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
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18 Condolence(s)
Rick Yeager
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Prayers for your family during your loss. May God comfort you all.
Lynn corbitt
Friday, May 31, 2024
I sure love her! RIP AUNT LAURA! Gone but will never be forgotten
Mitchell Watkins & Tori Webb Watkins
Friday, May 31, 2024
My Aunt Laura was a beautiful person
--Tori
It was a pleasure meeting and knowing Laura . She was always kind too me and was always smiling .
--Mitchell
Wayne King
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Ms. Was one the finest Ladies I have ever known!! Loved me when I deserved it! Scolded me when I needed it!! Heaven Just get Sweeter All the Time!!
Carolyn L Rogers
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Sorry for your great loss. We love both of you, Uncle Bud and Aunt Pete.
Alisa Smith Montgomery
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Sending heartfelt condolences. Sure will miss Aunt Laura’s carrot cake — it was and always will be my favorite.
Bill Carr
Thursday, May 30, 2024
No worries, no fear, and no pain. Rest in the loving arms of Christ.
Teresa Russell
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Dorothy, Rosie, Prissy, and family my condolences. Our family was blessed to know Laura. Praying for comfort during this time.
The Donald and Frances Mathis family
Belinda Mathis Bryant
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
My deepest condolences. She was indeed a beautiful soul and an authentic person!
Carol L Rateliff
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Priscilla, Rosie and family, may God Bless and wrap you all in His love. Ms.Taylor, fly high Angel <3
Mike Mathis
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
I'm so sorry to hear about Laura. She cherished her family and was always so upbeat and positive. She'll be missed
Shirley Brister
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Dorothey and Adren So sorry for your loss Will be praying for you and your family.
Mildred McClain
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Dorothy. So sorry to hear about Laura my prayers are with you and the family.
Mary Gladys Pyron Lorenz
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
My Special Cousin, she was better at picking cotton than me but we laughed all the way down that cotton row. That was Laura, always making everyone enjoy the moment regardless of what it was. Laura and the good times and memories we made will be in my heart forever. I pray God wrap his loving arms around her family and give each of them peace and comfort. Love you all.
Marion Montgomery
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Rest in peace.
James and Teresa Secrest
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Rest in peace Lala. You will be missed dearly.
Steven Montgomery
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Nan Baker
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Laura and I were very close cousins. I loved her very much and will miss her.