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ARKANSAS CONFERENCE 2012 JOURNAL
H. MEMOIRS
The Memoirs Secretary is
Carole Teague, 125 Grapevine, Conway, AR 72034
Associate Secretaries include:
LaDonna Busby, Jim Tarkington, and Rev. David Moose.
Contact the Memoirs Secretary with any additions or corrections.
This section is normally limited to the memoirs of clergy, clergy spouses,
diaconal ministers and spouses of diaconal ministers.
The deadline for receiving memoirs this year
was set by the worship committee planning the memorial service.
In the performance of duty and in the service of Christ, the great Captain of our Salvation, they lived,
and one by one they finished their work and entered into that rest that remaineth to the people of God.
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Our Honored Dead
“Servant of God, well done! Thy glorious warfare’s past;
the battle’s fought, the race is won, and thou art crowned at last...
“The Conqueror Crowned” by Charles Wesley, 1701 - 1788
Reverend Russell Murphy Bailey
Shirley Simpson Burleson
Marie McIlroy Burrow
Reverend John Robert Chapman
Lois Elizabeth Elmore Clayton
Reverend H. Gaylan Cope
Reverend Britt Cordell
Reverend Gerald W. Dewlen
Lola M. Ford
Reverend Wilton J. Goudeaux
Reverend Jerry A. Hall
Reverend H. E. ‘Eddy’ Howell
Reverend Dr. George Franklin Ivey
Helen Porter Johnson
Reverend Terry Mann
Reverend Byron Luster McSpadden
Reverend Gerald Fay Myers
Reverend Rodney Meredith Patterson Jr.
Henrietta Orene Penney
Reverend Jerry Amos Pulliam
Reverend Morton Harlin Shelton
Reverend William J. Stroud
Delma Kate White Watson
Reverend Don Russell Williams
Roella Alma Williams
Lora Lafaye Teeter Woods
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†††
REVEREND Russell Murphy Bailey
Rev. Russell Murphy Bailey, 74, passed away on January 22,
2012, at his home in Lewisville. He was born May 28, 1937, in El
Dorado, to Russell Victor Bailey and Johnnie Mabel Hood Bailey.
He served in the Marine Corps for ten years, including being on
President John F. Kennedy’s honor guard. He met and married
Peggy while in Washington D.C. Upon leaving the service, he
worked as a coal miner in West Virginia for eight years. His uncle
Rev. Harold Bailey called him in West Virginia to encourage him
to return to Arkansas and work toward becoming a Methodist minister. They moved to Arkansas and Russell
graduated from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and Memphis School of Theology in Memphis, Tennessee.
An ordained elder, he served at churches for 35 years, including Lake City/Lakeview, the Bono Parish, Tyronza/
Centerview, Weiner/Fisher, Marvell/Lexa, Lewisville/Buckner, Gillett and back to Lewisville.
He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Peggy A. Bailey; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra Johnson and
her husband Ted of Hazen; and Sharon Thompson and her husband Raymond of Stamps; and three granddaughters,
Heather Johnson, Melissa Johnson and Shannon Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents and one
son, William Victor Bailey.
A celebration service was held February 3, 2012, at First UMC Lewisville with the Rev. Ron Eldridge,
District Superintendent Rev. C. E. McAdoo, Rev. David Orr, Rev. John Collier, Rev. Keith Goza, and Rev. Jerry
Pulliam officiating. Russell was cremated and his ashes placed in a family plot.
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Shirley Simpson Burleson
Shirley Simpson Burleson, 81, spouse of retired clergy Rev. Clint
D. Burleson of North Little Rock, passed away February 24, 2012, after
a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born October 26,
1930, to Melvin and Rose Simpson in Little Rock. She graduated from
Little Rock High School and attended Little Rock Junior College and
Hendrix College. She was baptized, confirmed and married in Asbury
UMC in Little Rock. She and Clint married between Hendrix and
Perkins and she accompanied him to Dallas for seminary. They served
all over Arkansas in the years following seminary, including Lakewood
UMC- North Little Rock, West Memphis, Oak Forest, Camden, and three
districts: Paragould, Jonesboro, and Little Rock.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Betty Simpson Pierce; a daughter, Lucy Horton;
and a son-in-law, Richard Hall. She is survived by her husband, Clint Burleson; daughter, Katie Hall of Union
City, Tennessee; son, David Burleson and his wife Angela; and son-in-law Terry Horton. She is also survived
by nine grandchildren; Amanda Hall Addison, Stephanie Hall, Andrew Hall, Matthew Horton, Amber Horton,
Lindsey Horton, Alyssa Burleson, Lexie Burleson and Leah Burleson.
Shirley was a member of Lakewood UMC and the George Martin Sunday School Class. She was a consummate preacher’s wife and was involved in churches across Arkansas. As Shirley endured the early stages of
Parkinson’s, she was a leader of the disabilities support group at the Oasis Renewal Center. In recent years, she
enjoyed making crafts and giving these “serendipities” to friends and family.
A memorial service was held at Lakewood UMC in North Little Rock on February 29, 2012, officiated by
Rev. Richard Lancaster. Following cremation, her ashes were buried at Vilonia Cemetery.
