Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Dorothy Hood Brown
Dorothy Hood Brown, age 59, of Sherwood, finished her battle with cancer on December 6, 2005. She told many of her friends that she would win the battle – whether by treatment or by her entrance into Heaven. She has won!
Dorothy was born in Little Rock on October 23, 1946 to the late Joseph and Katherine Millirons Green. She was active in many areas of Christian Ministry and was a member of Faith Tabernacle in Medon, Tennessee, prior to moving back to Little Rock. She served as a court reporter in Pulaski County for many years.
Survivors include her daughters, Lou Ann Hand and husband Jeffrey of Sherwood, Melinda Wilkerson and husband Robert of Little Rock, Kimberly Lowery and husband Matthew of Sherwood; a sister, Sue Pruett and husband Tony of Little Rock; grandchildren, Joshua Hand, Zachary Hand, Jade Hand, Bobby Parker, Andy Spann, Codey Cameron, and Monica Benson. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Lauren Spann. Dorothy never met a stranger, so she leaves many friends and acquaintances that will miss her presence among them.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2005 in the Chapel of Ruebel Funeral Home, Little Rock, officiated by Reverend Marcie Hendrick. Graveside services will be 12:00 noon at Pinecrest Memorial Park officiated by Reverend Victor Hodge.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 901 N. University Ave. Little Rock, 72207.
Funeral arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home.
Janet Louise Yarbrough Brizzolara
Janet Louise Brizzolara, age 57 years, of Little Rock, passed away December 25, 2005, after a long illness. She was born July 12, 1948 in Benton, Arkansas the daughter of the late Byron and Ann Yarbrough. Mrs. Brizzolara was a graduate of Benton High School before graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a degree in English. Before her illness she taught at Miss Selma’s School and at Holy Souls Catholic School. After her illness she loved “needle pointing”, collecting figurines and she loved playing the piano. She maintained an up beat pleasant demeanor at all times no matter how she was feeling.
Janet is survived by her husband of 35 years John P. Brizzolara of Little Rock, a daughter Tricia Ann Maudlin and husband Todd of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, a son John P. Brizzolara, Jr. and wife Abigail of Little Rock, two granddaughters, Mollyann and Isabella Maudlin of Oklahoma City, two sisters Cathy Dicus of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Vicki Johnson of California.
There will be a Rosary Tuesday evening at 7pm at the Ruebel Funeral home, followed Wednesday with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church at 11am with The Very Reverend Monsignor David LeSieur as celebrant. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements are under he direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
Pallbearers; Tommy Jones, Jim Niedermeyer, Charles Dicus, Jonathon Dicus and Junior Holleman.
In lieu of flowers memorials should be made to the St. Vincent Infirmary Foundation.
Margaret Ann Morton Wilhelm
Margaret Ann Morton Wilhelm returned to the loving hands of God on Sunday morning, December 11th. Margaret is now having a joyful reunion with her husband, Al, her parents, Norvelle and A.B., her daughter-in-law, Candace, her aunts, Peg and Jacque, and many other relatives and friends.
Margaret was born on October 2, 1922, in Bernice, Louisiana, the only child of Adolphus Boatner Morton and Norvelle Hammett Morton. Margaret grew up in El Dorado, and graduated from El Dorado High School, where she made many life-long friends. Following her graduation, Margaret and her parents moved to Little Rock, where she resided for over 65 years. Margaret attended Hendrix College, Belhaven College of Jackson, Mississippi, and Little Rock Junior College.
After her college experience Margaret joined Southwestern Bell Telephone Company where she met the love of her life, Alfred Donovan Wilhelm. They marriage in 1949 and remained marriage until his death in 1994. In addition to having a wonderful husband, Margaret was blessed to gain the two best stepsons in the world, Al Jr. and Ricky. Margaret was a wonderful mother and homemaker. Ann and Jack grew up in a happy home and knew that their friends were always welcome. Margaret and Al are particularly proud that all four of their children have college and post-collegiate degrees.
Margaret is survived by her daughter, Ann Margaret Wilhelm Sell, and her husband, Donald R. Sell, of Ft. Myers, Florida; her son, Jack Morton Wilhelm, and his beautiful wife, Ann Stormont Lindsey Wilhelm, of Austin, Texas; her stepson, Alfred Donovan Wilhelm, Jr., and his elegant wife, Lorene Smith Wilhelm, of Ashburn, Virginia; and her stepson, retired Colonel Richard David Wilhelm, and his loving wife, Deborah Anne Wilhelm, of Little Rock.
In addition, Margaret is survived by seven grandchildren: Christopher Donald Sell and Patrick Jay Sell of Ft. Myers, Florida; Edward Morton Wilhelm of Edinburgh, Scotland; Amber Lynn Wilhelm of Little Rock; Alfred Donovan Wilhelm, III, and wife, Stacey, of Sterling, Virginia; Kimberly Anne Wilhelm Holtom and husband, Brooks, of Ashburn, Virginia; and Dr. Michael Joshua Wilhelm and wife, Sara, of Dupont, Washington; and nine great-grandchildren: Alfred IV, Megan, Haley, David, Jacob, Joshua, Sam, Andrew, and Peter.
