of Dennard, AR
August 14, 1949 - March 24, 2021
Linda Faye Vallery, age 71 of Dennard, Arkansas went home to be with her precious Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 24th, 2021. She was born in Leslie, Arkansas on August 14th, 1949 to Jesse Griffin and Ollie Thompson Griffin.
Linda worked as a Case Manager for Area Agency on Aging for many years. Through her work, she impacted numerous lives. After her retirement in 2009, Linda spent the majority of her time outdoors hunting, fishing, gardening and simply being in nature. When she couldn't be outside, she could be found in her sewing room making quilts or crocheting. Family meant the world to Linda; she loved each member deeply. She cherished family gatherings and always had something fun planned. At Easter, there would be an egg toss after the hunt. At Christmas, it was a fast and furious gift exchange as she read the "Left Right" story. And on occasion it would be a jam session as she played the guitar and everyone sang along. Linda had a servant's heart. She volunteered regularly at Food for Life. Always looking for more ways to witness to the community, Linda gathered a group of women who became known as the Ladies Helping Hands. With Linda as their leader, they developed projects and shared the love of Christ with many. From gathering school supplies for children, collecting items for victims of house fires, cooking holiday meals for people who might not have one, and visiting in the nursing homes to spread cheer, she loved being the hands and feet of Jesus! Linda also loved writing and telling stories. Many times a birthday card would have an original poem written specifically for the receiver. She authored several original short stories and numerous poems. If you were her Facebook friend, you were surely blessed by her wisdom. Her gift with words was a blessing that will be treasured by readers for generations to come. Linda was a faithful member of Faith Church in Dennard. She directed the Christmas program for many years and was the ring leader of the Ding-a-Lings! She was also a prayer warrior for anyone who stood in need of prayer. But more than anything, she loved her Lord and Savior. Her heart's desire was that her family and friends would someday join her in a stroll over Heaven!
Survivors include her husband, Eddie Vallery; brothers, Kenneth (Judy) Griffin and Ronnie (Connie) Griffin; sister, Wanda McNabb; sons, Rick Deckard, Bruce Deckard and Jeff Deckard; daughters-in-love, Tammy Deckard, Shannon Deckard and Paula Deckard; grandchildren, Ian Parks, Kaylie (Jake) Deckard, Collin Nobles, Brittany (Cody) Payne, Casey Deckard, Jesse Deckard, Justin Deckard and Payton Deckard; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Clinkscales and Parker Payne; step-children, Eddie Vallery, Chasity Walter and Gabrielle Townsend; as well as a host of other friends and family that loved her so very much.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Donald Griffin, Carlis Griffin and Billy Griffin; sister, Katherine Snipes; and granddaughter, Courtney Renee Deckard.
Funeral services for Linda will be 10:00 AM Saturday, March 27th, 2021 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Kelly Johnson, Bro. Brandon Jones and Bro. Tommy Jolly officiating. Special music will be performed by Linda Jolly, Reva Harness and Lisa Nelson. Visitation will be 9:00 till 10:00 AM preceding the service. Burial will be in Shady Grove Cemetery near Leslie. Bearers will be Cody Payne, Larry Griffin, Stacy Griffin, Donnie Griffin, Todd Griffin and Brandon Griffin. Honorary bearers will be Randal Griffin, the Ladies Helping Hands of Dennard and James Ray.
While the capacity limitations have been lifted for our state in regards to large gatherings we are still doing our part to stop the spread of COVID-19 and all attendees must provide their own masks and wear before entering. We are also practicing social distancing.
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57 Condolence(s)
Harlie Treat
Friday, April 9, 2021
Linda was a first class lady. We had many enjoyable conversations about our Griffin family history and stories of our relatives. We will all miss her smiling face and friendship. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel, may she rest in well deserved eternal peace.
Karen Lawrence
Monday, March 29, 2021
I just saw this notice about Linda today and I was so sorry to hear that she had passed away. I knew Linda through work and I always thought that she was a sweet, kind person. Heaven has gained another Angel. Prayers for her family!
