Ada Elsberry Watson

ADA ELSBERRY WATSON, 92, of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away on November 10, 2024. She was predeceased by her parents, Sam and Frankie Chappel Elsberry; sisters, Wilma Hanna and Juanelle Holmes; and brothers, J.C. Elsberry and Robert Elsberry.

Ada was born on September 7, 1932, in Carden Bottoms, Arkansas, with a delightful twist—she was a twin! Sam and Frankie were so surprised that they named the twins Ada and Vada. They did not receive middle names, so they used their maiden names as their middle names throughout their lives. Ada and Vada graduated from Perryville High School, where both played basketball.

Ada dedicated many years as a daycare teacher at Roper’s Schools in Little Rock. She was a longtime member of Olive Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Mabelvale and most recently attended Dayspring Baptist Church in Maumelle. Ada was also an active member and volunteer at the Maumelle Center on the Lake for many years. She volunteered for numerous events with Counting on Each Other, Inc. a nonprofit helping seniors in Maumelle.

Ada cherished hosting large family gatherings at her home for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. No one ever left these gatherings hungry—if you did, it was your own fault! Known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, they never left her home without a treat, whether it was popcorn, candy, or cokes. They fondly called it “shopping at Nana’s,” but everything was free. Ada and her husband, Brodie, loved growing a large vegetable garden each year, sharing their bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers, purple hull peas, and corn with family and friends.

Ada is survived by her husband, Brodie S. Watson; her daughter, Brenda (Stuart) Beggs of Vilonia; her son, Mike (Debbie) Watson of Maumelle; her twin sister, Vada Skidmore of Sherwood; her brother, Wayne (Wanda) Elsberry of Maumelle; her grandchildren, Bradley Beggs, Rachel (Tommy) Slatton, Amanda (Nathan) Burroughs, Steven (Allen) Beggs, and Mitchell (Cody) Beggs. She also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

Ada, known as Mom, Momma, Nana, Aunt Ada and Miss Ada, will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Olive Hill Cemetery, c\o Roy Polk, 15001 North Sardis Road, Mabelvale, AR 72103 or Counting On Each Other, Inc., 406 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, AR 72113, www.countingoneachother.org.

A celebration of life will be held at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, on November 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be immediately before the service at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Olive Hill Cemetery in Mabelvale.

Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com for the online guestbook.