October 9, 1914 in Jersey, Arkansas, he was the son of James P. Annie Anders Johnson.
Jesse was a graduate of Hermitage High School and Hendrix College. He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Jesse marriage Kathleen Keenzel in 1939. He was ordained into the North Arkansas conference of the United Methodist Church and began his ministry with his appointment as pastor of First Methodist Church, Salem, Arkansas. Over the next forty years, Jesse served Methodist Churches in North Arkansas, Little Rock, and Texas conferences.
After his wife's death in 1983, Rev. Johnson retired from the Texas conference and returned to Little Rock where he served as associate pastor for the First United Methodist Church of Benton, Arkansas as well as the congregations of St. James and Trinity United Methodist Churches. He considered St. James his "home" church and attended faithfully as long as his health permitted. He was an avid gardener throughout his life and cooked fresh vegetables for his family. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Central Little Rock, serving as club president, and was named as a George F. Hixson Fellow.
In addition to his wife, Kathleen, he was preceded in death by his brothers Joe Johnson, Sam Johnson, and Carl Johnson. He is survived by his daughter, Virginia Sue Buck and her husband George of Little Rock, and son, Jesse Lee Johnson, Jr. and his wife Robin of Hohenfels, Germany. He is survived by four grandchildren, Christy Creger Jackson (Stuart) of Little Rock, Carlton Creger ( Susan) of Milan, Illinois, Ryan Johnson and Brad Johnson both of the Denver, Colorado area. Great-grandchildren include Emma Creger, Nicholas Creger, and Kathleen Jackson. Other survivors include two brothers, Robert Johnson (Helen) and James P. Johnson (Bethel) and three sisters, Mabel Graham, Frances Holderfield, and Mary Lee.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 9th from 5:00-7:00pm at Ruebel Funeral Home with the funeral service at 2:00pm on Thursday at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff of Arkansas Hospice, and also to three friends who showed Jesse such care and love during the past four years, Bubba Benton, Richard Davis, and Patty Lou Dillaha.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice or the St. James United Methodist Church Endowment Fund.
Janis Handley Johnson
Janis Handley Johnson, age 58 years, of Little Rock, died Friday, March 25, 2005. Janis was born in Searcy, Arkansas to A. B. Handley of Searcy, and the late Freida Wisdom Handley. Jan was a graduate of Searcy High School before attending Arkansas State University. After her schooling she began her banking career working at Commercial National Bank of Little Rock, where she met her husband, Kelley Johnson. After their marriage, November 8, 1969, she went on to a career in real estate management with Kelley. She volunteered for 10 years at Children's Hospital, and she was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. Jan loved her gardening and being with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Kelley Johnson of Little Rock, her father as mentioned above, one son, Cory G. Johnson and wife Stephanie of Little Rock, one brother Duane Handley and wife Becky of Searcy, one sister Anita Handley Wallace and husband Kay of Little Rock, two grand-daughters; Olivia Greer Johnson and Emma Wisdom Johnson, and is predeceased by a brother, Dennis Handley.
There will be a memorial service Tuesday at 11AM at Second Presbyterian Church officiated by Reverend Steve Hancock. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
Memorials in lieu of flowers should be made to Arkansas Children's Hospital or Second Presbyterian Church.
Glenn E. West
Glenn E. West, 68, of Little Rock, died Sunday, April 24, 2005. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas on July 28, 1936 to the late Frank L. and Frances Thomas West. He was a very compassionate person, devoted to his calling as head deacon of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Frank T. West; and an infant sister, Mary Catherine West.
Survivors include his three sons, Glenn West, II and wife Lisa of Maryland, Mark West and wife Roxanne of Jennings, Louisiana, and Brad West and wife Samantha of Iota, Louisiana; eight grandchildren; and friend Robert Shaheen of Little Rock.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2005 at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church, officiated by Revs. James and Debbie Freeman.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Westover Hills Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 6400 Richard B. Hardie Dr., Little Rock, AR 72207.
Cremation arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home
Dr. John G. Watkins, Jr.
