of Searcy, AR

October 8, 1925 - January 21, 2021

Nellie Dennis Minyard Ballard went to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 21, 2021. Nellie was born October 8, 1925 to Jim and Sallie Dennis. She was a lifelong resident of Searcy who graduated salutatorian as a member of a class of 8 from Garner High School in 1943. She attended Arthur's Beauty School and owned her own shop briefly. As a member of West Race Baptist Church she showed her love for the Lord and missed being able to attend in her later years.

In 1947 she married her childhood sweetheart, James Oscar Minyard, Jr. To this union two daughters were born. After Oscar's passing in 1952, she met and married Robert Banks "Buck" Ballard in 1954 and had her only son.

Nellie was a homemaker who babysit for many years. Buck always told her "You have kept half the kids in White County." Nellie gave each child her special care as if they were her own. She loved her yard work and kept her leaves raked. After Buck's passing Nellie said her yard work was her therapy. As a great fan of Wheel of Fortune, she could solve all the puzzles. Her other favorite shows were Days of our Lives and the Price is Right.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers, 3 sisters and her husbands. Also preceding her in death were her daughter, Vickie Lynn Minyard Tucker and son-in-law, Dale Tucker.

Left to cherish her memory is one daughter, Carnell Minyard Yarbrough (Gary) and one son, Roger B. Ballard (Patricia). Nellie had three grandchildren and one step-grandson and great-grand daughters who all lovingly called her Memomma. Granddaughter Melisa Tucker Smock Clouette (Kyle), grandsons Greg Yarbrough (David Jones) and Kevin Yarbrough (Jacquelyn) and great-granddaughters Emily Smock, Lindsey Yarbrough and Anna Yarbrough will miss their Memomma. Her step-grandson, Jared Smith (Hope) and step great granddaughters, Savannah, McKenzie, Jaslynne and Felicity loved their Memomma. Many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews loved to visit with their Aunt Nellie.
The family would like to thank her loving caregivers Betty Patton, Samantha Farnworth and Kim Millsaps who Nellie thought was a "part of her family".

Due to Covid restrictions a family graveside service will be held at Gum Springs Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Humane Society of Searcy.

Online Guestbook:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/searcy

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home
411 East Race Avenue
Searcy, AR  72145
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com