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Marie McIlroy Burrow
Marie McIlroy Burrow, 92, surviving spouse of Rev. Ray Burrow,
passed away February 17, 2012, at Lakeside Nursing Center in Lake City,
AR. Marie was born December 13, 1919, in Randolph County to Elmo
Murray and Della Graham McIlroy. She grew up on a farm near Eleven
Point River between Ravenden Springs and Pocahontas. Her father died
when she was ten years old. Her mother owned dairy cows and taught school.
Marie graduated from Pocahontas High School and attended Arkansas State
in Jonesboro for two years. She met Ray at Arkansas State where they both
worked in the cafeteria.
Over the years she was active in the UMW and Garden Clubs. She was an excellent seamstress and taught
her daughters to sew. She loved to read and always had a book nearby.
Marie and Ray served Pleasant Plains, Leonard, Mammoth Springs, Weiner, Nettleton, Bay, Joiner, Decatur,
Murfreesboro, Stephens, Arkadelphia, and Tyronza. Ray preached at the Maynard Circuit for 19 years in retirement.
They lived on a farm near Eleven Point River. She moved to a nursing home in October of 2011.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William Ray Burrow; two brothers, E.M. McIlroy
and James McIlroy; and two sons-in-law, Gale Clark and Robert Holt. She is survived by four daughters, Alee
Clark of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Laura and her husband Morris McMillon of Bentonville, AR; Patricia and
husband Bob Harlan of Jonesboro, AR; and Nancy and husband Russell Hall of Lake City, AR. Her grandchildren
include Doug McMillon and Lori Haynie of Bentonville, David McMillon of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Robert Holt of
North Little Rock, Amanda Watlington of Jonesboro, Melissa Harlan of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Terry Hall of Lake
City, and Jill Wolf of Jonesboro.
Funeral services were held February 20, 2012, in the Chapel of McNabb Funeral Home in Pocahontas with
Rev. N. Wayne Clark and Rev. Heath Williams officiating. Burial followed in the Masonic Cemetery.
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REVEREND John Robert Chapman
Rev. John Robert Chapman, 92, of Quitman, Arkansas, passed
away June 26, 2011, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
in Little Rock. The son of the late Jasper and Lucy Hicks Chapman, he
was born in Cleburne County, Arkansas, on September 28, 1918.
A retired elder in the United Methodist Church, he faithfully served
in several Arkansas churches including RoseBud, Cherry Valley, Holly
Grove, Cabot, Van Buren, Brinkley, Marked Tree, Tuckerman, Batesville
Central Avenue, and Greers Ferry. His kind and loving personality
endeared him to those he served.
He is survived by his wife, Gretchen L. Nelson Chapman of
Quitman; three sons, Robert L. Chapman and his wife Vickey Ann of Farmersville, Texas; Nelson H. Chapman
and his wife Linda J Chapman of Commerce, Texas; and Larry E. Chapman and his wife Janice M. Chapman
of Quitman; eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is also survived by
other relatives and his many friends.
Funeral services were held on June 29, 2011, with the Rev. John Miles officiating. Internment followed
in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Grandsons Robert Dale Chapman, Richard Chapman, Keith Chapman,
Kyle Chapman, Michael Chapman, Steven Chapman and Mark Chapman served as pallbearers.
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†††
Lois Elizabeth Elmore Clayton
Lois Elizabeth Elmore Clayton, 100, died February 13, 2012. She was
born October 19, 1911, in Magnolia, Arkansas. She was the youngest of
eight children born to Dr. and Mrs. A.B. Elmore. She graduated from high
school and college in Magnolia. She taught tap dancing and expression
and for many years was an elementary school teacher. She married her
childhood sweetheart, John Ralph Clayton, on June 12, 1933. Together
they shared over 50 years in the Methodist ministry in Arkansas. Lois
served in many capacities, including children’s education and music ministry. She was the consummate hostess
and a loving, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years and a grandson, John Michael Clayton. She is survived
by her children: Rev. Mike Clayton and his wife, Ann, of Benton; and Anna Carolyn Bradley and husband Bob
of Little Rock; grandchildren: Dr. Rob Bradley (Christy), Greg Bradley (Patti), Neil Bradley (Mary), Shelley
Gentry (Brooks) and Beth Clayton (Patricia); and great-grandchildren, Justin, Jessica, Rebecca, Tyler, Alex and
Victoria Bradley, and Clayton and Sterling Gentry. She was joyful and had a positive outlook. She loved music
and she loved people.
A celebration of Lois’s life was held at Trinity United Methodist church on February 16, 2012, with Rev.
Betsy Singleton officiating. Her son Rev. Michael Clayton spoke for the family and her granddaughter Beth
Clayton, a professional opera singer, sang “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” which was Lois’s favorite hymn. Burial
was at Rest Hills Cemetery in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
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REVEREND H. Gaylan Cope
Rev. H. Gaylan Cope, 73, of Booneville passed away January
15, 2012, at home. He was born April 21, 1938, in Granby, Missouri,
a son of Harry and Virginia Cope. He graduated from Laura Speed
Elliott High School in Boonville, Missouri, in 1957; graduated from
the University of Missouri with a B.A. in political science and history
in 1961; and a Master of Divinity and Theology in 1980 from St. Paul
School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri. He moved to Arkansas
in 1982. On December 23, 1989, he married Suzanne Sims.
