If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
May “Mutt” Lovel Shepard
May “Mutt” Lovel Shepard, 93, passed away peacefully on July 18, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in her family home in Benton, Arkansas, to William Virgil Lovel and Mary Elizabeth Wright Lovel.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Jesse Donavan Shepard; and her son, Ricky Don Shepard.
Mutt is survived by her loving daughter, Patty Fryar, and her husband, Gary. She is also survived by Patty’s children, Aaron Perry and his wife, Karen, and their three children, Carly, Kaci, and Jake; and Brittany Perry and her two children, Evelyn and Elijah Katilius, of North Carolina. She is also survived by Gary’s children, Dawson and Sydney Fryar, Ethan Fryar, Abby Fryar, and Aaliyah Milligan of Iowa, along with extended family and many dear friends.
Although her family will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with those who have gone before her.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home, located at 108 W. Narroway Street in Benton, Arkansas.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Rosemont Cemetery, located at 1010 Military Road, Benton, Arkansas 72015.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, medical staff, and hospice team for the compassionate care they provided during Mutt’s final days.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
“Her children arise and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28
James Edward Spears
James Edward Spears, 76, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on July 15, 2026, at Baptist Health in Little Rock. James was surrounded by his wife, daughters, granddaughters, and many close family and friends over the last few weeks.
Born on October 16, 1949, in Columbia, Louisiana, he was the youngest child of Allen and Lillian Spears. James grew up in Benton, Arkansas and was a graduate of Benton High School, where he affectionately became known as “Smiley,” played on the high school football team, and was voted “most handsome.”
After graduating high school, James went on to work for Alcoa, for over 40 years, until his retirement.
James never met a stranger and was always there to help family, friends, and neighbors, especially when it came to auto mechanic work or fixing something around the house. He was the go-to when it came to know-how, know-who, or finding a good deal on what you needed. He was someone who stood by his word and took care of his people. James was never one to sit still and was always tinkering with a project, a hobby, or a repair. He would take a brief break for a little peanut butter, a “shot” of iced tea, and a “power nap,” before he was at it again!
James is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Sandra Spears. Their union produced one daughter, Kari Spears (Tim) of Springdale, Arkansas, stepdaughter Kelly Peppard of Benton, and two granddaughters Ella Peppard of Conway, and Josie Peppard of Benton. James was the rock for Sandy and their daughters and granddaughters. He was also deeply loved and a central figure for his family, especially his nephews. He is also survived by his precious dog, Maggie.
James will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Lillian Spears, and brothers Delbert, John, and Glenn Spears.
A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park on Saturday, August 1, at 10:00 AM.
Janice Kay Guffey
Janice Kay Guffey ‘Grammy’, 78, of Perryville, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on July 18, 2026. She was born on April 23, 1948, in Grenada, Mississippi, to the late Ralph Eli Cartledge and Mary Edith (McCluskey) Cartledge-Thompson.
Grammy lived a life rooted in faith, love and family. A faithful member of the Assembly of God, she loved the Lord with all her heart. She was a devoted prayer warrior whose unwavering faith sustained her through every season of life. Her relationship with Christ was the foundation of who she was, and she faithfully lived out her beliefs each day through prayer, compassion, and the kindness she showed to everyone she met.
She earned her bachelor’s degree and spent many years serving as a Principal Librarian with the Central Arkansas Library System. Grammy loved to read and believed there was always something new to learn. She found joy in books, but even more joy in the people she shared life with.
Her family was the center of her world. She loved having everyone together, and nowhere was that more evident than at Christmastime. Christmas wasn’t just a holiday to Grammy—it was an experience. Every year she chose a new decorating theme and transformed her home, inside and out, into something truly special. Family and friends looked forward to gathering there, where laughter filled the rooms, traditions were made, and memories were created that will be treasured for years to come.
Grammy also treasured her friendships. She and her friends were always planning their next outing, whether it was trying a new restaurant, shopping, or simply enjoying each other’s company. She loved staying busy and making the most of every day. And, of course, no description of Grammy would be complete without mentioning her faithful furry companion, Chester, who brought her so much comfort and held a special place in her heart.
Whether she was opening her home for another Christmas celebration, enjoying lunch with friends, spending time with her family, or simply sharing a quiet moment with Chester, Grammy found joy in life’s everyday blessings. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, unconditional love, generosity, and countless treasured memories. While her family and friends will miss her deeply, they find comfort in knowing she is now with her Savior, whom she loved so faithfully throughout her life. Her love, prayers, and the example she set will continue on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Caroll Guffey, Sr.; her son, Randy Pruitt; her daughter, Tiffany Pruitt; and her parents, Ralph Eli Cartledge and Mary Edith (McCluskey) Cartledge-Thompson; her step-dad, Charles Thompson; Aunt Laura, Aunt Betty, Uncle Clennis and Aunt Dorothy, and Uncle Harry and Aunt Betty.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sons, Caroll Guffey, Jr. and wife Jody and Jason Guffey and wife Lisa; grandchildren, Brittany Guffey, Jay Guffey and wife Anna, Freddy May and wife Amber, Carrie Lee and husband Jacob, Katie Gulley and husband Jonathan, Laura Brown and husband Steven, Sydney Munn and her fiancé, Austin Poteete, Brittnee Suffern, and Jake Suffern; great-grandchildren, Carter May, Gracen May, Kyndall May, Jackson Lee, Harrison Gulley, Jayda Wilkes, Abby Bearham, Jaxson Brown, Payton Scott, Landry Munn, and Gunner Poteete; her brother, Ralph Cartledge and wife Mary; sister Judy Grone; special friends, Bobby Garrett, Virginia Slater, Bill English, and “Momma” Garrett and family; along with many other relatives and dear friends who will forever cherish the time they shared with her.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Hope Cemetery in Perryville, Arkansas.
Services are entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
From her brother Ralph-
“I loved her tremendously and will miss her every day! My sister, my keeper.”
READ MORE OBITUARIES BELOW
Eula Faye England
Eula Faye England, 91, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on July 15, 2026. Born on September 18, 1934 in Rison, Arkansas, she was the daughter of the late Guy Glover and Willie Ruth Faver Glover.
Faye lived up to the meaning of her name: “faithful.” She was devoted to the Lord and faithfully attended Bible studies, continually seeking to grow in her relationship with Him. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and was evident in the love and care she showed to others.
A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Faye found great joy in caring for her family. She faithfully served her church and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever there was a need. Known for her warm hospitality, she was an exceptional cook whose meals brought family and friends together around her table. Through her cooking and caring spirit, she made everyone feel welcome and loved.
Faye had a special gift with children, especially babies, and became affectionately known as the “Baby Whisperer.” Friends, family, and neighbors often sought her help with fussy little ones, knowing she had a remarkable ability to soothe and comfort them.
She enjoyed spending time with friends, particularly during weekly game nights with her church friends. Faye and her husband, Jim, also enjoyed traveling together and making cherished memories. Though life was not always easy, she faced every challenge with unwavering faith and trust in the Lord. She was a woman of prayer whose faith, strength, and encouragement touched countless lives. Those who knew her took comfort in her prayers and her steadfast belief that God was always at work.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim England; her son, James Edward “Eddie” England, Jr.; her parents, Guy Glover and Willie Ruth Faver Glover; and her siblings, Fredine McBryde, Elkana (Ken) Glover, and Alton Glover.
She is survived by her daughter, Terri England, along with extended family members and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home, with visitation to begin one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Geyer Springs Baptist Church.
If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
