If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
Jean V. Volpert
Jean V. Volpert of Little Rock and Benton passed away April 27, 2026. She was a retired hairdresser of 60 years.
Jean cherished spending time with her family and was a proud grandma. She enjoyed going to Estate Sales, yard sales, flea markets, or a trip to Oaklawn with her husband Charles.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Robert P. and Mary Lucille Crowley; her father and mother-in-law, Casper K., and Martina M. Volpert; and brothers-in-law: Carl Sanders and Joe Volpert.
Jean is survived by her husband of 48 years, Charles C. Volpert; sons, Robert Scott McGarrell (Stacia), and John Patrick “J.P.” McGarrell; step-son: Alex Volpert (Jenifer); grandchildren: Chelsea, Lauren; Holly, Aubrey, Jolie, Alex, and Emma; Sisters-in-law: Dorothy “Dottie” Sanders and Margie Volpert; and many nieces and nephews, family and friends who love Jean and will miss her always.
Rosary will be held Monday, May 4, from 5:00-5:30 PM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home with visitation following until 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 9:30 AM, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church in Little Rock. Burial to follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.
Jean may have left this earth, but she will never leave our hearts.
Gloria Ann Surrette
It is with heavy hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Gloria Ann Surrette, who departed this life on April 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and hospitality that touched all who knew her. She was born on December 11, 1936, in Homewood, Alabama, to Robert Abercrombie and Evelyn Fox.
Gloria was a beacon of warmth and generosity, embodying the true spirit of southern hospitality that made everyone she encountered feel like family. Her innate ability to make friends easily transformed countless acquaintances into lifelong companions. Her heart found its greatest joy in the presence of her family and friends, whether in a friendly game of dominoes or an afternoon at the casino. Gloria loved the Gulf Coast and spent many years enjoying beach life in Navarre, Florida. Gloria’s love for travel took her on many adventures, most recently to Branson, where she celebrated her grandson Sonny’s 13th birthday. This trip, like many others, was filled with laughter and love—a testament to her vibrant spirit.
Gloria is predeceased by her loving husband of 37 years, William T. Surrette, her grandsons Michael, Jonathan, and Stephen Surrette, and her brother William Abercrombie. She is survived by her devoted partner of 23 years, Ralph Simmons, with whom a daily evening ritual of “drink time” became a cherished part of her life. She leaves behind her sons, William T. Surrette, Jr., and Michael L. Surrette, and his wife Jo Lynne, along with her sister, Margaret Gray. Gloria’s legacy continues through her grandsons, William L. Surrette and John Robert Surrette, and her great-grandchildren, Zoe Surrette and Everette Surrette. She is also remembered fondly by her sister-in-law, Linda Abercrombie, and dear friends Peggy Williams Davis, Helen Arnold, and Joyce Snyder.
Though Gloria’s journey in this world has ended, the love she shared and the lives she touched remain a testament to her enduring spirit.
To honor her life, a Visitation Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas 72015.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lisa Bazzett and the oncology staff at UAMS for the compassionate care extended to Gloria. Special thanks also go to Gentiva Hospice of Bryant, Arkansas, for the unwavering support and comfort during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Gloria’s memory by extending a hand in friendship, sharing a moment of kindness, or simply raising a glass at 5:00 in memory of her beautiful life.
READ MORE OBITUARIES BELOW
James Larry Davis
James Larry Davis, 75, of Alexander, passed away on April 27, 2026 in North Little Rock. He was born on March 1,1951 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late James E. and Jettie Mae (Quick) Davis.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Glover, siblings; Herschell Davis, Josie Davis, Mildred Gould, Steven Davis and son;, Kenneth Glover.
Survivors include: daughter; Becky Mansfield (Jerry) of Alexander, four grandchildren: Tiffany Willis ( Dustin) of Bryant, Jennifer Teeter (Brooks) of Pottsville, Stacey Boone (Donald) of Cabot, Koty Mansfield of North Little Rock, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; which were his pride and joy., Al Davis (Delores) of Bauxite, Frank Davis of Malvern, Carolyn Milner of El Paso, Nina Shaw Of Washington State, Terry Davis (Marsha) of Arkadelphia, Eva Aguilar of Prattsville, Bruce Davis (Dee) and other relatives and friends.
His favorite title was “Papaw James” and his great-grandchildren were the joy of his life. He had a loving spirit that showed in his devotion to them. He loved taking them fishing and cheering them on in their many sports and activities.
James was a lawnmower enthusiast and had a passion for repurposing metal. His craftsmanship skills were showcased in the many projects he completed. He had a special talent of losing his keys, most of the time “conveniently” at the hardware store.
You would never find him without his “special hat” that became his signature trademark. He has now “passed the hat” to future generations to carry on the legacy he leaves behind.
Private Family Service will be held at a later date.
Mirlon Doyce Tackington
Mirlon Doyce Tackington, 81, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away April 25, 2026.
Doyce was born on August 29, 1944, to the late Ray & Erma Green in Donaldson, Arkansas. Doyce graduated from Ouachita High School in 1964 and then was drafted into the United States Airforce.
After serving our country for four years he then went to UALR and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Doyce was a teacher at the Arkansas school for the deaf and he made a long-lasting impact on the deaf community who lived there. Doyce had a passion for flowers and tropical fish, for example, angel fish. He was always either taking care of his fish or his flower garden, which he loved. Doyce loved his family, God and his wife dearly which were the most important things to him in life. Doyce’s favorite saying was “special people do special things”. He would always ask his grandchildren what it meant to be special and that was his response every time. He taught several Bible classes over the years and was youth director in their early marriage. Doyce loved taking his wife on trips that they were awarded for from legal shield, which they worked for over twenty years.
July 23, 1971, Doyce married the love of his life, Lana Cruse. Doyce & Lana went on to have 3 children, Marcus, Gaylon & Scarlett, whom he loved dearly. He loved going to their baseball and softball games.
Doyce was preceded in death by his father Ray, his mother Erma & his sister Judy. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lana, his son Marcus (Dina), son Gaylon (Brandi) and daughter Scarlett (Sarge) and his brothers James Tarkington and Ken Green. Doyce & Lana have 8 grandchildren Andrew, Kobe, Hunter, Macy, Haley, Logan, Morgan & Max.
Services will be held at Mabelvale Church of Christ on Monday May 4, 2026, with visitation starting at 12:30 and celebration of his life at 1:30.Burial to follow at PineCrest Memorial Park.
Pallbearers:
Andrew Tarkington (grandson)
Kobe Tarkington (grandson)
Hunter Vasquez (grandson)
Logan Tarkington (grandson)
Max Tarkington (grandson)
Ken Green (brother)
If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
