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Deborah Kathaleen Watley, age 71, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026. She was born August 3, 1954 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Deborah retired from the Alexander Human Development Center where she loved working with the residents there and was also a beautician. She was a people person and a loving & compassionate person. Deborah loved the Lord and her church family at Forest Hills Missionary Baptist Church very much.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert & Willie Mae Blakley and her husband, Ralph Watley.
Deborah is survived by her brother, James Winfield Blakley and several cousins.
Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26 at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Bro. Marcus Blakley will be officiating. There will be an open visitation.
The family would like to thank the people at Four Seasons Assisted Living and Alcoa Pines Health & Rehab for the care they gave her.
Mildred W. Squires, born February 24, 1939, in Gurdon, left this world on February 17, 2026, just shy of her 87th birthday. A devoted homemaker, she dedicated her life to raising and caring for her family, placing their needs and well-being above all else, second only to her unwavering love for the Lord. Mildred’s impact on those around her cannot be overstated; she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply.
Throughout her life, Mildred worked various part-time jobs, but her most important role was in her home. She possessed a unique blend of strength and gentleness. Standing at just 4’11”, she knew how to stand her ground when necessary, demonstrating quiet fortitude in the face of life’s challenges. Soft-spoken by nature, her steady strength made her larger than life in the hearts of those she loved.
Her faith was the foundation of her life. Mildred was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, and she and her husband quietly supported Missionary Baptist Seminary with their time and resources for many years, holding a deep appreciation for its work and ministry. Together, Mildred and James were honored to encourage and assist many young preachers as they prepared to spread the Word of God, offering steady support and quiet generosity along the way.
An incredibly talented individual, Mildred had a passion for caring for others through her gifts. She enjoyed canning and made sure her family was always supplied with homemade preserves. Her sewing skills were unmatched; there was seemingly nothing she could not create from fabric; from dog coats to car upholstery to custom blue jeans. While her children were still at home, she lovingly clothed her entire family with garments she made herself. She was also known for her exceptional banana pudding, a treasured family recipe passed down from her mother and now shared through five generations. Her talents extended to cooking and floral design, and she often volunteered at a friend’s shop during busy seasons. Even with a full home, she found time to serve as a Den Mom while her husband faithfully served as Scout Master for their son, Leroy.
She is survived by her son, Leroy (Sherry) Squires; her daughter, Angela (Kendall) Marshall; her grandchildren, Derrick (Summer) Marshall and Donovan (Savanna) Marshall; her great-grandchildren, Harper and Hudson Marshall; her sister, Linda Sanchez (Pete); along with numerous extended family members and friends.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James L. Squires, Jr.; her parents, David Robinson and Elsie Fay Beard; and her siblings Sonny, Pat, Katherine, Gordon, and Margaret.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at First Baptist Church, 6715 Hwy 5 N, Bryant, Arkansas, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.
Serving as pallbearers will be the Deacons of First Baptist Church, along with her grandsons, Derrick Marshall and Donovan Marshall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mildred’s name to First Baptist Church in Bryant or to Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jeff Mayfield for his compassionate care and faithful support of Mildred throughout the years.
Mildred will be remembered for her unwavering love, steadfast faith, exceptional talents, and the quiet joy she brought to those blessed to know her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends.
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Shannon L. Bridgeman (Shay Shay), age 52, of Little Rock, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on February 16, 2026, in Little Rock, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 9, 1973, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Homer W. Bridgeman and Janice Beddow.
Shannon enjoyed coloring, embroidery, and watching television. She loved music and had an impressive knowledge of songs and artists. Above all else, her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family. Shannon loved deeply and wholeheartedly, always offering encouragement, laughter, and comfort to those she cherished. She was a faithful member of Western Hills Methodist Church. Shannon was known for her loving and generous spirit, and in her final act of kindness, she gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
She was preceded in death by her father, Homer Bridgeman; her bonus father, Darrell Beddow; her two brothers, Joe Machycek and Danny Beddow; and her beloved grandparents.
Shannon’s proudest and most treasured role was being a mother to her son, Aden Bridgeman, whom she loved beyond measure and adored with her whole heart. She is also survived by her mother, Janice Beddow of Hensley, Arkansas; her bonus mother, Margaret Bridgeman of Little Rock, Arkansas; and her siblings: Wayne Bridgeman (Anita) of Hensley, Arkansas; Pattie Machycek of Little Rock, Arkansas; Bobby Horton of Maumelle, Arkansas; Johnny Machycek of Little Rock, Arkansas; Cheryl Carroll of Little Rock, Arkansas; Diane Valentine (Glenn) of Lone Oak, Texas; Michael Beddow (Dena) of Forney, Texas; Randy Beddow of Emory, Texas; Jackie Beddow; and bonus sister, Holly Bennett of Maumelle, Arkansas. She is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom she loved and adored.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home, 4212 Highway 5 North, Bryant, Arkansas 72022. Flowers may be sent to the funeral home on the afternoon of February 23 or the morning of February 24. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Autism Society of Arkansas. https://www.arkansasautismfoundation.org/
Shannon’s life was a beautiful reminder that love is not measured in years, but in the kindness, we share and the lives we touch. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.
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