Mindy Elkin

Mindy Elkin’s soul was freed from earthly pain on March 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of family and friends, both during her final moments and as she entered Heaven.

Born Linda Suzanne Elkin in Memphis, Tennessee, in September 1957 to her birth mother, Janice Elkin, Mindy’s journey began with a difficult yet loving decision to be placed for adoption. At six months old, she was embraced by Don and Mildred Herring of Little Rock, Arkansas, who raised her in a home filled with love, adventure, and laughter. She grew up with summers on the water, family road trips, and the values of the Girl Scout program—a foundation that would influence her life deeply.

 Mindy attended Central High School, where she became known for her bell bottom pants and hiding her shoes in the bushes outside. After a brief time at the University of Central Arkansas—where she learned that "partying" wasn’t going to earn her a degree—she began working at Dillard’s. She often joked that she didn’t earn a full paycheck because she was too busy spending it on clothes.

It was at Dillard’s where she reconnected with an old high school friend, Michael McHughes, and they married in May 1978. After working for her father Don at Plant Services, Inc., Mindy answered an ad in the newspaper for a secretary position at J.D. Ashley Company. There, she became known as J.D.'s third arm and worked with him until his passing. During this time, she also met Joe Baird, and together they had a precious daughter, Mollie. Mindy and Joe later married at The Old Mill, using their honeymoon to catch up on much-needed sleep after welcoming their “Precious Angel Babygirl.”

In the years that followed, Mindy found her dream job as a Professional Girl Scout. She became a beloved and, in the best possible way, infamous figure in the Girl Scout community. Mindy was known for her directness, quick to step in and show anyone how to properly lead a flag ceremony. Her standards and expectations for showing respect for the flag were both endearing and intimidating, and her unwavering commitment to these values and to all people in her orbit earned her the affectionate nickname "Momma Mindy." She spent over ten years on the Girl Scout staff, and her dedication to the Girl Scout Promise and Law remained a guiding force throughout her life.

Mindy was also easily recognized by her signature look: an ironed Girl Scout T-shirt and jeans, paired with novelty earrings that always sparked a conversation. Never too far from a can of Coke, sipped carefully through a metal straw, she was known for offering her thoughts and advice—whether invited or not. These qualities endeared her to many, smoothing out rough edges and building lasting relationships that would last a lifetime.

Seven years ago, through a gifted DNA kit, Mindy connected with siblings from her birth mother’s side. She embraced this new chapter of her life, eagerly stepping into the role of big sister and expanding her family. Mindy cherished her newfound siblings and made sure her daughter Mollie and granddaughter Maizy had even more people to love and be loved by throughout their lives.

In 2022, Mindy’s heart swelled with joy when she became a grandmother, or “Mamaw” to Maizy KatherineJo Cerna. Mindy loved being a Mamaw and took the job seriously. She embraced the role with fierce devotion and love, relishing every moment spent with her peanut. It was around this time Mindy reconnected with her longtime love, Sal Wilkins, and the two married. Sal was by her side through the end of her journey.

Mindy’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched with her generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to those she loved. She is survived by her beloved daughter Mollie, son-in-law John Cerna, and granddaughter Maizy, as well as her sibling Chris Griffith, her sister-in-law, Anita Griffith, and her spouse, Sal Elkin.

A celebration of Mindy’s life will be held at Dunbar Garden in Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM. In honor of Mindy’s dedication to the Girl Scouts, a Mindy Girl Scout Jamboree will also be held at a later date, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mindy’s memory to Dunbar Garden or to Girl Scouts – Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, designated to Radford House, which was close to her heart.