Rozell Williford

Rozell Williford, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, stepped into eternity on April 14, 2025, at the age of 90. Born on July 4, 1934, to Loyd and Velma Covell, Rozell's life was a testament to dignity, resilience, and quiet strength.

Her life was a legacy of perseverance—one marked by grit, grace, and faith. She worked hard, cared deeply, and poured her energy into building a legacy rooted in love for both her family and the land she cherished.

In 1953, she married Wilton Carmical, and together they built an incredible family grounded in love, faith, and commitment. Their home was filled with hard work, laughter, and deep care for one another, traits that continue through the generations.

Rozell worked for 35 years as the bookkeeper at Bayou Meto Elementary School, where she became a trusted and beloved presence in the lives of countless teachers, students, and families. After retiring, she devoted herself full-time to caring for her husband with the same strength and unwavering commitment she gave to every role she filled. She remained devoted to Wilton for 46 years until his death in 1999.

Later in life, Rozell found love again and married Franklin Williford in 2001. They shared 11 beautiful years together, enjoying retirement side by side. Their time together was filled with peace, companionship, and joy that enriched Rozell’s later years.

Rozell was a lady in every sense of the word. Always poised, always polished, and always beautiful—inside and out. She took pride in her appearance and her presence, but even more so in the care she gave to her home, her family, and her land. She had an incredible green thumb and loved nothing more than being outside—whether it was pulling weeds from her perfectly manicured yard or mowing acres on her John Deere tractor. She enjoyed camping and spending time outdoors, where she felt most at peace.

She was also a gifted seamstress, creating clothing for herself and others, including her daughter’s wedding dress—stitched with love, just like everything else she touched.

Above all, Rozell loved her family fiercely. She was a matriarch in every sense—strong, nurturing, wise, and unwavering. She is survived by her two children, Debbie (John) and Keith (Carla); her siblings, Doris Sellers and Wayne Covell; four grandchildren—Nikki, Kimberly, Lamora, and Sean; and three great-grandchildren—Ollie, Monica, and Gavin—who will carry her memory and love forward in their own lives.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Wilton Carmical and Franklin Williford; her parents, two brothers, two sisters, and great granddaughter, Aubrey Rozell Lang.

Rozell Williford’s legacy is one of deep roots, hard-earned joy, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by all who knew her.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114. A celebration of her life will follow on Thursday at 11:00 a.m., also at Smith Funeral Home. Burial will be at Mount Chapel Cemetery (Wes Carmical Memorial Chapel)