YELL County Arkansas Obits ..... and More
YELL County Obituaries
Pickens, C. B. -- Pledger Sr, Harold Odell
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C. B. Pickens, age 85, a former resident of Yell County, died at his home in Holdenville, Okla., January 3, 1952.
He is survived by one son; Earl Pickens of California; five daughters, Mrs. Joe Dean of Holdenville, Mrs. Hubert Horn of Wewoka, Okla., Mrs. Arch Shockley of Norman, Okla., Mrs. Will Stabbs and Miss Flora Pickens of Van Buren; and one brother, Sam Pickens of Dumas. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, January 17, 1952)
Don Pickens, age 64 of Danville died Thursday, July 18, 2002, at St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville. He was born August 31, 1937 in Mt. George to the late Ray O. and Macie Greenwood Pickens. He was a truck driver for Wayne Farms in Danville, a member of the Church of Christ, and a past Arkansas National Guardsman.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Sue Young Pickens.
Survivors include 2 brothers, Oliver Pickens of Dardanelle, Jim Ed Pickens of Dardanelle; 4 sisters, Bonnie Butts of Russellville, Loyce Davis of Russellville, Joy Pickens of Dardanelle, Mary Jane Roberts of Bryant; several nephews and nieces
Funeral services were held Saturday, July 20, 2002 at Cornwell Chapel in Dardanelle with Brother Chris George and Brother Merrill Pence officiating. Burial was in Mt. George Cemetery. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle. Pallbearers were Randy Butts, Doug Butts, Michael Davis, Hugh Davis, Doug Forrest, Lester Hill. Honorary pallbearers were Wayne Farms truck drivers. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, July 24, 2002)
Three year old Gerald Pickens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Buford Pickens of Lindsay, Calif., suffered fatal injuries when he fell from the car in which he was riding with his mother last week.
Buford Pickens is the nephew of Thed Pickens of Danville and was raised in Fourche Valley. Mrs. Pickens was driving in Lindsay with Gerald in the back seat when she noticed the left rear door swing open. She stopped the car as soon as she could but Gerald had fallen out and was lying on the pavement. The child was hurried to the hospital, but died within 20 minutes after the fall. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, February 13, 1947)
Hattie Mae Pickens, age 93, of Danville, AR died Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at Mitchell's Nursing Home in Danville. She was born April 16, 1907 in Wing, AR to the late Lee and Maude Gillum Carter. She was a homemaker and a member of the Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by, her husband, Dean Pickens; a son, Jackie Pickens and two daughters, Retha Ann Rich and Patsy Lee Pickens.
Survivors are six sons, Johnie Pickens, Bill Pickens both of Danville, Jake Pickens, Gravelly, AR, Joe Pickens, Harvey, AR, Jerry Pickens, Bluffton, AR and Jim Pickens, Danville, AR; two daughters, Louise McCuan, Dumas, AR and Betty Jane Freeman of California; two sisters, Aleene and Marie both of California; 35 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren
Funeral service was July 20, 2000 at the Bluffton Methodist Church with Rev. Royce Savage officiating. Burial was in the Bluffton Cemetery, Bluffton, AR. Pallbearers were grandson, Anthony Pickens, Russell Pickens, Michael Pickens, Bradley Pickens, Jamie Pickens, Stephen Beasley. Honorary were all other grandsons. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville, AR. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, July 26, 2000)
Johnnie "RC" Pickens age 77 of Danville died Wednesday at Chambers Memorial Hospital in Danville. He was born July 18, 1927 in Rover to the late Lonnie Dean and Hattie Carter Pickens. He was a retired carpet layer.
He was preceded in death by a son, John Pickens, brother, Jackie Pickens and sisters, Retha Ann Rich and Patsy Pickens.
