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Thornton Funeral Home, 211 Luzerne Street, Mount Ida, AR (2025)

10/31/2025

Charles Eakes

Charles Eakes, 76, of Pencil Bluff, AR, passed away October 29, 2025, at home with family by his side. He was born on December 14, 1948, in Greenville, NC to Evelyn Eakes. Charles is preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Eakes, brothers Bruce Strickland, Butch Strickland, Rusty Strickland, Greg Strickland, sisters Janice Genton, Wanda Strickland and a very dear special friend Mary Ann Damazio.

Charles is survived by his wife of 55 years Deborah Eakes, daughters Shannon Royce and husband Greg, Patricia Lankford and husband William, son Charlie Eakes and two bonus daughters Makayla Eakes and Michelle Barnett, grandchildren Kurstyn McDougal and husband Nick, Dalton Royce and wife Tina, Garrett Lankford, Logan Royce, Austyn Lankford and wife Morgan, Caleb Lankford, Brandon Lankford and wife Miah, Cameron Lankford and wife Esmi, Breonna Lankford, Gavyn Lankford, Casen Eakes and Eli Eakes, great grandchildren Landyn Royce, Reagan Royce, Riley Royce, Jaxon McDougal, Slade Lankford, Zoe Lankford, Kolbie Lankford, Zaxbie Lankford, Kambre Lankford, Danielle Lankford, brother Jerry Strickland, sisters Gale Moore, Pamela Boyer, two bonus grandchildren Rylee Starr and Paityn Starr, nieces, nephews, special friend Greg Pate and a host of other family and friends.

Celebration of life will be November 15, 2025, at 2pm at his home 4063 HWY 270 W, Pencil Bluff, AR 71965. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Charles Eakes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/27/2025

Evelyn Deloris Bryant

Evelyn Bryant, 89, of Mount Ida, AR ran into the arms of Jesus October 25, 2025, at CHI St Vincent in Hot Springs, AR with family by her side. Evelyn was born on September 24, 1936, in Sims, AR, to Henry and Nellie (Owen) Elder. She is preceded in death by both parents, husband Floyd Bryant, daughter Anita Irons, grandson Brent Shaw, sisters Wilma Tedford, and Wanda Blackburn, brother Lloyd Elder, son in law Dean Morrison.

Evelyn is survived by her daughters Bonnie Betts and husband Billy, Thelma Whitfield and husband Johnny, Sheila Bryant, grandchildren Wendell Morrison and wife Karen, Brian Morrison and wife Janie, Stephen Morrison, Kelly Betts, Cameron Betts (Michelle), Karen Betts, Anthony Shaw, Brandon Minton and wife Jennifer, Kimberley Davis and husband Kevin, Trevin Harris (Ashley), 28 great grandchildren, 29 great great grandchildren, 5 great great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 1 to 2 at Faith Tabernacle Church, service will follow at 2pm at Faith Tabernacle Church in Mount Ida, AR. Brother Josh Harper and Brother Dave Speers will officiate the service. Burial will be at Reed Cemetery in Story, AR, Pallbearers: Wendell Morrison, Johnny Whitfield, Kevin Davis, Brandon Minton, Trevin Harris and Jarrett Davis. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Evelyn Deloris Bryant's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/22/2025

Vernon Wayne Allen

Vernon Wayne Allen, 65, of Mount Ida, AR passed October 21, 2025, at home in Mount Ida, AR with family by his side. Wayne was born March 28, 1960, in Hot Springs, AR, to Donald Allen and Edna (Carter) Norman. He is preceded in death by his mother Edna Norman, sister Cheryl Renee Parker.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 40 years Barbara Allen, daughter Tiffany Allen (Tyler Wright), son Shaun Smith and wife Brittany, grandchildren Brody Smith, Braxton Smith, Bryce Briar, Oliva Briar, and Asher Smith, brothers Donnie Allen and Randy Allen, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life Friday November 7,2025 at 11:00am at Community Outreach Ministries 203 Ballpark Rd Mount Ida AR 71957. Bro Josh Harper and Bro. George Wright will be officiating. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Vernon Wayne Allen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/20/2025

Mary Ann Damazio

Mary Ann Damazio, 62, of Oden, AR, passed away October 19, 2025, at National Park Medical Center, with family by her side, after a very long lengthy and hard fight against cancer. Mary Ann was born September 4, 1963, in Oden, AR, to Ray Spurling and Edna Lenard. She is preceded by both her parents, one brother Mack Spurling.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband Billy Damazio, daughters Makayla Eakes, and Mali Damazio, son Billy Joe Damazio, grandchildren Casen Eakes, Eli Eakes, Rylee Starr and Paityn Starr, brothers Paul Spurling and wife Mary, Jr Spurling and wife Peggy, Hop Spurling and Gene Spurling, her favorite niece Kimbo, other nieces, nephews, special friends Robin Damazio and Debbie Eakes and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Oden Methodist Church at 11am. Burial will be at Oden Cemetery. After the service the family will gather to visit, share stories and eat at 390 Ouachita Ave. Oden, AR 71961. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Mary Ann Damazio's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/30/2025

