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Sally Jean Latham, 59, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away February 12, 2026.  She was born July 20, 1966 in Texarkana, Texas to mark and Barbara Jean (Herrington) Latham.   

Sally leaves behind to cherish her memory her brother, Darius Crawford; sisters:  Leah Portis and Kirsten Laverne;  special niece, Chase Mayeur; and many family members and friends who love Sally and will miss her always.

 

Reba Jo Gillespie, 68, of Clinton, Arkansas, passed away February 13, 2026. She was born July 11, 1957, in Malvern, Arkansas. 

Full obituary and service information will be announced soon. 

Family is asked to call Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, AR, at (501) 778-7100.

 

James Ernest Chamblee Sr., 88, was born on February 20, 1937, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Sherman and Hattie Chamblee, who preceded him in death. He entered the presence of his Savior surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, prayer, strength, joy, and deep devotion to those he loved.

Ernest was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Clara May Chamblee; his parents; his siblings Clara “Laverne” Wheeler, Alfred “Sonny” Chamblee, and David Chamblee; and one cherished grandchild.

He is survived by his sister, Geraldine Pennington; his four children: James, Wanda, Lou (Roy), and Elena (Paul). His life continues through a large and growing family of grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought him immeasurable pride and joy. He was blessed with many grandchildren, including one precious grandchild waiting to arrive, and he carried each of them in his heart and in his daily prayers. Though one grandchild was welcomed into heaven before him, the love he had for every one of them remains part of his enduring legacy.

Ernest truly never met a stranger. Whether in a grocery store, church, hospital room, or on a simple walk, he had a way of making people feel seen and valued. He was the true definition of a Godly man. Gentle in spirit, kind, steady, patient, and full of grace, he showed love even when it was not deserved and modeled forgiveness, humility, and strength through every season of his life.

But Ernest was not only a man of prayer and principle. He was also full of joy. He was funny, loved to joke around, and found delight in laughter. He enjoyed making others smile and had a way of lightening even heavy moments with humor. His laughter was warm and contagious and brought comfort to those around him. Even in difficult seasons, he reminded his family that joy and faith can live side by side.

In his final weeks, his family heard what had always been the foundation of his life, prayer. He prayed over each of his children by name, lifting up their marriages, their struggles, and asking God to bless and protect them. He prayed for every grandchild by name, asking the Lord to guide them, guard their hearts, and draw them close to Him. He prayed for unity and love to flow through his family. He prayed for those who did not yet know Jesus. And to every person he encountered, he shared the hope and truth of Christ without hesitation.

Even in his last days, he carried peace. When his family worried, he reassured them. When hearts were heavy, he pointed them toward heaven. His faith was not just something he spoke about. It was something he lived daily. He led his family in Biblical truth and love with gentleness and consistency.

For many of us, Ernest was our hero. He was our steady place, our encourager, and our covering in prayer. His absence leaves an ache, but his example leaves a path. The seeds of faith he planted continue to grow in the generations that follow him.

His legacy is not only found in the family he leaves behind, but in the prayers he prayed, the love he extended so freely, and the laughter he shared so generously.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23

A visitation to honor and celebrate James’ life will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. A funeral service will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., also at the funeral home, with burial to follow at 3:30 p.m. at Social Hill Cemetery.

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Doris Smith Hibblen of Little Rock died on February 14, 2026. She was born on November 6, 1944 in Watson, Arkansas to Ernest and Juanita Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Skip, as well as her four brothers, Ernest, George, Terry, and Rickey.

She is survived by her two sons, Tommy of Nashville, Tennessee, and Michael of North Little Rock; her granddaughter, Rylee Dewberry-Hibblen of Texarkana, Arkansas; and her sister, Miriam Ford of Little Rock.

Doris attended Watson public schools and what is now the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She became a school teacher in 1965 at Prairie Grove, then taught in Eudora, Clarksville, and North Little Rock. She spent most of her career at Rose City Junior High. As an educator, her spirit will live on in the lives of her many students.

After retiring, Doris spent years taking pottery classes at the Arkansas Arts Center and enjoyed keeping flowers blooming in her yard.

A visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton.

 

Arthur Walmsley lived a life that was steady, faithful, and deeply rooted in love – for the Lord, for his family and friends, and for the quiet beauty of the outdoors.

Born in Searcy, Arkansas, Arthur’s family moved frequently, shaping in him an adaptability and resilience that would mark the rest of his life. It was as a high school student in Fredericktown, Missouri that Arthur made the most important decision of his life: he committed himself fully to Christ. That commitment became the foundation of everything he did.

His faith was never half-hearted. It was all-in, consistent, and gracious. In every town he later called home, Arthur found a church and found a way to serve – teaching Sunday School to both children and adults, driving the church bus, counseling at church camps, serving the singles ministry, and faithfully supporting ministry events. He didn’t just attend church; he invested in it.