Survivors are his wife, Winnie J. McConell Spears Pickens, a son, Ronnie Pickens of Muskogee, OK; a daughter, Pat McGehee of Dallas, TX; five brothers, Bill Pickens of Danville, Jake Pickens of Gravelly, Joe Pickens of Harvey, Jerry Pickens of Bluffton and Jim Pickens of Bentonville; two sisters, Louise McCuen of Dumas and Betty Freeman of CA; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Services were held on Monday, December 27, 2004 at the Bluffton Methodist Church with Brother John McCourt officiating. Internment was in the Bluffton Cemetery by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville. Pallbearers were Michael Pickens, Bradley Pickens, Russell Pickens, Anthony Pickens, Jamie Pickens, Gerald Minnie. Honorary pallbearers were Clayton Rice and Alvin Rice. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, December 29, 2004)
Lee Roy Pickens, age 59, of Carlsbad, NM. died January 1, 1997 at his home. He was born May 23, 1937 at Briggsville, AR, the son of the late Thed Pickens and Marie Humphreys Pickens. He, with his parents, had lived in Corinth Community and Danville for several years. He attended Danville School system until 1953 when the family moved to Carlsbad and graduated from school there. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church of Carlsbad. He was retired.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter.
In addition to his mother, survivors are his wife, Allene of the home; two sons, Cary of Roswell, NM and Lin of Carlsbad; two daughters, Monique of Hobbs, NM and Monica of Corpus Christi, TX; one step-son, Greg Garner o Carlsbad; one step-daughter, Renee of Victoria, TX and ten grandchildren.
Funeral service was January 3rd at the West Funeral Home by Rev. George W. Flattery of First Assembly. Burial was in Carlsbad Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice Service, P. O. Box 280, Carlsbad, NM 88220. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, January 15, 1997)
Patsy Ann Pickens, age 73 of Gravelly, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock. She was born October 2, 1936 in Nola, AR to the late Raymond and Oneida Morrow Neighbors. She was the owner and operator of Gravelly Grocery Store and a member of the Nola Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her parents; sister-in-law, Peggy Pickens; brother-in-law, R. C. Pickens.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Jake Pickens; son, Jamie Pickens of Gravelly; granddaughter, Lisa Marie Pickens of Gravelly; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Dale Gane of Tulsa, OK; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Joe and Pat Pickens of Harvey, Jim and Cheryl Pickens of Danville, Bill Pickens of Danville, Jerry and Kathy Pickens of Bluffton; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a. m. Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Nola Church of Christ with Mr. Leonard Fusion officiating. Burial will be in Parks Cemetery. Visitation will be tonight, Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p. m. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas; Obituary was published on Wednesday, September 29, 2010)
Peggy Ann Pickens, age 75 of Danville died Thursday, September 17, 2009 at her home. She was born July 23, 1934 in Dumas to the late George Washington and Edna Estella Leonard Carr. Peggy is preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include husband of 58 years, Billy Pickens; children and spouses, Billie and Gerald Minnie of Ola; Gary and Roslyn Pickens of Danville; Martha and Bobby McKinney of Clinton; Rose Gorman of Danville; sister, Virginia O'Briant of Dumas; seven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.
Graveside service was Monday, September 21, 2009 at Earl Ladd Cemetery. Arrangements made by Cornwell Funeral Home in Danville. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas; Obituary was published on Wednesday, September 23, 2009)
Peggy Jean Kendrick Pickens, 63, of Pickens, AR departed this life in Pickens, AR on July 27, 2005. She was born November 10, 1941 in Bluffton (Yell County), AR to Robert Eugene and Gwin Kendrick. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and taught school with the Dumas public schools until her retirement.
She is preceded in death by her father.
Survivors include her husband, Andrew Pickens and her mother, Eunice Kendrick both of Pickens four sons, Bill (Kathy) Wade of Bentonville, AR, Jay (Karen) Pickens of Pickens, AR, Drew Pickens of Little Rock, AR and Luke Pickens of Fayetteville, AR three daughters, Wyndie (Scott) Campbell, Apex, N.C., Kendall (John) Jacobs of Little Rock, AR and Cindy (Kelly) Conley of North Little Rock, AR a sister, Linda (Joe) Michael Mesa of Arizona and 10 grandchildren.
