Agnita Vowell Ballenger

Agnita Vowell Ballenger, 90, of Pine Bluff, Ark., died Thursday, April 17, 2014. She was born June 8, 1923 in Leake County, Miss., daughter of Dr. B.E. and Lillie Sue Jordan Vowell. Mrs. Ballenger was reared and received her early education in Edinburg, Miss. She worked as an administrative assistant for Dr. Scott and Dr. Woods in Carthage, Miss. for a few years. After moving to Pine Bluff in 1953, she became a member of First United Methodist Church. She served on the church board and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She also served on the Cradle Roll for 20 years. Outside of church, Mrs. Ballenger volunteered with the Salvation Army and Volunteers in Public Schools. Mrs. Ballenger was the recipient of the Governor's "Volunteer Excellence Award" on Sept. 27, 2003, by Governor Mike Huckabee in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to the people of Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Vaughn Vowell; and two sisters, Camilla Webb and Juanita Smith. Survivors include her husband, John Ballenger, whom she married Dec. 27, 1946 in Mississippi; four daughters, Ann Maurras of Little Rock, Jane Tanner of Ocean Springs, Miss., Linda Schumacher of Little Rock and Melanie Ruhl of White Hall; son, John Ballenger Jr. of White Hall; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2014 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend David Fleming and Reverend Fred Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors. Visitation will be Sunday evening from 5-7 p.m. at Robinson's. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601 or the donor's favorite charity. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.