of Little Rock, AR
June 29, 1930 - May 16, 2021
Ozella Bearden Brummett, 90, of Little Rock, a heroic child of the Arkansas backwoods in the Depression, died Sunday.
She was the prettiest girl to come out of Howard County, and that's just a fact.
She was so meek that her son advised her along the way to get less meek, and she said she couldn't and wouldn't and that her son ought to read the Beatitudes.
She was, while meek, a furious and triumphant hoe-wielder when she and her kids ran upon a coiled rattling rattlesnake at dusk one late 1950s day on a trail from the house to the place to slop the hogs. She said she didn't kill the snake, but ''hurt it real bad.''
She was born in 1930 as the second of five children in a tenant farming family in the backwoods near the Burg community on the outskirts of Umpire in northeast Howard County. The family had a net worth of a mule and love. They labored in a hard happy life, walking to a one-room school, digging potatoes, sharing clothes and thanking the Lord for it all every Sunday at the Church of Christ with mournfully joyous a capella renditions of ''Leaning on the Everlasting Arms'' and ''I'll Fly Away.''
On Christmas Day in 2010 she accompanied her kids to a matinee of the Coen brothers' version of the film ''True Grit.'' On the way out, tears poured from her eyes. It was, she said, ''that song.''
The film had closed with Iris DeMent's raw performance of ''Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.'' The song had taken Ozella home to the childhood spent in loving happiness, both as it happened and again as her mind lived in it in her last few years.
In 1952, Ozella broke hearts for miles around when she said ''yes'' to the marriage proposal of J.T. Brummett from another tenant farm family not so far away. J.T. had come back from Marine combat in Okinawa and followed a sister to Little Rock, and that's where he brought his new bride. They lived in an apartment on East Capitol Ave. about where Interstate 30 would soon run. In December 1953, a newspaper columnist named Johnny Ray was born to them, and, in July 1955, a precious and loving and master's degree daughter named Judy Kay came along.
In the nursing home beauty pageant in 2017, when she was named first runner-up and absolutely robbed, she said ''being a good mother to these kids'' was her life's ambition and that ''house work'' was her greatest joy.
She achieved her ambition and kept a sparkling home until Alzheimer's left her unable. She also worked outside the home in department store retail. She also spent years babysitting because people saw that she could be fully trusted with their most precious things.
She always said she never wanted ''to be a burden'' to her kids. She never was. The long-term care insurance policy she bought as a new widow 30 years ago, unbeknownst for years to her kids, was uncommonly comprehensive.
J.T., with his history of Okinawan Marine combat and running a one-man rural garbage route by day and working at a Nabisco cookie warehouse by night, is the more commonly referenced hero of family lore. But it was Ozella who protected and nurtured the kids while J.T. was necessarily away.
She is survived by that son, John Brummett of Little Rock; a daughter, Judy Brummett of Little Rock; a daughter-in-law, Shalah Crenshaw Brummett of Little Rock, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews and friends and admirers.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Brummett; her parents, Archie and Stacy Bearden of Dierks, and all her siblings ''Norene Roberson of Dierks, Burley Bearden of Bryant, Eunice Quinn of Pine Bluff and Conway and Archie Jr. of Dierks.
There will be a graveside service at 10 a.m. Friday, May 21 at Forest Hills Cemetery off County Line Road on Highway 5 at Alexander. Ozella will be laid to rest beside J.T.
Ozella's beloved nephew, David Bearden, the one she once hauled to Sunday services, now a Church of Christ minister, will officiate. Roller Chenal Funeral Home of Little Rock is handling arrangements.
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41 Condolence(s)
Daniel A. Lieblong
Thursday, August 19, 2021
I just heard, today about, Mrs. Brummett passing away. I always looked forward to seeing your Mom. She was always pleasant and a high point in my day. I never heard a negative comment from her. She always found the best in people and made me feel better after being around her. You were blessed with a great Mom and I was blessed to have known her. I really enjoyed reading about her life and those around her.
Becky Jo Kerr Green
Monday, May 24, 2021
I went to school with Judy. I am sorry on the loss of your Mother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. McClellan class 1975
Bytha Regauld
Friday, May 21, 2021
I will always remember my sweet and wonderful friend, Ozella. She was kind, thoughtful, caring, and endearing, but she could laugh and make others feel at ease. She made her part of the world a better place; we were all blessed by knowing and loving her.
Earlene Russell
Friday, May 21, 2021
She was a beautiful Christian lady and loved by all .
Vanessa Hall
Friday, May 21, 2021
As the daughter of another child from the same Arkansas backwoods in the Depression I know how great your loss is, and offer thoughts of comfort. Those backwoods turned out the best people I have ever known. The privilege of having been raised by them becomes more clear with loss, not because of the loss, but because they lived; the Ozellas and the Nezas and all the rest of them. For mine it was the little girls in O Brother Where Art Thou that brought the tears. Please rest easy, John Brummett. The joy never ends in the Great Beyond.
Athena Bandy
Thursday, May 20, 2021
I was a caregiver at Sherwood Nursing and Rehab and I loved taking care of your mother she was a joy to take care of and she will be greatly missed.
Lisa Gentry
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
I loved reading her back story.â¤ï¸
I always enjoyed getting the opportunity to do Ozella’s hair. She was one of my favorite people to visit with each time she was sitting in my chair. She always had the best stories to share, and never failed to make me laugh. She is one of the most precious woman I’ve every known. She will be missed. Praying for strength and peace during this time of Ozella’s passing. It’s a sweet gift, knowing I will one day see her again in heaven.