Service was held on Friday, July 29, 2005 at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Buddy Ratcliff officiating. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Wee Builders School, Dumas, AR. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, AR. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, August 24, 2005)
Sam K. Pickens, aged 77, died at his home near Dumas August 23, 1954. He was a Baptist and had lived there for the past ten years.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Ella Pickens, six sons, Thed and Jim of Carlsbad, N. M. Dean and Franze of Tyro Route, Dumas, Frelan and Circe of Visalia, Calif; three daughters, Mrs. Millard Lawson of McGehee, Mrs. Leo Armstrong of Dumas and Mrs. Milton Hawkins of Visalia, Calif; 35 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs AGO, DANVILLE, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, September 9, 1954)
Mrs. Clementine Pickering, age 69, of Briggsville, AR died Wednesday, May 11, 1994 at Chambers Memorial Hospital in Danville. She was born June 19, 1924 in Briggsville to the late Herbert and Neva Cathey Castleberry. She was retired from Boeing Aircraft Company.
Survivors include one brother, -Dennis Castleberry of Briggsville; two sisters, Betty Jackson of Wichita, KS and Imogene Hunt off Briggsville; several nieces and nephews.
Services were Friday, May 13 at, the Briggsville Methodist Church with Rev. Royce Savage officiating. -Burial was at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Briggsville. Services by Cornwell Funeral Home of Danville. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Submitted by: Patron, 5/11/1994)
Dick Pierce, age 82, of Waldron, AR died Friday, July 9, 2004 in a Waldron Hospital. He was a retired tractor mechanic, a Baptist and a Mason.
He is survived by his wife, Freda; one daughter, Annette Cossey of Miltown, AR; five sons, Phillip of Gravelly, AR, Dale of Conway, AR, Mark of Bluffton, AR, Glen of Little Rock, AR and Ronnie Holleman of Waldron, AR; four sisters, Reva Buice of Conway, Norma Lures and Donna Pierce both of Alabama and Lee Riley of Ola, AR; 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Graveside service was July 12 at the Young Gravelly Cemetery in Gravelly, AR. under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron, AR. Pallbearers were Ronnie Holleman, Jerry Cossey, Chris, Greg and Jamie Pierce and Jerry Ruth. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, July 14, 2004)
Georgia Elizabeth (Webb) Pierce, age 90 of Little Rock passed away Sunday, December 14, 2008. She was born February 9, 1918 in Casa to Jeanie Mignon (Hundley) Webb and Jacob Kirkendall Webb.
She is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dr. Pearl Shoudel and in infant brother.
She is survived by a daughter, Martha Lynn Robertson of Bryant; son, Theo David Pierce and wife Candy of Little Rock; two granddaughters, two grandsons, and ten great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 2:00 p. m. at Cornwell Chapel, Dardanelle with Rev. Wayne Bookout officiating. Burial will be in Bryant Cove Cemetery, Casa. Open visitation will be Wednesday until 7:00 p. m. Pallbearers were A. B. Hundley, Ben Pierce, Bob Snell, David Snell, Aaron Gray and Duke Baldwin. Honorary pallbearer John Jacobson. Arrangements are by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas; Obituary was published on Wednesday, December 17, 2008)
Lorena Pierce, age 85 of Ola, died Tuesday October 25, 2005 at Arkansas Hospice in Little Rock. She was born in Young Gravelly, Arkansas on May 31, 1920 to A.W. and Maggie Williamson Fower. She was retired from AT & T, a member of the Mulberry Free Will Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Ralph Fowler and a sister, Eramay Marler.
Survivors include her sons, Phillip Pierce of Gravelly, Dale Pierce of El Paso, Mark Pierce of Bluffton, Claude Glen Pierce of Conway; a sister, Mattie Day of Oklahoma City; seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held on Friday, October 28, 2005 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, burial was in Young Gravelly Cemetery. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, November 2, 2005)
Mrs. Sarah Ethel Pierce, age 88 of Gravelly died Sunday night, March 31, 1974 at the Yell County Hospital. She was a native of Tennessee, the daughter of the late Will and Nancy Blackburn Thompson and a member of the Church of Christ.
