of Clarksville, AR
September 21, 1940 - December 21, 2023
Gwendolyn Rose Usery, 83, died Thursday, December 21, 2023 at her home in Clarksville. She was born September 21, 1940 in Camden to Charles Word and Mary Galbraith Smith. Gwen graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1958. She married her husband of 60 years, Billy Ray Usery on June 4, 1959. The couple moved to Clarksville in 1967 where Gwen served as the pastor's wife of First Baptist Church for 23 years until her husband's retirement. During this time, she graduated summa cum laude from the University of the Ozarks (formerly College of the Ozarks) in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. She received a Master's in English Education from Arkansas Tech University in 1994. Gwen taught for 29 years with the Clarksville School District and all but one was spent teaching senior English. She was deeply devoted to her community, serving as a volunteer with the Johnson County Historical Society. She was also an active supporter of Mission Dignity which helps the widows of pastors.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Usery and her parents, Charles Smith and Mary Lednisky.
Gwen is survived by three children, Stephen Usery and wife, Jayne of St. Paul, Minnesota, Gary Usery and wife, Charlotte of Bossier City, Louisiana and Angel Black and husband, Wade of Clarksville and four grandchildren, Aaron Usery of Bossier City, Hannah Gollow and husband, Michael of Bossier City, Emily Black of New York, New York and Ellie Black of Oxford, Mississippi, who lovingly referred to her as Gran.
The family will hold a private Celebration of Life with subsequent interment at Oakland Cemetery in Clarksville. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mission Dignity, P.O. Box 819109, Dallas, TX 75381. Arrangements with Roller-Cox Funeral Home. Online guestbook and obituary at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville.
Sign Guestbook
44 Condolence(s)
Lorraine Darnell
Monday, January 1, 2024
I will miss Gwen. She was a wonderful person; helped me in writing an article for the Historical Journal; helped others. So sorry.
Dana and Charlie Plugge
Saturday, December 30, 2023
You all were blessed with an incredible
Mom and Gran. What a life to celebrate! Prayers of comfort and peace to all of the Usery family.
Jim Krohn
Saturday, December 30, 2023
Mrs. Usery was one of those teachers that left a lasting impact on all of her students. Her class was always interesting and she made learning fun. She held us to high standards and didn't put up with a lot of nonsense either. At the same time we all knew that she deeply cared for us as a person and that she loved us as though we were her own. She was a special lady and I am blessed for having known her. God bless and support her family.
Tracy Wewer-Wilson
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Mrs. Usery had such a huge heart. A lot of people feared her in school because they said she was too hard to pass. She wasn't hard to pass … she just wanted you to learn. I have many memories being in her Senior English class..one memory that comes to mind was she always told me if you apply yourself you can do almost anything. I don't know how I passed her English class but I do know that she was my biggest cheerleader. I am sad that she isn’t here with us but happy that she is in the arms of her husband and the Lord. Mrs. Usery you will be truly missed by so many. I pray for your family and all those lives that you have touched. I wouldn’t be where I am at today without you. Love and miss you. Meet me at heavens doors when it’s my time.
Tracey Skaggs
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Mrs. Usery made a positive impact on many students including myself. She was kind, sincere and quick to help and of course smile. Thoughts and prayers for Gary and Charlotte, Angel, Stephen and her entire family. I know she will be greatly missed.
Jim & Charlotte Walters
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Gwen will be missed. We will keep you in our prayers.
Margie Spillers
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Gwen was a tremendous mentor and English teacher. She was one of the BEST!
Bennie Sue Moon Massey
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Gwen was a great friend for so many years up through most of NLR High. She was special in many ways.
Sending love and support to the family. RIP dear Gwen!
David A Davis
Sunday, December 24, 2023
So Sorry to hear of Mrs Usery passing I have many fond memories of English and Humanities Class with her.
Cassandra Zeiler Elledge
Saturday, December 23, 2023
My sincerest condolences to family and all that knew her. One of my favorite teachers!! I was fortunate to have her as a teacher two different years in high school. She gave me special permission to do my senior term paper on my name and I learned so much! I can still see her smile and hear her voice! What an impact she made in my life! Thank you Mrs. Usery for choosing to teach!
I’m not sure what grade she would’ve given for the grammar and sentence structure on this comment but hopefully it wouldn’t be too low.
Love you Mrs. Usery!!!
Sterling Penix
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Mrs. Usery -
She was the best. She was kind, supportive, and inspired everyone to learn. She was the perfect person with respect to teaching high school English. I can still quote her bits of wisdom. Prayers for the family.
Cody Vaught
Saturday, December 23, 2023
There are always teachers who have a profound impact on a person. Mrs Usery was one of those teachers for me and many of my classmates in 2002. I credit her with part of the reason I’ve been in education my entire career. Mrs Usery was fun, intelligent, and respected by all of her students! She was a wonderful Christian woman who I have always admired. Many blessings and prayers to her family during this time.
Alice George
Saturday, December 23, 2023
Gwen was the beautiful wife of wonderful cousin. Love them both.
Alice and Warren George
Jack Sexton
Saturday, December 23, 2023
My condolences to the family. Gwen and Brother Billy have been a part of my life since around 1972 at the old church on Cherry Street.