Demetria Henry
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
My Condolences To The Brummett Family Praying For YALL strength she is in a better place now she won’t be suffering no more YALL took great care of her while she was still living on earth job well done now she is your Angel on earth I’m glad I got a chance to meet and love on your mom she will be truly missed
Kandy Farmer
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
With love and prayers and hugs. Long time neighbors on Opal Drive. Memories are precious.
Patsy Watkins
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Congratulations to her on living a good life and raising a smart son.
Jackie Standridge
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
I remember the beautiful, kind lady. Heaven has surely gained one of the best.
Cathy Alley
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Judy,
What a pleasure reading your mom’s life story. Treasure the memories. You had a beautiful mother. My deepest sympathy.
Love,
Cathy Alley
Toni Dixon
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Such a moving and eloquent words from the â¤ï¸. I have read all your posts about your Mom over the years and I feel like you showed such love for her. Like I began to know her also. I am praying for your family, comfort and strength through these difficult times.
Charles & Anne Allen
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
It IS a beautiful tribute to your beloved Mom. Our world is a much better place because of the love & sacrifices of such wonderful Moms. We send our thoughts & prayers to you & your family. ðŸ™ðŸ»ðŸ’•
Paul Reagan
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Obits should sing, not shush.
This did.
Sing her home, John.
Richard Robinson
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
John and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathies to all fo you during this difficulty time. Grace and peace, Richard.
Don castleberry
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
From son,John’s, eloquent description, I learn how close herlife experience was to my own. Such elegant, simple lives. My own mom at rest nearby would have recognized and valued their shared experience.,
Charles Gray
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
John, I’m very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute for a wonderful person and a life well-lived.
Brenda Looper
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
John, I never got to meet your mom, but I feel as if I know her because of the wonderful person you are, not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely loves deeply those he loves (and I sense that sense of humor was her doing as well). You and Judy were lucky to have her as a mom, and she was lucky, too, to have the two of you.
Statler Kramer
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
I’m very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed reading the obituary. Sounds like she was a great woman!
John, my father, also born in 53, lost his battle with cancer just last week.
Wishing you and your family peace and love.
Robert Dudley
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
John:
Condolences on the loss of your loved mother.
Elsa Hartl and Susan Hartl Kaspar
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
We would have been proud to know this beautiful lady of the woods.
May she rest in peace.
Bill Choate
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Sorry for your loss. You're lucky to have a mom like her. What an amazing tribute to a life well lived.
glen hoggard
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
In May of last year, I sat at Mother and Dad's kitchen table and penned my Mother's obituary. It is not an easy task, perhaps made all the more so by the suddenness of glioblastoma. I both admire and am envious of your tribute to your Mother. She clearly trained you up well. There is no prize so precious as a dear Arkansas Mother to a first son. My heartfelt sympathies to you in your loss.
Elizabeth Friesenhahn
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Our hearts are aching. Such a sweet and loving person. She is resting peacefully.
Derrick Rose
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Having worked beside Judy for more than two decades, I know first hand the love she and John have for their mother. My heartfelt condolences
Chuck Monan
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour†(Romans 13:7).
Salt of the earth folks like Ozella Brummett have long flown under the radar as God-given blessings to their children, churches, and communities. Rarely are they given the attention they deserve. But John and Judy witnessed her quiet piety and dignity all their lives. She made a difference for good in her fourscore and ten years, and her legacy continues through her children, who make Arkansas a better place.
May the Lord bless her memory and this family.
Richard Rodgers
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
My empathy in the loss of your mother, a sweet lady, whom I remember well from Eastside Church of Christ.
Paula Smith
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
I am honored to have known your Mother. Her beautiful blue eyes were the most beautiful. She raised two wonderful children that she was incredibly proud of. She is at peace now in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with y’all.
Brian Colton
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss.
Rob Leflar
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
That's one of the best obits I've ever seen. It leaves me with one comment and one question. 1) I see where her son John got his ability as a hoe-wielder. Arkansas rattlesnakes beware! 2) John, when did you last read the Beatitudes Go at it again.
Jim Tripcony
Monday, May 17, 2021
My thoughts are with you during your time of grief.
Sonny Albarado
Monday, May 17, 2021
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful person. Condolences to you and your family, John.
Anne Broadwater
Monday, May 17, 2021
John, what a treasure to be able to crafts words in such a way that a reader can feel such loss without the pleasure of actually knowing Ozella. Now, I do. My sincerest condolences.
Anne
Pam Gladden
Monday, May 17, 2021
I feel like I knew her. She lived a wonderful life, raised a fantastic family...a life to be proud of. May she Rest In Peace beside her beloved husband.
Davy Carter
Monday, May 17, 2021
Very sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful eulogy and remarkable life.
Betty George Woody
Monday, May 17, 2021
John, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Your tribute to her is beautiful, but exactly what those of us who have read your words for 40 years have come to expect.
My condolences to your family.
Ben Thigpen
Monday, May 17, 2021
You are one of my favorites John. Please do not hold it against me that I am a life-long friend of Chris Piazza. I wish I had been your friend too. My dad was recruited to Vandy by Bear Bryant. He and all his teammates dies of Alzheimer’s if something else did not kill them first. Peace upon you John.
Rita Johnson
Monday, May 17, 2021
So sorry for your loss
Anne Broadwater
Monday, May 17, 2021
John, what a treasure to be able to crafts words in such a way that a reader can feel such loss without the pleasure of actually knowing Ozella. Now, I do. My sincerest condolences.
Anne
Gwen Faulkenberry
Monday, May 17, 2021
Grace and peace.