of Benton, AR
June 10, 1947 - May 30, 2024
Annette Hatfield Garner, age 76, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, May 30, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.
She was a graduate of Hope High School in 1965 and received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from East Texas State University in Texarkana, Texas in December 1984. Annette moved to Benton, Arkansas when she retired from Southwest Baptist Association in Texarkana, Arkansas.
She was adamant that her children adhere, as she did, to a moral code built on Biblical principles. She taught her children to come to know Christ as their personal savior, that family was the most important thing after God and to receive a good education. Those three principals were needed for a good life.
Annette was an accomplished seamstress, an avid card player, but most of all an extremely gifted artist. She was nationally known among watercolor artists. Annette became a Diamond Signature member in the Mid-Southern Watercolorists when her work entitled, "Silent Stalker" was accepted into the 53rd Annual Juried Exhibition, making it her third time to be accepted into that prestigious exhibition. She served as the president of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists, but she was also the vice-president and co-chaired the Member Open Exhibition for several years. Annette won best of show with numerous works. One of her paintings of a cowboy was accepted into the Governor's Calendar and hung in the Governor's mansion. She loved to travel and her family shared many wonderful trips with her over the years, but her favorite place on earth was the white sand beaches of Florida's Emerald Coast.
Annette is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 59 years, Ronnie Garner; daughter, Ranette Garner Taylor and husband, Wayne (Spud) of Bryant, Arkansas; son, Ron Garner and his wife, Catherine of Huntsville, Alabama; grandson, Jordan Taylor and his wife, Callie of Bauxite, Arkansas; granddaughter, Elizabeth Mathis and her husband, Luke of Ruston, Louisiana; granddaughter, Dr. Ashlyn Taylor of Bryant, Arkansas; granddaughters, Cate Garner, Lauren Garber, Layne Garner, and grandson, Trip Garner all of Huntsville, Alabama and two great granddaughters, Lydia and Claire Taylor of Bauxite, Arkansas. She is also survived by her brother, Delton Hatfield and his wife, Jackie of Hope, Arkansas; brother, Danny Hatfield and his wife, Yvonne of Edmond, Oklahoma; sister, Carolyn Roberts of Little Rock, Arkansas; sister, Diane Dupree and her husband, Ronnie of Bryant, Arkansas and many brothers and sister in-laws and many, many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, LeRoy Hatfield; her mother, Mercedes McRoy Hatfield; brother, Autry Hatfield and his wife, Pat of Longview, Texas; brother, James Hatfield and his wife, Carolyn Jean of Longview, Texas; brother, Wayne Hatfield of Longview, Texas and niece, Rene Underwood of Franklin, Tennessee.
A memorial service celebrating Annette's life will be held at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Rd., Benton, AR 72015, on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 3:00 PM in the afternoon. The family would like to express our thanks for the compassionate help and care by our doctors and nurses at St. Vincent and UAMS during such a difficult time. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Flowers wither and die, but help given to others never fades. That's what Annette wanted.
Ronnie, I send my love to you at this sorrowful time. I know you will find strength and comfort in your enduring love for Annette, and hers for you. You have always been one of the first in the extended McDowell family to “show up” in times of sorrow and grief. Thank you for sharing your love and support.
God bless the family with His peace, strength, and comfort!
I am so sorry to hear of Annette’s passing. She was a wonderful friend whom I met at Beech Street Baptist Church when she lived in Texarkana. She and I would meet weekly for lunch when she was working. Praying for Ronnie and the rest of the family.
Annette and I graduated together. I always admired her constant joy. Praying God will give comfort to her family.
I left Hope after ninth grade, but I remember Annette. I am sorry to hear of her passing before I made it to a class reunion. I am happy to know that she became an accomplished water color artist. Having very recently started water color, I know how much joy and peace comes with painting. Rest in peace, my old friend.
God bless the family with His peace, strength, and comfort!
Annette, you will be sorely missed by all your friends and family. May you rest in peace.
Grateful for the life of aunt Annette and the promise that she rests in Jesus Christ. Until we meet again!
We last saw her at my uncle Autry’s funeral and enjoyed lunch and found comfort in the words spoken at his service. There’s just not enough space to express how important family is to me. I love you all!