William Archibald McVitty

William Archibald McVitty passed on September 26, 2025, at a care facility in Petaluma, California. Born January 15, 1933, in Mount Vernon, New York and a fifty-seven plus-year resident of Gualala, California, he was 92 years old. He was predeceased by his wife Ava Chambers McVitty, who passed nine months ago; by parents Archie and Eileen; siblings Charles, Terrence, Virginia and Alice; birth mother Anna Sweeney McVitty; and his first wife and two children by that marriage.

He is survived by a loving and connected family: son Jerry Tidwell (Jerilyn), Daughter Mary Ann Tidwell-Jones (Bob); grandchildren Colleen, Andrew (Lauren), Chris, John, Robert; great-grandchildren Hudson and Nash; sisters-in-law Jone Chambers and Marsha Chambers; cousin Stephanie McVitty; cousins Helen and Gerald Murders, Willa Dean Graves; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, he was a member of a large and connected Irish family. Graduating early, he joined the United States Air Force just after high school. After training, he was sent to Occupied West Germany for the first of three tours of duty there. Focused on radar operations and maintenance, he also served in Labrador and several locations in the United States. He was a member of the American military throughout the core time of the Cold War. Receiving many accolades, awards and training certifications, he eventually retired after twenty years attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

In 1968, while stationed at the Air Force Radar Station near Point Arena, located on the Mendocino County Coast in Northern California, he met Ava Chambers Tidwell McVitty. They married on February 5, 1970, and were nearing fifty-five years of marriage when she passed. He persevered in her absence, continuing to undergo treatments for cancer as well as dealing with various cardiac issues until his passing. He thought and spoke about her and missed her until his last moments. Appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Windsong of Sonoma for their nurturing support and care.

Together they owned and operated several businesses, including a gas station and a real estate company in Gualala. They retired in their mid-fifties, living a long and rich retirement.

Bill and Ava found great joy in travel. They took trips to Ireland, Germany, Austria, and the Caribbean; their main travel focus, and efforts were in seeing the United States, taking numerous driving trips to sights, family, and friends while experiencing a significant majority of the lower 48 states.

Through Ava and his introduction to Arkansas relatives, ways, and living resulted in twice-yearly trips there for decades and eventual ownership of a farm they took great pride in. Splitting time between their homes in California and Arkansas, the very different existences they had in both, brought them great pleasure and enjoyment.

He will be laid to rest at Rocky Cemetery, Sims, Arkansas alongside Ava and generations of family. A graveside service will be held on October 9, 2025, at 11am. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View William Archibald McVitty's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/26/2025

Kenneth C Greene

Kenneth C Greene, 69, of Mount Ida, AR passed away September 25, 2025, in Hot Springs, AR with family by his side. Kenn was born in St Petersburg, FL to Harry and Phylis (Spece) Greene. He is preceded in death by both his parents, brothers William Greene and Charlie Greene.

Kenn is survived by his wife Ann Greene of 31 years, daughters Maggie Greene, Michelle Conner, Christina Garrett and husband Dennis, Samantha Black and husband Jeff, sons Dennis Conner and wife Brittany and Timothy Conner and wife Grace, 17 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, sisters Nancy Porter, Sarah Calahan, and Aimee Greene.

There will be a Memorial Service at a later date. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Kenneth C Greene's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/23/2025

Jerry Douglas West

Jerry Douglas West, 90, of Norman, AR, passed away September 22, 2025, in Mount Ida, AR, with family by his side. He was born on September 5, 1935, in Norman, AR to Albert and Etta (Beck) West. Jerry is preceded in death by both parents, sister Jane Alice Cox and one great granddaughter Layla Kennedy.

Jerry is survived by his wife Clara (Hamilton) West of 66 years, daughters Vicki Barrett, Lorri Kennedy, Jennifer Campbell and husband Jeff, son Skyler West and wife Natalie, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren.

Graveside service will be Friday, September 26, 2025, at 2pm at Black Springs Cemetery. Bro. Danny Tillery will officiate the service. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Jerry Douglas West's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/23/2025

Jane Alice Cox

Jane Alice Cox, 87, of Caddo Gap, AR, passed away September 22, 2025, at home. Jane was born July 8, 1938, in Norman, AR, to Albert and Etta (Beck) West. She is preceded in death by both her parents, husband Donnie Cox, son Tony Cox, brother Jerry West and good friend Darlene Hilton.

