Brown Funeral Home

09/10/2025

Mrs. Fannie Smith, was born July 24, 1935, in Jefferson Arkansas to the Late Odell and Magnolia (Ballard) Robinson

At an early age she accepted Jesus Christ as her savior, was baptized and became a member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church of Jefferson Arkansas. She worked at The Viking Bag Company for 30 years before she retired at the tender age of 62.

Fannie passed away on Monday September 8, 2025, at her home with her loving, caring, faithful and devoted husband of 40 years, TJ.

She is preceded in death by three sons, James Jr, Ezra and Vincent; three daughters Wanda Jo, Marilyn and Susan Siblings: Bobby Robinson, Tressie Mae Ficklin, Ossie Lee Archie, Major C. Robinson, Bertha Lee Flucas, Odell Robinson Jr., Virgil Robinson Sr, & Johnnie Robinson.

Left to cherish her memories sons Dana Henderson of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Rumone (Amina) Hilton of Waldron Arkansas; two daughters Cherri Rubio of Houston Texas and Glenda (Joseph) Clark of Mesquite Texas. She is survived by two sisters Jessie Moore and Sylvia Warren both of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren 12 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR by Rev. Avon William Neal. Interment will be in Forrest Lawn Cemetery. Services are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.

Obituary submitted by the Family.

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09/09/2025

STEVEN DOUGLAS BROWN departed this life known by family and friends on August 21, 2025. Born on November 29, 1963, to the late Jerry Brown, Sr. and Leola Strong in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Two sisters, Kathryn Elaine Carter and Martha Ann Jones, preceded him in death.

He confessed in Jesus Christ later in life and attended Grace Independent Baptist Church, under the leadership of pastor Robert Hart. He and Pastor Hart were schoolmates since nursery school. He was a 1982 graduate of Pine Bluff High School. In 1988, he completed his studies in Criminal Justice at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This led him to a lifelong career in law enforcement. He worked as a Deputy Sheriff with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department. In 2012, he began his career with the Department of Corrections. He worked at the East Arkansas unit as a Substance Abuse Program Leader and Unit Training Supervisor. From 2013 until 2018, he moved to the Transport Unit in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In 2020 he worked as a Law Enforcement Instructor where he trained many of the employees in the Department of Corrections. In 2022 he worked at the Tucker Unit where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. Steven retired from the Department of Corrections in July of 2023. He continued working after retirement and joined Culpepper and Associates as a Security Officer at the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Library. Steven also worked part time as a private investigator.

An avid sports fan, he was a member of the San Francisco 49ers club. He was also a supporter of the LSU tigers. Steven was a volunteer football coach for the Eastside Panthers. He gave his time to nurture young kids to think better and to be better. Steven also loved his German Shepherd dogs, Milo and Chloe.

Steven was a son, a brother, a nephew, a cousin, an uncle, a protector, and a co-worker that was loved by all. He leaves great and unforgettable memories. To cherish those memories includes; two sisters, Sharon Said Sholihi (Hamid), Paris, France, Pamela Mercer, Little Rock Arkansas, one aunt, Arlena Johnson, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, one nephew, Justin Mercer (Daphne), Woodmere, New York, three nieces, Robin Hill (DeLacey), Fort Knox, Kentucky, Crystal C. Mercer Watson (Quincy), Little Rock, Arkansas, Erica Jones, Huntsville, Alabama, two great-nephews, four great-nieces, and a host of other family, friends, and coworkers. A memorial service celebrating Steven’s life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Pine Bluff AR at 10:30 AM.

Obituary submitted by the Family.

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09/05/2025

Mrs. Alice Faye Black 76, of DeWitt, Arkansas passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025. She was born in Van, AR to the late Jurden Elvin Gamble, Sr., and late Mary (Halliburton) Gamble.

Her memories will be cherished by sons, James Gamble of Stuttgart, AR; Joe Black of DeWitt, AR; daughters, Secretha Bates and Veronica Williams both of Toledo, Ohio; brother, Lloyd Gamble of Los Angeles, California; sister, Rosine Knott of Pine Bluff, AR; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 7, 2025, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church DeWitt, AR by Pastor Rodney Cohns. Interment in St. Olive Cemetery Crocketts Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 1:15 p.m. until service time.

09/05/2025

Mrs. Betty Lou Croom-Wilson, 84, of Dumas, Arkansas passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Born August 14,1941 in Dumas, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Matt Croom, Sr. and Ossie Holmes-Croom. She was a member of Union Baptist M. B. C. in Dumas and a retired employee of Allied Signal Corp. of Kansas City, Missouri.

She is survived by two sons, Michael J. Esters of Kansas City, MO, Kim P. Love of Fayetteville, AR, one brother, Richard Croom of Niles, MI, one sister, Edith C. Vassol of Dumas, AR, 4 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Union Baptist M.B.C. in Dumas by Rev. Isom Cross, Jr.

Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery in Pickens, Arkansas by Brown Funeral Home of Dumas, Arkansas.

Visitation will be Friday, September 5, 2025 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Her body will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 9:15 a.m. until time of service.

Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Dumas, Fordyce, Marshall Kelley,

09/04/2025

Mrs. lrene Valera Green 99, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas passed away Friday, August 29, 2025. She was born in Rosston, AR to the late Benjamin Delmar Henry, Sr., and late Caroline (Young) Henry. Her late husband, Bertran Credell Green, Sr. preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories sons, Bertran C. Green, Jr., of Wylie, Texas; Freddie Green of Waxahachie, Texas; daughter, Paula Parmlee of Baltimore, Maryland; 2 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild.

Visitation 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. John A.M.E. Church Pine Bluff, AR by Rev. Charlene Boone. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 9:15 a.m. until service time.

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09/04/2025

Mr. Kenneth Jacobs 74, of Fordyce, Arkansas passed away Saturday, August 30, 2025. He was born in Fordyce, AR to the late Golden V. Jacobs, and late Verna (Herrington) Jacobs. His late wife, Ruth Ann (McCollum) Jacobs preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memories sons, Dewayne Jacobs of Fordyce, AR; Kenneth L. Jacobs of Little Rock, AR; two grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Brown-Williams Funeral Home Fordyce, AR. Services entrusted to Brown-Williams Funeral Home of Fordyce.

Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Dumas, Fordyce, Marshall Kelley,

09/04/2025

Mrs. Shirley Jo Henry 87, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas passed away Friday, August 22, 2025. She was born in Rison, AR to the late Joe Releford, and late Hattie (Rogers) Releford. Her late husband, Jewell Edward Henry preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memories sister, Vernatta Releford Craver of Flint, Michigan; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, AR.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. John A.M. E. Church Pine Bluff, AR by Rev. Kevin Crumpton. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state Friday from 9:15 a.m. until service time.

www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com

09/03/2025

Mrs. Larilla Belin Tucker 87, of White Hall, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, August 27, 2025. She was born in Banks, Arkansas to the late Jim Belin, and late Fannie (Davis) Belin.

Her memories will be cherished by son, Edward Tucker of Topeka, Kansas; sister, Ola Jones of Pine Bluff, AR; and a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral Service will be held 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at International House of Praise Pine Bluff, AR by Rev. Ernest Belin, Jr. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state Saturday from 3:15pm until service time.

Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Dumas, Fordyce, Marshall Kelley,

09/03/2025

Mr. Jeffery Raye Cornelius, affectionately known as “Big Jeff” and lovingly called “Baye” by his children, entered eternal rest on August 26, 2025, in his hometown of Thornton,Arkansas. He was born on February 28, 1961, at Dallas County Hospital in Fordyce, Arkansas, to the late Bobby D. and Dorothy Sue Cornelius.

On February 28, 1986, Jeffery married the love of his life, Jackie Cornelius. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and faith, and were blessed with two daughters, Candace and Katlin. Jeffery’s family was the center of his world. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Jackie; his children Antonio Cornelius of Little Rock, Arkansas, Bridgett (Marcus) Johnson of Little Rock, AR, Candace (Jermekio) Barlow of
Fairfield, CA, and Katlin Cornelius of Thornton, AR; and his beloved grandchildren Ethan and Wyatt Harris of Thornton, AR, Jayleigh and Jackson (Arriving Soon) Barlow of Fairfield, CA, Aubriana, Katlin, and Anessa Cornelius of Fayetteville, AR, Royal, Israel, and Eden Springs of Little Rock, AR, and Tramere Cornelius of Chicago, IL. They lovingly knew him as PaPa, a role he embraced with boundless love and joy.

Jeffery also leaves behind his siblings Roxsel (Wanda) Chavis of Fordyce, AR, Bobby Cornelius of Thornton, AR, Donna (Joe) Shields of Pine Bluff, AR, Beverly Cornelius of Thornton, AR, and Theresa Borkins of Pine Bluff, AR, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by siblings Micheal Canada, Kennith Cornelius, and Debra Cornelius.

Jeffery worked faithfully for many years at Georgia Pacific before retiring. He was well known among his coworkers for his sense of humor, his strong work ethic, and his unwavering love for the Miami Dolphins and Arkansas Razorbacks.