He served in the Army National Guard. He served as an ordained
elder in the United Methodist Church for 35 years in congregations in Arkansas and Missouri, including Mena,
Rector, St. Paul in Searcy, Wesley in Springdale, and Lincoln. After retirement in 2005 he continued to serve as
the pastor of Washburn United Methodist Church in Washburn, Arkansas, until his death. Gaylan devoted his
life to the service of others and was dearly loved by family and friends.
Survivors include his wife Suzanne; four brothers, Greg Cope and his wife Connie of Omaha, Nebraska,
Reggie Cope and his wife Ellen, Danny Cope and his wife Mary, all of Sedalia, Missouri, and Jonathan Cope
and his wife Julia of Springfield, Missouri; two daughters,, Debbie Williams of Blue Springs, Missouri and
Lisa Middlebrooks and her husband, Tom, of Springfield, Missouri; two stepsons; five grandchildren; and two
step-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on January 21 at First United Methodist Church Booneville, AR, with Revs.
Sam Williams Jr and Gerald Hollaway officiating.
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†††
REVEREND Britt Cordell
Rev. Britt Cordell, retired elder, passed away on September
21, 2011, at the age of 96. He was born in Beebe on April 25,
1914, to Henry and Ninnie Cordell and was raised by Edward and
Emily Cordell. He served in ministry for 65 years. He served
churches in several states, including Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri,
South Dakota, Iowa and Arkansas. In Arkansas he served the
churches at Conway-Wesley, Mayflower, Charleston, Van Buren,
Waldron, Springdale-Wesley, Vilonia, Harmony, Ola, Ward, Austin
and Floyd.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Velma; his parents; five brothers; two sons, Lonnie and
Francis; one son-in-law, Don Juhnke; and a great-grandson Phillip McCormick. He is survived by two daughters,
Carolyn Juhnke of Springdale and Sharon Albert and her husband Cliff of Beebe, seven grandchildren; fourteen
great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
His funeral was held on September 24, 2011, at Antioch Community Church with Rev. Jim Gilliam and Rev.
Michel Bolin officiating. A graveside service was conducted by Rev. Russell Hull at Antioch Cemetery.
†††
REVEREND Gerald W. Dewlen
Rev. Gerald W. Dewlen, age 95, died on November 16,
2011, in Normal, Illinois due to natural causes. He is survived by
his wife of 75 years, Kathleen Barkley Dewlen, a son Layne and
daughter, Jeane, four grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was born in Cicero, Indiana, July 29, 1916, the son of Noah
Dewlen and Harriet Smith Dewlen. He spent 40 years pastoring
Assemblies of God churches across Indiana and Illinois and 8
years in United Methodist Churches in Arkansas. These churches
in Arkansas included Mena/Shady Grove, Mountain View Circuit,
Pangburn, and Newark. He retired in 1982.
A memorial service was held at Southside Assembly of God Church, in Lakeland, Florida on November
23, 2011, followed by a graveside service at Lakeland Memorial Gardens.
“Jesus said unto her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he life, and whosoever
liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
John 11: 25-26
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†††
Lola M. Ford
Lola M. Ford, 84, wife of Rev. James Ford of Norphlet, passed
away March 19, 2012, at Timberland Health and Rehabilitation in El
Dorado. She was born June 8, 1927, in Cedar Glades , the youngest of
three children to Clarence Caldwell and Ellie Pitts Caldwell. She taught
elementary school in the public school systems at Taylor, El Dorado,
Hampton, Camden and Norphlet. In her retirement she served many
years as a volunteer at Medical Center of South Arkansas. Her greatest
earthly treasure was her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Elsie Williams of Pekin, Illinois; and one brother,
Elster Caldwell of Ada, Oklahoma. She is survived by her husband James of 67 years, three daughters and sonsin-law, Karen and Ricky Evans of Calion, Linda and Cecil Polk of Norphlet and Diane and Denny Barrett of
Searcy; six grandchildren: Schelley Covas and her husband Jose; Bud Evans and his wife Terri; Brandon Polk
and his wife, Kerri: Chris Polk and his wife, Melissa; Raegan Jordan and her husband Brent; and Rane Barrett;
12 great-grandchildren: Caylie Covas, Evan Covas, Tripp Evans, Tucker Evans, Creighton Polk, Hayes Polk,
Mathis Poik, J.T. Polk, Mitchell Polk, Ryan Polk, Barrett Jordan and Ryleigh Jordan; several nieces and nephews;
many friends, and the loving staff at Timberland Health and Rehabilitation
The Rev. Zach Roberts officiated at the celebration of her life held on March 21 at Norphlet United Methodist
Church, where she was a longtime member. Interment followed in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Grandsons
and great-grandsons served as pallbearers.
†††
REVEREND Wilton J. Goudeaux
Rev. Wilton J. Goudeaux, Jr., 77, of Joiner, passed away February 20,
2012. He was born July 10, 1934 in Joiner, the son of Wilton Joseph and
Jessie Mae Hayes Goudeaux. He graduated from Joiner’s Shawnee High
School and received his BSE from Arkansas State University.
He became a teacher and taught Social Studies. He was an assistant
football coach and later coached a peewee basketball team. He also worked
with the Boy Scouts. He married Doris Jean Ammons. They had two sons,
Wilton III and John Paul, both who live in Nashville, Tennessee.
