Cora Clardy

With her life’s journey complete, Marie Clardy went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 11, 2015. She was born to Walter and Ann (Elmore) Butler on February 1, 1923 at Glen Rose, AR.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Clardy; her parents, Walter and Ann (Elmore) Butler; brothers, Kiah, Paul, Fount, Ernest, Ollie, Tommy, and Kenneth Butler; and sisters, Alice Berryhill, Mamie Kirkpatrick,  Onie Clardy, and Lura Freyaldenhoven.

She is survived by one sister, Evelyn Tipton of Indianapolis, IN; three daughters, Peggy (Lee) Garrett of Benton, Fonda (Bob) Beaty of Benton, and Jackie (Daniel) Leslie of Geneva, AL; eight grandchildren, Machelle Garrett, Stacy Thomas, Jonathan Garrett, Terra Melton, Tifaney Pruitt, Tanna Sykes, Diana Henley, and Caleb Leslie; seven great-grandchildren, Cameron Still, Carah Still, Peyton Sykes, Alyvia Melton, Noa Henley, Avery Henley and Elliette Henley; and a multitude of nieces and nephews who meant the world to her.

She was a member of Glen Rose Missionary Baptist Church and had an abiding love for her church family. During the years of World War II, she worked for Hewlett-Packard Company in California making communication equipment, contributing to the war effort. Upon returning to Malvern, she was employed by General Motors. Thereafter, she and her husband, Jack built, owned, and operated Glen Rose Grocery for Twelve Years. They enjoyed serving the community through this endeavor. Moving to Benton in 1964, she worked at West Side Pharmacy making many new lifetime friends. Her compassion for people led to a career in nursing, earning her diploma and was licensed as a LPTN and worked for the Arkansas State Hospital and retired after 17 years of service.

To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren she was everything: role model, counselor, mentor, nurse, playmate, inspiring, chronological photographer, travel guide, fashion consultant, ear to listen, shoulder to cry on, chicken nugget supplier, canning expert, taught them to drive “Old Goldie”, and most importantly taught them about the love and saving grace of Jesus.

Today we celebrate Mama’s life and what her life meant to each of us: To her family  – A tower of strength; To the disabled: A loving touch and kind words; To the homeless passing through: A hot meal and encouragement; and to the lost: God’s plan of salvation.

With her faith in the Lord, she met life’s challenges equipped with her favorite scripture “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). She leaves a legacy, to her family and all who knew her, of an unwavering faith in the Lord, an unimaginable perseverance and an unconditional love for humanity. Her purposed journey designed by God is now complete and she dwells in His house forever.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Atkinson Chapel. Services will be held Friday, May 15, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Glen Rose Baptist Church with Bro. Gary Copeland officiating. Burial will follow at Fairplay Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Atkinson Funeral Home of Malvern, AR. Guests may register at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net.