of Marion, AR
April 2, 2013
Ollie Ann Bradford Hendon, 106 and 7 months went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, April 2, 2013. Ollie Ann was born August 22, 1906 in Myrtle, Missouri, the fifth of eleven children, to Solomon King and Louisa Story Bradford. Ollie also know as Momma, Grandma and Granny, is remembered for her beautiful blue eyes, enchanting smile, loving nature, quick wit and especially her devotion to her family. She was known for her sewing skills, ceramic making, generosity and friendliness to everyone she met. Being a good listener was probably one of her greatest attributes. Mrs. Hendon was one of the oldest living in the state of Arkansas until her death. Ollie was preceded in death by her husband: John Samuel Hendon, all of her siblings, three sons: John David, Charles and Bobby Hendon; two grandchildren: Linda Carol Carson and Brian Keith Harris and one great grandson: Christopher Wolfgang. She leaves a son, James Howard Hendon (Ozella) of Olive Branch, MS, three daughters: Mary Carson (Charles) of South Gate, California, Jo Ann Harris (Keith) of Hot Springs, AR, Bettye Ward (Tommy) of Marion, Arkansas, three daughter-in-laws: Bonnie Hendon, Beverly Hendon and Jo Ann Pelletier; seventeen grandchildren, thirty two great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren; numerous nephews, nieces and friends to celebrate her life and home going. She became a member and Christian of Dyess Central Baptist Church during a revival held at the church in or about 1952. Ollie and John lived in Dyess for thirty four years before his death December 25, 1979. Ms. Hendon continued to live in Dyess until 2004. She made her home for the last 9 years with her daughter, Bettye and Tommy Ward, where she has made many new friends and a loving caregiver, Nettie Flowers. The family is extremely grateful for the kindness and attention given to their Mother from Hospital Home Health and Hospice of West Memphis who made her last days more comfortable. The family request that memorials be made to Dyess Central Baptist Church, Dyess, AR 72330.
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22 Condolence(s)
Tommy Ward II
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Our sweet Granny will be missed dearly. We enjoyed many wonderful memories with her and PaPaw. I was fortunate to have her a a very long time in my life and she always told me she loved me. Missy and I had the blessing to pray with her on Sunday afternoon before she passed. Even though she was in much pain and could barely speak, she knew we were praying with her. You will be dearly missed Granny, but I know you are looking down on us from God's mighty Kingdom. I will see you when I get there and we will rejoice in The Lord's presence.
Shirley Dirion Rasdon
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Dear Bettye Jean,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet Mother. I know she will be greatly missed. Your Mother was my guardian angel that year that I lived at Dyess. I was living with the Bryans at that time and they would go off and leave me home alone. I would come and stay at your house and she took care of me like I was her own daughter. There were many times I would have gone hungry if it had not been for your wonderful Mother feeding me. I never had a Mother of my own, so she was the Mother figuret o me by the kindness she showed to me. I have always carried her in my heart and loved her for the kindness she always showed for me. I know she will receive a reward in heaven for being there for me, the little girl that had no Mother. Only God knows the impact she had on my life. I can't say enough of what a wonderful Lady your Mom was, but then you know. Be thankful that you had such a wonderful Mother all these years. I never knew the love a Mother. I have often wondered what it would be like to have a Mother. You had the very best! May God Bless.
Shirley Dirion Rasdon
Nathan & Betty Foreman
Friday, April 12, 2013
We stopped by to visit her shortly before her 100th birthday and walked into her kitchen seeing her homeade chocolate cake sitting there and said "You wouldn't know where a fellow could get a piece of chocolate cake would you?" . She replied "Oh, I have been waiting for someone to comeby and have a piece of my cake!" Boy, it was the best piece of chocolate cake we had ever eaten. We loved her and will miss her but know we will see her again one day in heaven.
Barbara A Adkins-Armstrong
Friday, April 12, 2013
Very sorry for your loss. I didn't know her very well but the few times I did meet her I thought she was just the sweetest person I remember her coming to visit my mom with my sister Ozella I know she will be missed.
Susan Smoke
Friday, April 5, 2013
Joann &Keith
Praying God gives you comfort during this time. So sorry for your loss.I know it is not easy losing a parent but knowing she is in heaven and you will see her again one day does make it easier.
Carolyn Williams
Friday, April 5, 2013
JoAnn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Carolyn Williams
Friday, April 5, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time!
Edwin and Hazel Johnston
Friday, April 5, 2013
My Mother and Mrs. Hendon were very good friends. They were about the same age and attended the Baptist Church at Dyess. They loss touch as my folks sold their place at Dyess in 1956 and moved to Albuquerque. We visited relatives at Whitton and Friends at Dyess. I think that was in 1958. I found that Tommye and Bettye Ward was living in Albuquerque. I went to their address and found Tommye at home. He was getting ready to pick Bettye up from work, so Hazel and I went with Tommye to the Gaint store and I spooked Bettye as I walked up behind her and spoke to her.
Hearing a Dyess accent was totally unexpected. Our friendship was rekindled. This got Mom and Mrs. Hendon back in touch mostly though Bettye.
I have visited Mrs Hendon and ate lunch at her house at Dyess. She was always a loving and caring person . Mrs. Hendon and Bettye were very much alike. I have fond memorys of the times we visited . Mrs. Ollie will certainly be missed by all who knew her.
Priscilla Couch
Friday, April 5, 2013
Joann you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patsy Crumpton
Friday, April 5, 2013
Joann my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Eventhough I did not personally know your mom I loved hearing you talk about her spunk and enjoyment of life to the fullest.