Wilton gave up teaching and went into the ministry. He attended the
five year course of study and became an Associate Member of the Arkansas Conference. He served at churches
across the state from 1977 through 2005, including Christ Yarbro, Holly Grove, Shiloh, Jasper, Valley View,
Bellefonte, Elaine, Calico Rock, St. Francis and Bay Village. He retired in 1997. Wilton was an avid fisherman,
and in his younger years was a skydiver and a scuba diver. Doris preceded him in death in August of 2005 as
did his daughter, Pamela Goudeaux.
A memorial service was held on March 24 at Joiner United Methodist Church after he was cremated. Rev.
Janice Williams, the pastor at Joiner, officiated.
“For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!”
“For All The Saints” by William Walsham How, 1823 - 1897
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†††
REVEREND Jerry Alvin Hall
Rev. Jerry Alvin Hall, 69, of West Memphis, Arkansas, died May
22, 2012, in Memphis. He was born on October 27, 1942, in Blytheville,
the son of Hassell and Bessie Ledbetter Hall. The family moved to
Osceola where Jerry attended school.
He was a retired Riverboat Pilot Captain and a part-time local
pastor at Farm Hill United Methodist Church. He had been an active
member of the West Memphis First United Methodist Church and had
previously served as pastor of Keiser and Wilson Charge
He is survived by his wife Geneva Hall; three sons, Benji Hall of Marion, Arkansas, Joey Hall of Marion,
Arkansas, and Tommy Hall of West Memphis, Arkansas; one daughter, Lynn Dawson of Southaven, Mississippi;
seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
His funeral service was held on May 24, 2012, at West Memphis First United Methodist Church with Rev.
David Moseley, Dr. Bob Burnham, and Rev. David Moose officiating.
Interment followed at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, Arkansas.
†††
REVEREND H. E. ‘EddY’ Howell
Rev. H. E. ‘Eddy’ Howell, 65, retired United Methodist local
pastor of Conway, passed away at the Veterans Hospital in Little
Rock on May 21, 2012. He had undergone treatment for recurring
Lymphoma. He was born in Toltec, Arkansas, on October 21, 1946,
the son of Homer and Flossie Howell.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Brown Howell; two sons,
Matthew and Phillip; and his mother Flossie Howell Thornton, all
of Conway. He was preceded in death by his father Homer (Billie)
Howell. Eddy grew up on a small farm with his parents at Toltec. He graduated from England High School in
1964. He attended the England School District for 12 years because his mother taught Home Economics there.
He was baptized at the Toltec Baptist Church as a teen. His preaching career began in the 1960s while he was
still in high school. After serving his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War, Eddy received a Bachelor of
Arts and a Masters Degree in music from the University of Central Arkansas. While being a Minister of Music,
he managed the campus bookstore in Conway. He became a Baptist preacher. Later in life, he switched from
the Baptist ministry to the United Methodist ministry. In the United Methodist Church he served at Bayou Meto/
Lodges Corner, Dover, Gravelly/Bluffton, and Ola/Plainview. He retired in 2009.
Eddy tuned pianos everywhere he went. He was a 32nd degree Mason. He frequently volunteered his
carpentry skills to help build or repair things at civic organizations or churches. Eddy was not only a good man
and loving husband and father, but he was also a good son. His funeral was held at the Harris Funeral Home
in Morrilton on May 24, 2012, with Rev. David Hoffman officiating. Burial was held at Elmwood Cemetery
in Morrilton.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters..” Psalms 23: 1-2
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REVEREND Dr. George Franklin Ivey
Rev. Dr. George Franklin Ivey, 94, died September 29, 2011,
at Arkansas Hospice following a long illness. Born on October 12,
1916, in Graceville, Florida, he was a graduate of Alabama State
College and John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He
received his Masters and Ph.D. in Family Counseling from Florida
State University and an honorary Doctor of Divinity from John Brown.
He did postgraduate work at Harvard and Princeton Universities and
attended seminary at Southern Methodist and Southwestern Universities.
He served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, including combat postings in the
South Pacific and the Philippines, and reached the rank of Major. Dr. Ivey entered the Methodist Conference in
Abilene, Texas in 1938 and served several churches in west Texas before becoming vice-president of Centenary
College in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Ivey had served First United Methodist Churches in Springdale, Camden, Hot Springs, and Fort Smith.
He had also been District Superintendent of the Fort Smith District. He retired from the ministry in 1981 but
continued as a sought-after speaker for another decade. Dr. Ivey received numerous honors during his long career,
including being selected to deliver the sermon at the Easter Sunrise Service at Arlington National Cemetery in
1979 and 1980.
He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Doris; a son David of Fredericksburg, Virginia; two granddaughters,
Patty Landry of Little Rock and Jennifer Farrar of Locust Grove, Virginia, and four great-granddaughters. His
elder son, G. Frank Jr. of Little Rock, died in 2010. Dr. Ivey is also survived by a brother, Charles Edward Ivey,
of Graceville, Florida.
A Service of Resurrection was held on October 3 at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock with
internment at the St. James UMC Columbarium. The Reverend Siegfried Johnson officiated.
†††
Helen Porter Johnson
Helen Porter Johnson, 89, surviving spouse of Rev. Robert W.
