Evelyn M. Stafford

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loved one, Evelyn Mae Stafford. She left this earth to be with her Lord on March 3, 2025. She was born on December 19, 1934 to Willie and Fronia LeCompt in Bonnerdale, AR.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Dean Stafford, two daughters, Debe (Rick) Johnson and Teresa (Bobby) Way, two grandchildren, Jared (Misty) Cook and Melia (Justin) Robertson. Also, her six great grandchildren, Brayden, Emmarie, Evan, Kate, Karlee, and Karson; one sister, Ludie Gosnell and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Leonard LeCompt.

She moved to Hot Springs in 1952 where she worked at McBride’s Rootbeer Stand, then later at Kress Department store. She began her career with Cordell Lures in 1973 where she later retired in 1998.

She and Dean loved riding motorcycles, Antique car shows and traveling together. Shopping on Saturdays with her daughters was a weekly routine. Evelyn had two green thumbs. Her vegetable garden was rivaled only by her flowers. She loved working in the yard and getting her hands in the dirt. Our family will certainly miss her wonderful home cooked meals wether it was her turtle candy or her fried apple pies, she did not believe in taking shortcuts.

Funeral services to celebrate Evelyn’s life will be held Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00am at Smith Family Funeral Home – Hot Springs. Visitation will be held one hour prior.

Pallbearers will be Jared Cook, Justin Robertson, Ricky Sorrell, Rick Johnson, Bobby Way and Ricky LeCompt.

Honorary pallbearers are the staff at Gentiva Hospice, caregivers; Doris Phillips and Darlene Brown, Jeff Singleton, Doug Baber, Don Lavender, Mike Wiles and Gary LeCompt.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mazarn Chapel Cemetery in Bonnerdale.