Thelma Barden

Thelma Barden, 90, passed peacefully from this world on June 6, 2013 at Presbyterian Village in Little Rock. Born in Little Rock on August 22, 1922, to Ethel Lockert Dowell and Jesse Albert Dowell, she was predeceased by her parents, brother Jesse, sisters Ruthalee Dowell Frierson and Jane Rogers, and son Paul. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Stuart J. Barden; children Lawrence and wife Louise, Kathleen and husband Bruce Wesson, Michael, and Stephen; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A graduate of Little Rock High School, Thelma was a long-time resident of Westover Hills Neighborhood and charter member of Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. During the Little Rock School Crisis in 1957, she actively participated on the Women's Emergency Committee to re-open the schools. In the 1960s and 70s, she was a pioneer in early childhood education as she helped found and direct several Headstart and other early childhood programs in the Little Rock area. Before retiring, Thelma became Activities Director at Presbyterian Village, more than two decades before she and Stuart made it their home. Her vivacious laughter at social gatherings, her love of holiday decorating and entertaining, travel, and researching family genealogy were all appreciated by her family and friends. The family is thankful for the loving care provided by our "extended family," the staff at Presbyterian Village and to the other caregivers who have provided help over the years. A memorial service for Thelma will be held Sunday, June 9, at 2 p.m. at Presbyterian Village, 510 Brookside Drive in Little Rock. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Presbyterian Village or Westover Hills Presbyterian Church. Online guestbook at www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.