Johnson, was released from years of suffering from Alzheimer’s into
the hands of Jesus on Friday, October 14. She was born December 22,
1921, in Harrell, Arkansas, to Bertha Hines and Walter Porter. Helen
was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband of almost
67 years, and all three of her sisters. She is survived by three children,
six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and
nephews. Her family includes daughter Becky Johnson Kossover
(Jerry) of Little Rock, son Robert W. “Bob” Johnson (Kathy) of Powder
Springs, Georgia, and son Keith Johnson (Debbie) of Collierville,
Tennessee. Surviving grandchildren include Mark (Andrea) Johnson with four daughters of Memphis, Tennessee;
Angela (Todd) Dodge with two sons of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Kara (Jeremy) Myers with a daughter and
son and Russ (Cathi) Johnson and two sons all of Marietta, Georgia; Ashley Johnson of Nashville, Tennessee;
and Erin (Adam) Anglin of Denver, Colorado.
Helen went from a farm girl to being an army wife, a farmer’s wife and ultimately became the consummate
Methodist pastor’s wife in 1952. During that time, she and Robert lived in McRae, Plummerville, Melbourne,
Murfreesboro, Little Rock, Salem, Benton, Stamps, Pine Bluff, Marysville, Springhill and Bearden. She completed
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her degree at then Monticello A&M and taught 28 years in numerous Arkansas schools.
After retirement, Robert and Helen built a home near Hampton, Arkansas. They spent 17 happy years there
before moving to Little Rock in 1999. Soon after, Helen was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and life began to change.
Though committed to taking care of her, Robert predeceased her in February of 2010. She remained smiling and
sweet but her family celebrates her reunion with Robert and her loving God whom she faithfully served.
A Celebration of Life service was held at Trinity United Methodist Church followed by a graveside service
at Pinecrest Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Betsy Singleton Snyder.
†††
REVEREND Terry Mann
Rev. Terry Mann, age 51, died September 29, 2011, at his home
after a long battle with cancer. He was born on October 10, 1959, the
son of Eugene and Marie Mann of Saffell, Arkansas.
Terry graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from
Henderson State University and graduated with his Master of Divinity
Degree from Memphis Theological Seminary in Memphis, TN. Terry
served as minister of First United Methodist Church of Stamps, AR.
He had previously served several communities in southern and eastern
Arkansas through his 21 years of pastoral service to the Lord. Terry’s
ordination in another denomination was recognized by the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church.
He was a beloved Christian, Minister, Mentor, Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle and Friend.
Survivors include his wife Vicki Mann and son William of the home; daughter, Gracie Mann of Glendale,
Oregon; his parents; brothers Mark Mann (Joyce) of Jonesboro and David Mann (Kathy) of Longview, Texas;
three step-children, Tera Morgan of Lynn, Arkansas, Joshua Walker and Jacob Huskey of Jonesboro, Arkansas,
and many loved ones and friends. Preceding him in death was his sister Brenda Mann Jones.
Funeral service was held October 2 at Emerson Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro officiated by Brother
Fred Dover and Brother Don Vuncannon.
†††
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place.
When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory!
While we walk the pilgrim pathway, Clouds will overspread the sky;
But when trav’ling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day;
Just one glimpse of Him in glory, Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open; We shall tread the streets of gold.
“When We All Get to Heaven” by Eliza E. Hewitt
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†††
REVEREND Byron Luster McSpadden
Rev. Byron Luster McSpadden, 94, died December 23,
2011, at Batesville in a nursing home. He was born September
6, 1917, at Bethesda, Arkansas. His parents were George W.
and Hattie Love McSpadden. Byron attended public school
at Bethesda, Arkansas. During his young adult life he worked
on the railroad and as a farmer and woodsman. After hearing
the call to preach, he studied at Arkansas College (now Lyon
College) and graduated from Hendrix College. He married his
wife Irene in 1936 and they were married for 65 years.
He completed the Course of Study School and was ordained an elder in the Methodist Episcopal Church
South. Byron served as pastor to many churches throughout the North Arkansas Conference including Elmo and
Oil Trough, Charlotte Circuit, Greenbrier, Ola, Mountain Home Parish, Truman, Corning, Jacksonville, Marked
Tree, Forrest City, North Little Rock Gardner, Heber Springs, Moorefield and Cushman. After he retired, he and
his wife Irene Brightwell McSpadden lived in Batesville in a house he had built. They worshiped faithfully at
Central Avenue UMC in Batesville. In 2001 they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Byron had a great
love of gardening. He enjoyed woodworking and created weed pots from many varieties of wood. These pots
are now treasured by people in Arkansas and around the world. When he had to give up his lathe, he began to
create walking staffs which he donated to be sold at Mount Eagle Camp, at Wayland Springs Camp and the Old
Independence Museum as fundraisers.
Byron and Irene were the parents of two sons, Lynn and Larry McSpadden. Byron was predeceased by
his parents, his wife Irene, his brothers and sisters and several aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by son
Larry McSpadden and his wife Ginny; son Lynn McSpadden and his wife Mary Catherine, all of Mountain View;
one grandson, Brad McSpadden and his wife Tasha; two step-grandchildren, Katie and Jim Hurley; four greatgrandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law,, a brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
Graveside services were held December 27, 2011, at Bethesda Campground Cemetery with Rev. Steve
Wingo officiating. A memorial service was held January 2, 2012 at Central Avenue United Methodist Church in
Batesville with pastor Rev. Paul Seay officiating, assisted by Rev. Ed Matthews and Rev. Steve Wingo.
