Obituaries
Joan Blake, El Dorado
Mary “Joan” Blake, age 92, went to her heavenly home Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Joan was born February 23, 1933 in New Augusta, MS to the late A W and Mary Dennis.
Joan Blake went home to be with the Lord she so faithfully served all the days of her life. A true Proverbs 31 woman, Joan lived with grace, strength, and unwavering devotion—to her faith, her family, and her community.
Joan walked closely with the Lord from an early age and lived out her faith with quiet strength and steady service. She served many years as the church pianist, her music touching hearts and lifting spirits each Sunday. Her hands were always busy with love—whether playing hymns, sewing garments, or preparing home-cooked meals for anyone who needed one. Joan was a fabulous cook, known for serving countless meals to family, friends, neighbors, and church members alike. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and warmth.
An expert seamstress, Joan had a God-given gift for creating beauty from fabric and thread—she could make anything but shoes! One of her proudest creations were two handsome blazers she made for Tim and Paul back in New Orleans, pieces stitched with both skill and love.
Her home was always immaculate, a reflection of her pride in caring for what God had given her. She believed in doing things the right way and doing them with excellence—a value evident in everything she touched.
Joan’s life was a living testimony to her faith. She was steady in spirit, rich in love, and abundant in service. Her legacy is one of deep compassion, strong character, and unwavering devotion to the Lord and those He placed in her life.
She leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations—a life poured out in service and love, full of grace, and rich in faith.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters Catherine Gillis and Elizabeth Mullins.
Those left to cherish her memory include her five children Earl Blake (Pam), Beverly Dews (John), Libby Blake, Tim Blake (Cindy), and Paul Blake (Rebecca); nine grandchildren Scott Dews (Tiffany), Clint Blake (Michelle), Brittany Machen, Rachel Blake, Bethany Raper, Timothy Blake, Laura Ballew (Wesley), Caroline Eversmeyer (Austin), Noah Blake; seven great-grandchildren Gavin, Jackson, and Brooklyn Dews, Miller Raper, Lucas, Janey, Ingrid Ballew; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services in her honor will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 11, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR, with Pastor Clark Whitney officiating, interment following at Smyrna Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until time of service at the church.
The family requests memorials be made in her memory to Arbor Hospice in Camden, AR and Immanuel Baptist Church in El Dorado, AR.
Obituaries
Susan Harper, El Dorado
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
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
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
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
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.
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