Time running out to apply for Arkansas Homeownership Assistance Funds

Little Rock, April 13, 2023 - A federal program to help Arkansas homeowners past due on their mortgage payments will end soon, program officials said. Anyone who needs help and thinks they might qualify should apply now.

Homeowners who haven’t received funds have a limited amount of time to apply through the Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund. Financial aid is available through HAF to help eligible homeowners whose mortgage is in default due to COVID-19-related hardships.

“The Arkansas Homeowner Assistance Fund has helped thousands of people who got behind on their house payments because of the pandemic,” said Mark Conine, president of the Arkansas Development Finance Authority. “While there is still some money left to help people in need, we urge them to apply quickly before the funds are gone.”

Since the beginning of the Arkansas HAF Program that was approved by the U.S. Treasury, more than 2,749 Arkansas households have received financial assistance to prevent foreclosure of their homes.

So far, administrators of the program have disbursed more than $30,131,864 million to people in need and have committed $5,351,910 that will be given out in the coming weeks.

“Since I first came down with COVID, it has been a battle that many times, I just knew I would lose,” said Arkansas HAF recipient, Jimmy M. “Your help has changed my world, and my wife’s and my little grandson’s life. I will never be able to show my gratitude for this blessing.”

For more success stories from people who were helped by Arkansas HAF, go to arkansashaf.com/success stories.

To be considered eligible for assistance, homeowners must have a total annual household income at or below 150 percent of the Area Median Income or 100 percent of the United States Median Income, whichever is greater.

The property must be located within the state of Arkansas and be occupied by the homeowner as their primary residence. Program participants must show they experienced a financial hardship after January 21, 2020, as well as be past due on two or more consecutive mortgage or utility payments related to the pandemic.

Hardships include job loss, income reduction or increased costs due to healthcare or the need to care for a family member.

Grants from the Arkansas HAF program are available to help prevent delinquent mortgages, home loss due to foreclosure, and loss of household utilities including Internet or broadband expenses. For more information and to apply, go to ArkansasHAF.com.

2023 Arkansas Century Farm applications due May 31

LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2023 Arkansas Century Farm Program. This program recognizes Arkansas families who have owned and farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Online and printable applications are available at agriculture.arkansas. gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/. There is no cost to apply.

“Arkansas Century Farm families have persevered challenges for at least ten decades and have contributed greatly in making Arkansas agriculture the success story that it is today,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “As our state’s largest industry, agriculture has an economic impact of over $19 billion annually and provides one in seven jobs in the state.”

To qualify, Arkansas farms must meet the following criteria:

• The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years by Dec. 31, 2023. The line of ownership from the original settler or buyer may be through children, grand- children, siblings, and nephews or nieces, including through marriage and adoption.

• The farm must be at least ten acres of the original land acquisition and make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

Qualifying Arkansas farms will receive a personalized Arkansas Century Farm certificate and metal sign listing the farm name and year established.

Arkansas is home to more than 42,000 farms, of which 96 percent are family owned and operated. Since the program began in 2012, 568 farms have been certified. Find lists of previously inducted Arkansas Century Farm families at agriculture.arkansas.gov/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-services/arkansas-century-farm-program/

Contact Beth Moore at 501-539-4027 or beth.moore@agriculture.arkansas.gov with questions. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or before May 31, 2023, to be eligible for designation as a 2023 inductee.

Margaret Almeda Harris

Margaret Almeda Harris, age 79, of Mena, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023. She was born on May 8, 1943, in Genoa, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Zunk and Margaret Fitzsimmons Zunk; her two sons, David Crawford and Matthew Harris; her daughter, Deborah Crawford; two brothers, Johnny Zunk and Lowell Zunk; and her sister, Sally Lasater.

On June 4, 2006, she was married to Theodore Harris. Margaret was Seventh-day Adventist in her faith and worked for many years as a farmer. She was a devoted Christian woman, who loved God, her children, her husband and her animals. She always loved working in her flower gardens, but her greatest joy in life was when she was spending time with her grandchildren, who she adored.