Survivors include one son; Henry Ford (Dick) Pierce of Gravelly; five daughters, Mrs. Jewell Hill of Gould, Mrs. Lea Riley of Plainview; Mrs. Norma Luhrs of Gadson, Ala., Mrs. Reba Buice of Conway, Mrs. Donna Rodgers of Gadson, Ala., 26 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at the Young Gravelly Church Wednesday afternoon at 2 p.m. with Bro. Hunnicutt officiating. Interment will be at the Young Gravelly Cemetery. Services and arrangements in care of Cornwell Funeral Service. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Published in Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: 4/4/1974)
Lima Fave Piercy, age 74, of Russellville, AR died Friday, November 21, 2003 at Legacy Lodge Nursing Home in Russellville. She was the daughter of Elisha and Sarah Ann Burnett Coppak Black, born November 15, 1929 in Waltreak, AR. She was a 1949 graduate of Fourche Valley High School and graduate or Arkansas Tech University. She was a retired teacher having taught for many years in the Russellville Elementary schools and served as principal at Atkins Elementary and then finished her career at Sequoyah Elementary in Russellville. She was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William Winton Piercy; two brothers, Earnest Coppak and Everett Coppak; two sisters, Anna Woodall and Clara Mae Rose and a granddaughter, Tabitha Faye Darby.
She is survived by, two daughters, Sherri Smith of Newport, AR and Jana Sloop of Dover, AR; a brother-in-law, Marshall Rose of Danville, AR; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was November 25, 2003 at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville with Dr. Hubert Morrow officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery at Dardanelle by Humphrey Funeral Service. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer s Foundation. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, November 26, 2003)
Jerry Wayne Pierson, age 57, of Dardanelle died Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Russellville; AR. He was born May 12, 1944 in Conway, AR to the late Clyde and Lorene Lipe Pierson. He was a retired self-employed electrician.
He was preceded in death by a brother, James Darrel Pierson.
Survivors are, his wife, Mae Cole Pierson; a son, Shawn Pierson of Russellville, AR; daughters, Sonjia Pierson Rogers and Angelia Pierson both of Russellville, AR; step-son, Lewis Lancaster of Dardanelle, AR; a brother, Larry Don Pierson, Fairfield, CA and two grandchildren. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home of Dardanelle, AR. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, June 27, 2001)
Clem Pigeon, age 86 of Dardanelle, died Friday, May 22, 2009 at Dardanelle Nursing Center. He was born October 2, 1922 at Dardanelle to the late Van and Annie Pazdera Pigeon.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruby Nell Roach Pigeon; and a brother, Antone Pigeon.
Survivors include his son, James Pigeon of Dardanelle; daughter, Carol Jean Lievsay of Dardanelle; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister, Francis Burge of Little Rock.
Cremation arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas; Obituary was published on Wednesday, May 27, 2009)
Ruby Nell Pigeon, age 74, of Dardanelle, AR died Wednesday, September 3, 2003 at the Dardanelle Nursing Center. She was born December 1, 1928 in Dardanelle to the late Arthur and Minnie McIntosh Roach. She was a homemaker and mother.
She is survived by her husband, Clem Pigeon; one son, James Pigeon of Dardanelle; one daughter, Carol Lievsay of Pottsville, AR; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Graveside service was September 5, 2003 at Hudson Cemetery in Dardanelle with Rev. Gary Tuck officiating. Pallbearers were Wayne Montgomery, John Pigeon, Robert Adams, Lewis G. Pigeon, Bill Brown and Jody Latham. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home of Dardanelle, AR. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, September 10, 2003)
Yolanda Ann Pigeon, age 53, of Dardanelle, AR died Friday, December 21, 2007 at the Dardanelle Hospital. He was born January 21, 1954 in Fort Worth, TX, she was a retired line worker for Petit Jean Poultry in Danville, AR.
She was preceded in death by her father, Matthew Mayard Rager, Sr. a daughter, Leigh Ann Allen and a brother, Thomas Howard Rager.
She is survived by her husband of 21 years, James Pigeon; two sons, John Pigeon of Russellville and Lewis Gene of Dardanelle; a sister, Amanda Duvall of Atkins; her mother, Margie Lee Rager of Casa; two brothers, Eugene Rager of Casa, AR and Matthew Rager, Jr. of Petit Jean Mountain and two granddaughters.
