Norma Kay Arnold Marshall

Norma Kay Arnold Marshall, 81, peacefully passed away on August 20, 2024. Known lovingly as Kay, she was born on April 16, 1943, in Oil Trough, Arkansas, and leaves behind a legacy filled with love, cherished memories, and the deep bonds she cultivated throughout her life.

Kay dedicated 32 years of her professional life to serving as the office manager at Angie Grant Elementary, a role she embraced with passion until her retirement on January 1, 2008. Her commitment extended beyond the classroom, touching the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues.

A devoted wife, she was married for 62 years to her husband, Howard Marshall. Together, they built a family and created a home filled with warmth and joy. Kay’s love for her family knew no bounds; her son, Kendall Marshall, and his wife, her daughter-in-love, Angela, held a special place in her heart. She was immensely proud of her grandsons, Derrick and Donovan, who had their own families, and she delighted in being the loving grandmother to her great-grandchildren, Harper and Hudson. Kay often reminisced about the times spent cooking with her great-grandchildren, making brownies, cream potatoes, and refreshing lemonade. She treasured their fun vacations to the lake, filled with laughter and unforgettable moments.

Kay’s personality shone brightly through her love for God, family, and friends. She was a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew her. Family traditions were sacred to Kay, and she especially enjoyed creating lasting memories with her grandchildren. Whether it was having sleepovers, putting on fashion shows, or sneaking ice cream in bed, every moment was an opportunity to foster joy and a sense of togetherness. Her nurturing spirit brought comfort to her grandchildren during times of need, as she lovingly rocked them to sleep after a bad dream.

In addition to her family, Kay had a zest for life that included interests such as camping and fishing—activities that allowed her to embrace nature and create more cherished memories with her loved ones.

Kay is survived by her husband, Howard; her son, Kendall (Angela) Marshall of Haskell-Benton, AR; her grandsons, Derrick A. (Summer) Marshall, of Benton, AR, and Donovan E. (Savanna) Marshall of Sheridan, AR; her great-grandchildren, Harper M. Marshall and Hudson A. Marshall; and her sister, Avanelle (Gilbert) Jenkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, C.F. and Buelah Arnold.

Kay’s visitation will be held on August 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas 72015. A memorial service will take place on August 30, 2024, at 10:00 AM, also at the Smith Benton Funeral Home, with interment at Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark, AR at 2:00 p.m. Officiating her memorial service will be her son, Kendall Marshall, with Mike Titsworth, her long time and trusted pastor, reading her obituary.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay's name can be made to CARTI, the 10th floor of Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, or to Trinity Baptist Church of Benton.

While the world has lost a radiant soul, Kay's spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends, forever impacting those fortunate enough to have known her.