Mildred “Millie” Wheeler Blanton, age 85, of Mena, AR, formerly of Nashville, TN, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 in Hot Springs, AR. She was born in Concordia Parish, LA to the late John Wheeler and Mary Gallup Wheeler.
She is survived by her husband, Billy Blanton of Mena, AR, her son, Austin Blanton also of Mena, AR, a step-daughter Anita Blanton Prather of Dadeville, AL, four sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Hensley of Mena, AR, Helen McLain of Mena, AR, Hazel Bender of Greenville, TX, and Margie Smith of Tuscan, AZ, her co-caregiver Nicole Gonzalez of Mena, AR, numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
She was of the Catholic faith and was a member of Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Mena. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Vanice Osman and Steven Duggar, four brothers and three sisters.
Millie had been employed by the Lake Charles American Press Newspaper in Lake Charles, LA and owned and operated Millie’s Real Estate in Sulphur, LA.
Her career took a different direction in 1971 when she met and married her husband Billy Blanton who was in the music business as an entertainer. In addition to being a devoted wife, she became Billy’s personal manager. Millie formed a fan club for Billy and was on the board of directors of the International Fan Club Organization (I.F.C.O.) for several years.
In 1987 after Billy was forced to retire from his profession because of two bad back surgeries, Millie remained in the music industry as a concert promoter for the Nashville Fire Fighters Association. Billy said of Millie, “She was the wind beneath my wings.” She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Visitation was Friday, February 10, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 11, 2012 in the Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Mena, with Father Norbert Rappold officiating. Interment followed at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, AR under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home in Mena, AR. 28336
Artie Marie Parker
Artie Marie Parker, age 99, of Conway, Arkansas, went to her Heavenly Home on February 10, 2012. She was born August 10, 1912, in Wickes, Arkansas to the late James M. and Ora Delle Sullivan. She retired from Baptist Book Store of Little Rock and was of the Baptist faith and member of the Orpha Sunday School Class at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Conway.
Survivors are her son, James Melvin Parker, daughter-in-law Judy Parker and sister, Pauline Sullivan all of Conway and a special brother-in-law, W. Morris Parker of Little Rock. Also, preceding her in death were her husband, M.W. Parker and a brother James M. Sullivan of Little Rock.
Viewing was held at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. A private service was held with burial at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. The family would like to thank all of the staff at St. Andrews Place and Arkansas Hospice for their loving care.
Please visit http://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com to sign the online guest book. 28335
