Archive - 2013
April 10th
The National Weather Service has lifted a thunderstorm warning for Saline County. However, the county is also under a tornado watch until 9 p.m.
At 6 p.m, heavy rains were moving into the Benton area.
The National Weather Service is predicting strong thunderstorms for tonight. There's a 50 percent chance the rain will start this afternoon, according to the NWS website.
The storms are supposed to clear up by Thursday night.
Capt. Everett Eugene Donham
Arkansas State Police Capt. Everett Eugene Donham of Hensley died Monday, April 8, 2013, at Southern Trace Nursing Home in Bryant at the age of 82.
He was born Aug. 9, 1930, in Little Rock, the son of the late William Everett and Gertie Mae Palmer Donham. He was a member of Marlow Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, a member of Iron Springs Masonic Lodge and a member of Arkansas State Police Association.
Martha Jean “Fritz” Carter Talley, 86, of Dardanelle died Sunday, April 7, 2013. She was born Jan. 16, 1927, in Little Rock to the late Dr. John L. Carter and Lena Loretta Masters Carter.
She graduated Little Rock Senior High School (now Central) in 1944, then attended Little Rock Junior College from 1944 o 1946, and graduated from Ouachita Baptist College (now University) in 1948. She was a teacher for Mabelvale and Pine Bluff Schools, Draughon’s School of Business, and Lion’s World Services for the Blind.
Billie Sue Hunt, 76, of Benton passed away April 8, 2013. She was born Oct. 3, 1936, in Woodville, Calif.. to the late Virgil and Edna Chastain Taylor. Billie was of the Baptist faith. She was a singer and songwriter and the family will cherish her many songs that she recorded for them.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, John Michael Hunt; a granddaughter, Bobbie L. Hunt; two brothers, Rogie Taylor and John “Gub” Taylor; and a sister, Kathy Blake.
Vanessa Ruth Pirl, 58, passed away April 2, 2013. Vanessa was born Dec. 20, 1954, in Little Rock. Vanessa loved spending time with her grandchildren. A few of their favorite times were spent rock hunting and going out for ice cream. She loved to party and go to the arcades.
Vanessa was preceded in death by her parents, John Whitlock Pirl and Vera Wilbanks; and her sister-in-law, Jeanie Holiman.
Betty Joye Woodard, 83, of Benton, died Saturday, April 6, 2013, at home. Betty was born April 21, 1929, in Banks, a daughter of the late Robert C. and Addie E. McLeod of Banks.Â
She was a graduate of the Banks School System. Betty was a member of Crossroads Missionary Baptist Church and was retired from Smith-Caldwell Drug Store.Â
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Harold Lee Woodard Sr.; and her older sister, Frances Lorine McLeod Rigsby.
Kelly Thomas Black, 48, of Benton, passed away Saturday, April 6, 2013.Â
She was born Dec. 26, 1964, in Lynnville, Ky. She was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church and worked for Arkansas Women’s Group.
Bethel Dougan Dawson, 81, of Benton passed away Sunday, April 7, 2013. She was born Nov. 24, 1931, in Prattsville.Â
Mrs. Dawson was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and Tyndall Park Missionary Baptist Church, where she was the pianist for many years. During her lifetime, she worked for Westinghouse, Mac’s Garden Center and West’s Department Store.Â
Mrs. Dawson was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Dougan; her husband, Dale Eugene Dawson; a son, Alan Wayne Dawson; two brothers, Lewis Dougan and R.C. Dougan; and a great-grandson, Wyatt.
Debra Joyce Whitfield, 56, passed away April 5, 2013. Debra was born March 17, 1957 in Benton. Debra was a member of the Mars Hill Baptist Church. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Her children said she was the best mom in the world, she loved to cook and she made the world’s best pot roast and chicken and dumplings. She delighted in having a spotless house and enjoyed cleaning it.