Dr. John G. Watkins, Jr. age 86, of Little Rock died Monday, April 18, 2005. He was born on March 29, 1919 in Little Rock to the late Dr. John G. and Zilpa Barrow Watkins. He graduated from Little Rock High School in 1937, and graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1941, and the University of Arkansas Medical School in 1944. he was a member of Sigma Chi men's fraternity. His internship was served at St. Louis City Hospital, ophthalmology residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Dr. Watkins was a medical officer at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego at the end of WWII. He was recalled during the Korean Conflict where he was stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Dr. Watkins was a member of the Pulaski County Medical Society and American Board of Ophthalmology. He was a long-time member of Pleasant Valley Country Club and St. James United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, LaVern Gettinger Watkins; three sons, Dr. John G. Watkins III and wife Vicki, Bob Watkins and his wife Nancy all of Little Rock, and Jim and his wife Cheryl Watkins of Hot Springs; five grandchildren, Beth Noland (Matt), Jay Watkins (Ali), Chris Watkins (Whitney), Amanda Watkins, and James Watkins; great-granddaughter, Kate Noland. He is also survived by a nephew, Dr. Charles J Watkins, Jr. and his wife Terri of Little Rock and a niece, Patricia and Dr. David Wilks; sister-in-law, Sue Webb, and a host of other nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Martha Jean Watkins, Dr. Grace Watkins, and Sarah Watkins Smith and a brother, Dr. Charles J. Watkins.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ruebel Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at St. James United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to either Baptist Health Medical Center or St. James United Methodist Church.
Molly Gordy Riffel
Molly Gordy Riffel, of Little Rock, died Wednesday, April 20, 2005. Mrs. Riffel, a longtime resident of Little Rock, was the widow of Edward Riddick Riffel. She was born October 27, 1913 in Conway to Fredrick and Annie Kirven Gordy. She was graduated from Gulf Port College, in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Hendrix College. During World War II, Mrs. Riffel was a volunteer for the American Red Cross. She is a past president of the Little Rock Junior League, a past president of the Aesthetic Club of Little Rock, and a past president of the Friends of the Little Rock Library. She was also a member of the Edelweiss Club and the Book Club. Mrs. Riffel taught English at Hall High School for nine years. Following the death of her husband in 1984, she moved to Conway, returning to Little Rock in 2000. Mrs. Riffel was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school.
She is survived by one son, Edward Riffel and wife Phala of Little Rock and Mountain Home, a daughter, Molly Riffel Parrish of Hyattsville, Maryland, a grandson Brent Riffel, a granddaughter, Ashley Vailes, and a great-granddaughter, Natalie Vailes, all of Fayetteville.
There will be a memorial service Monday at 2pm at the Ruebel Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Reverend Lynn Lindsey. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home. Memorials in lieu of flowers should be made to Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock 72201.
Bill J. Miller
Bill J. Miller, 74, of Little Rock, died April 27, 2005. He was born May 27, 1930 in Yell County, Arkansas to the late William F. and Roxie Ford Miller.
He was a graduate of UALR and was a retired Home Builder and Developer. He served as past president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock, was one of the organizers and first treasurer of the Arkansas State Homebuilders Association, a life national director of the National Homebuilders Association and a lifetime Spike. He served as a member of the City of Little Rock Building Code of Appeals for 20 years. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, and served his country in the United States Air Force.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marion Kemp Miller; a son, John David Miller; two brothers, Roy Miller and wife Marietta, Norbert Miller and wife Connie, of Little Rock; three sisters, Margaret Jones of Greenbrier, Rose Pippen and husband Roy of North Little Rock, Martha Eaves and husband Gene of Plainview; five nephews, and two nieces.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to service time on Friday followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Ruebel Funeral Home, officiate by Rev. Dr. Ed Simpson. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville, officiated by Rev. Shawn Hill.
Pallbearers are Larry Burrow, Jack Cameron, Tom Eubanks, Jim Garner, Alan Fureigh, Mike Marlar, Ray Rainey, Sr., Floyd Raney, John Suskie, and Ray Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Harmony Baptist Church, P.O. Box 45, Prattsville, AR 72129 or the Philadelphia Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 85, Prattsville, AR 72129.
Funeral arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock.
Madison Calvin (Pete) McDaniel
Madison Calvin (Pete) McDaniel of Little Rock went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 11, 2005. He was born December 26, 1924 in Wilma, AR. One of eleven children, MC was born to the late William Madison and Mattie Laura Wilson McDaniel.