She is survived by her loving husband, Theodore Harris of Mena; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Bobby and Esther Crawford of Nashville, Shawn Crawford of Mena, Dwayne and Kristen Crawford of Norphlet, and Christopher and Carla Crawford of Mena; two daughters and sons-in-law, Amanda and Seth Garrett and Jeanetta and Grant Townsend, all of Mena; grandchildren, Lainee Bayden, Lexy and Lila Garrett, Kendra Cooper, Joshua Young, Ryan, Breton, Jaylynn, Kade and Jaxon Crawford, Kyle, Zachery and Ethan Crawford, Karra Crawford, Kaitlyn Stewart, Eddie Teague; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Marilyn (Muffin), Charlotte and Esther Lowry, Madelin and Addison Stewart, Joey, Xavier, Kaley and Shannon Teague, Lilly, Margaret (Maggie), Evalyn, Ellery, Kinslyn and Rayna Crawford, Avery, Cohen and Finley Young, Odin and Rollon Cooper; many additional grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister, Mildred Wickliffe; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

Services will be held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, April 8, 2023, in the Bonnerdale Sev- enth-day Adventist Church with Pastor Tommy Blount officiating. and dear friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, Arkansas 71943. Interment will be in the Bonnerdale Seventh-day Adventist Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kyle Crawford, Zachery Crawford, Ethan Crawford, Ryan Crawford, Breton Crawford and George Hines.

Guest registry is at smithfamilycares.com.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Bowser Family Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas.

Raymond “Dale” McCoy

Raymond with Brother Ron Ladd officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Bonnie Sue Smith, age 84, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at her home. She was born on Thursday, May 19, 1938, to Thomas Jackson Wallace and Myrtle Jeannette (Boyette) Wallace in Danville, Arkansas.

Throughout her life, Bonnie worked as a clothing inspector at Aalfs Factory. She was dedicated to her profession and took great pride in her work. After retiring, Bonnie enjoyed working in her flower garden, taking rides out in the country, fishing, and spending quality time with her great-grandchildren and friends. Bonnie was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Myrtle Wallace; two sons, Thomas Joseph Kyle and Cledus James Kyle.

Bonnie is survived by six daughters; Candy Martin of Blytheville, Arkansas, Helen Rodriguez and husband Joe of Memphis, Tennessee, Sheila Huffman and husband Wilbur of Mena, Arkansas, Brenda Deer of Booneville, Arkansas, Terri Carver and husband Henry of Muse, Oklahoma, Ann Kyle of Booneville, Arkansas; Two sons, Mark Kyle of Mena, Arkansas and Mike Kyle and wife Tammy of Cove, Arkansas; 17 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives

“Dale” McCoy, age 86, of Cove, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023, at his home.

He was born October 23, 1936, in Hatfield, Arkansas, to Raymond Wesley McCoy and Irene McDonald McCoy. He was united in marriage to Billie Jo McCoy until her passing. Dale proudly served his county in the United States Navy for 23 years serving in the Vietnam War. He enjoyed fishing, being outdoors and watching sports. Dale also enjoyed going to the casino. However, his most loved pastime was the time spent with his children, grandchildren, family and friends. Dale was a loving father, grandfather and will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his son, Barry McCoy and wife Leslie; daughter, Sherri Janyce Looney; grandchildren, Barry Anthony McCoy and wife Megan, Maranda Dees and husband Taylor, Kristen Everhart and husband Wayne, Raymond Arender and wife Chelsey, Josh McCoy, and Talon McCoy; great-grandchildren, Samantha McCoy, Blayze McCoy, Benz Dees, Lawson Dees, Paisley Pomraning, Everly Pomraning, Aramis Everhart, Kaitlyn Everhart, Atti Everhart, Lily Rae Arender, Jaxtyn Arender, and Weylan Arender; brother, Glen McCoy; sisters, Freda Romine and Nancy Richardson; a host of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Irene McCoy; and his wife Billie Jo.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hatfield, Arkansas

Elizabeth Ann McQuarrie, age 62, of Mena, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023, at home.

