She graduated from Smackover High School in 1992. Aprile then attended Ouachita Baptist University and graduated with her education degree in 1996. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Ricky, on June 8, 1996. Together they raised two beautiful children, Reagan and Rhett. They brought tremendous joy to her life. While they kept her busy, she wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Aprile wore many titles, and while “mom” was her favorite, she didn’t take any of them for granted.

Aprile was a wife, mom, sister, aunt, friend, educator, encourager, and many more. She devoted 29 years to education between 3 schools, West Side, Smackover High School and El Dorado High School. Aprile received numerous awards and recognition throughout her years, such as Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year, among many others. While she was grateful for the acknowledgements, her real reason for education was the students. She truly adored her students, and she strived for her classroom to be a bright spot in a dark world. Many of her students may tell about circle time, encouragement sheets or maybe even “Tell Me Something Good”, but they will all tell you how infectious her smile was and how loved she made them feel. Aprile was a beacon of light and exemplified Christ in every aspect. Even facing a terminal diagnosis, her faith never wavered. She wanted God to receive all of the glory through this journey, and there is no doubt that He did. There is no question that when Aprile left her earthly body and saw Jesus’ face, that she was met with the words we all strive to hear one day- “Well Done my good and faithful servant.”

Aprile is preceded in death by her daddy, David Willett, maternal grandparents, P.O. and Tex Long, paternal grandparents, Max and Violet Willett, and her father in law, Harold Richardson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ricky Richardson, her daughter, Reagan McLelland (Tanner), her son, Rhett Richardson, her mother, Paula Clark, one sister, Amy Jones (Jamison), one brother, Scott Willett (Jessie), her mother in law, Jeanette Richardson, and precious uncles, aunts, cousins, and nephews.

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She is also survived by her dog, Archie, who brought so much love and joy to her life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Young’s.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Smackover with Bro. Carly Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, Aprile would prefer donations be made to CARTI El Dorado or FBC Smackover.

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

Born February 3, 1932, to Rudell and Jesse Templeton, Juanita lived a life shaped by hard work, devotion to family, and an unfailing kindness that touched neighbors, coworkers, and friends alike.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, E. D. “Sonny” Cloud; her brother Buddy Templeton; and her sons David Pearson and Jimmy Pearson.

She is lovingly remembered and survived by her daughter Jacquita Diehl (Philip); daughter-in-love Susan Pearson; grandsons Allen Pearson, Eric Pearson (Shannon), Bo Davies (Robin), Alex Diehl, and Soren Michael Diehl; granddaughters Tiffany Junker (Dustin), Jessica Dumas (Jeramie), and her devoted granddaughter and caregiver Casey Bailey (Brandon).

She also leaves nephews Randy Templeton (Vicki) and Mike Templeton (Dana); great-granddaughter Katherine Simpson (Bobby) along with two other great-granddaughters; great-grandson; and caregiver Rocky Bailey along with nine other great-grandsons; great nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. A very special friend, Karen James, who stood by her through the years.

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She was a polished professional, Juanita served as a secretary at Wheeling Pipeline and Davison Transport for a combined fifty years, where her poise, clear speech, and tireless work ethic earned the admiration of colleagues.

She loved to travel, savoring both new places and the simple pleasure of a journey shared. Above all, her faith sustained her through life’s storms and celebrations; her family was her greatest joy and the center of her heart. Juanita’s memory will be cherished for her gentle manner, generous spirit, and the quiet strength she offered to everyone who knew her.

She leaves behind a bright legacy of love, laughter, and encouragement that will ripple through her family and community for generations. Those who knew Juanita are invited to honor her memory by sharing stories, offering kindness to one another, and holding family close.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 12, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Union Baptist Church with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Doug Loafman officiating. Interment will follow in Old Union Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

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The family would like to thank Lifetouch Hospice, Q, Brittany, Tessa & Jacky for their special care.

Memorials can be made to Union Baptist Church, 144 Crain City Road, El Dorado, AR 71730.

