of Heber Springs, AR

January 11, 1938 - May 27, 2024

Laura Mae Matthis, Carson, Bowden, Taylor, born Tuesday, Jaunuary 11, 1938 passed from this Earth on Monday, May 27, 2024. Laura, born to Ralston and Willie Mae Matthis, as the middle of five children, preceded in death by both parents (Ralston and Willie Mae Matthis); one brother, (Kenneth Norton Matthis); two sisters, (Bea Montgomery Wiley and Nan Hawkins); one daughter, (Delores Diane Bowden) and one grandson, Terry Diffee. Laura, survived by one sister, Dorothy (Adren) Howard of West Helena AR; two daughters, Priscilla (Bud) Secrest of Heber Springs AR and Rose Bowden of Little Rock AR; five grandchildren, Steve Secrest, Doug (Maria) Cortes, James (Teresa) Secrest Jr., Michael (Amanda) Secrest and Laura Marie (Hollie) [[]Joe] Phillips; Fourteen great-grand-children; one great great granddaughter, Paisley Paige Secrest and a host of nieces and nephews.

Laura ''Lala'', as tagged by her nephew, Victor and adopted by others, had a heart of gold. She was the most giving sister, mother, aunt and friend anyone could have the pleasure of having. Always there when anyone needed her without hesitation. She was an authentic person.

Life was not always easy for Lala, she worked hard to raise and support her girls, would not take a handout, but made sure her girls had the best she could provide, often going without herself.

Lala had numerous jobs throughout her life, starting with share cropping, chopping cotton, to owning and operating multiple successful restaurants. She worked with Easter Seals and was instrumental in the start up of Jenkin's Memorial in Pine Bluff AR offering job training and placement of handicap individuals in the work force. One of the founding members of VFW Post 9095 in early 1970's, she helped establish a successful post.

Failing health in the mid 1990's led to forced retirement, but that did not deter Lala. She found a companion and traveled coast to coast doing things she loved. Lala did more in the last twenty years of life than in the first sixty years.

Lala led a full and fulfilling life. She enjoyed her girls, family and travel. She will be dearly missed until we join her on the other side, which will be a joyful reunion.

A visitation will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel in West Helena Arkansas. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 at at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home Chapel in West Helena Arkansas. Interment will follow at Marvell Eventide Cemetery with Reverend Joe Phillips presiding.
Pallbearers will be Quint Roberson, Will Roberson, Joe Austin Phillips, Jacob Blair, Victor Howard, EJ Staten and Dusty Hawkins.

Services will be directed by the staff of Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com