She was born November 16, 1960, in Mena, Arkansas, to Jimmy Brown and Claudia Delois (Woods) Brown. Elizabeth was united in marriage to William McQuarrie. She enjoyed fishing, camping, swimming and just being outdoors. She was an animal lover but above all, she loved the Lord and her family. Elizabeth was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend and will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Claudia Brown; brothers, Douglas and Danny Brown; sister, Janice Sauer; and grandson, Nature Brown.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband William McQuarrie; sons, Rodney Brown and wife Paula, Jeremy Whorton and wife Jennifer; daughters, Melissa Julian and Tasha McQuarrie; grandchildren, Shane Brown, Elijah Billings, Lucas McQuarrie, Titus Thomas, Leah James, Clay Julian, Caitlin Julian, Allie Julian, and Mollie Whorton; and 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Michelle Baker.

Funeral service will be Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Southside Church of God with Brothers Dan and Paul Hostetler officiating. Interment will follow at the Board Camp Cemetery in Board Camp, Arkansas, under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 18 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Justin Davis, Derek Davis, Shane Brown, Michael White, Ricky James, and Aaron Brandon.

Online obituary at beasleywoodfuneralhome.com

Benjamin Franklin Hoyle Jr.

Benjamin Franklin Hoyle

Jr., age 87 years, 7 months & 17 days of Hatton, Arkansas, gained his heavenly wings on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at his home after suffering two separate strokes, surrounded by family & friends. Ben, Frank or Frankie, as he was known, was born on Saturday, 27 July 1935, in Acorn, AR, to Benjamin (Bennie) Franklin Sr., and Ruth Emmaline (Stipe) Hoyle of Hatton, AR.

Frankie graduated from Van-Cove High School in 1954 and attended Carl Albert Jr. College in Poteau, OK, before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a Combat Engineer. He served a tour in Vietnam before retiring in Jan. 1975, after 20 years’ service, from Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. After his service he drove trucks for various companies before settling with Brazos Transportation in Lockesburg, AR, for several years and approximately 20 years for JB Hunt of Lowell, AR.

He was the first Commander of the VFW post established in Wickes, AR, a member of the American Legion Post and Masonic Lodge, which were also located in Wickes, AR. He was also a member and leader of the John Birch Society which met in his home. Frank was a justice of the peace for White Township, Polk County, AR for a time in the late ‘70’s, early ‘80’s.

Ben was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cove, AR, and studied under Dr. Arnold Murray of Shepherds Chapel of Gravette, AR. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 2 great-grandfather, uncle, nephew and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bennie & Ruth, wife Willia Dean (Norris), son Stephen W. Hoyle, half-sister Loretta Mae (Hoyle) Newby and sister

Deanna June (Hoyle) Craig McNully. Survivors include brother Donald D. & wife Peggy S. (Marbut) Hoyle: seven sons: Mark A. & wife S. Ann (Keeney) Hoyle of Hatton, AR; Paul D. & Ashly R. (DeCarme) Hoyle of Galax, VA; D. Alan & wife Lynette C. (Mayes) Hoyle of Ovilla, TX; Edward C. Hoyle of Hatton, AR; David E. & wife Lorri of Ovilla, TX, Jason T. Hoyle of AR; Eric K. & wife Megan S. (Smith) Hoyle and special grandson David R. Hoyle of Hatton, AR; 16 other grandchildren, 9 Great-grandchildren and 3 Great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Ray Baily, Mike Harwood, Mitchell Kanna, Weldon Rye II, Terry Scott, Tim Scott, Charles Terwilliger, Joe Williams, Memorial services will be 2 pm Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Church of the Nazarene in Wickes, AR with Brother Don Youngblood officiating. Graveside service will follow at a later date and time to be determined, at the Witherspoon Cemetery near Vandervoort, AR. Crematory service are under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home in Mena, AR.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Deanna June McNully