Jane is survived by good friends Tim Hilton, Josh Bright (Yeng), and Shawn Wright, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Graveside service will be Friday, September 26, 2025, at 10:00am at Mt Gilead Cemetery. Bro. Tony Hill will officiate the service. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Jane Alice Cox's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2025

Cynthia Renae Davis

Cynthia Renae (Tuttie) Davis, 65, of Black Springs, AR passed away on September 16, 2025, with very close friends by her side. Cynthia was born August 30, 1960, in San Luis Obispo, CA. to Sunny and Connie (Curtis) Stroud. She is preceded in death by both her parents, husband Kevin Davis.

Cynthia is survived by sisters (Sherry Hallmark, Diana Lebow, & April Stroud-Shed), caretaker and best friend Corrina Pipkin, Mount Gilead Church family, nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends.

Cynthia never met a stranger. She loved talking about the Lord and spreading the gospel. She was quick to tell you she was a child of the King. She was in church worshipping the Lord when the doors opened on Wednesday and twice on Sunday. She read the word daily.

Tuttie was a social butterfly, so no outing was quick as she visited with everyone. She loved sharing her knowledge of all things random and giving advice. She had a knack for decorating. She liked to travel. She enjoyed flea market shopping and helping friends with their projects. She appreciated everything in nature. She loved all animals and wildlife, but her passion was horses. She loved riding horses, hiking, and taking pictures of nature. Many miles and hours were spent riding horses and making trails. She was a member of Garland County Mounted Search & Rescue. She lived life fully and made her mark on everyone that met her. She shared a special relationship with each of her friends.

A special thank you and appreciation to Montgomery County Nursing Home & Rehab, UAMS, CHI, Genesis Cancer Center, Arkansas Hospice, Ken & Heather Borden, Tommy & Debbie Moore, Dewayne & Linda Hodges, Mount Gilead Baptist Church, The Powell Family, & Thornton Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Friday, September 19, 2025, from 5 to 7pm at Thornton Funeral Home. Graveside service Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10am at Powell Family Cemetery in Norman, AR, off Liberty Road. (cemetery is directly across the road from 584 Liberty Rd. Norman, AR) Officiating Bro. Steve Finney. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Cynthia Renae Davis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/17/2025

Gunnar LaFayette Hamilton

Gunnar was lovingly delivered into his Papa's arms, asleep, at 4:44am in Sims, AR. His little life speaks volumes.

He enjoyed everything Mama ate, especially Nana Sharon's cornbread. Meal time often ended in the cutest hiccups. When thunder would startle him, he was comforted by Mama's soft voice and caress. Our little one would bounce, as if dancing, as we listened to music on our road trips and stir excitedly when hearing Papa's deep voice.

Gunnar's memory will forever live in the hearts of his Father and Mother, Shawn and Erica Hamilton, and Nana Sharon Brown, who eagerly awaited his arrival.

Until we're together again, we will hold dear the time we've shared.

View Gunnar LaFayette Hamilton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/04/2025

Samuel David Jones

Samuel David Jones (Sammy), 81, of Mount Ida, AR passed away Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at home with family by his side. Sammy was born March 3, 1944, in Hot Springs, AR to Claude and Alta (Rice) Jones. He was the sixth and the second son of Claude and Alta Jones and was one of sixteen children. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son David William Jones of Hot Springs, AR, his in-laws Harvey and Una Palmer, siblings Nell Bullock, Barbara Fryar, Eddie Jones, Hal Jones (Claude Halbert Jones Jr), and Shirley Jones. Sammy married to the love of his life Carolyn Sue (Palmer) Jones. They married on December 25, 1962, and were blessed with two sons, David William and Joey Halbert.

He is survived bv his wife of 62 years Carolyn (Palmer) Jones, one son Joey Halbert Jones and wife Cindy, one grandson Cody William Jones and wife Eden, siblings Gayle Williamson, Johni Irvan, Charlie Jones, Nancy Cogburn and husband Glen, Bill Jones and wife Evelyn, Jack Jones, Colleen Mitchell and husband Ricky, Paula Noga and husband Jim, Janice Richey and Kenneth Jones, one sister-in-law Nola (Sissy) Shick. Sammy was blessed to have many, many nieces and nephews and a host of great nieces and nephews. Sammy knew each one of them by name and loved them all. Especially when it came to teasing them! His constant and daily companion was his beloved dog, Dexter, who followed every step Sammy made, especially when feeding the deer in the back yard.