Ronda Griffin
Sunday, March 28, 2021
I was blessed to have had Aunt Linda in my life. She always treated me like family. Her faith was strong & I know she’s happy to be with her Savior finally. So glad her struggles in this life are thru but she will be greatly missed.
Brad and Geneva Freeman
Saturday, March 27, 2021
So many memories, the Bus rides going to school!!! She was always so sweet.
I don't remember all her brothers and sisters but I remember Ronnie and Kenneth
I'm very Thankful that I know Her Sons, Bruce, Rick and Jeff all fine Men and I loved the way she was so proud of them and they loved Her so much.
Each day we get closer to being where she is. That's going to be a wonderful day and I Pray that Your ready to go.
I don't know when I have prayed so hard for Peace and Comfort for a Family and I will continue to Pray for them. God Bless Each of You and be Thankful for Your Memories.
Angie Johnson
Saturday, March 27, 2021
You’re family is in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for comfort and peace for all.
Twilia Steen
Friday, March 26, 2021
I met your mom in an art class with Brenda Smythe. She was a very nice person and I liked her a lot just after one time. She was a very good artist too. I am sorry, Jeff and Paula and family for your loss.
Donna Plumlee
Friday, March 26, 2021
I cherished the friendship I had with Linda. I will miss her greatly, but I know she is in a better place and I will see her again. May God comfort your hearts in the loss of this wonderful lady.
Gerald Rains
Friday, March 26, 2021
Linda was a wonderful I person I will never foget her. it was nice for me and my brother Harlin to visid her and Eddie wish i could be their. Gerald
Gerald Rains
Tonya Noce
Friday, March 26, 2021
Aunt Linda, Thank you for being a part of my life and for all you have done for the family! You truly inspired me to be a better person and I have been blessed to have had you in my life! You will be greatly missed! Love you.
Cathy Stephenson
Friday, March 26, 2021
Paul & I are sorry to hear of Linda’s passing. I became friends with Linda many years ago when we worked across the hall from each other in the Federal Building. I remember the joy and love she had for her sons and the many times she & her co-worker, Joyce would suddenly start singing praise songs at the end of a very long day. Always a blessing! RIP sweet lady.
Prayers continuing for her family.
Marsha Smiley Ross
Friday, March 26, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Linda was such a sweet lady. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
Kathy Roberson
Friday, March 26, 2021
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for all.
larry huie
Friday, March 26, 2021
sending my love to all the family. linda was a wonderful friend to patsy and me. we share a beautiful grandaughter kaylie and our beautiful great grandaughter kennedy. we were facebook friends, i looked forward to linda's postings about all the good food she had cooked and all the stories about all the hard times she and her family endured. i will never forget the bucket of huckleberries she told about. she was a wonderful singer and always had a wonderful song to sing at the monthly specials. my favorite one was ride out the storm. i love you linda vallery, you were a great lady and you surely rode out the storm.
Judy C Ivie and Ron Ivie
Friday, March 26, 2021
Jeff ,Paula, Casey and Payton, we send our love to you all. Linda was a wonderful christian lady.
Marcus Canady
Friday, March 26, 2021
Sending many prayers
Tom and Elaine Brown
Thursday, March 25, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss and send our sincere condolences to all of the family. She was a lovely lady with a precious kind spirit and beautiful smile. It has been a privilege to have known her. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Jigger Rogers
Thursday, March 25, 2021
My ALL time FAVORITE memories will always be singing with my friend Linda, along with Linda & Tommy Jolly in our little country church in Denmark AR, where all of our family & friends sang praise & worshiped our Precious Father in our Heavenly home., where, I know without a DOUBT, Linda is sooo happy being with our Father!!!& yes...!, we will be with her soon!!!🥰😊
Cathy (Clubine) Turner
Thursday, March 25, 2021
My deepest condolences for the family. Linda was a great help and cherished friend to my Mom.