Jamie Shoemaker
Saturday, December 23, 2023
I have been blessed to call her aunt for 63 years. I loved my Aunt Gwen more than I can express. She and uncle Bill were the ones I could call and talk about anything. She was my prayer warrior and I will truly miss her. I know she is having a great heavenly homecoming. She is really home for Christmas. Aunt Gwen, I will see you when I get there. Love you always ??
Faye L Raible
Saturday, December 23, 2023
My heart was deeply saddened to learn of Mrs. Usery's passing. I worked with her at CHS for many years. She was such an inspiration to me. Her positive attitude and her love for God made such an impression on so many. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing she is with her Savior, and Billy Ray.
Bill Robertson
Friday, December 22, 2023
I know Gwen and Billy Ray are rejoicing in the presence of the Lord now. What great and special memories of our time with them in Clarksville! Stephen, Gary, and Angel you are in our prayers during this time of loss. God is our source of peace and comfort.
Betty Goodson
Friday, December 22, 2023
Gwen was a member of our little band of girls back in high school who enjoyed bunking parties, walking to movies and just having fun! We saw her at our 50th reunion, where Billy Ray led our prayers. Knew she had just had surgery , but seemed okay, so this is quite a shock! Praying for peace and comfort for her family! God be with you all.
Lesa Smithee Duff
Friday, December 22, 2023
What an excellent teacher and role model. I also became an English teacher because of Mrs. Usery. So thankful to have had her example in my life.
Pat Duncan Berry
Friday, December 22, 2023
Gwen & I went to school together starting in elementary & all the way through Jr.High & Sr.High. We were always good friends & stayed in touch for many years afterwards. She has always held a special place in my heart.
Christa (Olson) Schouweiler
Friday, December 22, 2023
Mrs. Usery was a special lady. She guided me through my senior year and is the reason I became an English teacher. She will always hold a special place in my heart. Praying for the family. ??
Tina Stickley Kimbrough
Friday, December 22, 2023
Thoughts and prayers to all the family . Gwen was a sweet lady & a great teacher . She will be missed
Richard Galbraith
Friday, December 22, 2023
Very sorry to hear this. I have recently been visiting with Gwen about our common ancestors. My thoughts and prayers to her family.
Amanda Brown-Estelle
Friday, December 22, 2023
What a special lady! My condolences to the family.
Sue laster
Friday, December 22, 2023
As a freshman attended classes with Gwen she was an older student who always did the better than me My mom got to know her son well because he was a frequent user of Johnson county library Guess his love of reading came from his mom .also remember after library blew down her husband led church’s fundraising efforts although I’m a Presbyterian attended funerals he officiated at good Man U start family assets to Clarksville
Ronnie Petersen
Friday, December 22, 2023
My deepest condolences at this time for you all. She was some kind of good lady. May she RIP
Una Mae Brown
Friday, December 22, 2023
Ralph Brody
Friday, December 22, 2023
Mrs. Usery was so kind and supportive when I was hired at Clarksville High School in 2004. She was always quick with an encouraging word and sage advice. What a special lady.
Billy Duncan
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Prayers go out to the family. Thank you for the many years of directing young adults in the proper direction.
John and Barbara kutko
Thursday, December 21, 2023
We loved Brother Billiy and Gwen for many years. Praying for the family.
Dennis and Kathy Standridge
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Gwen was a good friend and we share lots of special memories with all of your family while Billy Ray was our pastor. She was an excellent teacher to both Mark and Amber also! I know she is rejoicing in Heaven with Brother Billy now. Prayers for all of you.
Cris Woodard Walker
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Gwen was so much a part of my childhood and high school memories. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. I know she will be missed by so many.
Annabelle Thompson
Thursday, December 21, 2023
She meant so much to the Class of 87' and will be missed by many. She was there for me personally as my mother passed away on Graduation night of 87'
REST WELL MA'AM
Annabelle Thompson
Jennifer Siebenmorgen
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Prayers of peace, love, and comfort you all.
Marlena Guiling Jordan
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Carla Tipton
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Gwen was such a sweet friend. Our family loved her, Billy Ray and their family so much!
My thoughts and prayers are with Stephen, Gary, Angel and all of their families!
Diana Cowell
Thursday, December 21, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I loved and respected your mother so much. Praying for your family during this time.
Chris Meek
Thursday, December 21, 2023
My sincere condolences and prayers to the family! We lost such great Christian leaders but now in Heaven serving our Farther! Bro. Billy and Ms. Gwen were our second parents, leaders and friends whom have taught me what I know today being members of FBC! Sending hugs and prayers!
Steven Wyatt
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Gwen was a rock for many years at Clarksville High School with students and staff. She was a a true professional educator who I deeply respect. I feel for your family with the passing of this GREAT Lady.
SWyatt
Stacie Guess
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Mike and I are so sad to hear of Mrs. Ussery’s passing. She was a truly Godly woman. We feel very fortunate to have been able to have known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rick Harvey
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Gwen was an extraordinary teacher and ambassador for education. Her legacy remains through her family and students.
Ashley Purdion
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Mrs. Usery was one of the nicest people and best teachers! I was so lucky to have her for senior AP English, and will never forget her excitement in teaching and how interesting she made English class. Years later, anytime we would see her at the store or in town, she always said hello and was always so happy. She was and is a huge part of the education system in Clarksville-making an impact on countless students and generations. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ashley Purdion
Matt Stockdale
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Cody Purdion
Thursday, December 21, 2023
She will be missed. I always enjoyed visiting with her and Bro. Billy.