye, Arkansas at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Trinity Baptist Church, P O Box 156, Wynne, Arkansas 72396 or the church or charity of your personal choice.

Mary Shambarger, age 86, passed away Sunday February 27, 2022, in Rogers, Arkansas. She was born March 6,1935 in Morrilton, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Jake Shambarger. Mary was born and raised in Morrilton, Arkansas., by her parents, Clifford, and Emma Lee Stobaugh. After graduating from Morrilton High School, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Louisiana State University, later earning her master’s from the University of Arkansas. Mary’s first teaching job was at Cassville High School in Missouri, where she met her husband, the late Dr. Jake Shambarger, a basketball coach. As newlyweds, the two moved to Walnut Ridge, Ark., to teach at Williams Baptist College, where they remained for six years before moving on to Ouachita Baptist University in 1966. While at Ouachita, Mary formed and directed The Ouachi-Tones, an all-female choral ensemble. The group traveled and performed extensively throughout Arkansas, the U.S. and abroad, serving as ambassadors for the university. In 1991, after 25 years, she chose to restructure the group and formed The Ouachita Sounds, an ensemble combining women and men. While on faculty at OBU, Mary also served as chair of the Department of Applied Music, coordinator of voice and Arkansas governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and she was OBU’s representative for the Arkansas Women of Higher Education. At the time of her retirement from Ouachita in1998, she was the Lena Goodwin Trimble Professor of Music, emerita. The same year, the Mary Shambarger Competition for Singers was established and continues to be held on the OBU campus each February. Mary’s other professional accomplishments include producing, writing, and directing shows for Magic Springs Theme Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas; Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky; and Frontier City in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She has served as minister of music for Baptist churches in Tuckerman, Piggott and Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Mary has made investing in the lives of others her life’s work. For more than 30 years she served on the faculty of Ouachita Baptist University in the Department of Music. Mary has shown grace, leadership, integrity and faith, qualities she instilled in her students. Mary loved her Sunday school class, her book clubs, shopping, playing cards with her friends, cooking, and dining out, going to the movies, the symphony and beautiful music of all kinds. However, her greatest love was spending time with her family. Mary lived in Bentonville, Arkansas. She lived near her daughter, Susan, and son-in-law, Dr. Steve Goss (both graduates of Ouachita). She has two grandsons, Chad and his wife Ashley of Bentonville and Jake and his wife Mariah of Los Angeles, California, two sisters Martha Davis and her husband Jack of Rogers, Arkansas and Marjorie Halbert and her husband John of Nashville, Tennessee, three great grandchildren Adeline, Whit and Juno, and six nieces Joy Lynn, Debbie, Jacque, Barbie, Christy and Keri. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Bentonville, a member of Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) and the Bentonville Garden Club. Other professional affiliations include the Andante Music Club, NATS, American Choral Directors Association, Pi Kappa Lambda national music honor society, Sigma Alpha lota international music fraternity for women and the Governing Board of Opera in the Ozarks. Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday March 4, 2022, at First Baptist Church Bentonville with a reception to follow in the Family Life Center under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Rogers. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the: Tangible Truth Ministries https://www.tangibletruthministries.com/give/ Bentonville Public Library Foundation https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E252031&id=1 Ouachita Baptist University and please specify the Mary Shambarger Vocal Scholarship Fund https://obu.edu/development/give.php