of Houston, AR
December 2, 1943 - June 16, 2024
Willeen (Gibbs Maxwell) Yielding, the eighth child of Jack and Ruth (Hurley) Gibbs, was born on December 2, 1943. She passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Affectionately known as "Mom, Mawmaw, William, Willie and Hollywood'', left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
In 1960, Willeen earned the title of Miss Searcy County, a testament to her grace and charm. She graduated from Leslie High School in 1962 and went on to complete her education at Tulsa Beauty School in 1963. Willeen was a passionate Arkansas Razorbacks fan, enthusiastically supporting both the football and basketball teams. Her family fondly remembers her as the best armchair coach and cheerleader, always radiating love and encouragement at her daughters' and grandchildren's events.
For over 35 years, she worked as a hairstylist, helping many individuals launch their careers in the industry. Despite her passion for hairstyling, she had to leave the profession due to carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. Though initially disheartened, she discovered a new calling as a cafeteria food manager for the Pulaski County Special School District at Joe T. Robinson middle and high schools. There, she thrived by creatively enhancing recipes and inventing new dishes with the ingredients at hand. Her culinary talents were widely appreciated by students, teachers and management alike.
Willeen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Darral Yielding; her brother, Eugene Gibbs and her sisters, Vanita Gibbs, Sarah Gibbs, Kathy Long, Betty Calvert, Pat Kuykendall and Jackie Henry. She also faced the heartache of losing her granddaughter, Amanda Garvin; her great-grandson, Max Garvin and the father of her daughters, Mearl Maxwell.
She leaves behind her beloved daughters, Shelia Maxwell and Stephanie (Jason) Goodwin; her brother, Robert Gibbs and her sisters, Mary Jane Mayes, Charlene Dawson, Esther (Bob) Wimberly, Ann Koonce and Peggy (Larry) Sparks. Willeen is also survived by numerous grandchildren, their spouses; great-grandchildren and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the wonderful caregivers at Perry County Nursing and Rehab Center, who treated Willeen with the same love and care they would their own Mom or Mawmaw.
In lieu of food or flowers, donations can be made in Willeen's memory to the Arkansas Alzheimer's Association, located at 11300 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72212 or to the Perry County Nursing and Rehab Center at 1321 Scenic Drive, Perryville, AR 72126.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 20th followed by funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, AR.
Willeen's legacy of love, cheerfulness and dedication will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Pallbearers are nephews Bucky Bramlett and Tim Henry, and grandsons Jake Frith, Beau Hensley, Chad Quire and Colton Raper.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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14 Condolence(s)
JoReta Hollis
Saturday, June 22, 2024
We , grew up together like sister that was so long ago , We moved and I didn’t get to her until we were married with children , She was always so beautiful and her smile would melt everyone heart , The last time I saw her was in June is 2005 , It was one the last times all of us cousins got together . So many of them gone , And we are getting on in years , My love to her Daughters and other of her family, Just remember the happy time , Love you All . JoReta , Cardwell , Mo .
BONNIE HOLLOWAY
Thursday, June 20, 2024
I was privileged with the opportunity to meet Willeen during a short-time at the Rehab center. Ms. Willeen was a pleasant, kind and sweet lady. She had a true heart for others. God's blessings on the family at this time of loss.
Heather Harmon
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
I will always remember Christmas at Aunt Peggy’s and Easter’s at Aunt Kathy’s, listening to all the sisters talking and telling stories. Drinking coffee and laughing about everything. Aunt Willeen will be greatly missed. She was a wonderful woman. I’m praying hard for you both and sending love your way.
Steven Gibbs
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
We are all going to miss.
Ant willing Like so many more of a are large extended family. The good Lord has taken her way too soon.
But it is a blessing to know that she is with family. And they are in heaven telling stories eating sweets Remembering the good old days with their mom and dad an other close love ones. Waiting on the day that we will join them.
Mandy Wood
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
We miss miss Willeen so much! Her smile and hugs were always the highlight of the day! We know that she is now with her Darral . Thank you for letting us share in loving her. Prayers for al her family and friends.
Susan Hope
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting .Mrs.Willene but her daughter , Shiela , is a dear friend of mine, along with her precious dog Maisie. I feel Shiela is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known and I know she is a reflection of her Mother. My sympathy and heartfelt prayers are with each of you at this time.
Debra Gibbs McKown
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I will always have fond memories of the love and kindness you shared with me my beautiful Aunt Willeen.
Melinda Spradlin Moseley
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I’ll never forget I got a bad home perm and at 13 years old I was embarrassed to walk to the beauty shop. Willeen and Sheila rescued me that day. . Peace and blessings.
Scottie (Quire) Ballard
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
My sincere condolences to Willene's family at this time. I know Willene will be sadly missed but will be consoled in the wonderful memories she leaves and knowing that her earthly pain is over now and now she is at peace and in the arms of our wonderful Savior. Willene was a beautiful lady ..... Inside and out !
Kim Keedy
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I’m so very sorry for your loss Sheila and family. Your mother was beautiful! From what I read, she was even more beautiful on the inside. It sounds like her passion was caring for others so I know she had to be so proud of you and your nursing career. You are a shining example of how your mother lived her life. Prayers for God’s peace and comfort for all those that loved her and will greatly miss her.
With much love,
Kim
Lindy
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
A blessing to have known and worked with her. Prayers Sheila & Stephanie for you and the family
Teresa Turpen Hays
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
So sorry for your loss.
Tresa Henry Virden
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I remember your mother’s grace and charm. She was a lovely lady and carried herself as one. I pray that the good Lord will wrap your family within his arm during your time of need. Please cherish all the memories. They will keep you during this time and the years to come.
Paulette Beavers Rea
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
I'm sooo sorry......My prayers and thoughts are with Y'all.......Willeen was such a sweetheart she will be missed..... Love Y'all, Paulette...