A man of faith, Jeffery was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Thornton. His faith was not defined by weekly church attendance but by his personal relationship with God — a relationship reflected in how he lived his life and loved others.

Jeffery had a deep love for the simple joys of life. He enjoyed watching football and any competitive sport, grilling and smoking meats, tending to his garden, and spending time outdoors hunting and fishing. Above all, he cherished time with his children and grandchildren, who will forever remember him as a loving father, “Baye,” and PaPa.

A memorial service celebrating Jeffery’s life will be held at a later date. His legacy of love, laughter, and faith will continue to live on through his family and all who knew him.

Services entrusted to Brown-Williams Funeral Home of Fordyce, AR.

Obituary submitted by The Family

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08/29/2025

Mr. Carlton Randall Neal 57, of Camden, Arkansas passed away Monday, August 25, 2025. He was born in Harrell, Arkansas to Ozie Lee Neal of Harrell, AR; and the late Betty Francis (Bunn) Neal.

His memories will be cherished by his aforementioned father Ozie Lee Neal; sisters, Lajoyce Williams, Phyllis Hegler, and Jerralin Neal all of Harrell, AR; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Brown-Williams Funeral Home Fordyce, AR.

Funeral Service will be held 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 7, 2025, at First Baptist Church Harrell, AR by Rev. Recco Williams. Interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery Summerville, AR by Brown-Williams Funeral Home of Fordyce, AR.

Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Dumas, Fordyce, Marshall Kelley,

08/28/2025

Mr. Charlie Dean Smith, Sr., 82, of Warren, Arkansas passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025. He was born in Sparkman, AR to the late Fote Verdie Smith, Sr., and late Early Mae (Sims) Smith.

His memories will be cherished by sons, Charlie D. Smith, Jr., of Little Rock, AR; James K. Smith of Banks, AR; Martel A. Smith of Warren, AR; Dreion Smith of Warren, AR; step-son, Mark Childs of Warren, AR; daughters, Betty J. Jackson of Fordyce, AR; Ruby D. Smith of Fordyce, AR; step-daughters, Charlotte A. Chambers of Fordyce, AR; Jacquelyn D. Smith of Fordyce, AR; Latasha Childs of Warren, AR; brother, Roy L. Smith of Fordyce, AR; sisters, Hon Victoria Thompson of El Paso, Texas; Belma Stewart of Sparkman, AR; 21, grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Service 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Greenville Missionary Baptist Church Fordyce, AR by Elder Larry Smith. Interment in Enon Cemetery Fordyce, AR by Brown-Williams Funeral Home of Fordyce, AR. His body will lie in state from 1:30 p.m. until service time.

Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Dumas, Fordyce, Marshall Kelley,

08/27/2025

LTC Kenneth Wayne Cole, Sr., Retired

Kenneth Wayne Cole Sr. was the eleventh of twelve children, born in Lafayette, Louisiana to Dorothy Cole Thomas and Peter Thomas.

Kenneth spent his early life growing up in Opelousas and Port Barre, Louisiana. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in college at Southern University in Baton Rouge where he met his future wife, Sonya, who was a cheerleader at the time. And as the story goes, he expressed interest in trying out for the cheerleading squad, and from there, the relationship blossomed into a 43-year marriage.

If you’re reading this, you know family and friends meant the world to him, and that cooking and playing music were the ways he expressed his love. He had a beautiful voice and was a self-taught piano player, often playing and recording music he wrote, most notably a song called Brave Soldier.

He graduated as a distinguished military graduate from Southern University and entered the active military serving 29 years on numerous military assignments stateside and overseas in the middle east during the Persian Gulf War in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His post military assignments included Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Central Arkansas, Professor of Military Science at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and numerous Army ROTC programs throughout the region.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Cole Thomas and Peter Thomas; his son, Kenneth Wayne Cole Jr.; his brothers, Donald Ray Foster, Peter “Sambo” Thomas; and sisters, Dianne Reed Miller, Mary Irene “Geraldine” Thomas, and Wanda Thomas.

He leaves behind his wife, Sonya Cole; daughters, Kendra Cole and Kiana Cole; grandson, Kenneth Wayne Cole III; sisters, Joan Sam, Judy Cole, Brenda J. Pickney, Eva Mae Norris, and Alice Cole; and brother, Houston Reed to cherish his memory, as well as loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR by Pastor Kevin Crumpton. His body will lie in-state Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until 9:50 a.m.

Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery North Little Rock, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR.

Obituary submitted by The Family.

www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com