Brown Funeral Home

04/04/2026

Mr. Sterling Hughes, Jr. was born on July 26, 1965, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Sterling Hughes and Dorothy Garrett-Hughes. He was raised in a loving Christian household and united with New Hope AME at an early age, and later joined Cherry Street AME Zion Church.

Sterling graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1983. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. After his military service, he continued his studies at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He later received his barber certification from Eaton Barber Stylist College, where he built lasting relationships within the community through his work as a barber.

Sterling was preceded in death by his son, Brandon Hughes, Sr.; his grandson, Brandon Hughes, Jr.; and a special uncle, Lt. Colonel Therlon Hughes.

Sterling was known for his outspoken personality, kind heart, and deep love for his family. He loved to cook and was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughter, Megan Ford; his mother, Dorothy Garrett-Hughes; his father, Sterling Hughes, Sr. (Madeline); his brother, Mark Hughes (Jacqueline) of Fulton, Maryland; and his sister, Karen Hughes of Louisville, Kentucky.

He also leaves four grandchildren: Brandi Hughes, Kayleigh Ford, Wesley Ford, and Landon Ford; one nephew, Jalon Hughes (Kennedy); two uncles, Clarence Garrett and Charles “Sam” Garrett; two aunts, Edith Hyman and Lois Thomas; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Cherry Street A.M.E Zion Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Obituary submitted by The Familly.

www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com

04/04/2026

“Life insurance vs. GoFundMe”

Too many families are forced to turn to fundraisers when a loved one passes unexpectedly. Life insurance and prearranged funeral plans can help avoid that stress. A little planning now can spare your family financial worry later.

04/03/2026

Why life insurance matters”

Why life insurance matters.”
Life insurance is one of the most loving gifts you can leave your family. It can help cover funeral costs, unpaid bills, and give your family time to breathe and grieve. If you have questions about coverage, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

04/03/2026

Mrs. Ruth Marie Wilson 93, of Fordyce, Arkansas passed Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Brown-Williams Funeral Home Fordyce, AR.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, at The Word Live COGIC, Fordyce, Arkansas, Rev. Roy C. Aaron officiating. Interment in Enon Cemetery, Fordyce, Arkansas by Brown-Williams Funeral Home of Fordyce, AR.

Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Dumas, Fordyce, Marshall Kelley,

04/02/2026

“Grief has no timetable”

Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. Some days feel heavier than others, and that is okay. At Brown Funeral Home, we walk with families long after the service is over. If you’re grieving, be gentle with yourself today.

04/01/2026

Mr. William Anthony Matlock, Jr., was born on February 25, 1991, in Little Rock, Arkansas, at Southwest Hospital. He was the beloved son of Kimberly Matlock and the late SGM William Anthony Matlock, Sr. William was a believer in Jesus Christ.

As part of a military family, William lived in many places throughout his life, including Vilseck and Giessen, Germany; Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Fort Hood, Texas, before ultimately making Texas his home. He graduated from Rockwall‑Heath High School in 2009 and later attended UTI, where he pursued his passion for becoming an automotive technician.

William had a lifelong love for cars and mechanics and took pride in understanding how things worked. He was also a history buff who enjoyed learning about the past and sharing historical facts and stories with others. His interests reflected his thoughtful and inquisitive spirit. He enjoyed online gaming with friends, setting up and maintaining fish tanks, and bowling—a hobby he loved so much that he purchased his own custom bowling ball and shoes. Like his father, William also found joy and freedom riding his motorcycle.

William was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Betty and Linton Bedford, and Walter A. Walsh, Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life, Bekah Harrison; his son, Liam Anthony Matlock of Royse City, Texas; his daughter, Ma’Kenna Cherice Matlock of Malvern, Arkansas; his brother, Warren A. Matlock (Alejandra) of Rockwall, Texas; his nephew, Walker A. Matlock; and his niece, Wrynn A. Matlock, both of Rockwall, Texas.

He is also survived by his uncles: Walter A. Walsh (Rosalyn) of San Antonio, Texas; Wayne A. Walsh of Houston, Texas; Watrick A. Walsh of Malvern, Arkansas; and Anthony Fountain (Jaleesa) of Hurst, Texas. His aunts include April Bedford of Lubbock, Texas; Monica Grand (Algieray) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; April Tatum (Lance) of Rockwall, Texas; Lisa Jones of Malvern, Arkansas; and Stacy McGhee (Bobby) of Sheridan, Arkansas. He is also survived by his grandparents, Joel and Brenda Clegg of Prattsville, Arkansas, along with a host of cousins, extended family, and dear friends.

While we grieve his passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and take comfort in knowing that William is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior. His love, faith, and memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2026, at First Baptist Missionary Baptist Church, Rockport, AR, Pastor Forrest Cooper officiating. Interment in Masonic Cemetery, Malvern, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Brown-Williams Funeral Home, Fordyce, Arkansas.

Obituary submitted by The Family.

www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com

04/01/2026

“What is prearranging?”

Prearranging your funeral means making your choices in advance—music, service style, burial or cremation—and making a plan for how it will be paid for. It spares your family from guessing what you would have wanted during a very emotional time. And you are locking the price in at todays cost. Brown Funeral Home can guide you through each step and give you a PEACE OF MIND.

03/30/2026

Otey C. Moss, 81 years old, departed this life on March 21, 2026, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was born on June 18, 1944, in Lexa, Arkansas to the Late Willie Clarence and Cornelia Brown Moss.

Otey was preceded in death by his wife, Roma Jean Cheeks Moss, siblings Rebecca Moss, Maxine Moss Okafo(sisters), Curtis Moss, Clarence Moss, Joe Moss, Walter Moss and Lloyd Moss (brothers).