Kate Shoemake
Friday, April 5, 2013
I will miss Granny. When I would visit with her - I would have to draw very close for her to see and hear me - but I didn't mind because her big blue eyes were always sparkling and pretty. The thing about Granny was -- even though communicating with her could be challenging -- she just always conveyed a love and concern for me even if we were just sitting and holding hands. I am thankful for the times I was able to personally experience her kindness for others.
My prayers and thoughts are with you right now Ms. Bettye and Mr. Tommy - and your family.
Claude & Linda Steele
Friday, April 5, 2013
Your Family is in our prayers during this time of loss.
Ellen Steele Foote
Friday, April 5, 2013
Sorry for your loss, My prayers are with your family during this great loss. Love Ellen.
Larry & Becky Miller
Thursday, April 4, 2013
You are in or prayers.
cshoemake
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Hendon Family,
It's been said there is one person who cannot be replaced and I will agree to that to a point, however,
after losing my Mother I just appointed people to take her place in my life. First it was my Mother-in-Law, then she went to heaven and I had to find a new person. I did not have to look far, because Bettye is my very close friend and I had been knowing Ms. Hendon for several years. When Granny came to live with Bettye and Tommy permanently - she was just always there and I got my emotions stroked and my warm fuzzy good feels from her. We would visit for long lengths of time. Her stories were always so very interesting to me. She was humorous and enjoyed a good laugh also. She lived through midwives delivering some of her babies, being a farmer's wife and helpmate, and most of all enduring and enjoying raising her seven children. She mourned the loss of her husband and three of their beloved children. You see, she saw her children as blessings, but not without fault. Those faults did not deminish her love for them nor did she cover those faults. She was always there for her children and even had a tiny place in her heart for me when I came along. My sister met Ms. Hendon and because of their association, Ms. Hendon was able to provide the information concerning her brother 's burial spot and getting his children to provide a tombstone for his grave. She was just always helping out where ever she could. She took an interest in my family as well and wanted to know about my granchildren (those she knew of) and even was concerned for my youngest daughter's being single. Granny would be happy to know that she has just become engaged and will have a husband - because Granny wanted that for her. (Now, doesn't that speak well of her own marriage and life with her husband?) The best part of my story is that her family returned the love to me, just as she did. I wish I could convey all about Ms. Hendon, but that is impossible - you would have just had to experience her and have been with her to know all about the little lady we all called Granny. I will miss her, but she will live on in my memories. I just want to express my appreciation to the family for sharing their Mama and Granny.
Most sincerely and lovingly,
Chris
Kelly and Zane Lambert and family
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
So sad that Ms. Ollie is gone from this world, though, I know that she is standing in the GLORY of God. She was such a wonderful woman who loved to teach my children her childhood games. I am so sorry, Ms. Bettye and Mr. Tommy, for your loss. I loved to visit with her and watch her interact with my children, Calen, Hayden and Madeleine. She showed them such love and she will be sorely missed. We love you and will be in our prayers.
Tammy Henard
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
My grandma was my best friend. She was always there for me no matter what. My earliest memories are of her and grandpa. I was always spending the night with them. I can remember in the winter time, the bedrooms weren't heated and grandma would have so many blankets on the bed you couldn't move once she tucked you in! She also showed us how to "blow smoke" cause it was so cold.
She taught me so many things. I learned to sew, crochet, cook, and do ceramics with her. I'll never forget my first afghan I made. It wasn't perfect, by no means, but she just bragged on me. And all of us know that she made the BEST oats of anyone! As far as her sewing...she could make anything. If she couldn't find a pattern she liked, she made her own out of newspaper.
I could go on and on. I'm gonna miss her so much but I know that one day we'll be together again forever. I love you grandma!
Harold and Carolyn Huey
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
A very young lady is just where she has prayed to be for a long tome!! She was truly an inspiration to everyone that knew her. She has been given extra special care for the last nine years by her wonderful and loving daughter and son-in-law. This care was given with love and respect always! Bettye and Tommy have the utmost respect from all their friends! They wii be rewarded in Heaven!! We love you and know you will miss your mom but know you will see her again someday!!
Wilma Carlock
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
The happy memories will be forever cherished. The kindness and love Ms. Ollie showed us all will never be forgotten. As most know, she was my Granny's best friend, and we never knew what adventure those two planned on a weekly bases. Even tho her eyesight had faded, she knew me by my voice on our last visit. Oh how I loved hearing her talk of the 'good -old days.' She is now having the time of her new life and I know she will greet us all when we go to our heavenly home.
My prayers are for the family, that loved her so deeply, to have peace in this time of loss. Love you all, Wilma
Rhonda Ward Goodfellow
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
It was such a joy to hear "Granny Hendon" finally went to her heavenly home. She told me on several occassions, she didn't know "why" the Lord was waiting so long to take her. It was always an inspiration to visit with her. She remembered everyone and told us things we didn't realize she knew! Lots of love to Aunt Bettye and Uncle Tommy!
Rob, Dianne, and Stephanie Wolfgang
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Grandma,
We love you and will miss you. Thank you for being such a sweet and loving Grandma who loves The Lord.
We just know that you were greeted by friends and family in Heaven who were so excited to see you! (Including J.D.and Chris)
We look forward to being reunited in Heaven!
Love,
Dianne,Rob,and Stephanie Wolfgang
Sharon Elaine
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
My deeepest condolences over the loss of Ollie. Be comforted by Jesus promise: “Just as the Father (Jehovah) raises the dead up and makes them alive, so the Son also makes those alive whom he wants to. Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his [Jesus’] voice and come out.” (John 5:21, 28, 29) Yes, Jesus Christ promised that the dead will live again. (John 3:16; 17:3; Psalm 37:29 and Matthew 5:5.) May this promise and your cherished memories of Ollie comfort you and bring you peace. Loving thoughts are with the family.