Service will be today, Wednesday, December 26, 2007 at 10 a. m. at the Casa First Baptist Church with Rev. Gene Tanner officiating. Burial will be in the Casa Cemetery. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home of Dardanelle, AR. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, December 26, 2007)
Mary Janice (Shade) Pike passed away on August 4, 2007 in Long Beach, CA. She was born on May 6, 1930 in Havana, AR.
She was preceded in death by her parents Emma Shade and Lloyd J. Shade, three sisters Virginia Meuller, Vivian Apple, Aliene Taphorn, and both her brothers Lloyd L. Shade and Robert L. Shade.
She is survived by her husband, Riley F. Pike of Long Beach, CA; a daughter, Ruth Gruchow of Yorba Linda, CA; a son, Mark Pike of L. A. County; and 4 grandchildren-Megan, Matthew, Lindsey, and Sydney as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements are unresolved at this time. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, August 8, 2007)
Mrs. Sarah Pike of Booneville died March 13, 1950 at the age of 87 years.
She is survived by her son, Lonnie Pike, Ft. Smith, and four daughters, Mrs. Tommie Pearce, Booneville, Mrs. Gussie Scott, Hector, Mrs. Lou Pearce, California, Mrs. Nellie Oliver, Booneville, 17 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, April 6, 1950)
Flara Lillian Slater Piles, age 94 of Harvey, AR, died November 10, 2000 at the Waldron Hospital. She was a retired nurse's aide, homemaker and member of New Bethel Assembly of God Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Margie Allen of Harvey and Ella Jenson of Fort Smith; one step-daughter, Earlene Martin of Greenwood; two sons, Eugene Slater of Kansas City, KS and Euldene Slater of Ft. Smith; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren.
Funeral service was November 14, 2000 at Harvey Assembly of God with burial at Lamb Cemetery in Waldron under the direction of Martin Funeral Home of Waldron, AR. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, November 15, 2000)
Zola Rae Pilgreen, age 85 of Wichita, KS, died Sunday, January 27, 2008 at her home. She was born August 5, 1922 at New Blaine to the late Oran B. and Emma A. McReynolds Birkhead. She was a home maker.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 33 years, Elvis Carter Pilgreen; brothers, Lowell Birkhead, Wayne Birkhead and Keith Birkhead.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Sherri Pilgreen of Wichita, KS; grandchildren, Jay and Katie Pilgreen, Kate Pilgreen, all of Kansas City, MO; sister, Wanda Mae Brewer of Dardanelle.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2008, 10:00 a. m. at Cornwell Chapel, Dardanelle. Burial will be in Elizabeth Hall Cemetery in New Blaine. Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of Kansas, 808 S. Hillside, Wichita, KS 67211 and Epworth United Methodist Church, 856 S. Green, Wichita, KS 67211. Arrangements are under the direction of Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, January 30, 2008)
Casper Pinkney, age 56, formerly of Dardanelle, died August 25, 2010 in Blytheville. He was born September 2, 1953 to the late Dave and Levater Pinkney.
He is preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie. Casper's Savior, Jesus Christ, whispered his name and Casper gladly took his hand to enter into his eternal reward in Heaven. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend to many.
Survivors include his wife, Joann Pinkney of Dardanelle; eight children, Kendell Pinkney, Andre Webster, Terri Moody, Jocelyn White, Gwendolyn Barber, Alex Williams, Kimberly Pinkney and Casperdell Pinkney, Jr. He also leaves seven sisters, one brother, and 20 grandchildren.
