Mr. Jesse Lawrence "J.L." Eason, age 84, of DeWitt, died Friday, May 7, 2004. He was born Aug., 25, 1919, in Crockett's Bluff, the son of Jesse Lawrence Eason Sr. and Dora Irene McKewen Eason.
Mr. Eason was a member of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church were he taught an Adult Sunday School Class. He also was retired from the Arkansas County Highway Department where he was a shop supervisor and a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy.
Mr. Eason is survived by his wife of Eloise Purdy Eason; three daughters, Betty Jo Gunter of Russellville, Elizabeth Owens of White Hall and Judy Craig of Bridge City, Texas; three sons, Roger Eason of Forrest City, Jerry Dawes of Almyra, Ronnie Dawes of Cave City; a brother, Floyd Eason of DeWitt; 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by four brothers, J.C. Eason, Tony Raines and two infant brothers, and a sister, Eunice Eason.
Visitation for Mr. Eason will be held on Monday, May 10, 2004, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Essex Funeral Home in DeWitt. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 11, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Essex Funeral Home with Bro. Sam Morgan and Bro. Pete Bowen officiating. Burial will follow in Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens.
Mr. M.C. "Dumas" Williford, age 78, of Forrest City, died Thursday, May 6, 2004, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Forrest City.
Mr. Williford was born July 12, 1925, in Forrest City. He is survived by two daughters, Yvonne Smith of Harvey, Ill. and Syliva Walker of Forrest City; seven grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Visitation for Mr. Williford will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2004, from 12 to 5 p.m. in the Chapel of Woodhouse Mortuary. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Woodhouse Mortuary with Rev. Theo Walker officiating Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery.