of Conway, AR
January 7, 1940 - October 3, 2015
Eve Elizabeth "Bitsy" Torian, age 75, of Conway, passed away at home early October 3, 2015, surrounded by family. Born January 7, 1940, Bitsy was the fifth child born to parents Robert Orum Barrett and Fernande Vicknair Barrett in Montz, LA, St. Charles Parish.
In 1946, her family moved to Wilmot, AR, where she and her four brothers and four sisters spent their childhood on a small family cotton farm. Upon graduating from Wilmot High School in 1957, Bitsy attended college at the University of Arkansas at Monticello ("UAM"), earning a bachelor of arts. As an English major, Bitsy's love for early American literature and joy of reading remained a constant throughout her life.
While attending UAM, Bitsy met her husband of 53 years, Emmet Putnam Torian, Jr. Working as a student in the college cafeteria, she first met Emmet serving him in the cafeteria line. She was known to say that "the first time he asked me out, I said no. I don't know why, but he was persistent!" Their first date was a movie at the old Monticello drive-in theater. Bitsy and Emmet married at the First Baptist Church of Carlisle, AR on August 31, 1962. After teaching high school English in Springdale and Carlisle, AR for several years, Bitsy and Emmet moved to Conway in December 1969, where they began farming rice and soybeans for the past 47 years. Soon after arriving in Conway, they joined the First Baptist Church of Conway and remained life-long members.
Bitsy's family, children and grandchildren were the love of her life. She was very active in her children's church, education and extracurricular activities. She was always proud to say "I seldom missed an activity or game!" Over the years she served as both the President and Fund Raiser for the Parent Teacher's Association, as a classroom mother, taught Sunday school and vacation bible school, and oversaw many of her children's activities. The consummate mother and homemaker, she shuffled her children and grandchildren to and from church activities, sporting events, and dance recitals, always finding time to cook three meals a day. But her love for reading was always present and she sought to impress the importance of reading on her children and grandchildren. For years, Saturday mornings were spent at the old green Faulkner County Public Library, where she allowed her children to explore and choose books each week.
Bitsy is survived by her husband Emmet Putnam Torian, Jr., children Joseph Garland Torian (Conway, AR), Mark Emmet Torian (Dallas, TX), and Sarah Putnam Torian (Conway, AR), and grandchildren, Joseph Collin Torian (Carlisle, AR), Caroline Elizabeth Torian (Conway, AR), Jacob Kyle Torian (Maumelle, AR), Haddox Tucker Torian (Dallas, TX), Noah Alfred Torian (Conway, AR), and Joseph Garland Torian, Jr. (Maumelle, AR). Bitsy was proceeded in death by her parents and brother Robert Orum Barrett, Jr. and is survived by siblings Lela Mae Pickett (Texarkana, AR), Mary Louise "Sister" Harp (Tyler, TX), Laura Sue Pasqua (Gonzales, LA), Gloria Ann "Goldie" Roebuck (Ruston, LA), Errol Lee Barrett (Portland, AR), James Kenneth Barrett (Hamburg, AR), and John Keith Barrett (Hot Springs).
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Roller McNutt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 6, at First Baptist Church of Conway, beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment in Oak Grove Cemetery.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mary-Catherine
Keeping each of you in our prayers.
Blessings on such a beautiful family. Eve was so special to my Mother. I was 10 when we moved to Conway & Eve was the first visitor we had in the old parsonage by the church. She was always so kind to our entire family. I sat with her gorgeous children when they were young & remember those days fondly. What a great legacy Eve Torian leaves with us...what a blessing to all of us who shared in her life. Love all of you guysâ¤ï¸
Emmet & family so sorry for your loss may God be with you all
Eve was the ultimate wife and homemaker.
She loved all of you dearly. I also appreciate her love for Katie and Don.
Our family sends condolences to all the Barrett family . Bob talked with pride about his family. I met Bitsy on several occasions, and she was a sweet lady. I know she will be missed. God bless all of you during this time, and the days to come. ---Mary Perkins
I always enjoyed and appreciated our chats before church began each Sunday. Emmet and family, your in my prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a very special lady who raised very special children to carry on her legacy! Love, Alli
Eve was a special person. She was an asset to Conway Interfaith Clinic when she was a volunteer. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
My most heartfelt condolences to the family for your loss. I could not be more hurt by your loss. Eve came into my life more than 10 years ago, and I couldn't be happier that she did. She easily became a person that I spent time with every week, as my friend, my mentor, my sounding post. Her advice, her recipes, her books, and her presence will be forever missed in my life. Much love to her, and my sympathy to all who will miss her.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember you all in my prayers.
Although we are glad that Eve is at peace and no longer suffering, she will be missed greatly. She was a kind, loving, and Godly woman who dearly loved her family and friends. We are so sorry for your loss and will be with you in thought, prayer, and sympathy. Much love, Sammie & Joan Stacy
I'm sorry for your loss.
Eve gave a good fight and my thoughts and prayers are with the family
Our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you !
Karen & Mike Davis
i will always remember Mrs Eve touching many lives b teaching Sunday school and VBS at FBC. She was a very sweet caring and giving lady with a huge heart! She will be greatly missed by many.
My deepest sympathy,
Scarlett Bone Jenkins
We are so sorry about Eve. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin, Tonya, Garrett &Sawyer
JoAnn Mitchell
Prayers for you and your family, Sarah!
We now have a hardworking angel in heaven! My love and prayers to Uncle Emmet, Joe, Mark, Sarah and the "little cousins."