Arthur faced one of the defining trials of his life in 1983 when he was involved in a tragic car accident that affected him for the rest of his years. Yet even in hardship, his faith remained unwavering. Those who knew him best witnessed a remarkable perseverance. He leaned fully on the Lord he trusted and carried his challenges with grace, offering a living testimony that faith is proven not in ease, but in endurance.

An avid outdoorsman, Arthur loved to hunt and fish, and some of his family’s most treasured memories are rooted in those shared adventures. Despite the lasting effects of his accident, he remained a devoted and engaged father – traveling, spending time outdoors, and creating meaningful experiences with his children and grandchildren. His love for his family was steadfast and unmistakable.

Arthur lived for many years in Starkville, Mississippi, where he worked for the National Forestry Service. Demonstrating both discipline and determination, he later earned a second degree in Computer Science, graduating with honors from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. In the early 2000s, he returned to Arkansas and continued his career at Riceland Foods, where he faithfully served for the remainder of his working years.

Family was central to Arthur’s life. He shared a close and special bond with his siblings and children, a relationship marked by loyalty and affection. He is survived by two of his siblings, Winnie Walmsley and Dan Walmsley; his children, Amanda Devlin and her husband Steven Devlin, and Steve Walmsley and his wife Karlin Walmsley; and his eight cherished grandchildren, who brought him immense pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Dorothy Walmsley, and his siblings, Steve Walmsley and Sandra Stanley.

Arthur’s legacy is one of faithfulness. He loved deeply, served consistently, and trusted God wholeheartedly. His life reminds us that strength can be gentle, perseverance can be gracious, and a life anchored in Christ leaves an eternal imprint.

He will be dearly missed by family and friends alike, but his example of unwavering faith and steadfast love will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services will be on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 10:00am in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home in Benton.

Visitation will be on Thursday evening, February 19, 2026 from 5:00 until 7:00pm at the funeral home.

Interment will follow the service at 1:00PM at Kensett Cemetery.

 

Jeff Timothy Clement, age 67, of the Salem Community, walked through heaven’s gates on February 11, 2026. Born on November 7, 1958, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Jeff attended school in Pine Bluff and proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Racine.

While home on leave, Jeff met the love of his life, Sarah (Knox) Clement. They quickly fell in love and shared 47 wonderful years of marriage together. Jeff continued his education, earning an associate degree in Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD), and later became the owner of Specialty Installations.

Jeff dedicated several years of service as a firefighter and EMT with the Salem Fire Department. He also served as an adjunct instructor for the Fire Academy in Camden and attended training at the National Fire Academy. Later in life, as the economy shifted, Jeff worked as an OTC truck driver and then as a dump truck driver until retiring due to health complications following surgery.

Jeff dearly loved his family, extended family, and friends. He never met a stranger and was always willing to engage in long conversations. He cherished the many days spent in Grapevine with his grandparents, where he learned to hunt and fish. One of his greatest joys was taking his boat to Perdido Key, Florida, with his family by his side. They enjoyed fishing while the Blue Angels flew overhead. He also enjoyed trips to the casino, where he mastered the slot machines, blackjack, and Mississippi Stud poker, where luck was on his side.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Carroll (TC) Clement; his paternal grandparents, James Garland and Chloe Lites Clement; and his maternal grandparents, Joe Ira and Addie Pierce Williams.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Clement; daughter, Rachael Price (Dustin); son, Chris Clement (Julieta); grandchildren, Alyssa Faith, Rylee, Wyatt, and Bennett, who lovingly called him “Big Bear”; his mother, Irene Clement; his brother, Tom Clement; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Military honors will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m., with visitation to follow. Burial will be at a later date at Ramick Cemetery in Grapevine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Jeff will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We will love you, Big Bear.

 

Tiffany Lee Crisel, 45 of Bauxite, Arkansas passed away on February 12, 2026. Tiffany was born on September 15, 1980 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Helen “Ann” Mitchell and James Michael Daven. Tiffany was a child of God who loved her family fiercely.

“But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them.” – Nehemiah 9:17

Tiffany is survived by her mother Ann Mitchell and dad Jim Mitchell; her son Bryson Crisel; her sister Jessica (Toby) Fortner, brothers James (Erin) Mitchell and Cody (Amy) Mitchell; her nephews Michael Fortner, Ethan Fortner, Levi Mitchell, James Mitchell, and Andrew Mitchell; her nieces Ashton Fortner, Kinsley Mitchell, and Emily Mitchell. As well as many other great nieces and nephews.

Tiffany is preceded in death by her father James Daven; her children Jack and Ruth; her grandparents Edward Carl Daven, Darlene Kirby, and BW and Ruth Meggs. Along with many other loved ones.

Services are pending and will be shared at a later date.

Flowers can be sent to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 24310 North Sardis Rd Bauxite, AR 72011. 

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