Ruby I Thomas
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Linda was such a special lady, always with a smile a kind word. She will be sorely missed by many, many people but it is so good to know where she is now, singing in the Lord's choir. God bless the family with peace, strength and comfort.
Dave and Kathryn Pace
Thursday, March 25, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Linda was a wonderful person and a good neighbor. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Betty L Barnes
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Linda was a very special person, she blessed lots of people in many ways. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Love and prayers, Betty and Ray Barnes
Loy & Mitzi Garrison
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Rick, Tammy & family We are so very sorry for your loss. We know it is Heavens Gain ðŸ™ðŸ™
James and Jeri White
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Our deepest sympathy. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Eddie and Kathy Morrison
Thursday, March 25, 2021
We are so sorry about Linda passing away. We send you all our deepest sympathy and prayers. She was a very nice lady.
Kay and John Branscum
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Linda was always a joy to be around and I feel blessed in having known her. I visited with her recently at the Leslie Park when she would come to walk. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Prayers for the family.
Sheryl Cossey
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Sympathies! And prayers for God's Peace and Comfort while giving you good memories of a great lady, only knew her for a short time, but love her for the beauty she beheld inside n out! Now a wonderful Angel to help us on! God bless you family, keep on keepin on, you're her legacy!
Jim and Jackye Adams
Thursday, March 25, 2021
We are so sorry. Linda was such a sweet lady. Love and prayers to all your families.
Debra Rains & family
Thursday, March 25, 2021
There is a great big hole in our hearts now, but for this beautiful and precious lady, God has given her victory, and it is forever.
Our hearts and prayers are with her family. May God's grace carry you through your loss.
James and Gayle Tilley
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Our heartfelt sympathy and blessings go out to Linda’s family! May you have moments of peace and comfort! God bless you!
Gayle and Harry Morton
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Rick and family,
We were very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. While we did not know Linda, after reading through all the wonderful "celebrations of her life", we can truly say we have seen her spirit living on through you and your family. I know you will miss her deeply. Gayle, Harry and Ronnie B.
Sheila Diemer
Thursday, March 25, 2021
I am so sorry for Yal loss!! She will be you guys special angel now!! I pray God gives Yal peace & comfort during this time!! What a great legacy that she left!! I know she will be greatly missed!!
Carolyn Myers and Michael Sowell
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Heaven gained the most precious angle that walked among us on earth. She will surely be truly missed and forever in our hearts. The choir in heaven sounds so much sweeter today. You are all in our prayers
Donna Treat
Thursday, March 25, 2021
She was a great neighbor when I lived in Dennard. I'm going miss her sweet spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with the family
Robin biggs
Thursday, March 25, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss may god bless you and comfort you during this time we love you and our prayers are with you
Heather Baker
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Our hearts are broken Linda has always meant a great deal to the Baker family we can take comfort in knowing that she is in the arms of the Savior. All our love and prayers
Patsy Ward
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Prayers for the family, may God grant you peace and comfort at this time. So sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady!
Paula Stapleton
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My heart is heavy, but not for Linda. All her family and community will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy goes out to all who love her. I wasnt a close cousin but that never mattered to Linda. Family was family to her. She truly was an example of Christ's love to everyone.
LaNette Whiteside & family
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Linda was one of the best friends I've ever had. While my heart is broken, I find peace in knowing she is with Jesus. I worked with Linda for close to 20 years. We always laughed (and teased each other) about the Leslie Griffins vs. the Snowball Griffins. I treasure my many beautiful memories of Linda. All 3 of my now grown kids, still call her Granny Linda. My prayers are with her family. I know she loved ALL of you big!
Debbie Watts
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
She was a wonderful person. So very sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort in the days ahead.
D. L. and Peggy Adams
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Brenda Lewis
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Linda and I have great memories of raising our boys together in our community. She was a great inspiration to all who knew her. Love and prayers to all of you during this time.
