Jo Beth "Jody" Mullens

Jo Beth (Jody) Mullens, 89, of Heber Springs passed away on May 1, 2017, Born January 1, 1928, in Monticello, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Dee Truitt Ellison and Bessie Will Todd Ellison. Jody attended the Monticello schools then entered Texas State College for Women in Denton. She later transferred to Hendrix College where she met her future husband J.L. Mullens. Jody and J.L. moved to Heber Springs where they established their home and formed long and lasting friendships. Before starting a family, she taught 2nd and 3rd grades in the Heber Springs elementary school and then later helped her husband form and run Mullen's Builder Supply, a retail building supply business that remained in operation for 44 years. For over 60 years, Jody was a supportive member of the First United Methodist Church in Heber Springs. She took on numerous tasks and leadership roles within the church including teaching Sunday school, serving on the Church Board, directing the youth organization, participating in Community Service work sponsored by her church and singing in the choir. Within the community, she was a member of the Medley Club, the oldest women's service organization in Heber Springs. A good citizen and continuous volunteer, Jody actively served her community in various ways. In more recent years, Jody was involved with the Democratic Women of Cleburne County, the Cleburne County Arts Council and efforts to protect and preserve Greers Ferry Lake. Through the decades, Jody enjoyed playing bridge with friends, reading cookbooks and making new recipes, and participating in events at the Red Apple Country Club. Jody is preceded in death by her husband of over 65 years, J.L. Mullens. Survivors include her daughter, Denise Bauer and husband Bruce of Little Rock, daughter, Jo Beth Mullens and partner Pru Cuper of Surry, New Hampshire, grandsons, Jordan Bauer and fiance'e Carole Ann Ramsey, Matthew Bauer and wife Casey and great-grandson, Perrin Bauer. A visitation will be held Wednesday, May 3, from 5-7 p.m. at Olmstead's Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 4 at Olmstead's Funeral Home, 601 West Main St., Heber Springs. A graveside committal service at Cleburne County Memorial Gardens will follow. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Heber Springs First United Methodist Church to support the many mission trips and numerous community outreach programs it provides or co-sponsors, or, to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.