Martha DeLaughter

Martha Jean Taylor DeLaughter, age 87 of Arkadelphia, formerly of Sparkman died January 22, 2007 at Baptist Health Medical Center, Little Rock. She was born April 1, 1919 in the Pine Grove Community (Sparkman), the youngest of three children born to the late Phillip Horace and Carrie Benton Taylor who provided her Christian heritage. Her strong Faith, to the very end, inspired those who knew her. Martha Jean was the widow of George W. "Dub" DeLaughter, whom she married April 28, 1946 in Sardis Methodist Church. She then joined the First Baptist Church of Sparkman. She was a devoted wife and mother, a special "Mimi" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the best listener. She loved music and was an accomplished pianist. She will be remembered as a true Southern Lady. She was preceded in death by husband and two brothers, Phil and Benton Taylor.


She is survived by two daughters, Gail Pennington and her husband, Larry; Susan Young and her husband, Jerry, all of Arkadelphia; two sisters-in-law, Sue Shinn of Magnolia and Glen Hegarty of Conway; four grandchildren, Laura Pennington Lockwood and husband, Chad, of Hot Springs, Julie Young Simoni and husband, Jerome of Conway, Sarah Pennington Fairchild and husband, Keith of Sherman, TX and Greg Young of Fayetteville; five great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Evan And Elliott Lockwood, Benton and Braxton Fairchild; many nieces and nephews.


Memorial service will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, Jan 24, 2007 at the First Baptist Church of Sparkman, conducted by Rev. Robert Langley. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. Private burial will precede the service. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to donor's favorite charity. To sign online guest register visit www.ruggleswilcox.com