2025 Community Honorees
Marie Franklin (Posthumous)
Marie Franklin was born on May 3, 1906, in Casscoe, Arkansas, to James and Repsie Moore. The youngest of seven children, she was raised alongside her siblings Lucas, Mary, Daisy, Geneva, Ora, and LeEster. She attended Blue Wing School and confessed Christ at an early age, joining Wofford Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Payne’s leadership, where she remained a devoted member under Pastor J.O. Anderson until her passing.
In 1924, Marie married Joseph Franklin, and together they had two children, Jewell Naomi Vanderbilt and Cleophus Peter Franklin Sr. She briefly worked at the Well Fargo Girls Training School and was a dedicated member of the church choir. Known for her quiet strength and deep faith, Marie lived a life of service, prayer, and love—values that shaped not only her family but all who knew her.
Marie Franklin, lovingly called “Mama Rie,” was a matriarch whose legacy spanned six generations, including 25 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-great-grandchildren. To her family, she was more precious than gold, silver, or diamonds—a woman of dignity, strength, and unwavering faith. In her 93 years, she was not only a grandmother but a caregiver, a pillar, and a blessing to many.
Martin “Gent” Montgomery(Posthumous)
Martin Lester Montgomery, fondly known as “Gent” entered the world on September 21, 1907, in the small community of Almyra, Arkansas. His formative years were rooted in the rich soil of Immanuel Industrial and Providence Missionary Baptist Church, where he established a foundation of faith and community service.
On December 23, 1931, he was united in holy matrimony to Elizabeth Smith. While they were not biological parents, they raised and parented many.
“Gent” embodied the spirit of self-reliance, carving out a life as a self-employed farmer and woodman. He possessed a strong work ethic and a deep connection to the land, skills he generously shared with others. His willingness to help and mentor those around him becomes a hallmark of his character.
His contributions to Arkansas County extended far beyond his fields. He was a man of many talents, readily offering his services as a farmer, woodsman, and even a grave digger. Many of these tasks were done without expectation of payment. His dedication to his community was evident in his tireless efforts. His labor as a woodsman was well-known, and many residents of AR County likely warmed their homes with the wood he delivered. His legacy is one of quiet strength, unwavering generosity, and a profound commitment to his community.
Charlotte Thompkins-Houston
Her life began in a small agrarian community called Lookout, uniquely situated in the northwest corner of Arkansas County where three counties converge—a distinction shared by only three other towns in the state. Raised alongside five sisters and a brother, Charlotte grew up under the steady guidance of her parents, who modeled a way of life deeply rooted in the values of the Lookout community. These values, centered around integrity, faith, and hard work, were not only embraced at home but also reflected throughout the town, making them easy to adopt and live by.
In pursuit of a better life, she ventured beyond the familiar boundaries of her upbringing and entered a vastly different world through her education at Arkansas AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The college served as her gateway to new opportunities, equipping her with tools for a brighter future. After graduation, she married Howard Thompkins, and together they raised three children—Felecia, Aaron, and James—blessed by God and grounded in the values they had cultivated during those formative years. The foundation laid at that small institution continued to shape their lives for decades to come.
After more than 40 years in the classroom, her passion for teaching left an indelible mark not only on her but on countless students whose stories became woven into her own. Her journeys across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America brought distant cultures to life, broadening her worldview in deeply personal ways. Now, at 83 years old, Charlotte reflects with gratitude on a life filled with meaning. With faith as her anchor, she finds peace, joy, and the promise of everlasting life. These experiences—both ordinary and extraordinary—remain treasured memories she carries with grace and humility.
She has been married to Harold Houston for twenty glorious years.
Juanita Jeffery-owens (Posthumous)
Juanita Owens embodied the attributes of the virtuous woman described in Proverbs 31 – diligent, kind, and devoted to her faith, family, and community. She was born on November 5, 1941, to the late George and Girstine Jeffery, Sr. Her extraordinary parents raised twenty-two children on a farm in Casscoe, Arkansas. Juanita later married the late Mack L. Owens for nineteen years. To this union, five lovely children were born: Sherry Owens Morris, Evonda Owens, Tonialeia Glover, Lawrence Owens, and Beatrice Jackson.
Juanita dedicated her life to service, beginning with her acceptance of Christ at an early age. She remained a steadfast member of Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, where she taught Sunday School for over 50 years, influencing multiple generations with her wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith. Her strength, dignity, and love were ever-present in her leadership roles as President of the Young Women’s Christian Council (YWCC) of the Helena-West Helena District, and as a Senior Mother at Mt. Calvary COGIC.
A woman of noble character, Juanita was a pillar of her family and her community. Her actions spoke to the virtues outlined in Proverbs 31:25, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come". Fittingly, she was clothed in purple—the color of royalty and dignity—on the day she was laid to rest on February 2, 2017, a powerful testament to her life lived in accordance with biblical teachings. Juanita extended her wisdom and love beyond her household. Whether working at Stuttgart Regional Hospital, co-owning Dew Baby’s restaurant, or leading efforts to publish *Ten Sisters*, an inspirational autobiography, she uplifted and empowered those around her. Juanita’s life truly mirrors the virtuous woman —selfless, wise, and full of love. Her influence continues to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rosie Lee Toliver (Posthumous)
Rosie Lee Holt Toliver was born in Grady, Arkansas Oct. 19, 1927, to Celie ( Ice) Holt and Freddie Holt Sr. After her father died, their mother moved them to Arkansas County in 1938. She has 13 sisters and 7 brothers. After graduating from High School she married Lincoln (LD) Tolliver and they had 11 children. She was an active mother at Mt. Calvary Church COGIC in Casscoe.
She touched many lives with her cooking, baking and, good advice. Even though she didn't attend a beauty school, she was the community hairdresser. She was a second mother to many. What set her apart was her resourcefulness and humbleness. Those who knew her would agree she was a compassionate and kindhearted person.