Celebration of life services were Sunday, August 29, 2010 at the Truelight Baptist Church in Blytheville under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas; Obituary was published on Wednesday, September 1, 2010)
W. G. Piper, age 78, of Havana died in the yell County Hospital December 4, 1959. He was a retired school teacher, having taught in Yell and Logan county schools for more than thirsty years. He was a member of the Arkansas retired teachers association and a member of the Havana Methodist church.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Rose Buckman Piper; one son, Lt. Col. J. B. Piper of the United States Marine Corp at Beaufort, S. C.; two daughters, Mrs. S. S. Lee of Tulsa, Miss Wilma Piper, West Memphis; one brother, G. M. Dyer of Carlsbad, New Mex. two sisters, Mrs. Clovis McArthur of Belleville and Mrs. Melvin Ruthledge of Ft. Worth, Tex. and four grandchildren. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, December 10, 1959)
Wilna E. Piper, a lifelong educator and former elementary school principal, died March 14, 2007, at the Oklahoma Methodist Manor nursing home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was 89. Miss Piper began teaching at age 19 in rural Arkansas, the daughter of a retired teacher. Her first jobs were in Mansfield and Crossett, Arkansas before moving to West Memphis in 1947. She taught school full time during the regular term and attended college during summer sessions, earning a bachelor's degree at age 25 from Arkansas State Teacher's College, Conway, and a master's degree at age 35 from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
Wilna Piper is one of two children born to William Garfield Piper and Rose Buckman of Havana, Arkansas, and half-sister to W. G. Piper's only child by prior marriage to Lydia M. Arnn, a young bride who did not survive her daughter's first year.
She was preceded in death by her brother John Buckman Piper, a retired Marine Corps aviator and Northern Virginia real estate appraiser, and by her half-sister Jane Lee of Tulsa, a retired elementary school teacher.
Miss Piper moved to West Memphis in 1947 and taught sixth grade at Hulbert-West Memphis Elementary. At age 36, she became principal of Bragg Elementary, a position she held 26 years until retirement in 1979. She also was the first principal of Richland Elementary in West Memphis when it opened in 1936, and held both positions concurrently. Both her father and grandfather Piper were teachers. Her mother was the daughter of pioneer farmers in Yell and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas, and one of seventeen children born to Noble I. Buckman and Addie Elizabeth Fergeson. Her grandfather Buckman was widely known in the community as "Uncle Nobe, a man respected for his "honesty and straight forwardness." Nobe's friends wrote of him in 1937. "Most level headed, Mr. Buckman had a keen sense of humor and with a twinkle in his eye he delighted in saying bright things that left no doubt but that his heart was right on public and private matters." These qualities were inherited by his granddaughter Wilna. "God certainly has given a rare gift to you to inspire children and mothers like me to seek high ideals, loyalty and excellence", wrote a Bragg Elementary school parent to Miss Piper in 1978. "Her dedication to truth and duty, kindness, love for her fellow man, humility and responsibility have endeared her to all of her co-workers," reads a tribute to Miss Piper delivered at an annual church event in West Memphis, where she was recognized for her love of young people, her professionalism, and 25 years of leadership in church and youth work. She belonged to the National Educators Association, Arkansas Educators Association, Association for Childhood Education International, and Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education. She was a member more than forty years of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a Professional honor society of women educators. Miss Piper gave the valedictory address at her high school commencement exercises at Magazine, Arkansas in 1931 at age 17. She was awarded National PTA life members in 1958, honored by the Virginia Shamblin Guild of First Methodist Church-West Memphis in 1966, received the Madam Elementary Principal Award in 1968 for outstanding principal of the year in a five state region, and ARTA Achievement Award in 1998 from the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association. At First Methodist Church in West Memphis, she served as Sunday school teacher, Methodist Youth Fellowship leader, Youth Coordinator, Superintendent of Youth Division, member of the Commission on Education, and member of the Wesleyan Service Guild. She was a professional woman in an era when few women sought careers and a leader during the critical years of school desegregation. When state mandated separate-but-equal schools were federally ordered to become unitary systems, she led her school in the transition. The Board of Directors of the West Memphis School District commended her efforts in 1970. Miss Piper traveled extensively during her career, usually with church groups and coworkers. She traveled by car, bus, and train to many different states in continental USA and Canada (including California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, New York, the New England states, and Nova Scotia), and by airplane and ocean liner to Norway and Finland, central Europe, Latin America and Alaska. Miss Piper never married but she is surrounded by children, many of whom know her as Aunt "Bet", a nickname from her childhood in Arkansas.
