September 9, 1961 - July 16, 2018
Didi Harrison Sallings of North Little Rock, passed away in her home on Monday, July 16, 2018 at the age of 56. She was born on September 9, 1961 to Jill and Roy Harrison.
After her undergraduate studies at Hendrix, she obtained a law degree at UALR-Bowen School of Law. Thus began a long and successful career representing the indigent, first as a practicing public defender, until she was appointed Executive Director of the Arkansas Public Defender Commission in 1993 and remained at the helm until 2016. Throughout her distinguished career, she received a myriad of accolades and awards for her devotion to her career and the defense of the less fortunate; of all these, the two she was most proud of and always found a place on her wall were: Abolitionist of the Year in 2010 from the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the AACDL in 2015. She will be missed by those whose lives she touched.
Didi is survived by her father, William C. Warren; son, Andrew Sallings; and daughter, Courtney Stevenson; one grandchild, Callahan Scaife; two sisters, Susan Pittman and Deborah Johnson and two brothers, Mark Harrison, Sr. and William C. Warren, Jr..
An ardent animal lover and staunch opponent of Capital Punishment, in lieu of flowers Didi's legacy would be better served by contributions made to the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and to the ASPCA.
A Memorial Service to honor the life of Didi will be at 10:00 A.M., on Saturday, July 28th at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, (501)791-7400.
Drew and Courtney, I was home last weekend in N.L.R. and went to visit your grandfather and was shocked to learn of your mother's passing. My mom, Virginia Rogers loved you kids growing up and spent so much time sharing your pictures and stories with me. Your mom will live on in your hearts and wonderful memories will be with you forever. My love and prayers are with you and your family. Be thankful for having her as your mom.
Our OMHS 40th high school reunion is about to be celebrated, and I’ve been thinking about a lot of fond memories from back in the day. The jolting announcement of Didi’s passing put these remembrances in a completely different perspective. I too haven’t see Didi since high school, but I’ve known Didi since I was 12. I still have many memories that I remember distinctly. I was the Warren’s paperboy and met most of the Family while collecting the monthly newspaper subscription. Didi is a class younger; Karen is my class age; and Susan is 2 classes older. I own and cherish a painting of Didi’s mother, Jill.
Didi was very smart, fervent about learning, accurate about facts, and well written. As a high school photographer and yearbook editor, I could always count on Didi for a quote, original writing, or a beautiful, candid picture. She was passionate about the animals, and loved her cats, dogs, and horses. Boy, did she love to ride the horses when she had to time.
I might have lost direct contact, but it was easy to keep up with Didi. News coverage, Facebook social media, friends, and classmates would allow for learning of her accomplishments in the defense of those less fortunate. Didi performed at a high level in the years that we had her.
For Family and Friends saddened and grieving, I believe that the Peace of the Lord will ease our pain and will eventually allow us to remember only the happy, good, and loving things we shared with Didi. Rest in Peace, Didi.
Didi and I lived across the street from each other when we were kids. Her sister Susan and I were the same age. She was the same age as my brother. She was tiny then and a fierce neighborhood football player.
Didi and I reconnected many years later. I work for a criminal defense attorney in Montana and she and I would have many discussions on our mutual work. In putting together a seminar one time a well known Little Rock attorney was a speaker. I asked if he knew Didi. He told me Didi was one of the best attorneys he had ever had the pleasure of working with. He sang her praises. Another time I was at a conference in Denver and there were people from Arkansas there. I asked if they knew Didi and again they spoke so highly of her.
She was a gifted attorney and a gifted friend. I will miss keeping up with her and her family. I loved her dearly! How lucky was I to have known her for so long!
Jerry,
You have condolences from my family!
Ronald J. Ward
What a legacy you left to inspire and encourage others. You will live on in the hearts of so many friends and loved ones and so many whose lives were blessed and changed by you.
Heaven has gained a truly beautiful soul. 😇ðŸ™â™¥ï¸
I went to school with Didi. She was such a sweet girl, quiet and beautiful. I haven't seen her since High School, but my mother, Loretta Johnson, worked at the Court House and always told me about Didi's work and how proud she was of her. Mother loved her too. Rest in peace Didi. I'll always remember your beautiful sweet smile. My condolences to the family.
So sorry to learn of Di Di’s death. Condolences to the family.
Thinking of you, Drew, so sorry for your loss.
Didi was a huge force for good in a small package. That she 'touched lives' is an understatement- in her work, Didi SAVED lives!
We all are diminished by her passing, but she leaves behind a life of worthwhile accomplishment....
WELL DONE!
Didi was a huge force for good in a small package. That she 'touched lives' is an understatement- in her work, Didi SAVED lives!
We all are diminished by her passing, but she leaves behind a life of worthwhile accomplishment....
WELL DONE!
Didi was such a big personality in a small frame. She was able to touch people’s lives all across the spectrum. Her bark was loud and occasionally would deliver a bite, but whether you agreed with her or not, you can’t deny that she had compassion. She provided me with an opportunity and a leg up when I was facing challenges in my life, for which I’m extremely grateful. Rest in peace, Didi, rest in peace.
To Courtney & Drew – Where there are no words…., just know the silences are carrying the thoughts and prayers of all who love you.
Kelly
I still remember the impression you made on me when I was a young law clerk in Arkansas 20 plus years ago. Rest In Peace. We will continue your fight to extinguish the death penalty.