He graduated from Lakeview High School. Then matriculated through Arkansas Mechanical and Normal College (now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). During his tenure there he joined the AM & N Society Chapters of New Gamma Alpha and the Royal Knights. Otey served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He went on to work at Philander Smith College before returning to work at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff until retiring as the Head Vehicle Mechanic at the Motor Pool.

Otey enjoyed working in his garden and harvesting his crops throughout the year. He was a also an exceptional mechanic and was always willing to help anyone if he could. Otey joined and was an active member of the Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He served in such capacities as Deacon, Choir Director, and Church and community cook at different points.

He married Roma Jean Cheeks of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and they were the proud parents of Roland Charles Moss, Otey Colyn Moss, William Henderson Moss and Stefen De’Lorn Moss.He leaves to cherish his memory his four sons, Roland, Otey Colyn (Charleta), Willam and Stefen, his siblings Joyce Moss, Erma Moss, Lavern Patterson, Wilma Norsworthy, Earnestine Moss, Jewelline (Willie) Wiggins, Melvin (Ernestine) Moss, and George (Silvia) Moss and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, In-laws, friends and former colleagues

Visitation 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Funeral Service will be held 2:30 p.m., Saturday April 4, 2026, at Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Obituary submitted by The Family.

03/30/2026

Mrs. Elizabeth Briggs-Murphy 37, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away Monday, March 23, 2026. Visitation 5:00pm to 6:00pm Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR. Funeral Service will be held 1:00pm Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR by Minister Emma Malone. Services entrusted to Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.

www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com

03/30/2026

Dorothy Gee Smith was born on April 11, 1940, in Dumas, Arkansas to the late Myrtle Stovall and the late Lacy Gee. She was reared by her grandparents, Maggie and James Hillman.

She was educated in Reedville and Dumas School District. She graduated from AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. She was a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

At an early age, she confessed her hope in Christ at Almeta MBC., where she alongside her husband, the two were baptized and begin their Christian journey under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. W.W. Littleton.

Dorothy Smith was a very active and devoted member of her church. Throughout her years of service, she faithfully worked in several ministries, including serving as a Deaconess, a Sunday School teacher, a member of the church choir, and as the facilitator of new members orientation.

Beyond the church, Dorothy was deeply committed to her community. She gave back faithfully to the Mitchellville community, where she resided for over 60 years. In recognition of her dedication and service, she received the City of Mitchellville Appreciation Award for Dedicated Service in March 1999.

Dorothy Smith also had a distinguished career in education. She served as an educator at Central Elementary School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year for the 1992–1993 school year. After 30 years of dedicated service shaping the lives of students, she retired from the teaching profession.

Her leadership in Christian education was also widely recognized. She served faithfully as a Dean at Watson District in Mitchellville and received the Dean’s Award from the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education in December 2000. Later, she was honored with the Regional Dean of the Year Award from Southwest Region 2 in December 2013.

Dorothy Smith was truly a woman who loved the Lord. She demonstrated that love through her faithful service, dedication to others, and lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and her community.

On March 23, 2026, Dorothy Smith’s mission was completed, and she went home to spend eternity with her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Napoleon Smith, her parents, three brothers, and one sister.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: Her daughter Cynthia (Alfred) Dillard, Lancaster, Texas, a son Stanley (Stephanie) Smith of Dermott, Arkansas, 3 sisters: Maple (Dale) Hughes of Little Rock, Arkansas, JoAnn Arington of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Mae (Joey) Coleman of White Hall, Arkansas, 2 brothers: Roosevelt Stovall, Sr of Gould, Arkansas, Lloyd Huskey of Little Rock, Arkansas; Six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home Dumas, AR.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026, at Almeta Missionary Baptist Church, Dumas, Arkansas, Pastor Edward Demery officiating. Interment in Almeta Cemetery, Dumas, Arkansas by Brown Funeral Home of Dumas, AR.

The obituary submitted by the Family.

www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com

03/27/2026

Mr. Wilbert Wesley Lever, II, "Chill Will”, was born December 11, 1960, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Wilbert Wesley Lever and Birlee Davenport Lever.

A 1979 graduate of Dollarway High School, Wilbert attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) and majored in General Studies. He worked as a Correctional Officer for the Arkansas Prison System and retired after 24 years of service.

In Wilbert was united in holy matrimony to Jennifer Fry. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Jasmine Nicole Lever. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. John H. Nolen. He later joined Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member of the Mass Choir and the Male Chorus. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and absolutely loved music. An aspiring guitarist, he was a self-proclaimed “top guitar player.”

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, Wilbert transitioned peacefully and took flight, leaving behind his earthly tabernacle and the cares of this world. He now rests in the presence of God.

Those left to cherish precious memories are his parents, Wilbert and Birlee Lever, and daughter, Jasmine Lever, all of Pine Bluff; a brother, Mark Anthony Lever of Pine Bluff; two sisters, Joy (Mitra) Allen and Joyce Lever, both of Atlanta, Georgia; nieces, Chloe and Chanel of Pine Bluff, and Kamille (Mark) Dawson of Anchorage, Alaska; great-niece, Mila of Anchorage; nephew, Nyles of Atlanta; godbrother, John Kuykendall, III; godparents, James and Darlene McGhee; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Wilbert is no longer with us physically, but he will forever live in our hearts.

Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Rev. David Maxwell Smith officiating. Interment in St. Luke Cemetery, Pine Bluff, Arkansas by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR.

Obituary submitted by the Family.

www.brownfuneralhomeandmortuary.com