Margaret was a life long member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, President of the Presbyterian Village Auxiliary, and a life member of the Presbyterian Women.
Margaret never met a stranger; she leaves behind many friends and was able to live at home until her death because of the loving assistance of these loving friends. Margaret has a gift of drawing out the best of her friends. In addition, Margaret loved her pets: Mickey, Fluffo and Chappy. Margaret leaves behind three grand-pets, Gus, Cleo, and Dolly.
Margaret’s family thanks the doctors and nurses who attended to Margaret and to Margaret’s personal caregivers, Gussie, Kathy and Rosemary.
There will be a graveside service at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Pinecrest Memorial Park followed by a memorial service at 11:00 at Second Presbyterian Church officiated by Rev. Dr. Karen Akin. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock, the First Presbyterian Church of El Dorado, the Wilhelm Scholarship funds at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Lyons College, or Ouachita Baptist University, or a charity of your choice.
Thomas Boykin Wilder
Thomas Boykin Wilder burst into life September 15, 1944 in Atlanta, Georgia, the youngest of 4 children born to Oliver Carlton and Katherine Spencer Wilder. He died December 23, 2005 after a courageous battle against the complications of chronic illness. He was 61.
He leaves a tremendous void in the heart of his wife of 22 years, Diane Davenport Wilder of Little Rock; his children, Thomas Brandon Wilder of Heflin, Alabama and Tara Wilder Couch of Tallapoosa, Georgia; a grandson, Hunter Couch of Tallapoosa, Georgia; sister, Ann West of Upland, California; sister, Kay Morris and husband Larry Morris of Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Also grieving his loss are sisters-in-law Daphne Davenport and husband George Ramser of Little Rock; Lillian Dee Davenport of Dallas, Texas; Debbie Davenport and husband Scott Lasiter of Harlingen, Texas; Jane Wilder of St. Simons, Georgia and mother in law Betty Davenport of Little Rock.
He was big brother to his nephews Chris Morris and wife Cindy of Cumming, Georgia; Britt Morris and wife Kathy of Atlanta, Georgia; Shan Morris and wife MeriBeth of Atlanta, Georgia; Todd Wilder and wife Pascale of Davie, Florida; Reagan West of Newport Beach, California as well as to his nieces Kayanne and husband Eddie Staub of Chestnut Mountain, Georgia; Tania Wilder of Tamarac, Florida and Kamy West of Dana Point, California.
Other nieces, nephews and family members greatly miss his generous spirit and his instigator (but fun loving) personality.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carlton.
Tom was a real estate developer in Atlanta, Georgia and Dallas, Texas, before moving to Little Rock, 4 years ago. While in Dallas, he thoroughly enjoyed his involvement in Boy Scouts of America and participated in numerous volunteer and church efforts during his 20 years there.
After relocating to Arkansas, he had time for his many other gifts to flourish and he became devoted friend, neighborhood counselor, artist and confidante. He had a boyish grin, a wonderful playful spirit, a fabulous sense of humor and a warm, generous heart that identified needs and then moved vigorously to meet them.
He loved beauty and created it wherever he went. In a setting of camaraderie and creativity, initially at The Mansion and later with the Art Group, he discovered a love for art and painted beautiful portraits that testify to his many interests. Understanding the therapeutic nature of an informal art studio, he worked to make this available to others.
Most who knew Tom never realized that for 48 years he felt he was in a mighty battle to save his body and spirit from the effects of long term illness. He exercised body and mind with determination and vigor despite his circumstances. He was an avid student who read voraciously and grasped to learn as many new things as he could knowing that life is precious and that each day is a gift. He created a similar environment and expectation for those around him and motivated them to reach for their dreams and to live each day to the maximum. It was his dedication and support from which he never wavered that fostered his wife’s medical career.
His love was quiet but feisty and action based and manifested by a heart that was not too busy or too full to invest itself in another’s. He did this overtly by participating in volunteer efforts, but his true gift was in the many one on one chats he had with those who desired a listening ear or who were heavy laden, living out his belief that a cord of three strands is not easily broken.
During the course of his illness, nurses, physicians and staff at Little Rock Hematology Oncology Associates demonstrated an intuitive response to Tom’s needs providing excellent clinical care in an environment of warm support and affection. Gradually the sense that he was alone in his journey relaxed into a shared experience that provided safe harbor and encouragement. This freed him to fully experience the joy of his many talents.
While at Baptist Hospital he was beautifully ministered to by the doctors, nurses, chaplains, staff and support personnel on the Oncology Floor 10A, in the SICU, and in the Radiology department. His doctors provided superior care and wise counsel to him and his family in the midst of very difficult decisions. They joined in a marvelous teamwork effort to provide guidance and to shoulder Tom’s burdens so that his last battle on earth was fought with a full army of devoted soldiers.
A strong core of friends and family lavished love and prayers which affirmed that underneath Tom’s struggle, was the greater hope he placed in God. Tom’s deepest longings for beauty, connection, freedom, wholeness and peace have finally been met.