Deanna June McNully, age 80, of De Queen, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in De Queen, Arkansas. She was born July 2, 1942, in Hatton, Arkansas, to Benjamin Franklin Hoyle and Ruth E. Stipe Hoyle. Deanna was a member of the Horatio Assembly of God Church in Horatio, Arkansas. She loved her church family and was a mighty prayer warrior for her loved ones. Deanna was a bookkeeper for thirty-plus years for the area public schools. She enjoyed camping and playing dominoes and cards with her family and friends. Deanna loved yard sales and had her own flea market. She enjoyed making deals and deliveries to her customers. Deanna cherished her family and loved to spend time with them. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and a friend to many and will be missed by all who knew her.

Deanna is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James “Mack” McNully; sister, Loretta George; grandsons Garreth Stricklin and Anthony Cole.

She couldn’t bear the thought of living without her big brother, Benjamin Franklin Hoyle, aka “Brother.” He followed her in death within just a few hours. He passed away April 13, 2023. She is survived by her two sons and her two daughters. Sons Jamie Craig of Gillham, Arkansas, Trent Craig, and wife, Chris of De Queen, Arkansas; daughters Sherry Jewell of De Queen, Arkansas, and Donna Stricklin of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Stepsons Joe McNully of De Queen, Arkansas, Kevin McNully and Katelyn McNully of Huntsville, Texas; stepdaughter, Carmen Nelson and husband, Darrell of Ennis, Texas. Brother, Don Hoyle and wife, Peggy, of Hatton, Arkansas; seventeen grandchildren, Melissa Patrick of De Queen, Arkansas, Kerri Cole of De Queen, Arkansas, Misty Bradley, and husband, Heath, of Mena, Arkansas, Timothy Rose, and wife, Casi, of Mena, Arkansas, Justin Craig, and wife, Tabitha, of Horatio, Arkansas, Jeremy Craig, and wife, Tiffany, of Grannis, Arkansas, Brett Torres of Nashville, Arkansas, Nathan Wilson, and wife, Anna, of Ruddock, Louisiana, Cody Redditt of Folsom, Louisiana, Cory Redditt, and wife, Madison, of Folsom, Louisiana, Amanda Manning of Checotah, Oklahoma, Becca Birdsall, of Checotah, Oklahoma, E.J. Brown of De Queen, Arkansas, Tamara Moore of Ballinger, Texas, Emily Brazee of Magnolia, Texas, and Olivia McNully of Huntsville, Texas, Kelsey Sandlin of Mt. Pleasant, Texas; twenty-two great-grandchildren; Codey Fry, and wife, Shawnee, Trevor Blanken- ship, Mistie Rowe, Trenton Cole, Megan Cole, Taylor Suttle, Jayden Suttle, Emmie Owens, Bryson Ballew, Lexi Bradley, Trevin Bradley, Teagan Rose, Brynten Rose, Haezleigh Rose, Lydia Craig, Millie Craig, Everlee Craig, Willa Craig, Emma Craig, Clyde Craig and Liam and Kimber Moore. Four great-great-grandchildren; Easton Fry, Piper Fry, Zella Pitts, and Matthew Pitts. Numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other family and friends, including, special life-long friends, Sheila Johnson and Carroll Pettigrew. Deanna took everyone in and loved them as family.

Pallbearers were Justin Craig, Jeremy Craig, Codey Fry, Trevor Blankenship, David Ray Hoyle, Christian Hoyle, Brett Torres, and E.J. Brown.

Funeral services were held Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:00 A.M., in the Wilkerson Funeral Home chapel in De Queen, Arkansas, with Brother John Gutierres officiating. Interment followed at Avon Cemetery in De Queen, Arkansas, under the direction of the Wilkerson Funeral Home.