Obituaries

Nancy Jane Tobin Venable

Nancy Jane Tobin Venable was born on January 16, 1947, in El Dorado, Arkansas and entered into eternity into the arms of her mother on November 9, 2022. Nancy, known for her tenacity and spirit, fought the good fight and has won the race. She was a living example of ‘Be the Change You Wish to See in the World’. Nancy loved and often reminisced about growing up in Harrell, Arkansas and was a graduate of Hampton High School. She lived in South and Central Arkansas for much of her life, while also living several years in San Antonio and the North Texas area before settling in Bella Vista, Arkansas 13 years ago. She was a strong believer in Christ and found it an absolute joy throughout her life to serve others through various ministries. For many years Nancy was a bank teller, and because of her leadership skills was promoted to Head Bank Teller responsible for training operations in various Arkansas and Texas bank establishments. She performed administrative duties at several churches over the years and found great joy in promoting/developing ministries for women and youth. She participated in numerous mission trips to Mexico, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas where she was known for her ability to cook countless meals in abundance for those in need and those serving others. Nancy was most proud of her time as a team manager providing disaster relief opportunities through F.E.M.A. Over the past several years, Nancy has enjoyed retirement on her property, what she called ‘her little piece of paradise’ in Bella Vista, Arkansas. She was a lover of the outdoors and gardening, ministering to those in need, her family (most importantly her grandchildren), cooking robust Southern-influenced meals for others, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with a cold Coca Cola, and her beloved dog and loyal companion, Gabby. She is preceded in death by the beacon and absolute love of her life, her mother, Jane Elizabeth Jones Tobin, her second mother figure and treasured role model, Martha Jo “Doe Doe” Jones Nutt, and sister Jeanine Elizabeth Tobin Hamiter. She is survived by her son Chris Venable, daughter Beth Venable Tellez, son by choice Isaac Tellez, former husband and friend Larry Venable, her grandchildren Ethan, Sarah, Julian, and Elia, her sisters by choice: Jeanette Nutt, Josie Oliver, and Tricia Thompson, nephew Jimmy Hamiter and family, niece Elizabeth Hamiter, numerous cousins and their families whom she loved fiercely to include but certainly not limited to childhood running buddies Jack, Jimmie, Josie, and Ron, and countless friends she touched along the way. There will be a Celebration of Life Gathering in the Spring of 2023 in her cherished hometown of Harrell, Arkansas. At that time, she will be placed with her adored mother in Oakland Cemetery in Fordyce, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Nancy’s honor to a local nonprofit agency, the Alzheimer's Association, Feed America, Heifer International, Doctors without Borders, or Texas Baptist Men Disaster Relief Organization.

Helen Cruse Roper

Helen Cruse Roper

Helen Cruse Roper, age 93, of White Hall, Arkansas passed away on November 17, 2022. She was born June 29, 1929 in Harrell, Arkansas to Norman and Alice Karriker Cruse. She was married to V.L. Roper on March 10, 1949 for 67 years until his death in 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Dorothy Hiatt, brother Frank Cruse, three brotherin- laws, one sister-in-law, one nephew, and one niece.

Gail Newton Wells

Gail Newton Wells

85, of Little Rock, Arkansas died peacefully, Tuesday, November 8, 2022, surrounded by her family. She was born December 17, 1936, in Hampton, Arkansas to Jeptha Oliver (Obb) Newton and Madrid Tucker Newton. Gail graduated from Arkansas Baptist School of Nursing in Little Rock where she received the honor of being named Miss Arkansas Baptist Hospital in 1956. She was a registered nurse, working for Arkansas Baptist Hospital, Dr. Elbert H. Wilkes private practice, and later at St. Vincent Infirmary. In 1969, she began volunteering for Youth Home, Inc, fostering several youths in her home and served on the Board of Directors. In 1980, she began working for Youth Home as the Facilities Director until her retirement in 2000. Gail was a passionate volunteer throughout her life, working with the Youth Home Auxiliary, where she served as Vice President helping to organize fundraisers and as a volunteer chairwoman for the Yellow Daisy Tea Room. Also in 1980, she received a Community Service Award from the City of Little Rock for her volunteer service with Youth Home. Gail was a long-time member of the Little Rock Racquet Club, later working there part-time. Gail had been a devoted member of P.E.O. Chapter CK since 1998, where she served as President and used her many talents to volunteer and fundraise for women’s scholarships. She was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, where she formed lifelong friendships in the Inquirers Class, served on several committees, and was selected as a Pillar of the church. One of her proudest achievements at St. Paul was spearheading an effort to design, create, and install 13 stained-glass windows for their own sanctuary, as well as two

Williams Henry Bush

Sr. was born March 23, 1919 to Liddia Randall and Floyd Allen Bush, Sr. in the St. Paul Community. On Tuesday, October 18, 2022 the Lord called the kind spirit of Deacon William Henry Bush Sr. home for a long journey to a home of glory.

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The South Arkansas Sun

Mailing Address:
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Hampton, AR 71744

Phone: (870)798-3786
Fax: (870)798-2800