A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church Chapel on January 6, 2006 at 4 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home.
Tom’s investment in and love for children was demonstrated in his commitment to a Christ-centered ranch for boys and girls in crisis and in need of hope and healing in his native Georgia. Memorials may be made to Eagle Ranch, PO Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, Georgia 30502.
Ernest Lyndon "Sonny" Whitelaw, Jr.
His beloved pet, Bo, was there to greet him on the Rainbow Bridge to take Ernest Lyndon “Sonny” Whitelaw, Jr. to the nursery in heaven where the babies were joyfully waiting to feel his loving arms around them.
He was born on July 2, 1927, to Ernest Lyndon Whitelaw, Sr. and Aldah Thompson Whitelaw Wilkinson, and died on December 29, 2005, at his home following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Oscar ³Buck² Wilkinson.
He is survived by his bride and soulmate of 27 years, Mary Sue Benedetto Whitelaw, seven children, Martha Lyndon ³Marty² Whitelaw Hendricks, Little Rock, AR; Aldah Jean ³Jeanie² Whitelaw, Clifton, NJ; Sam Whitelaw, Magnolia, AR; Drew May (Suzanne), Conway, AR; Dr. Steven Whitelaw (Marisela), Fayetteville, AR; Spencer May, Little Rock, AR, and Erin Whitelaw McConnell (Hugh), Sherwood, AR and his loving pet, Buddy. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Kristin Hendricks Sharp (Shane); Ashley Whitelaw; Blake Hendricks; Alex Whitelaw; Morgan May; Landry May; Haley Whitelaw; Mac McConnell, and William Whitelaw, and three great-grandchildren, Tyler, Ryli and Cannon Sharp.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Frances Anne and Tommy Gascon, Brusly, LA, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frankie and Marlene Benedetto, The Bluff, LA. He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Genevieve and Charles D. Benedetto.
He leaves behind a host of special nieces and nephews in Louisiana who he loved dearly.
He graduated from Fishburne Military School in Waynesboro, VA, and from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR.
His career began in 1950 with Arkansas Power & Light Company. In 1968, he was named Executive Director of the Southwest Arkansas Planning & Development District in Magnolia, AR. In 1980, then Governor Bill Clinton appointed him as Deputy Director of the Ozarks Regional Commission in Little Rock, AR, and in 1980, he was promoted to Vice President and Program Officer of the Council of Ozarks Governors, Little Rock, AR. In 1983, he returned to Entergy, Inc., where he served as Manager for Community Development until his retirement in 1997.
He was highly sought after to serve on boards in the state because of his integrity and the high level of esteem in which he was held by many. Those included the American Indian Center of Arkansas, where he served as chairman of the board; the Regional AIDS Interfath Network, where he served as president of the board; and LeadAR Arkansas, the Industrial Developers of Arkansas; the Southern Industrial Development Council; and the Community Development Council. He was co-founder of the Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where he also served on the faculty.
He was most fulfilled by his volunteer work with the Holy Souls RAIN Careteam, Arkansas Children¹s Hospital, where he rocked babies once a week for six years, and his role as Advocate for the Marriage Tribunal of the Diocese of Little Rock.
Honorary pallbearers are Lawrence “Tommy” Gascon, Frankie Benedetto, Bill Canino, Bill Inman, Bill Waters, Christine Allen, Louis Lefebvre, Paul Crossman, Ray Riggs, Joe Murrey and Tom Murrey.
Special thanks to Dr. Robert Henry and Dr. Laura Otter for their loving care, Jan McRaven and the rest of the staff at Arkansas Hospice and all of our family and friends who have been our light even in the darkest hour.
A memorial vigil will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2005 at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church. Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, also at the church, officiated by Monsignor David LeSieur. Inurnment will follow in the Holy Souls Garden Columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Our Lady of the Holy Souls Bell Tower Fund, The Pulaski County Humane Society or Arkansas Children¹s Hospital Infant and Toddlers Unit.
Cremation and service arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home.
Vivian McVey Reed
Vivian McVey Reed, age 94, of Little Rock, died Sunday, December 18, 2005. She was born in Fayetteville, West Virginia the daughter of the late George Mattie and Mayme Haynes McVey. Vivian and her family moved to Little Rock where she attended the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences Nursing School receiving her Registered Nursing Certificate. She practiced nursing for several years before marrying Jack Reed who died in 1997. Jack was past partner, Chairman of The Board of Ruebel Funeral Home. Vivian was a past president of St. Vincent Auxiliary, past member of the Departmental Club, a member of First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock, and past member of Pleasant Valley Country Club.
She is survived by two sisters, Dorothea McVey Ellington of Little Rock, Sara Lee Chiavarini of Virginia Beach, Virginia, a sister-in-law Jane Reed Eilersen of Little Rock, and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a funeral service Tuesday at 2pm at the Ruebel Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Reverend Dr. Karen Akin. Services are under the arrangement of Ruebel Funeral Home.
The family wishes that in lieu of flowers memorials should be made to First Presbyterian Church of a favorite charity.
