Emma Grace Sandefur

Emma Grace “Nana” Sandefur, 90, of Sherwood, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and

Savior on February 5, 2024.  She was born April 28, 1933, in Beebe, Arkansas to Jesse and

Virginia Mae Burns.

After graduation from Beebe High School Emma attended Arkansas State College-Beebe

where she met her future husband Doyne Sandefur.  Doyne and Emma were blessed with

56 years of marriage and loved each other dearly. Doyne was a Baptist pastor, and together

he and Emma served faithfully for 46 years in various Arkansas and Louisiana churches.

The last 24 years of their ministry were served at Cherrywood Baptist Church in Sherwood

where they retired.  Emma loved her role as a pastor’s wife. Her love and service for the Lord

and her family guided her life.

After retirement, Doyne and Emma owned and operated “Nana and Papa’s” gift shop in

Jacksonville for many years. They loved visiting and getting to know their customers and

made many friends.

Emma is survived by her son, Jim Sandefur (Paula) of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and daughter,

Cheri Peavy (Scott) of Sherwood; daughter-in-law Amy Sandefur; four grandsons, Nicholas

Stone, Daniel Sandefur, Shane Sandefur (Traci), and Tony Sandefur (Jennifer); six

great grandchildren, Annaleigh, Jameson, Rhiannon, Lorelai, Tristan, and Silas Sandefur;

three sisters, Becky Burge of Cabot, Jimmie Ruth Brock of Beebe, and Susie Pruitt of Beebe;

one brother, Buddy Burns (Jamie) of Beebe.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband of 56 years, Doyne Sandefur,

son, Bob Sandefur and sister, Barbara Simons.

There will be a Memorial Service on Monday, 2:00 p.m., February 12th in the Chapel at Smith

Westbrook Funeral Home.  Interment at Beebe Cemetery.

 Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas.

To view the online registry, go to www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook