Obituaries

Dorothy Shirey, El Dorado

Published

1 year ago

January 8, 2025

Dorothy Lea Thomason Shirey  of El Dorado, Arkansas passed peacefully on January 6, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri under hospice care at Cedarhurst Memory Care.

She was born to Arthur and Bernie Thomason on August 22, 1931 in Hampton, Arkansas. Dorothy was the last surviving sibling of the 10 children. Her siblings, Boyce, Travis, Jack, Cliff, JC, Harold, Ionie, Izola, and Ethel, preceded her in death and are surely awaiting her arrival in Heaven, ready to catch up on all the family news.  She was also predeceased by AJ Shirey, her husband of 64 years, in 2013 and one daughter, Jan Shirey (Brewer) Woods, who passed in 2023. We know that Dorothy is at peace now that she is reunited with so much of her beloved family.

Dorothy, raised on a farm, was proud of her family and where she came from. She was a spirited and humorous storyteller, and she would often regale her children and grandchildren with tales of picking cotton and sibling squabbles from her childhood. Her stories were often interrupted by her own laughter at the memory–regardless of how often she had recounted it. If you knew Dorothy for more than a few minutes, you were likely treated to such a tale.

Throughout her life, Dorothy found great joy in fishing and gardening. She could catch a catfish with the best of them and when you visited you were sure to enjoy a meal of fried catfish. In later years she enjoyed square dancing and traveling with AJ, her constant companion through life.

Dorothy was a long-time and devoted member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church in El Dorado, where she relished her role as a Sunday School teacher and active congregant. She never missed a Sunday! She loved God, and she loved to remind others that He loved them, as well.

As a good southern lady, Dorothy put a lot of pride in her appearance and was never seen without her make-up and her hair done. As a go-getter, she put her passion for make-up to use by starting a successful Avon business–her charisma and beauty a winning combination for such a job.

But her love in life was young children, her own and others’, and so, after having four children, she went to college and graduated with a BS in Education and a minor in Library Science from Southern State College in 1969.  She later received her Master’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1977–all while still raising kids at home. Dorothy was nothing if not determined.

She was a natural teacher and leader. Dorothy worked in the El Dorado School system for 25 years, where she was the Principal at Murmil Heights Elementary School the last 15 years and Principal of the Year for the district in 1989. She did not limit her teaching to the classroom but took every opportunity she could to teach – even sending her grandchildren math problems by mail. In her golden years, it was not uncommon for people to approach Dorothy–decades after she taught them as children–to greet and thank Mrs. Shirey.

She is survived by two sons, Thomason Jay Shirey (Robin) of Axle, TX and Phillip Gregory Shirey (Lisa Tessier) of Nixa, MO; one son-in-law, Bryan Woods of Salado, TX; and one daughter, Tonya Lynne Lambert (Robert) of Pagosa Springs, CO.

Dot, as her grandchildren called her, was immensely proud of her 15 grandchildren: Brooke MacKay (Brent) of Mission Viejo, CA; Megan Ord (Peter) of San Clements, CA; Gabe Shirey (Mindi) of Las Vegas,

NV; Dylan Shirey (Erin) of Harvest, AL; Emma Shirey of NY, NY; Jackson Shirey of Platte City, MO; Isabel Shirey of St. Louis, MO; Ryan Brewer (Lindsey) of San Antonio, TX; Kyle Brewer (Randi) of Austin, TX; Paul Brewer of Houston, TX; Amy Lambert Robertson (Josh) of Alamosa, CO; Emily Lambert Moon (Evan) of Colorado Springs, CO; William Lambert (Wendy) of Rochester, MN; Joseph Lambert of Colorado Springs, CO and Eleanor Lambert of Colorado Springs, CO.

She leaves behind two sisters-in-law: Alene (Shirey) Melton of Shreveport, LA and Nello Thomason of Hot Springs, AR and two brothers-in-law: Charles Shirey (Susan) of Greenbrier, AR and Bob Sherman of El Dorado, AR.

Finally, she is survived by her 21 beloved great grandchildren and the many nieces and nephews whom she cherished, helped raise, and taught with characteristic devotion!

She was a force of nature. She will be missed.

Visitation will be held from 5pm-7pm on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 at Young’s Funeral Home in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Services will be held on Friday, January 10 at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church in El Dorado with burial at Means Cemetery in Hampton following.

Donations can be made in Dorothy’s name to organizations addressing Alzheimer’s or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

Obituaries

Susan Harper, El Dorado

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

Susan Hurley Harper, 69, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 surrounded by her loving family.

Susan was born on September 27, 1956, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She grew up in El Dorado and graduated from El Dorado High School, Class of 1974 and went on to attend the University of Arkansas where she formed lifelong friendships.

Susan exuded positivity and shared that joy with everyone she encountered and she always had a smile on her face and Hershey Kisses in her purse. She thrived on time spent with her family and especially treasured her grandbabies. She had a lifelong love for animals, particularly her dogs and cats. Susan was well known for her incredible Chèvre, which she made daily after milking her beloved goats. Even Oprah loved her Chèvre so much she sent a team to film her making it and invited her to appear on her show with Martha Stewart.

An adventurous and creative spirit, Susan loved reading cookbooks and watching the Food Network, revealing an undeniable talent in the kitchen. Her travels were often guided by culinary discoveries as she sought out special foods and delicacies she had researched. She also enjoyed fly fishing, traveling, needlepoint, crafting and spending time with her many dear friends.

