of Little Rock, AR
April 3, 1945 - March 19, 2025
Eileen Backus (née McCarroll), 79, passed away surrounded by family on March 19, 2025. Eileen was born on April 3, 1945 in Memphis, TN to Earl and Helen McCarroll. She was a devoted spouse, sister, parent, grandparent and great-grandparent.
Eileen is survived by her husband of almost 37 years, Dr. Joe Backus; her brother, Mike McCarroll; her children, Jim (Carole) McDonald, Shannon (Chris) Grimmett and Michael (Micah) McDonald; her grandchildren, Heather (Christian) Haskins, Landon Grimmett, Chloe (A.J.) Louden, Lucas McDonald, Keaton Grimmett, Day Matthews, Paxton McDonald, Phoenix McDonald and Penelope McDonald and her great-grandchildren, Hayden Haskins and Amira Louden. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Helen McCarroll and her brother, Earl McCarroll, Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway in Little Rock on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Eileen's honor to Habitat For Humanity.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15012248300.
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14 Condolence(s)
Lyn Whaley
Friday, March 28, 2025
I have so many memories of Eileen when she lived in North Little Rock and we were raising our children. Eileen had a quiet faith and kindness that radiated and pulled people in. My condolences to Shannon, Jim and Michael and the rest of the family.
Grace and Peace,
Lyn Whaley
Steve and Debbie Glenn
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Joe, Steve and I grieve with you over your loss of Eileen. We are keeping you in our prayers. Let us know if there is anything you need.
Steve and Debbie Glenn
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Joe, Steve and I grieve with you over your loss of Eileen. We are keeping you in our prayers. Let us know if there is anything you need.
Pam Dunaway
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
I first met Eileen about 15 years ago when she joined Wednesday Women - a spiritual growth book group, who read and studied such spiritual teachers as Eckhart Tolle, Pema Chodron and many others.
Eileen's quiet, sensitive, and serene presence was a beacon of wisdom and support, and she was a wonderful addition to our group. Her comments were not only thoughtful but also thought provoking and insightful. Eileen was a very loving and exceptional person, who you knew truly cared not only for each of us but also about the many topics and people we discussed.
I did not know any of her family, but Eileen frequently spoke lovingly of all of them. I know it must have been extra special for her to know she had recently become a great-grandmother for a second time. She sent photos of that precious baby just three weeks ago to our Wednesday Women's group.
Because of my own health situation, I do not go anywhere there are crowds, so I will not be able to attend Eileen's funeral on Friday. However, please know that my heart goes out to all her family and friends who will be there. As for me, I treasured Eileen's friendship, and I am so glad she was part of my life for the past fifteen years. I will truly miss her.
John DiLeo
Monday, March 24, 2025
With love for my beautiful, sweet, thoughtful sister-in-law.
Linda VanBlaricom
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Elegant, compassionate, Seeker, Friend. Eileen was all of these and more to me over the past 35 years. I always felt completely loved and accepted by Eileen. She was never petty or unkind to anyone. There is a hole in my heart today. I will miss her very much. I send all my love to Joe, Shannon, Jimbo, Michael, Mike and all of the extended family. Eileen adored all of you.
Doris Hutchins
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Sending condolences to you and the family on the death of your wife.
John and Gigi McCarroll
Saturday, March 22, 2025
We are so very sorry. God bless you all. You are in our prayers.
John and Gigi
Henry and Annabelle Tuck
Saturday, March 22, 2025
This world was so much a better place with Eileen in it. Such a blessing. She is missed so much.!!!!
Sherry Simon
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Eileen was a very dear friend, one of the most compassionate, generous, perceptive people I’ve ever known. She will be greatly missed by me and by many of her friends. Her deep understanding and sensitive approach to relationships made her indispensable to the dream group she was a part of for many years. A lovely light has gone out of this world, but I know she is already brightening the new space she has entered.
Timothy Guffey-Puleo
Friday, March 21, 2025
I met Eileen in 1985 and have been friends ever since. She had the biggest heart and kindest soul. Then she married Joe, the love of her life, and I gained another great friend! I treasure all the memories of fun times, birthday, Christmas parties and just spending time together. Eileen loved big, and she loved Joe! She loved her children and grandchildren. She always regaled stories of her family with that infectious smile of hers. I will miss my sweet friend.
Prayers for Joe, and her children.
Karen Harper
Friday, March 21, 2025
Eileen, Steve and I have so loved getting to know you since moved in across the street ten years ago. We will miss you so much
Robbie Thomas-Knight (Bradford)
Friday, March 21, 2025
It was a blessing to know Eileen as a colleague, a friend and ibe in a special book club with her. Always lovely, insightful and generous, she always asked about the other person. I send condolences to Dr Joe and all her family. I know she was proud of all of you and loved you. Rest in peace dear friend.
Bill Warren
Friday, March 21, 2025
Our prayers are with you. May God grant the family a tremendous sense of His presence, His sustaining grace and comfort, and His love. May the best memories of Eileen become treasured jewels that help sustain all of you. Blessings, Bro. Bill Warren, Pastor of Jacob's Well Baptist Church where Mike is a wonderful member.