Prairie County’s 2023 Farm Family of the Year
The English Family Farms Partnership has been selected as the 2023 Prairie County Farm Family of the Year. T. J. and Robin, along with their children Braeden and Masen grow corn, soybeans, and rice on 1900 acres in the northern part of the county. The family has been in the farming business for 17 years.
As we do every year, the Grand Prairie Herald will be honoring the English family with a special section this month. If you would like to congratulate them on this honor with an ad in that special section, contact the paper at heraldpublishing@gmail.com or call 870-255-4538 on Monday, Tuesday, or Friday mornings (or leave a message). We plan to publish the section in the July 26th edition, so get your orders in soon.
Childers named to AR LEARNS group
during the introductory meeting.
In a letter to the district after Childers learned of her acceptance, she said, "I received confirmation yesterday from Secretary Jacob Oliva that of the 524 appli-
Local author publishes book
The Hazen Branch of the Prairie County Library System, represented by Peggy Pullium, is excited to be the first library to have acquired a copy of Prairie County resident Nicole Smith’s debut book, Blue: What Can I Do When My Mood Is So Blue? Smith is happy to see her dream of becoming a published author-illustrator come true, and she is eager for children of all ages to enjoy and be encouraged by the message within the book.
Smith is a former special education teacher, a former Prairie County volunteer 4-H leader, and loves all things creative with photography, music, and other visual artistic interests. The story was sparked by a little boy and his grumpy mood.
cants, my application was one of the ten that were chosen to participate in the Teaching and Learning Literacy work group that will be led by Dr. Kiffany Pride, Assistant Commissioner of Learning Services. I wholeheartedly believe that my application was chosen because of the work history on my resume showing 20 years of experience at the best little school in the state of Arkansas, Des Arc Elementary School. I have great pride in my school and promise to represent Des Arc School District very well throughout this process."
Smith has another children’s picture book in the works. You can stop by the library and check out the book, or you can purchase your own copy of the book by emailing authorsonyanicolesmith@gmail.com
Bluff.
Lynda Sue BurgessCauley
Lynda Sue BurgessCauley, 72, passed away Monday, July 3, 2023, at CHI Saint Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, Arkansas.
She was born on November 17, 1950, to Edward and Lou Ila (Mollette) Bruce. Sue was blessed throughout life and found great joy in her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She married Marvin Burgess, Jr. and shared the memories of raising two children.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her late husband, Marvin Burgess, Jr. and two sisters Pat BruceWeatherly and Judy Bruce. She is survived by her husband, Kevin Cauley, three sisters
Louise Arledge (Wayne), Sandy Holloway (Fred), Debbie Williams (Carlos), two brothers
Eddie Bruce (Linda) and Mike Bruce, her daughter Michelle Burgess, son Treyson Burgess, six grandchildren Alexis Hart (Seth), Trey Hobson, Brietyn Burgess, Braylee Burgess, Bess Burgess, and Bekah-Sue Burgess a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends she held dear to her heart including her fur baby Reno.
Sue graduated in 1968 from Cotton Plant High School. She had a 41year career in the agri-
culture industry as a comptroller and in human resources, retiring in 2018. After retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, music and traveling with her husband.
Visitation was held Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and the service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastors David Inzer and Treyson Burgess officiating at Gospel Mission Church, 210 N. Mission Lane, Des Arc, AR 72040. Burial following the service will be at Lakeside Cemetery, Des Arc.
Wesley Tucker Oliver
Wesley Tucker Oliver, age 91, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 3rd.
He was born on October 25, 1931 in Marion, LA to Wesley Walker Oliver and Myrtle Tucker Oliver Lovingier. Wesley was married to Alta Erwin Oliver on May 7, 1955. They just celebrated 68 years of marriage. He was a faithful member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of De Valls Bluff. He served as a Deacon, treasurer, song leader, and adult Sunday School teacher.
Wesley served in the United States Army and served in the Korean War. Wesley was a farmer after his time in the military.
Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary (Eddy) Narwick, Jean (John) VanHouten, Mildred (Johnny) Carlton, Katherine (Robert) Narwick, and Evelyn Ann Duchin. One brother, Carlton Oliver, and a brother-in-law, Cliff Blackned, and a sisterin-law, Phyllis Erwin.
He is survived by his wife, Alta Erwin Oliver, his children; Mary (Tom) Rogers, Dorothy (Roger) Cook, Joan (Larry) Hunter, and Wesley (Shawna) Oliver. His grandchildren; Jamie (Alex) Poweska, Hannah (Blake) Bryant, Wesley Oliver, Allyson Oliver, Gary (Carol) Rogers, Tammy Rogers, and Tanya (Jesse) Harris. His great-grand children; Walker Howard Bryant, Jessica (Taylor) Cross, Kyle Rogers (Jill Maronay), Lane Herald, and Easton Harris. His great-great grandchildren; Bentlee and Oaklee Herald and Parker and Addisyn Cross. He is also survived by his sister Lavinia (Vinnie) Blackned, his brothersin-law, Henry Erwin and Michael Duchin as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The honorary pallbearers were; Tom Rogers, Roger Cook, Larry Hunter, Wesley Matlock Oliver, Blake Bryant, Gary Rogers, Alex Poweska, Jesse Harris, Dewey Carlton, Terry VanHouten, Robert Seidenstricker, Paul Chapman, Troy Tacker, and Chuck Archer.
Visitation was held at 10am Thursday July 6th at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in De Valls Bluff with funeral services following at 11am. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery in De Valls
Ronald
Dwight Petty
Ronald Dwight Petty, known affectionately as “Ron”, resident of Coweta, Oklahoma passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, June 22, 2023, at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 78 years. He was born on June 22, 1945, in Biscoe, Arkansas to James Clebern and Itha Lee (Hughes) Petty.
Ron grew up on the family farm in Des Arc, Arkansas and was a proud graduate of Des Arc High School, class of 1963. His strong work ethic and determination led him to a successful career in the construction industry. He began his journey at Daniels Construction Company, later moving to McNally Pittsburgh Construction Company. He began working as a project manager at Flintco Construction in Tulsa on August 20, 1990 and then served as Division President until he retired on November 30, 2011.
Outside of his professional life, Ron was a man of simple pleasures.
He found joy in the tranquility of a golf course and the thrill of a fishing expedition. His love for these pastimes was only surpassed by the love he had for his family and friends.
Ron is survived by his son, Lawan Petty and wife Ninya of Coweta, Oklahoma; four cherished grandchildren, Dillan Petty, Cheyanne Petty, Amber Pass, and Malia Kamai; and three great-grandchildren, Kannan Shew, Jaxon Pass, and Jace Pass. He also leaves behind his brother, Eddie Petty and wife Maria of Des Arc, Arkansas; his lifelong friend, Linda Petty of Des Arc, Arkansas; Rita's children, Jamie King and Amelia King of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, James Clebern and Itha Lee Petty; his companion, Rita King; and his brothers, Hershel Petty, UL Petty, and Bob Petty.
A memorial service celebrating Ron's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Coweta, Oklahoma.
Family and friends may share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Ronald Petty entrusted his care, service, and cremation to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429.
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