Susan was a devoted member of the Daughters of the King and the El Dorado Service League. She both worked and volunteered at the South Arkansas Arts Center where she contributed her time, energy and love for the arts to the community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William “Bill” Harper and her parents, Edward and Shirley Hurley.

Susan is survived by her children: Caroline Hardin of Fayetteville, Arkansas; William Harper and wife Whitney of Little Rock, Arkansas; Annaleigh Quinn and husband Luke of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Suzannah Harper of Hope, Arkansas. She is also survived by her sister, Annette Hurley and partner Candi Grace, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25 with a reception to follow. The family asks that bright, colorful clothing be worn to reflect the bright light that shined from Susan.

Thanks be to God for Susan Harper.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hope Landing, El Dorado, Arkansas. Or to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church: https://www.stmaryseldorado.com/give.

Obituaries

Helen Hastings, El Dorado

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

Helen Janell Hastings, 91, of El Dorado, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation. Born December 23,1934 in Ashdown, AR, she was the daughter of Hubert and Elsie Carver Sutton.

Mrs. Hastings was retired from Robinson Buchanan Real Estate. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Lady Golf Association.

Preceding her in death along with her parents was her husband, John Charles Hastings; and sister, Modine Sutton.

Survivors include her son, Charles David Hastings (Cynthia) of El Dorado; daughter, Vikki Hosford of El Dorado; grandchildren, Michael Nordin (Ashley), Aaron Hastings, and Carly Hastings; and four great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026 at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Young’s.

Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607, samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/donate-online/, or to Life Touch Hospice, 403 W. Oak St., Suite 201, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Hastings family.

Obituaries

Mary Alice Carelock, North Little Rock

Published

2 weeks ago

February 24, 2026

Grant Merrill

Mary Alice Carelock, 95, of North Little Rock, formerly of El Dorado, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in North Little Rock.

Born August 7, 1930, in Smackover, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Amos Jackson and Cleatus Thurlkill Jackson. Mary Alice earned an Associate Degree of Practical Theology from Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas in 1982. She had been a music minister traveling extensively, ministering in Maui, Hawaii, Nigeria, Ghana, and Haiti, including serving at Women’s Aglow retreats and numerous churches.

She was a gifted musician who played clarinet since high school, and also played any instrument. She recorded two albums, “His Hand in Mine” and “He Has Made Me Glad.” She had also been employed by the State of Arkansas as a tax collector.

Preceding her in death along with her parents were a brother, John Amos Jackson, and a sister, Cleta Faye Ellenburg.

Survivors include three sons Danny Carelock, David Carelock, and Glenn Carelock; grandchildren Marcie Carelock, Jeremy Carelock, and John Carelock; and great-grandchildren Lunelle Lowry, Brilee Carelock, John Daniel Carelock, and William Carelock.

Cremation services entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Arkansas, 11300 North Rodney Parham Road, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72212.

Online condolences for the Carelock family may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com

Obituaries

Helen Orren, Smackover

Published

4 weeks ago

February 11, 2026

Grant Merrill

Helen Orren, 86, passed away Tuesday February 10,2026. Services will be held Friday February 13,2026 at Perry’s Funeral Chapels. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm with services following at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Smackover Cemetery in Smackover, Arkansas.

Obituaries

Kyle Gleghorn, El Dorado

Published

4 weeks ago

February 11, 2026

Grant Merrill

Kyle Reed Gleghorn, 74, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away February 10 at Timberlane Health and Rehabilitation.

Kyle was born January 31, 1952, to Bob and Bertie Gleghorn in El Dorado, AR. Kyle was the first born son to be followed by Gifford and Toni a couple of years later. Although Kyle spent most of his life in his hometown, he moved as a young boy to Sweetwater, TX for two years. From that time on, the Texas blood started flowing through his veins, and he has loved all things Texas, especially the Texas Longhorns. Kyle graduated from El Dorado High School in 1970 where he represented his school as a delegate to Boys’ State. In 1973, Kyle married Stephenie Dumas. Five years later they welcomed their only child Andria who has always been a “daddy’s girl.” Kyle started working at United Parcel Service at 21 and worked there for 30 years. He loved his job. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone laugh–two things that led to him being a fun UPS man! His territorial town Magnolia celebrated him with a “Kyle Gleghorn Day” upon his retirement. Kyle was raised at First Presbyterian Church but converted to the Baptist faith upon marriage. Wyatt Baptist Church became his home church. He loved the Lord and loved to sing, a legacy he passed on to his daughter.

Kyle was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Bertie Gleghorn.

Surviving him are his wife of 52 years Stephenie and his daughter Andria, his brother Giff Gleghorn (Rhonda), his sister Toni Robertson (Carlon), his brothers-in-law Don Dumas (Pat) and Stephen Dumas. Kyle has several nephews and nieces that adored him-Dustin Foster, Nathan Gleghorn (Angie), Blake Foster, Jennifer McElroy (Mark), Joshua Dumas, and Christian Dumas.

A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 2:00 with visitation at 1:00.

Donations in Kyle’s memory can be made to the Barton Gives Back Fund at Barton Junior High where Kyle was a proud Wildkitten!

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Gleghorn family.