Obituaries for Jan. 26, 2024

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BUREL BANE

Burel "Tinker" Bane, of Magnolia, AR passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the age of 79, to embark on his next great adventure. Tinker, as he was affectionately known by all, passed away peacefully at his home in Magnolia, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on September 1, 1944, in Princeton, Arkansas, Tinker was a man of integrity, warmth, and unwavering dedication to his loved ones and community. He is survived by his wife, Marie Bane, of Magnolia; children, David Burk and his wife Kim of Virginia Beach, VA, Christi Crutchfield of Camden, Matthew Bane and his wife Kodi of Magnolia, and Jennifer Bane of Magnolia; grandchildren, Drew Crutchfield of Little Rock, Christopher Bane and Jagger Bane of Magnolia, Anna Grace Crutchfield of Camden, Oaklie Caldwell and Koi Caldwell of Magnolia; sisters, Betty Johnson of Texarkana, TX, and Avie May and her husband Darwin of Camden; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Burel B. and Avie Edith (Womack) Bane; grandparents, James and Lea Bane and Jacob and Thelma Womack; uncles, Dooley Womack, Dub Womack, Troy Womack, and Loy Womack; and aunts, Polly Burson and Kaleta Belle Simpson.

Tinker's professional life was marked by his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of B&W Fence and Magnolia Fence and Awning Company. His work ethic and commitment to quality service left a lasting impact on the community and set a fine example for his family and employees.

A man of deep faith, Tinker was a former member of Timothy Methodist Church and a devout and active member of Asbury Methodist Church for 36 years. His dedication to his faith was evident in his service volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 32. His guidance and mentorship helped shape the lives of countless young men over the years. Tinker's community involvement extended to his honorary membership in the FFA Chapter, where he continued to influence and inspire the next generation.

Tinker's passion for the community was perhaps most evident in his unwavering support of the SAU Agricultural and SAU Rodeo Team students. He devoted many years as a volunteer and advisor, generously sharing his time, wisdom, and resources to ensure the success and growth of these programs.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Life Touch Hospice, Jennifer Baker and Breanna Woods for their compassionate care given to Tinker and to his family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Asbury Methodist Church with Rev. David Moore officiating under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia.

The family requests memorial donations be made to Asbury Methodist Church, 1300 E. University, Magnolia, AR 71753 or Magnolia Specialized Services, PO Box 595, Magnolia, AR 71754.

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PAULETTE WILSON

Paulette Wilson, 77, of Magnolia, AR, a cherished educator, loving family member, and dedicated servant of her community, passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, surrounded by her adoring family.

Born on August 3, 1946, in Magnolia, AR. Paulette's journey in education began at Southern State College (now Southern Arkansas University), where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1969. Her passion for teaching and her desire to make a difference in the lives of her students led her to further her education, obtaining a Master of Education from East Texas State in 1983. With a career spanning 38 years, Paulette's dedication to teaching touched many lives. She taught elementary, secondary, and special education across Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, concluding her admirable career with 14 years at the Lafayette County School District before retiring in 2008.

Known for her loving nature, Paulette's impact extended beyond the classroom. She was a lifelong member of the Asbury Methodist Church, where she shared her musical talents as a member of the choir, former choir director, and pianist. Her devotion to her faith was evident in her service as treasurer and her work with the Body and Soul Cupboard Food Pantry, helping to nourish both the spiritual and physical needs of her community.

Family was the cornerstone of Paulette's life. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Byron, and Cora Estelle (Payne) Whitley; brother, Robert Byron Whitley; husband, Tony Wilson; sister, Barbara Lanita Gray; and great granddaughter, AnnaRose Morrison. She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer and Rusty Smith of White Hall, Jamie and Michael Boyd of Magnolia, and Marian Green of Magnolia; her beloved brother, Paul (Twin B) and Beth Whitley of Magnolia; her cherished grandchildren, T.J. and Diana Hill of Rye, Whitley and Grey Harris of Little Rock, Jackson Boyd of Magnolia, Ruston Smith of Mount Pleasant, MI, Kinsey Edwards of Paris, TX, Meredith and Nate Morrison of Bryant, Alyssa and Jeff Daigle of White Hall, Hannah Baker-Boyd of St. Louis, MO; great grandchildren, Addison Smith and Averee Short of White Hall, AvaKate Morrison of Bryant; John Hill, Jake Hill, and Jude Hill of Rye; special niece, Suzanne Whitley of Magnolia; special caregiver, Nancy Anderson Ellis of Magnolia; and a host of nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 12 p.m. with a funeral service following at 1 p.m. at the Asbury Methodist Church with Rev. Larry Kelso officiating. A private family burial will be held at the Western Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia.

Pallbearers will be T.J. Hill, Grey Harris, Jackson Boyd, Bobby Whitley, Jeff Daigle, and Brad Stout. Honorary pallbearers will be Ruston Smith, JP Wilson, Bill Whitehead, and Barry Wallace.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Magnolia Regional Medical Center, including Brittany Green-Palmero, Dr. Fred Murphy, Dr. Chase Helm, as well as to the caring team at Life Touch Hospice and Kacey McCoy. Their dedication and compassion were a source of comfort and support during Paulette's final days, and for this, the family is eternally grateful.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Asbury Methodist Church, 1300 East University, Magnolia, AR 71753, or Columbia County Animal Protection Society (CCAPS), PO Box 2003, Magnolia, AR 71754.

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JAMES DEES SR.

James Allen Dees Sr. age 90 passed away from natural causes on January 6, 2024. Born in Panama City, Florida on September 5, 1933.

James and the former Patsy Ann White married in Camden, AR on Jun 14, 1955.

He was a plant manager at International Paper Company for over 30 years in Vicksburg retiring in 1992.

James was preceded in death by his wife Patsy of 64 years in April 2020, his granddaughter Rachel Heffner in Jan 2003 and his parents Alfred James Dees and Alice Lillian Dees.

He is survived by his children James Allen Dees Jr, Laura Elaine Dees, Julia Dees Majewski (Greg), and Daniel Zane Dees (Anghaarad).

Also, his grandchildren Kenneth Heffner, James Sanderson, Johnathon Sanderson, Madelyn Majewski, and Ashely Majewski.

A Celebration of Jame's life will be held at Celebration Church on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2pm at 5560 Thompson Mill Road, Hoschton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Gideon International on James' behalf.

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