Obituaries for Dec. 7, 2023

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JAY PITTMAN

Jay B. Pittman, passed away peacefully at his home on December 4, 2023, at the age of 69, surrounded by his loving family. Born on May 13, 1954, in Magnolia, Arkansas to the late Joel Bennett Pittman and Martha Naomi (Hay) Ake.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Mercedes Canto-Pittman of Magnolia; his children, Jay Maxson Pittman and Andrea Watson of Boston, MA, Pristine Bay Pittman and Adam Davidson of Johnson City, TN, Asa Paul Pittman and wife Tara of Little Rock, and Lacy Shay Bailey and husband Jason of Greenbrier; grandchildren, Noah and Jude Pittman of Little Rock and Shay, Story, and Jared Bailey of Greenbrier. Jay also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Toni and Sherry Pittman of Magnolia, and a host of extended family and friends in Chile, South America who will deeply miss his presence.

Jay was a graduate of Magnolia High School and Southern Arkansas University, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. He worked as a real estate agent and served as a Master Instructor in Tang Soo Do, sharing his expertise and love for martial arts. Jay dedicated 35 years to Albemarle Corporation, where he retired as a quality control supervisor.

Jay was an active member of the First Baptist Church Magnolia and a member of the United States Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan Federation. He also was a skilled pilot and had a love for motorcycles which took him on countless journeys.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. at Lewis Chapel with Bro. David Watkins officiating. Cremation services were provided by Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Compassion International, 12290 Voyager Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80921-3668 (800) 336-7676.

VALESTENE COOPER-JACKSON

Valestene Cooper-Jackson, 77, of Magnolia, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Magnolia Regional Medical Center.

Celebration of Life services will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Columbia District Auditorium (Youngblood) in Magnolia, at 1 p.m., with burial to follow at 23rd Psalms Cemetery in Magnolia, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home. Rev. Michael Clayton, Eulogist.

Visitation will be Thursday, {Dec. 7} from 1 – 3:30 p.m., at R.L. Reed Funeral Home in Magnolia.

LLOYD COOPER

Lloyd Cooper Jr., 82, of Magnolia, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023, at his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be held Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Columbia District Auditorium (Youngblood) in Magnolia, at 1 p.m., with burial to follow at 23rd Psalms Cemetery in Magnolia, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home. Dr. B.J. Harris, Eulogist. Visitation will be Thursday, {Dec. 7} from 1 – 3:30 p.m., at R.L. Reed Funeral Home.

ASHLEY FRENCH

Ashley Danielle French, 28, of Magnolia, Arkansas, transitioned from this life succumbing to injuries sustained in an automobile accident Thursday morning, November 30, 2023, in Camden, Arkansas. Celebration of Life services will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Columbia District Auditorium (Youngblood) in Magnolia, at 2:30 p.m., with burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery in Emerson, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC. Rev. Victor Morgan, Eulogist. Visitation will be Friday, {Dec. 8} from 1 – 3 p.m., at R.L. Reed Funeral Home.

VIRGINIA SMITH

Virginia Brewer Smith, 40, of Magnolia, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, November 30, 2023, at her residence. Celebration of Life services will be held Sunday, December 10, 2023, at R.L. Reed Funeral Home Chapel in Magnolia, at 2 p.m., with burial to follow at West Cemetery in Magnolia, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home. Rev. Victor Morgan, Eulogist. Visitation will be Friday, {Dec. 8} from 1 – 3 p.m., at R.L. Reed Funeral Home.

"For precaution due to the COVID-19, masks are encouraged but not required while attending the services or during visitation hours." However, wearing masks ensures safety for you and others. – R.L. Reed Funeral Home.

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