Lynn and paul neal
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Met Ms. Linda many years ago when we went to our very first 254 yard sale. She had a table full of baked goods. We bought alot. How could you not when she had that beautiful smile &told us it was going to help others. . Her eyes &face always smiled. Her voice was always soft &tender. Ms. Linda thank you for all the kindness love and hope you gave to us &so many others. Your legacy is well with your family . Jeff Paula our hearts are with you and the rest of the family
Lynn and paul neal
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Met Ms. Linda many years ago when we went to our very first 254 yards sale. She had a table full of baked goods. We bought alot. How could you not when she had that beautiful smile &told us it was going to help others. We talked to her often when we worked at the Clinton Walmart. Her eyes &face always smiled. Her voice was always soft &tender. Ms. Linda thank you for all the kindness love and hope you face to us &so many others. Your legacy is well with your family they are some pretty awesome people. Rest in love.
Sonya Parks
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
So sorry for your family’s loss. Prayers for your family.
Teresa Payne Bonds
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Linda has greatly touched my life at different times! When granny Maebell Morris was on hospice years ago, you couldn’t have asked for a more loving, caring and concerned nurse to be by her side and to be there to comfort us. In going to church with mom -Genevieve Payne at Dennard she always opened her arms for a hug, sweet words, and a beautiful smile and I loved it when she taught class!! She will be missed dearly but I know the rejoicing has only just begun for her! Prayers for her family and friends. Much love to you all!
Marilyn Tumbleson Born
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Rip Linda you will be forever missed . I love you cousin tell all our family we will be there some day 💜
Albert & Anna Maze
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Our prayers are with your families at this difficult time.
Phyllis Tumbleson McMillen
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved my sweet cousin dearly. She was for sure a godly woman, are used to tell her I wished I could just be a teeny tiny bit like her. You’re in my thoughts and prayers and you know she’s dancing and singing
Rob Morton
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My sincere condolences to Eddie and family. Linda was a good friend and will be dearly missed by many. My prayers are for your peace and comfort during your time of loss.
Pat Halsted
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I have many wonderful and funny memories from years ago of time spent working with your mom at the Leslie PTA and school. A bunch of us young parents got the idea to put on a Halloween Carnival to make money to fence and improve the playground at the grade school. It was a success and fencing, equipment, and play items were bought. Working on the playground once Linda and I had to mixed up some cement in a bucket with our bare hands. Our hands were ruined, but we got the new tether ball poles set. I have nothing but good memories of this lady, and was very very saddened to hear of her death ...but praise God for the reunion he has planned one day for all his believing children. We will see her again. I was blessed to know her, and you were bless to have her in you life. I pray God's peace and comfort for your entire family.
Sharla Neal
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I am so glad to have known Linda and call her family. She will be greatly missed. As beautiful as her flowers were, I know she now has the most beautiful view in heaven. Love you
SCOTT & JACKIE TUMBLESON
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILY'S LOSS. SCOTT & JACKIE TUMBLESON
Cindy Lankford
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
To Linda's family my thoughts and Prayers are with y'all.She will be missed dearly.
Vickie Lucas
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Linda was such a joy to know. I do think there is one glorious reunion in Heaven today. May God wrap his arms around her family & carry them through the days ahead. Love & miss you Linda.
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
We are very sorry for your loss. Linda has been a lifelong friend even though I am a little older. Linda has been a wonderful lady all of her life and she will be missed
Judi morgan
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
Always growing up and looked for going to Denard to hang with momma Linda. Now rejoicing with momma in heaven. Momma sure did love momma Linda.
Much love Ricky, Jeff and Bruce
You sure had an awesome mom.
Karen Lynn Galbreath
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
My dear friend... oh how I will miss you in more ways than I can count. If there was ever a true friend, she was! Smart, funny and loved "big". Family you all had a gem for a Sister, Mother, wife, grandmother and great grandmother. Praying for each one in the days ahead. Rest in the arms of Jesus.