“Servant of God, well done!
Thy glorious warfare’s past;
the battle’s fought, the race is won,
and thou art crowned at last...
O happy, happy soul!
In ecstasies of praise, long as eternal ages roll,
Thou seest thy Saviour’s face.”
“The Conqueror Crowned” by Charles Wesley, 1701 - 1788
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†††
REVEREND GERALD FAY MYERS
Rev. Gerald Fay Myers, 72, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, formerly
of Russellville, Arkansas, passed away June 3, 2011, at Lakewood
Nursing Home after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was
a retired elder in the Arkansas Conference. The son of Fay and Mary
Kathleen Burris Myers, he was born July 26, 1938, in Russellville. He
graduated from Russellville High School with the class of 1956 and
then received his Bachelor of Arts from Bethel College in McKenzie,
Tennessee, in 1962.
While attending Bethel College he met and married the love of his life and beloved wife of 50 years, Rita
Prather Myers. He received his Master of Divinity degree in 1965 from Memphis Theological Seminary. His
first appointment was at Hampton/Harrell/Faustina Charge in Calhoun County, Arkansas. He then served at
First UMC in Hot Springs as associate to George Wayne Martin; a senior pastor of Markham UMC-Little Rock;
Carr Memorial UMC – Pine Bluff; and Portland, Wilmot and Dermott UMCs. Upon retirement in 2003 he and
Rita moved to Russellville. In 2007 they moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri, for special medical care. Myers
was a Mason and he enjoyed woodworking, especially making custom furniture and bird houses. He also loved
playing his acoustical guitar.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Myers of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; three sons, Steven Myers and his wife
Pamela of Sheridan; David Myers and his wife Amanda of Pine Bluff; and James Stanfield-Myers and wife Paige
of Lee’s Summit; two grandchildren, Whitman and Hudson Stanfield-Myers; a brother Wayne Myers and his
wife, Sue of Russellville; a sister Mary Patton and her husband Joe of Pottsville; and a sister-in-law Maryellen
Myers of Russellville. The funeral was held in the Humphrey Funeral Home in Russellville with his son Rev.
James Stanfield-Myers officiating. Burial followed at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville.
†††
REVEREND RODNEY MEREDITH PATTERSON, JR.
Rev. Rodney Meredith Patterson Jr., 66, retired local pastor, died
on November 5, 2011, in Fort Smith. He was born November 6, 1944,
in Houston, Texas, to Rodney M. and ElFrieda Tietze Patterson. As a
local pastor in the United Methodist Church, he had served Cavanaugh
UMC and Hackett UMC in the Fort Smith area, St. John UMC in Hope,
Amity UMC, St. Paul UMC in Malvern and as an associate pastor at
First UMC in Ashdown.
He is survived by his wife, Judy Walker-Patterson, of Fort Smith; a
son, Michael Todd Patterson and his wife Susan of Rockland, California; a daughter, Lori Lynn and her husband,
the Rev. Keith Dodson, of Ozark; his brother, Dennis Wayne Patterson of DeQueen; and four grandchildren:
Katie Patterson, Bekah Dodson, Joshua Dodson and Andrew Patterson.
A memorial service was held on November 10 at Ozark United Methodist Church with Rev. Keith Dodson
officiating.
“Let not you hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms... And when I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that
where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3
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Henrietta Orene Penney
Henrietta Orene Penney, 95, surviving spouse of Rev. Chester
Penney, died March 19, 2012, at Evergreen Health and Rehab in Rector,
Arkansas. She was born January 22, 1917, in Oak Grove and married
Chester on December 24, 1936, in Greene County. Mrs. Penney was a
retired nurse who worked 7-1/2 years as an LPN at Arkansas Methodist
Medical Center in Paragould.
She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Eugene
Penney; one daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Tommy Clubb;
four sisters; and two brothers. Survivors include one brother, Jesse T.
Walden of Michigan; a daughter-in-law, Wanda Penney of Blytheville;
five grandchildren, Renee Tittle and husband Tommy of Jonesboro,
Scotty Penney of Blytheville, Kevin Clubb of Florida, Barry Penney
and wife Tammy of Blytheville and Julie Baker of Marmaduke.
She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Justin Beggs, Jessica Lauwers, Janae McCallister, Keelie
Baker, Kasey Baker, Peyton Clubb, Jonathan Penney, Rebecca Penney, Kaitlyn Penney and Miley Clubb; and
by one great-great-granddaughter, Josslyn Hawkins.
Funeral services were held on March 22, 2012, at Marmaduke First Baptist Church with Kim Bridges and
Wayne Baldwin officiating. Burial followed in Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke.
†††
REVEREND Jerry A. Pulliam
Rev. Jerry Amos Pulliam, 70, of Lewisville, passed away Tuesday,
Feb. 14, 2012, at a local hospital.
He was born July 14, 1941, in Pocahontas, to Amos and Marguerite
Pulliam. He was a graduate of Biggers-Reyno High School, Arkansas
State University and Emory University of Atlanta, Ga. He was a proud
veteran of the United States Air Force. He served for 42 years as a pastor
in the United Methodist Church, with appointments in Van Buren, Kibler,
Jacksonville, Greenbrier, Springdale, Fort Smith, Black Rock, Lynn,
Powhatan, Alma, Mountain View, Tuckerman, Swifton, Blytheville, Lewisville, Buckner, Taylor and Stamps.
