Mattie Ruth Fisher

Mattie Ruth Fisher, 96, of Beebe, walked joyfully into the outstretched arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 3, 2025. She was born on April 26, 1928, in Antioch to the late Lonnie and Vela Hefner. Mattie Ruth was a long-time member of Beebe First United Methodist Church, where she was lovingly known as Ms. Mattie Ruth. 

For over thirty years she dedicated herself to teaching Sunday School and directing acolytes, guiding young hearts to love her Jesus. Mattie Ruth also dearly loved her work as a beautician. She found joy in helping others to feel confident and beautiful. Her clients were more than customers, they were friends. Next to her love of Christ, Mattie Ruth cherished her family. She was married for seventy-two years to her husband Jim, who absolutely adored her. Together they built a life centered on love and faith, setting an extraordinary example for future generations to follow. 

Mattie Ruth and Jim were blessed with two children, Jamie (Buddy) Burns of Beebe, and Gregg (Susan) Fisher of Tampa, Florida. Mattie Ruth and Jim were twice blessed with ten grandchildren, Josh (Kimber) Burns, Jordan (Brad) Lawson, Carl (Alyssa) Fisher, Kennedy (Danielle)Fisher, Jake Burns, Sarah Fisher, Mabry Leigh Fisher, Judd (Miranda) Burns, Harrison Fisher and Emma Beth (Emmett) Rechin. Mattie Ruth and Jim were then three times blessed with sixteen great grandchildren. 

Mattie was preceded in death by her husband Jim, her parents, seven brothers, Budge, Venice, Dueward, Brewer, Carthel, Bill, Jerrell and one sister, Vernell Edwards. 

Mattie is survived by all of her children, a sister-in-law, Betty Brown, many nieces and nephews and one brother, Dale Hefner, lovingly referred to as Little Brother.

 From the bottoms of our hearts, Mattie Ruth's family wishes to thank all the staff at Beebe Retirement Center, as well as the Gentiva Hospice team that brought gentle, loving comfort and care to her. 

May you forever rest in peace Mother, Nana, Sister, Aunt and Friend. You were so loved.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2025, followed by funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Beebe First United Methodist Church. The burial will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, AR 72012.