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

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Before her retirement, she worked as a supervisor at Prescolite. Doris loved to play spades, going to the casino, and was an excellent card player. She also enjoyed gardening, and a cold Coca-Cola. She dedicated her life post-retirement to her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her husband John Tom “Tommy” Hayes; her son, Keith Hayes, her daughter, Renea Hayes; and her great grandchildren, Gunner Hayes Graves and Mayley Jay Graves.

Survivors include her daughter, Kimberly Ann Benson; grandchildren, Ashley Nicole Graves (Matt Graves), Chloe Benson White (Matthew Finney), Johnny Benson III (Morgan), Dylan Hayes (Haley); great grandchildren, Bentley Leach, Easton Graves, Leah Finney, Lilah Finney, Harper Benson, and Hadley Benson; her two very special sister-in-laws: Terry Hayes, and Sandy Ballard; and her very special friend, Larue.

A small graveside service for family will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026 at Olive Branch Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors and with Ashley Graves officiating.

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

Mary was born to Sarah and Talmadge Paxton on November 17, 1944 in El Dorado. She was the youngest of two children. She spent her childhood in Huttig and in Shreveport, LA. On February 28, 1968, she married John David Coleman, the love of her life and partner for more than 55 years. Together they lived in Laurel, MS, Haynesville, LA and El Dorado before settling in Strong, Arkansas in the mid-1970s, where they made their home and raised their family. John preceded her in death in 2022.

Mary was a woman of remarkable determination, grit, and independence. Her husband affectionately nicknamed her “Goat Head” because he said her head was as hard as a billy goat’s. She was never afraid of hard work and did whatever was needed for her family. Over the years, she drove a cement truck, handled bookkeeping for the family business, and approached every challenge with confidence and resolve.

A devoted public servant, Mary dedicated countless hours to improving her community. She served as a Justice of the Peace on the Union County Quorum Court for 1995-2005 and was actively involved in numerous civic organizations and boards. Her service included leadership as President of the New London Water Board and membership on the 13th Judicial District Criminal Detention Facility Review Board and the Union County Water Conservation Board, as well as Treasurer of the New London Cemetery. In 2012 she was appointed by Governor Mike Beebe to serve on the Ouachita River Commission, with her term expiring in 2020.

Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Strong and a generous supporter of many causes close to her heart, including Union County Animal Protection Society, Life Touch Hospice, Ouachita Baptist University and Wings to Recovery.

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While Mary loved serving her community, her greatest joys were found closer to home. She cherished her flowers, loved caring for her birds, and enjoyed spending time along the Ouachita River. She delighted in decoration for Halloween to the extreme, complete with large inflatable skeletons and monsters, and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate a birthday, believing every year of life was worth honoring regardless of age.

Mary as preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her older brother, Allen Paxton. Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Tracey White (Randy) and Kelli Gathright (Ted); her grandchildren, Camille Gathright, Hayden Latimer (Carter) , Dustin Gathright (Megan), and Reid Gathright (Alexis Bougher); her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Audrey, Makinlee, and Holden; her sister-in-law, Dolores Paxton; and her beloved four-legged companion Xena.

Mary will be remembered for her strength of character, generous heart, quick wit, dry humor, steadfast faith, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the community she served, and the family she lived so deeply.

A Celebration of Life for Mary will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Strong. Visitation with family will be held from 10:00 a.m. until service time. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

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In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to New London Cemetery Fund, % Merri Holt, 3361 New London Road, Strong, AR 71765 or to UCAPS, P. O. Box 264, El Dorado, AR 71730.

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

She was a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello, a member of Hopewell Baptist Church, and she was a homemaker.

Preceding her in death are her parents, husband, Rev. Cecil M. Owens; son, James Marty Owens; brother, Gerald Taylor; and sister, Laverne Ware.

Survivors include her daughters, Mary Maddox (Rocky) of Shreveport, LA, Judy Renteria (Benjamin) of Bernice, LA; seven grandchildren, Vernon Owens, Rocky Maddox, J.R Maddox, Jarrod Elliott, Haley Elliott, Courtney Tamez, Lacee Tamez; and fourteen great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Hopewell Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors, and with Dr. B.J. “Rocky” Maddox officiating.

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Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Young’s.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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