He was a dedicated member of the Lions Club since 1986, and held numerous positions including Zone
Chairman, Region Chair, Vice District Governor, District Governor, and Council Chair of the Board of Governors.
He was on the Board of Trustees for the Mid-South Sight and Hearing Services in Memphis, Tenn., serving as
third vice-president. He was recently awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.
He was preceded in death by his father, one brother and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Pulliam
of Lewisville; his mother, Marguerite Pulliam of Jonesboro; a son, Mark Pulliam and his wife, Crystal, of Alma;
three daughters, Sarah Carroll and her husband, James, of Dallas, Texas; Leslie Beauregard of Hollywood, Md.;
and Barbara Gourd-Shaw and her husband, Henry, of Muldrow, Okla.; nine grandchildren, Jarek and Miranda
Pulliam, Katherine, Kaitlin and Nicolas Rodriguez, Monica and Sabrina Beauregard and Dustin and Kali Shaw;
two-great grandchildren, Morgan and James Shaw; two sisters, Betty Luter of Clinton, S.C., and Peggy Walker
of Weiner; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on February 18, at Lewisville United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Ron
Eldridge, Mark Lasater and C.E. McAdoo officiating. Members of the Lewisville Lions Club served as pallbearers
and honorary pallbearers.
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REVEREND Morton Harlin Shelton
Rev. Morton Harlin Shelton, 84, retired United Methodist
associate member, died on December 28, 2011, at his residence
in Piggott. Harlin had Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on a farm in
the Strangers Home community near Alicia, he was one of eleven
children of Kelly and Ethel Shelton. He farmed until he entered
the ministry in 1978. His ministry was in the North Arkansas
Conference and he served the following charges: ImbodenSmithville, Umsted-Hope, Shiloh-Stanford, Marvell-Lexa, DeshaSouthside, Mammoth Spring and Camp. He was predeceased by
his parents, two brothers, six sisters and his first wife, Viola.
He is survived by his wife, Vondala Shelton of the home; one
son, Morton Harlin “Butch” Shelton, Jr.; two daughters, Saundra Rodriquez of Fort Worth, Texas, and Deborah
Campbell of Yellville; five stepchildren; two brothers, Ronnie Shelton of Jonesboro, and Donnie Shelton of
Springdale; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on December 31, 2011,
at Shiloh United Methodist Church, Paragould with John Sandine, Eddie Harris and David Swift officiating.
Burial was at Strangers Home Cemetery, Alicia, Arkansas.
†††
Reverend Dr. William J. Stroud
Rev. Dr. William J. Stroud, known by everyone as Bill, 75,
passed away on April 18, 2012, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He
was born March 26, 1937 in Atkins, Arkansas, the son of Joe B.
and Carrie Lee (Griffin) Stroud. He is survived by his wife, Judith
Ann (Beck) Stroud of the family home; his son, Bruce Stroud of
Alamogordo; his daughter, Annette Marie Stroud and Paul Ciszek
of Denver, Colorado; grandson, Mohammed Bellifa of Denver,
Colorado, and his brothers John Coleman Stroud of Atkins, Arkansas,
and David Lee Stroud, Sr. and wife Sandy of Pottsville, Arkansas.
While in seminary he served the Lenora UMC and the Edmond
EUB churches in Kansas. He was a teacher at the University of
Denver, Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, and Salem College in West Virginia. He became a full elder in
West Virginia In 1979. He came to North Arkansas Conference in 1980 and served the Perryville circuit, Brinkley/
Brasfield, Sylvan Hills, Osceola, and retired in 1999. He then went to serve in the East Germany Conference for
two years and moved to Denver where he served as an interim pastor at Prospect Valley UCC from 2002-2004,
and at Deer Park UMC from 2005-2007. He served one year at Las Vegas, New Mexico UMC.
Bill and Judy moved to Alamogordo in retirement. Memorial services there were held April 20 at First
Christian Church of Alamogordo. Memorial services in Atkins, Arkansas, were held on April 23 at Atkins United
Methodist Church with Rev. Rebecca Wiseman officiating. Bill was cremated and his cremains will be buried
at the Atkins Cemetery.
“From faith and hope may grow: Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry; We are marching through Immanuel’s
grounds, To fairer worlds on high.”
“Come Ye That Love the Lord,” by John Wesley, 1703-1791
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Delma Kate White Watson
Delma Kate White Watson, 87, of Fairfield Bay, wife of Rev. Ellsworth
Watson, passed away May 7, 2012, at St. Vincent Medical Center in Sherwood.
Born in Antioch, Arkansas, in White County on December 14, 1924, she was
the daughter of the late Carl Benjamin and Fannie Mae Pruitt White.
Mrs. Watson had attended a business college and worked as a secretary
and in accounting. She was a member of the Methodist Church and the United
Methodist Women. She played the piano at church services and also taught
piano students for many years.
Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Karen Witt of Cabot,
Gloria Bridges of Paragould, and Judy Foley of Ft. Smith; her sister-in-law. Thorvie Pickard of California; six
grandchildren, Michael Bridges, Jason Shaffer, Jerrod Shaffer, Michelle Dove and Alyssa Foley; and many special
great-grandchildren. She is also survived by other relatives and her many friends.
