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John Henry Broadway
John Henry Broadway “Bud”, of Bauxite, went to be with Jesus on April 15, 2026, 13 days before his 87th birthday. He was born in Bauxite, Arkansas to Charlie Hayward and Eva Mae Reeves Broadway on April 28, 1939. Bud married Hester Ann Clark in June of 1990.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, one brother, two sisters, one nephew, and one great-nephew.
Bud leaves to cherish his memory: sisters, Audrey Webb, Brenda Smith, and Bobbie Edmonson; brother-in-law, Earl Smith; step-daughter, Janice Silva and husband Danny; ten nephews; four nieces; many good friends; and two very special boys who called him “Dad”, Johnathan and Michael Stewart.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date.
Alene Bearden
Alene Bearden 87, of Collegeville died Thursday, April 16, 2026. She was born to the late Fred “Papper” Billing and Mary “Mammer” Howell Billing on October 4, 1938 in Collegeville, AR. She was a homemaker and a member of Collegeville Church of the Nazarene.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years Allen, daughter Sara Howard (Bob); granddaughter Amber Hope (William); 3 great grandchildren; Marlea Hope, Shelby Hope, Will Hope (Sami) and 1 great- great- grandchild Harlee Ann Hope. With a host of family and friends.
Visitation is 12 –1 and service is at 1 at Ashby Funeral Home Benton, AR, April 20, 2026. Burial will be at Collegeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Life Touch (Arkansas Hospice) 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116
David Carrol Fletcher
David Carrol Fletcher passed away on April 13, 2026, in Benton, Arkansas, at the age of 78. Born on February 10, 1948, in Little Rock, David’s life was defined by a lifelong passion for music and a dedicated career in education.
A 1966 graduate of Little Rock Central High School, David followed his love for music to Henderson State College, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music Education. His journey with the trombone began in the fourth grade and flourished throughout his life; performing in regional ensembles such as the Arkansas Symphony, the Little Rock Wind Symphony and jazz bands.
As a band director, David mentored generations of musicians at several schools in Arkansas including Corning and Benton. One of the high points of his career was leading the Pulaski Academy High School band on a memorable performance tour through France.
He married Jo Kays in March 1982; they were married for 43 years until her death on November 1, 2025. David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo (Kays) Fletcher; his parents, Robert L. Fletcher, Sr. and Eleanor (Hurlbut) Fletcher; his brother, Robert; and his sister, Janise. He is survived by his daughter, Carol A. Fletcher, and his brother, Richard W. Fletcher and several nieces and one nephew.
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, from 5pm to 7pm at Smith Funeral Home in Benton. The funeral service will take place Tuesday, April 21, at 1:00 PM, with burial to follow at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery.
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Brenda Oneda Bridges
Brenda Oneda Bridges, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026. She was born May 11, 1954, in Little Rock, Arkansas, and spent her life loving her family and enjoying the simple things that meant the most to her.
Brenda found joy in everyday moments. She loved working in her garden and took pride in watching things grow. Fishing and spending time at the lake brought her a lot of peace. She also enjoyed taking pictures and videos, always wanting to hold on to special memories with the people she loved. Brenda liked working crossword puzzles, cooking, and watching cooking shows, along with her favorite series, Yellowstone. Some of her happiest times were spent having cookouts with family, where everyone could gather, laugh, and just be together. When she was able, she attended Christ is the Answer Fellowship in Bryant, where she found comfort and connection.
She is survived by her children, Ramona Rowland, Chris Smith and his wife Charlotte, and Jackie Bridges; her longtime companion of ten years, Jack Griffin; her grandchildren, Chris Smith, Jr., Brenda Beasley and her husband Brandon, and Will Smith; and her great-grandchildren, Brandon Beasley, Jr. and Travis Beasley. She is also survived by her siblings, Patrick Laster and his wife Steina, Vince Laster, Laurel Beach and her husband David, and Lisa Doyle and her husband Vernon, along with many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Bridges; her sons, Donny Paul Smith, Travis Smith, and Jacob Bridges; and her parents, Thomas and Emma Jean (Hunter) Laster.
A visitation will be held on April 22, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Summit Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to come, remember Brenda, and celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, family would appreciate donations be made towards the unexpected funeral costs by calling Smith-Benton Funeral Home at 501-778-7100.
Brenda will be remembered for her kind heart, her love for her family, and the way she made people feel at home. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Nora “Hazel” Gray Champagne
Nora “Hazel” Gray Champagne, age 92, passed away on April 16, 2026. She was born on November 27, 1933. Hazel spent most of her life in Lono, Arkansas, and her later years in Benton, Arkansas.
Known as “Mammaw” to those who loved her, Hazel lived a full, active, and healthy life. She had a vibrant, fun-loving personality and was always happiest when spending time with her family.
Hazel was creative and enjoyed working with her hands. She spent many hours quilting, painting, crafting, and making handmade items that her family will continue to treasure. She was a wonderful cook and baker who made meals from scratch that her family loved.
Hazel loved to dance and spent many years attending dances at the community center and senior adult center with friends and family. She also loved being outdoors, especially gardening and hunting. She continued hunting well into her later years, including taking an 8-point deer at the age of 88.
Hazel was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who took great pride in her family and cherished time with them.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James Edward Gray; her son, James Edwin Gray; her parents, Richard Clark and Gertrude Clark; and her siblings, John Clark, Kenneth Clark, Joe Clark, Sally Clark Griffin, and Richard Clark.
Hazel is survived by her husband of 14 years, Francis Champagne; her children, Brenda (Charlie) Fox, Tim (Sherry) Gray, and Rhonda (Donnie) Ruple; her stepson, Scott (Tally) Champagne; her grandchildren, Stacey Gray Verrette, Matt Gray, Nakea Hill, Shanee Gray, Hunter Gray, Olivia Willson, and Grayson Ruple; her step-grandson, Robert Champagne; her great-grandchildren Max, Madison, Blaine, Kierstin, Jonathan, Braydon, Sky, Lillian, Calvin, and Nora; and her siblings, Marie Smith and Ola Vandiver.
Visitation will be held at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Rd., Benton, Arkansas, on Wednesday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Lono Cemetery.
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