MC graduated from Drew Central High School in 1942. He attended one year of college at Arkansas A&M and entered the Army in 1943. He served 32 months in the South Pacific with the Airborne Engineers and was discharged in February 1946 as a Technical Sergeant. After attending another year of college at A&M, he taught Veteran's Farming Programs in Dermott, from August 1947 to July 1952. MC and his wife moved to Fayetteville in 1953 where he obtained a BS degree in Agriculture, then earned his Masters degree in 1954 from the University of Arkansas.
After returning to Dermott, he taught Vocational Agriculture at the public school. He was appointed Associate County Agent for Crittenden County in West Memphis in August 1955. He served in this position until February 1958 when appointed Extension Plant Pathologist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture in Little Rock, where he was employed until retirement in November 1990. While in this capacity he earned the following state and regional awards: Past President of AR Agriculture Pesticide Association 1987; Past President of "Southern Soybean Disease Workers" 1977-78; Chairman for 10 years of Southern Soybean Disease Workers Seed Treatment Committee, receiving the distinguished service award in 1986. He was a member of the Epsilon SIGMA PHI Fraternity for 38 years. During his time in the extension service he worked with farmers on row crop diseases and received numerous work grants from major agricultural chemical companies. MC was a Master Gardener and trained many in gardening and helped to edit the Master Gardening Book.
He was an active member of M&M Hunting Club of Monticello for 30+ years. It was at this camp where he suffered a massive stroke on the morning of November 23, 2004, from which he never fully recovered. His grandson at his side was proud that his PaPaw had killed a deer the afternoon before. MC's most enjoyable pastime was fishing, which he did 3-5 days a week, year round during his retirement. Family and friends were supplied fish and home grown vegetables in season. His generosity will be missed by many. When hunting and fishing wasn't filling his time, he did consultant work for Winrock Grass Farm and his son's lawn care business, Healthy Lawns and Shrubs of which he helped name and was extremely proud of its success. MC was an active member of Markham Street Baptist Church since 1964. He volunteered weekly at the church food pantry and was Chairman of the Grounds Committee.
MC was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lillie Merle Hart McDaniel in 2003. His survivors include a daughter, Cynthia Gail Montgomery (Terry) of Roland, a son, Stanley Madison McDaniel (Sheri) of Little Rock, four grandchildren, Tye Montgomery (Cindy) of Roland, Tym Montgomery (Renee') of Little Rock, Seth McDaniel of Fayetteville, Sara McDaniel of Little Rock, a brother, Damon Franklin McDaniel of Houghton, LA and a sister, Bethel Chapman of Monticello.
A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Ruebel Funeral Home followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Ruebel Chapel. Entombment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Markham Street Baptist Church, 9701 W. Markham St. 72205.
Beulah Lee Massie
Beulah Lee Massie, 92, of Little Rock died Thursday, April 21, 2005. She was born in Sulphur Rock, AR to Theodore C. Northern, Sr. and Eulah Ellen Owens Northern and moved with her family to Little Rock when she was a young child. She was in the first class to go all the way through Little Rock Senior High, now Central, in the class of 1929.She marriage Lamar Massie, with whom she shared 67 happy years, on April 12, 1934. Lamar preceded her in death in May of 2001. Beulah Lee was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church, Little Rock, where she was on the committee to form the church, the building committee and served in many capacities in the district, zone and local Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She was also a founding member of the Little Rock Progressive Club, and she enjoyed playing bridge throughout her life, gardening, fishing, entertaining family and friends and was an avid Razorback fan. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her children, Eleanor Manes and her husband, Don of Little Rock and Richard Massie and his wife Melodie of Norman, OK; grandchildren, Kay Manes, of Little Rock, Steve Manes and his wife Debbi of Pittsburgh, PA, Jason Massie and his wife Carol of Memphis, Allison Gasvoda and her husband Kevin of Darien, CT; and great-grandchildren, David, Brian and Jeffrey Manes, Kellen, Tobin, Aidan, and Mia Massie and Max, Olivia & Grace Gosvoda and other loving family.
A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday at Pinecrest Memorial Park by Rev. Don Porter. Memorials may be made to either Christ Lutheran Church, 315 S. Hughes, 72205 or Alzheimer's Arkansas, 10411 W. Markham, Ste. 130, 72205. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home.