When it came to his yard and garage there was no one who worked harder to keep them in tip top shape. He was even known to mow a neighbor’s lawn if they were unable to. Sammy was always willing to lend a helping hand or tool when called upon. Sammy graduated from Mt. Ida High School in 1962. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became a registered land surveyor and obtained a job with the Arkansas Highway Department for seven years. From there he went to work for the Weyerhaeuser Corporation as a logging supervisor for 35 years. After retirement he decided to run for Montgomery County Judge. He served faithfully for 8 years. He was a member of the Mt. Ida School Board and served one term as President. He was also a member of the Montgomery County Nursing Home and Assisted Living.

Honorary Pallbearers will be his brothers Charlie, Bill, Jack, Kenny Jones and brother-in-laws Glen Cogburn, Ricky Mitchell and Jim Noga. The family would like to acknowledge with grateful and heartfelt appreciation his lifelong and dear friend Mr. Joe Simpson. He loved you dearly Joe. Your friendship will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life will be held at Lake Ouachita Baptist Church in Mount Ida on Saturday, September 13th, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Blish Cemetery in Mount Ida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Blish Cemetery PO Box 664 Mount Ida, AR 71957. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com.

View Samuel David Jones (Sammy)'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

Mark Avra

Mark Alan Avra, 68 of Mount Ida, Arkansas, went to be with Jesus on August 31, 2025, while surrounded by love at home.

Born to Cleota Jean (Reece) Avra and Thomas Lee Avra of Norman on October 27, 1956, Mark grew up chasing cows, mowing and baling hay, swimming in the Caddo River, riding motorcycles, and playing basketball. At Caddo Hills High School, he was known for dunking the ball to score points on the court. To accomplish this, he wore three sets of ankle weights while working at Billy Charles Williams’ service station.

After graduating from Caddo Hills in 1975, he attended Rich Mountain Vo-Tech in Mena, where he completed the training program for building custom homes and commercial construction. For a period of time, he worked for Dillard Construction and Doug Partridge Construction before starting Mark Avra, Inc. in 1978. Glenwood Christian Church was his first independent project.

On April 28, 1978, Mark met Betty Rowland. They fell in love, engaged in July of the same year, and married on June 9, 1979. Together, and with the help of Mark’s dad, Tom, they built the underground house in Pineview Estates – the home both of their children, Whitney and Hayes, came home to. Later, they built “the white house”, adding a pool by hand that is now enjoyed by the grandkids and friends every summer.

Mark spent many years going to NASCAR races, traveling to Texas Motor Speedway and Talladega with friends, and celebrating his fiftieth birthday at the coldest Daytona 500 on record. He loved vacationing at Gulf Shores in the summer with his family and was always up for a weekend away at Branson. He made any excuse to eat ice cream, fudge, chocolate pie, or peanut brittle. One of his favorite things to do with the grandkids was wind the family grandfather clock on Sunday mornings. This quickly became a family tradition.

In 2016, Mark closed his business, retiring after 38 years. Over the course of his career, he built over 60 custom homes, two churches (including Faith Tabernacle, in Mount Ida), some commercial buildings, and completed too many remodels to count. He built homes for family members, friends, and strangers who became friends. Soon after retiring, Mark served as the treasurer of the Black Springs Cemetery Committee, a role he fulfilled with great pride. He was known for quality construction and the integrity of his craftsmanship, as well as his calm, quiet demeanor.

Living with Parkinson’s for 17 years, he was a pioneer in progressive treatments for the disease. He was a member of the inaugural class of Rock Steady Boxing, a physical fitness class designed for people with Parkinson’s, at First Baptist Church in Hot Springs. He was the third patient at UAMS to use a Duopa pump, a cutting edge treatment. Mark served on the Parkinson’s Advisory Board at UAMS with leading doctors in the field. These things gave him hope – hope for himself, hope for his family, and hope for others struggling with the disease.

Mark is survived by his wife of 46 years, Betty Avra; his two children Whitney Avra of Hot Springs, Hayes Avra (Destiny Avra) of Hot Springs, four cherished grandchildren Ariadne, Ellis, Esten, and Endee; his brother Ron Avra of Beaumont, Texas; his brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Doyle and Johnette Rowland of Sims, Loyal and Margie Rowland of Sims, over 35 nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and host of many friends.

Pallbearers are Hayes Avra, Isaac Summitt, Shannon Rowland, Jason Walden, Jeremy Ray, Perry Allison, David James, and David Prince. Honorary pallbearers are Doyle Rowland, Loyal Rowland, Ron Avra, Galen Kitchens, Ed Barnes, Jodi Bissell, Jerry Don Wheeler, Gerald Abernathy, Caddo Hills Class of 1975, Rock Steady Boxing Dream Team, and Mount Ida Class of 1977.

Visitation will be Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 5 to 7pm at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. A celebration of life will be held at Faith Tabernacle in Mount Ida on Wednesday, September 3, at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Reed Cemetery in Story. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Rock Steady Boxing in honor of Mark Avra, First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901. Arrangements under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com

View Mark Avra's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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