OBITUARIES
Arkadelphia and Camden Obituaries
Local obituaries for Arkadelphia and Camden, AR area
Shirley Gulley
Jul 21, 2025
Shirley Marie Gulley transitioned to a new life on Monday, July 21, 2025, at her home in Gurdon, Arkansas surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on June 24, 1947, in Kansas City, Kansas to Levon Lewis and Gertrude Thompson Lewis.
She was a member of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church where she attended faithfully and served dutifully as...
Pauline Hearn Johnson
Jul 17, 2025
LIFE REFLECTIONS
Pauline Hearn Johnson was born December 3, 1938, in Clark County Arkansas, to the late Ben and Amie [Helm] Hearn.
She attended Richmond Hill Elementary School and graduated from Peake High School in Arkansas. She confessed her faith in Christ at an early age and joined Richmond Hill A.M.E. Church in Arkansas.
In 1958, Pauline moved to Chicago and joined Mt....
Rev. James Bennie Alexander
Jul 16, 2025
Family Beginnings
Bennie and Emma Lou (Tate) Alexander were united in marriage, beginning a journey filled with love and devotion that would shape their family for generations.
Early Life & Calling
James Bennie Alexander was born on November 19, 1943. Though preceded by a sibling who passed in infancy, James was the eldest living child of Bennie and Emma Lou Alexander. From a...
Ervin Jake Blake, Sr.
Jul 3, 2025
With deep love and respect, we celebrate the life of Ervin Blake Sr. who peacefully departed this life on July 3, 2025, at Christus St. Michael Hospital in Texarkana, Texas.
Born on March 23, 1936, in Laneburg, Arkansas, to the late Mathew and Nobie Hall Blake, Ervin was the embodiment of strength, sacrifice, and faith. His early life was marked by...
Shirley Ann Hughes
Jun 28, 2025
Our beloved, Shirley Ann Hughes, 60, of Little Rock, AR passed away on June 28th, 2025. Shirley was born on July 3, 1964, to Ollie Lester and Maudrine Hughes of Sparkman, AR.
Shirley will be truly missed for her loving, selfless, and tenacious spirit. She lived a life full of compassion, purpose, and quiet strength — always putting others first and...
Earl James Briscoe
Jun 28, 2025
On May 16, 1950, Irma and Obree Briscoe welcomed their second adorable child, Earl James Briscoe, into this world. Not only were Earl’s parents happy, but his grandmother, aunt, uncle, and sister welcomed Earl, as they all lived together in a loving home. Earl’s sister, Barbara, now had someone to boss around and love.
Earl grew into a fun, loving, adventurous...
Princess Strickland Mitchell
Jun 28, 2025
Mrs. Princess E. Strickland Mitchell was born August 30, 1938, to the late Freeman Strickland and Georgia Ann Todd Strickland in Camden, Arkansas. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church until her health failed.
Princess was a 1956 graduate of Lincoln High School where she excelled as a student. She worked...
Carmen L. Forte Irby
Jun 24, 2025
Carmen Letricia Forte Irby, longtime nurse and educator of Arkadelphia passed into the Lord’s embrace on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on April 29, 1967, in St. Louis, MO to Carrol Dean Forte and Estella Forte. Her father, Carrol Forte, her grandparents, Charlie Forte, Eardie Bell Forte, Roosevelt Howard and Gracie Howard proceed her...
Mae Zell Ashley
Jun 19, 2025
Mrs. Mae Zell (Dismute) Ashley was born on February 12, 1954, in Harrell, Arkansas, as the ninth child of the late Johnny and Rena Dismute. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of First Baptist Church in Harrell, where she remained a devoted and faithful member throughout her life.
Mae attended Calhoun County Primary School in Thornton,...
Shanna Marks
Jun 10, 2025
Shanna Latrice Marks, who left this world on June 10, 2025, at the age of 54. She was born on September 10, 1970, in Gurdon, Arkansas to the union of Oscar and Damita Jo McClelland Marks. Shanna was a vibrant spirit whose life truly reflected her belief in living fearlessly and embracing every moment.
Shanna accepted Christ at an early age...
Antonio J. Simuel
Jun 8, 2025
Antonio Jermaine Simuel known to family and friends as Gte RealLyfe passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the age of 36, just shy of his 37th birthday. Though his time with us was far too short, he filled every moment with passion, laughter, and a relentless drive to turn his dreams into reality.
Born on June 24, 1988,...
Jerry Smith
Jun 6, 2025
Jerry Smith was born May 8, 1959, to Verna Smith Sewell and Glen Conway. He passed from this life Friday, June 6, 2025, at the The Springs of Magnolia. He accepted Christ at an early age. He lived a full love filled life. Jerry was loved by many.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Shara Henderson and his father,...
Christopher D. Buckley
May 24, 2025
Christopher Dewyane Buckley was born on October 25, 1981 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Earnest E. Buckley and Annie E. Anderson Buckley.
Chris attended Malvern High School where he played football and attended the Church of Christ. He was a family oriented man who enjoyed spending time with his family. He enjoyed fishing and all types of music.
He passed from this...
Callie Hughey
May 19, 2025
Callie Mae Porchia-Hughey
Sunrise: July 13, 1962 – Sunset: May 19, 2025
"Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, she is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."
Callie Mae Porchia-Hughey was born on July 13, 1962, in Stephens, Arkansas, to the late Gennie Mae Porchia and Bobby Gene Porchia. She peacefully departed this life on May 19, 2025, at UAMS...
DeShannon Dixon
May 14, 2025
DeShannon Sharay Dixon, the guy who we loved and nicknamed “Big Head” departed this world on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, one day after his 49th birthday. He was born on Thursday, May 13, 1976, in Prescott, Arkansas, to Janet Dixon Johnson and Billy Ray Johnson. He accepted Christ at a tender age and was a lifelong member of Harrison Chapel...
Steven McClure
May 3, 2025
Steven Erester McClure was born on March 1, 1970, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to Phenoid McClure and Bennie House Wells. Steven spent his childhood between Curtis and Lansing. He had the benefit of living north in the city with the hustle and bustle and down south, where things were steady and slow.
He was a part of the McClure family of Curtis,...
Geneva Whitaker
Apr 30, 2025
Geneva Whitaker, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 30, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family, was born on November 14, 1938, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was the oldest daughter of JC and Clarice Hunter Jones. Geneva embodied strength, warmth, and an unwavering love for her family throughout her 86 remarkable years.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her...
Oliver Lizana
Apr 29, 2025
In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated, and there will not be any services held.
Donald J. Patton, Jr.
Apr 28, 2025
Donald Jay Patton Jr., a beloved son, father, friend, and community member, departed this life on April 28, 2025, at the age of 40. He was born on February 20, 1985, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Donald J. Sr. and Vearnita Suarrette Patton.
Donald was a proud graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School, Class of 2003, and a member of Mt. Olive...
Ray A. Butler
Apr 27, 2025
Our world is much richer because we were blessed to have Ray Alfred Butler in our lives. This “Man for All Seasons” began his earthly sojourn through life on Sunday, October 27, 1957, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and completed his journey on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas, with his daughter at his bedside....
