of Little Rock, AR
July 6, 1925 - October 31, 2014
Eliza Mae Dempsey, of Little Rock, went to be with her Heavenly Father on October 31, 2014, at the age of 89. Mom was not born deaf, losing her hearing about 3 years of age. Her family and siblings, most all deaf, and a history of 72 deaf in our family to present day.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Austin and Pearl Williams; her husband Edward Dempsey; her daughter Judy James; her sister Betty Brannan; her son-in-law Louis Lipke and her grandson Andrew (Scotty) Pratt.
She is survived by her brother, Richard Williams (Inez); son, Paul Fimpel, Sr.; daughters Penny Lipke and Kay Case (Frankie); friend for life, Millie Johnston; brothers-in-law Bryant Allen (Ruby), Jimmy Dempsey (Gloria) and Donald Brannan; 5 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 2 great, great grandchildren; Noah Weaver, our latest member of the family, being our 5th generation baby.
Eliza attended the Arkansas School for the Deaf. She was an active member of the Arkansas School Association for the Deaf and Deaf Senior Citizens, a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of more than 50 years and a volunteer of the Arkansas School for the Deaf Historical Museum.
Her working career included Colonial Bakery for 3 years, Tuf-Nut Garment Company for 20 years and Modern Furniture Company for 2 years.
She leaves a legacy of 3 families; her personal family, her deaf community and her church family.
Mother was one of the kindest and dearest persons you could ever want to meet, never met a stranger, loving and caring for others, always. She was like a magnet, drawing friends and family to herself. Better known as ''Mother Dearest'' to us, her children, and ''Mom'' or ''Mother'' to her church family and other friends. We were truly blessed to have our mother, our dearest and best friend, to raise us and teach us about the Lord.
The family will welcome friends from 10-11 a.m., Monday, November 3, 2014, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home (501-791-7400) 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Monday, November 3, 2014, at the funeral home with Brother Bob Slagley officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Springs Cemetery, Cabot, AR. Memorials can be made to Arkansas School for the Deaf Historical Museum, 2400 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Sign Guestbook
6 Condolence(s)
Penny Lipke
Monday, November 3, 2014
To My "Mother Dearest"...My Mother, Best Friend, Mentor, Teacher, and Care Giver...You were all these things to me and much more. God truly Blessed me with such a wonderful SPECIAL MOTHER ! From the first words you taught me in sign language , "I Love You." I knew we were bonded from the very beginning and to the very end. Without a doubt, you wouldn't see one of us without the other one ! So close, we have always been. I felt as comfortable in the "Deaf World" as I was in the "Hearing World." Probably more so ! I am so thankful that you taught me a great many things thru out my life, making me a better person for it. I love you Mother Dearest with all my Heart and always will. Rest in Peace, my precious Mother..
Arthur Babin
Monday, November 3, 2014
Dear Mae's Family:
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mae's passing when I read her obit this morning. If I had known about this, I would have looked for a friend to help take me to her funeral services, but I could not find one in a very last minute. Please know that I was thinking of her and all of you. Bless her! I have enjoyed knowing her and her radiant smile every time we meet each other. Funny is that I was thinking of my deaf aunt, Marjorie's second anniversary of passing on October 31, and I thought of Mae as I knew Mae had met my aunt at Deaf Senior Citizens conference in Texas in the 1990's. I was wondering how Mae was doing, but this morning I found how she is doing in her Heavenly home! May God bless you all during this period of grief. Rest in Peace, Mae until we meet again!
Sincerely, Arthur
Margie James Cates
Monday, November 3, 2014
Our deepest sympathy. Ms. Dempsey was a true gem. ALWAYS so graceful & so precious. She was a social "out" for the deaf ones that called her daily. She will be missed. She was such a blessing for son-n-law, Charles & many others. Many prayers & much love to her daughter Penny & her family.
Sincerely,
Margie Cates & Charles James
Margie Kulessa
Monday, November 3, 2014
Our deepest sympathies to your family. It was always such a joy to see Mom and your Mom talk almost daily, like teenagers, spending hours on the phone with each other. Your Mom was truly such a loving and caring person and she will be greatly missed. I just know she is smiling down upon your family and her friends. May you find peace and comfort knowing she is finally at rest with departed loved ones and our heavenly Father.
Barbara Rhoads Claypool
Monday, November 3, 2014
To the Dempsy family and my cousin, Charles James, I am so very sorry for your loss. Mrs. Dempsey was a lovely lady. The last time I saw her was at Judy's funeral and she took the loss of her daughter with such dignity and grace. I am sorry that I am unable to come to the funeral. I just learned of it this morning when I read the paper. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dale and Sandra Harris
Sunday, November 2, 2014
We are deeply sympathy about Mae. She was a sweet lady and she love to do work our A.S.D. museum. I teach her to how glue stick and cut obituary. she love to keep busy with obituary and keep memories book.Dale helped her something do work. We love her very much.
Blessing her family and friends. God will be with her.