Funeral Services were held on May 11, 2012, at Holiday Hills United Methodist Church at Greers Ferry
with Rev. Dan Brand officiating. Interment followed in the Antioch Cemetery at Antioch in White County.
†††
REVEREND Don Russell Williams
Rev. Don Russell Williams, 81, retired elder of Paragould, died
February 1, 2012, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. He was the
son of Jones Ellis and Sybil Calberta Cooper Williams who preceded
him in death, along with an infant brother. He was survived by his wife,
Roella Williams of the home, who died April 21, 2012. Survivors also
include daughters and sons-in-law, Alma Rita and James Hastings of
Beech Grove, Arkansas, Rhonda Gail and David Wicker of Tomball,
Texas, Donna Roberta and Brian Williams of Paragould; brothers, David
McNeil Williams and Moyl Williams, both of Paragould; grandchildren,
Carman Slate, Adam and Ryan Saulsbury, Evan Curtis, Brian Williams
Jr. and Brionna Williams; seven great-grandchildren.
Don served the Little Rock Conference, Kansas East Conference, and back to Little Rock Conference in
1965. He was ordained elder in 1969. He went on disability in 1980 and retired in 1995. Some of the churches
he served in the Little Rock Conference are Benton Salem/Congo, Pine Bluff Good Faith/Sulphur Springs, Little
Rock Capitol View/Galloway, and the Keith Charge. He lived in Paragould in retirement and attended First
United Methodist Church-Paragould.
Funeral services were held February 3 at Heath Colonial Chapel of Paragould with Revs. David Bush and
Angie Gage officiating. Burial followed at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Paragould.
“Jesus said unto her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he life, and whosoever
liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”
John 11: 25-26
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Roella Alma Williams
Roella Alma Williams, 81, widow of Rev. Don R. Williams, died
April 21, 2012, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.
She was a homemaker and a resident of Paragould. She was preceded
in death by her husband; parents, Herman Earl and Dessie Jane Cole
Williams; two sisters and three brothers. Survivors include daughters,
Alma Rita Hastings of Beech Grove, Rhonda Gail Wicker of Tomball,
Texas, and Donna Roberta Williams of Paragould;; brother Eldon
Williams of Clever, Missouri; sisters Naomi Tritch of Marmaduke and
Glenda Rothman of Jackson, Mississippi; grandchildren, Carman Slate,
Adam and Ryan Saulsbury, Evan Curtis, Brian Williams, Jr. and Brionna
Williams, 7 great-grandchildren.
Roella was born in Gainesville, Arkansas. She grew up in Lafe,
Arkansas. She felt the call to be a missionary to China as a girl growing
up. But as it worked out, she met and married Don in 1941. Nineteen days later she led Don to be a Christian.
Their ministry began early in 1958 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Roella was such a dedicated Christian woman
who always made time for people. She knew how to listen and communicated in a loving way to always you
feel important.
After getting her GED, Roella took college courses by correspondence while Don attended seminary at St.
Paul’s School of Theology in Kansas City, Kansas. He served a church in Leavenworth at this same time. As they
served churches, mainly in Arkansas, Roella, after all, was involved with mission work. She had been an active
member of the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center Auxiliary. Don and Roella put in many years of gardening
over their 63 years of marriage. Her homemade tomato juice was addictive. She enjoyed all her family and
friends. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and bible teacher. Her family says that over the
years she left many a footprint on their hearts.
Funeral services were held at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Zach Roberts officiating. Burial followed
at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
“For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
who thee by faith before the world confessed,
thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine,
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia! Alleluia!”
“For All the Saints Who from Their Labors Rest” by William W. How, 1823-1897
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Lora Lafaye Teeter Woods
Lora Lafaye Teeter Woods, 98, surviving spouse of
Rev. Woodrow Woods, died December 2, 2011, in Conway.
She was born September 28, 1913, in Plainview, Arkansas,
to Melvin Odus and Bertha Dee Bowden Teeter. She was
predeceased by her parents, a brother Clayton; a sister Oleta;
and her husband of 62 years, Woodrow. Survivors include
three children, Katala (Bob) Sisco of Clinton, Don (Belinda)
Woods of Bryant, and Sandra Woods of Conway; sister Nina
(Roy) Taylor of Wolfforth, Texas; six grandchildren; ten greatgrandchildren.
Lora grew up on Crow Mountain, north of Pottsville
in Pope County, Arkansas. She was a member of Wesley UMC
in Conway. For over 40 years, Lora was a faithful pastor’s
wife serving churches throughout the former North Arkansas Conference. In addition to her work
in churches (many times being the pianist), the joy and focus of her life were her family and helping
others. During their ministry together, Lora and Woodrow often spent Thanksgiving and Christmas
afternoons taking food baskets to the needy. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, and reading.
Lora had a special “green thumb” and was well known for the hot rolls she baked.
A family visitation was held December 5 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Conway.
Funeral services followed on December 6 at the church with Rev. David Hoffman officiating.. Burial
was at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.
“Finish then thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee:
changed from glory into glory,
till in heaven we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.”
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” by Charles Wesley, 1701 - 1788
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