Her late sister Jane Lee's family is grand-niece Leigh Ann Montgomery of Tulsa, grandnephew David Shales of Tulsa, grand-nephew Gary Shales of Noblesville, Indiana, grandniece Lucy Shope of Minnesota. Her late brother's family are niece Gwendolyn Bette Piper of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and nephew John B. Piper, Jr. of Ocean Park, Washington; and among these relatives are many great grandnieces and great grand-nephews living in Arkansas, California, Oklahoma, Indiana, Arizona, New Mexico, and Virginia. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, March 21, 2007)
Alfred Lee Pitts, age 86 of Ola died Sunday, February 9, 2003 at Chambers Memorial Hospital in Danville. He was born in Ola, Arkansas on December 12, 1916 to the late James Lemiul and Leslie Hope Pitts. He was a retired mechanic, and a member of the Ola First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Joe Pitts and two sisters, Eva John Pfiffer, and Jessie Vann.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Nettie Gooch Pitts; two sons, James Calvin Pitts of Centerville and Charles Lee Pitts of Russellville; two daughters, Mary Lou Jackson of Belleville, and Carolyn Sue Ferguson of Texas; three brothers, James Lemiul Pitts, and Louis Pitts of Ola, and Henry Pitts of California; five sisters, Thelma Butler and Ruth Clay of Ola, Betty Clay of Little Rock, Janice Bryant of Virginia, and Dorothy Wong of Florida; 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and three great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 2:00 p. m. at the Ola First Baptist Church with Reverend Rick Balentine, and Reverend Jerry Slinker officiating. Burial will be in Petillo Hill Cemetery, in Centerville, Arkansas. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Danville. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, February 12, 2003)
Christina Michelle Pitts, 37, of Dardanelle, died Monday, June 28, 2010, in Yell County. Arkansas. She was born June 10, 1973 in Russellville and was the daughter of Jerry and Judy McCain Pitts.
She was preceded in death by her mother; and her brother. Carl Lee Pitts.
She is survived by a son, Nick Bischel; two daughters, Joanna Diana Mac Hunt; her father and step-mother, Jerry and Lynn Pitts; two sisters, Christy and Brandi Haynes; and a brother, Jarimy "Buzz" Burns. Memorial services were held July 10, 2010, at Bells Chapel Assembly of God Church, the Rev. Peggy Foster officiated.
Lemley Funeral Service. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas; Obituary was published on Wednesday, July 7, 2010)
Edward Levi Pitts, age 73 of Dardanelle, died Thursday, March 13, 2003 at his home. Born February 12, 1930 in Clarksville, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Charlie and Sylvia Lund Pitts. He was a black smith by trade and was retired from Ladish Company Inc.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Nell Mortensen and Anna Bell Gilbert.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Helen Ashlock Pitts; sons and daughter-in-law, Houston and Anita Pitts of Jacksonville, David Pitts of Lamar, Toby Pitts of Dardanelle, and Cary Pitts of Dardanelle; a daughter and son-in-law, Sylvia and Henry McClure of Dardanelle; a brother, Harold Pitts of Clarksville and Verna Duncan of Duncan, Arizona; 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Funeral services were Sunday, March 16, 2003 at Cornwell Chapel Dardanelle with Rev. Vernon Bass officiating. Interment was in Hagarville Cemetery by Cornwell Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Kenny Skaggs, Keith Skaggs, Lou Palmer, Mike Sanburn, Ronnie Ashlock, and Alan Ashlock. Honorary were Howard Chaney, Sonny Breashers, Jim Holt, and Luther Lievsay. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, March 19, 2003)
Mrs. Flora Elizabeth Pitts, aged 83, of Nederland, Texas, formerly of Ola, died October 10, 1974. She was a member of Ola Methodist Church and the Order of Eastern Star.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Herbert May of Texas; two brothers, J. P. Briggs of Briggsville and C. S. Briggs of Oregon, and a grandchild.
Funeral was Monday at 2 p.m. at Ola Methodist Church. Burial was at Briggs Cemetery at Briggsville. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Published in Dardanelle Post-Dispatch, 10/17/1974)
Ola Man Is Killed By Truck - Jim Pitts, age 56, of Ola was killed Tuesday afternoon when the rear wheel of a logging truck ran over him as he jumped from the end of the vehicle. The accident occurred about a quarter of a mile north of Ola. Pitts was employed by I. T. Keller, logging contactor, and was returning home when the accident occurred.
