Obituaries

Barbara Holley

Photo of Barbara Holley
The family of Barbara Bitely Staton Holley of Hot Springs, formerly of Pine Bluff, would like you all to know that God has finally called her to join Him and her precious husband, Herbert, in Heaven. She's been longing for that trip for a while and she got her ticket on Saturday, January 20, 2018. She never stopped praising how sweet, thoughtful and wonderful Herb was and how thankful she was that God had brought them together in 1983. The last 16 months, without Herb by her side, were difficult for Barbara. But now, they are finally together again, strolling down the golden streets, hand in hand. Herb is likely smiling and nodding as Barbara is telling him an interesting story from her past. So, while Heaven is rejoicing at Herb and Barbara's reunion, her family and many friends are missing her and her "stories" (and she had a million of them). If you didn't know Barbara but happened to meet her while walking across a parking lot or sitting in a waiting room, you would soon know lots of her childhood memories and many details of her life. She never met a stranger that she couldn't talk to. Even people who might have accidentally dialed a wrong number would find themselves being regaled with her funny little tidbits (or sagas) and being surprised at finding they had been talking for 30 minutes or more to that "wrong number". She loved to talk, but also loved her church, First Baptist of Hot Springs, watching the Razorbacks play, creating beautiful quilts, and watching Dr. Phil. She will certainly be missed by her surviving sister, Beatrice Bitely Miles of Guild, TN; her children, Marsha Staton Kealer of Malvern, Greg Staton of Bonnerdale, and Beth Staton Boshears (Bowden) of Little Rock; and her step-children, Sharon Holley Hanson, Terry Holley and Bruce Holley. She will also leave a gap in the lives of her nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and many friends from everywhere. Barbara was born September 7, 1934 at Tamo, Ark. to Cyrus and Hazel Cooksey Bitely, who both preceded her in death along with her brother, Beyrl Bitely, and son-in-law, David Kealer. Visitation will be Thursday, January 25, 2017, starting at 12 noon in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors in Pine Bluff. The memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. with Dr. John McCallum officiating. Interment will be private. Memorials are requested to First Baptist Church, 2530 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901. Barbara and much of her history will be remembered for a long time, but the best story has just begun. Now she's finally home for eternity. For online condolences, please visit www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com.

Published January 24, 2018

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