Mary Ellen Caldwell

Mary Ellen Caldwell, a beloved matriarch and spirited teacher, journeyed peacefully from this world on December 17, 2024, at the age of 95. Born on February 13, 1929, she dedicated over two decades as a Head Start Pre-School teacher, pouring her heart into nurturing the minds of young children. Her warmth and charisma extended far beyond the classroom; she was a beacon of love and acceptance, never failing to make everyone feel welcomed during her vibrant life. 

For 30 years, Mary and her devoted husband, Bob, owned Caldwell Nursery and Landscaping, a labor of love that brought joy to both them and their community. Their partnership was a testament to shared dreams, love, and mutual admiration, underscored by over 50 years of companionship and unwavering support for one another. Together, they sponsored local pee-wee football teams, fostering community spirit and encouraging the next generation to play hard and dream bigger. 

Mary's home was a sanctuary of laughter and love, where the gentle rustle of word puzzles often mingled with the joyful sounds of her grandkids gathered around her chair, each vying for a moment of her undivided affection. Memories of Thanksgiving dinners stand out as cherished treasures, where her family would gather in celebration, creating a tapestry of shared experiences bound by love, and warmth. 

A lover of all creatures, Mary opened her heart and home to an eclectic array of animals, each one embraced with a unique story. From Lulu the Chihuahua, whose only loyalty was to Mary, to the famous Roscoe the Rooster, her compassion knew no bounds. Yet, it was in her stunning flowerbeds—masterfully tended by Bob—that her love for nature blossomed most vividly, showcasing the beauty she cherished in life. Mary possessed a personality that was larger than life itself. 

A feisty woman with a sparkle in her eye and a smile that could light up the darkest day, she never hesitated to share her truths. Her undeniably huge heart was her greatest asset; she went above and beyond to make others feel loved and accepted. Those who crossed her path were never strangers, merely friends she had yet to meet. 

Her legacy is woven with the laughter and love of her surviving family: her daughter Rita Miller, her son Bobby Caldwell (Melissa), her daughter Terri Lynn Caldwell (Homer), and her grandchildren Melissa Miller-Cartwright (Joe), Fred Cheek (Alza), Earnest Miller (Wendy), Thomas Rester, Catherine Caldwell, Caroline Caldwell, Marc Caldwell (Jennifer), and Marissa Sherrill (John), along with her great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Each of them carries a piece of her spirit, ensuring that Mary Ellen’s love will echo through generations.

 Mary’s children wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to family member Jennifer Failen, whose compassionate love and care over the past few years brought comfort and dignity, as well as to the compassionate, exceptional staff of Baptist Hospice.

 A memorial service to celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home in North Little Rock on December 27, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. As we remember Mary Ellen Caldwell, let us honor her with tales of her vivacious spirit, her love for family and nature, and her indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory continue to bloom in our hearts, just as her cherished flowers once did in her beloved gardens.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Grove, a center for caring and community. https://gmbclife.com/the-grove 

Or to the Humane Society. 

https://www.humanesociety.org/