State Trooper, Dick Keathley, Sheriff Earl E. Ladd and Deputy Eugene, Weatherall, who investigated the accident said Pitts clothes apparently caught on the truck bed from which he jumped, throwing him under the wheel. The truck driven by Johnny Edmonds, had nearly come to a stop. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, October 12, 1950)
Mae Neal Britton Pitts age 78 of London died Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at Saint Mary's Regional Hospital. She was born September 8, 1927 at Heath, AR to the late Albert and Bursie Lee Smith Bell.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Burlie Britton; two sisters, Coreen Lee and Ruby McCloud.
Survivors include five sons, Ray Britton, Larry Britton, Lee Britton, Don Britton, all of London, Jim Britton of Atkins; three daughters, Doris Willis of Coal Hill, Kay Hobson of Kingston, TN, Carol Burk of London; twenty-six grandchildren; forty six great grandchildren; two brothers, J. R. Ross of Beebe, Boyd Ross of London, and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.
Graveside services were held Saturday, April 8, 2006 at East Point Cemetery in London. Arrangements by Cornwell Funeral Home, Dardanelle. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, April 12, 2006)
William Alexander Pitts, aged 79, a retired merchant of Ola, died March 8, 1960 at the Yell County Hospital. He was a Methodist and a Mason.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Flora Briggs Pitts of Ola; a daughter, Mrs. Herbert Mays of Nederland Tex. two brothers, R. B. and Earl Pitts of Heavener Okla. a sister, Mrs. C. B. Ladd of Bennington, Okla. and a grandchild. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, March 17, 1960)
Haroldena West Plante died on November 1, 2004. She was born July 18, 1921 at Sugar City, Colorado.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Hazel Bozarth and a sister, Hope Audrey Booth.
Survivors include three sons, Jack West, Jim West and his wife Karen of Wichita, KS, Dale West and his wife, Sandy of Las Vegas, NV; six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; two brothers, Henry Bozarth and his wife Donna of Wichita KS, Harlan Bozarth and his wife Kathy of Danville, KY; a sister, Arline Gray and her husband Everett, Sr. of Havana, AR. Memorials may be made to the Harry Hynes Memorial, Hospice 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS. Funeral
Service was held in Kansas. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, November 10, 2004)
Harold Odell Pledger, Sr. 80 of Danville, AR died Tuesday, January 16, 2007, at Chambers Memorial Hospital. Born August 14, 1926, in Belleville, AR he was the son of the late Paul Austin and Laymon Millard Pledger. He was a retired produce salesman and a member of Danville First Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Pledger and a granddaughter, Savannah Pledger.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Pat Nelson Pledger; two sons and daughters-in-law, Harold Jr. and Becky Pledger of Danville and Craig and Debbie Pledger of Bella Vista; a daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Rick Millsap of Danville; six grandchildren, Alicia and Daniel Uptagrafft of East End, Matthew and Susan Millsap of Forth Worth, TX, Sarah and Stuart Creamer of Bella Vista, Darren Pledger of Conway and Marissa Pledger and Bladen Pledger, both of Bella Vista; great-grandchildren, Taylor Uptagrafft, Blake Uptagrafft, Natalie Millsap, Nathan Uptagrafft, and another arriving in September.
Funeral was Friday, January 19 at Danville First Baptist Church with Brother Bobby Walker, Brother Jamie Staley, and Brother Matthew Millsap officiating. Burial was at Earl Ladd Cemetery by Cornwell Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Doug Miller, Pledger Ball, Daniel Uptagrafft, Stuart Creamer, Darren Pledger and Matthew Millsap. Honorary pallbearers were Gordan Rhoades, Bud Hancock, Wayne Smith and Jack Wilson. Memorials may be made to Danville First Baptist Church, PO Box 877, Danville, AR, 72833. (WWW.YellCountyObits.org, Yell County Record, Danville, Arkansas: Obituary was published on Wednesday, January 24, 2007)
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Date Last Updated: 2010/11/06