of Fayetteville, AR
September 10, 1948 - January 3, 2024
Mary Beth (Barber) Askins, age 75, of Paris, Arkansas passed away January 3, 2024 in Springdale, Arkansas.
She was born on September 10, 1948 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to her parents, JC Barber and Gerry Cox Barber. Mary Beth managed her family's business, Cox Funeral Home in Paris and Clarksville, for many years in the 1970s and 1980s. As a licensed funeral director, she served the community with compassion and respect. After the sale of the family business, Mary Beth attended nursing school, graduating in 1991 from Westark Community College. She continued a career of serving others while working as a registered nurse for 25 years in Fort Smith, Charleston and Springdale. Mary Beth was a proud, competitive woman. She loved coaching softball, yelling poolside at swim meets and enthusiastically cheering at any sport her children, nephews or grandchildren played. She was not afraid to let a referee or umpire know how she felt and was ''asked'' to take a seat on more than one occasion.
Mary Beth was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Christopher Bennett.
She is survived by her son, Chad and daughter-in-law, Rita Freeman; her daughter, Rebecca and son-in-law, Charlie Cowie and grandsons, who were truly the loves of her life, Logan and Luke Cowie of Fayetteville; siblings, Anne Marie Barber of Paris and John Barber of Texas and nephew, Derek Cisne of Little Rock.
We respectfully ask that any donations in her memory be made to FurGet Me Not in Logan County, Arkansas or St. Joseph Catholic School in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
A memorial visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2024 followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at Roller Funeral Home in Paris, Arkansas.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Edgewood Health and Rehab for loving Mary Beth and treating her like family over the last several years. Your kindness and love meant so much to her and to us.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Mary Beth was a good lady. She helped John and me more than once and tried to keep us in line. She had my respect and I will never forget her.
mary beth and I were childhood friends. Mary got a car at 14 so she drove us around when the rest of us couldn't drive. I remember sieepovers at her grandmas house, and many good times. I lost touch with her over the years but she stayed in my mind and heart. She was one of a kind,and will be missed. She is with God and the angels now.
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Rebecca - I'm so very sorry for the loss of your mother. You are in my thoughts and send you love and hugs - Merri Roy
Rebecca we are so very sorry to hear about the passing away of your mother. She was a sweet lady and we enjoyed our times visiting with her. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers are with you
Linda Trusty
James and Cheryl VanLandingham
Fran Forbis
I’m grateful that I got to work with Marybeth in the ER at NWM Hospital. She has a beautiful heart and very skilled nurse. My sincere condolences to family & all who loved her. May she RIP ??
So sorry to see Mary Beth’s passing. She was a very strong and vibrant lady. I always enjoyed the classes we shared at PHS. Also chatting when we crossed paths in later years. May she rest in peace and may God hold all of you close during this sad time.
Deepest condolences to the family. Prayers for your comfort and peace.
Becca,
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers your way.
Carol
I worked with Mary Beth in Springdale ER. She was always an inspiration and a joy to work with. I was still a new nurse, only a few years in, and she was always willing to teach and support me. I missed her when I left, and now her memory will be with me always. May her memory of love support you with this difficult time.
Our sincere prayers and condolences to Becca, Logan, Luke, Charlie, Chad, and Rita. Becca, you where there for us when we lost our dear Mom. I'll always be grateful to you for that. I hope your family can remember happier days and find strength in each other.
CHAD, REBECCA AND FAMILY-MAY MY PRAYERS BE WITH ALL OF YOU AT THIS TOUGH TIME. MAY GOD GIVE YOU COMFORT AND PEASE AT THIS POINT IN YOUR LIFE. SHALOM
Praying for comfort during the coming days.
Rebecca Sorry for the loss of your mom praying for you and family she. Will be greatly missed
Rebecca, so sorry yo hear about your mom. We have so many good memories of her from our family reunions! We were just talking about her a caouple of weeks ago at Moms services. We all had some good laughs! God bless you and your family. Love you Rebecca!
We are so sorry Rebecca for your loss. Your family is in our prayers??
Chad , Rita and family ; So sorry for yalls loss yall are in my thoughts and prayers
I was blessed to know Mary Beth as a coworker and friend at NW ER. She was a special Lady. My thoughts and prayers are with her Family and Friends.
So sorry for your loss.You all are in my prayers.She was a wonderful woman.And will never be forgotten.Bless you all.
So sorry for your loss. She was a great lady. I used to work with her at Area Agency. Her laughter would keep us going. Thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear this news. Prayers for her family and loved ones. She was a classy lady!
Chad so sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. Prayers for you and the family.
I was blessed to work and know Mary Beth for a number of years. she was always willing to help new nurses and take the roll of leader. She loved her grandsons with all her heart and will be greatly missed by many.
Rest in peace, Mary Beth.
May you be comforted throughout this loss.
So sorry for your loss she was a sweet lady. I will be praying for y’all. RIP Mary Beth
My condolences and prayers.
So so sorry to hear this! She will be missed by many! Prayers for peace & comfort in the hard days ahead!
My sincere condolences for this sweet family. Mary Beth was a dear friend.
I am sad to learn of Mary Beth’s passing. My heart goes out to Becca, Chad and all her family.
I was blessed to have this lady as a best friend for many years. I always told her she was the sister God forgot to give me.
Chad and family l am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom..she was a sweet friend and willing to help whenever you needed it..she will be missed by many...prayers for you and family
Rebecca and family-sending prayers and BIG hugs!! Sorry to hear about your sweet mom! Love you!! Jen