of Little Rock, AR
June 3, 1947 - September 25, 2021
Alice Ann Hendrix Straughn passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family and friends on September 25, 2021. Born to Earl and Mattie Hendrix on June 3, 1947, she lived an idyllic life in Ward, AR, where her mother was the postmaster and her father was an entrepreneurial businessman and farmer. She graduated from Cabot High School in 1965 and enrolled at Harding College, taking pre-nursing classes that prepared her to complete her nursing degree at UAMS in 1970. It was at Harding that she met Keith, and they married in 1967.
After being hired at UAMS to be charge nurse on the pediatric floor, she was soon recruited to be part of the first nurse practitioner program in Arkansas. Those experiences would shape her later career, and after some time off to raise two sons, she began teaching in the LPN program at St. Vincent Infirmary. In the mid-1980s, she began working on her MSN at the University of Central Arkansas, where she joined the faculty upon completing her degree.
She joined the faculty at UALR in 1991, teaching pediatrics and medical surgical nursing and especially enjoyed clinical practice, where she was able to use her past nursing experience to enrich the hands-on training for students. She inspired hundreds of nurses during her 30+year teaching career and stayed in touch with many former students on Facebook.
During retirement she enjoyed hosting family gatherings, gardening on her deck (and admiring the view), and traveling with Keith from coast to coast and border to border. However, at the top of her list of enjoyment was being with her three granddaughters, especially reading to them and having them help in the kitchen.
Left to mourn her passing is her husband of 54 years, Keith, son Greg and his wife, Marcia and their daughters, Eva, Anna, and Mattye Straughn of Abilene, Texas; son Matt and his wife Amber of Glenn Dale, Maryland; nephew Keith Morrison and his wife, Lynn of Fayetteville, Arkansas; niece Dana Morgan and husband, Joe of Melbourne, Florida, and a host of nieces, great nieces, nephews, and great nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents and sister, Earlene Wilson and her husband Kenny of Cabot, Arkansas.
A service of remembrance will be held on September 30 at 11:00 a.m. at The Little Rock Church (10701 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209); masks and social distancing recommend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Arkansas Children's Hospital 1 Children's Way LR, AR 72202 or www.archildrens.org/giving.
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13 Condolence(s)
Allen Greenwood
Thursday, October 7, 2021
I did Ann's hair for a long time and she was always a joy I will miss her and remember her fondly.
Paul Wallace
Saturday, October 2, 2021
I was saddened to hear of Ann's passing! Little Rock Church is where I worship. I wish I had I known in time to attend her memorial!
My prays are for Keith and the whole family in the coming weeks.
Rebecca Heffington Martin
Thursday, September 30, 2021
So sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. Although we weren’t close in the past few years, I kept up with her through mutual friends. My condolences and prayers for you and your family.
Rebecca Heffington Martin
Thursday, September 30, 2021
So sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. Although we weren’t close in the past few years, I kept up with her through mutual friends. My condolences and prayers for you and your families .
Linda Bradke Jackson
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Alice Ann was a cousin of mine. Her mother, Mattie and my grandmother, Maude were sisters. I remember when we would go to Aunt Mattie's to visit. So many WONDERFUL memories!! I am so sorry for your loss! My prayers and thoughts are with the entire family.
Wanda Gilbert Chancey
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
I met Alice Ann when I was 12 and started 7th grade at Cabot High School. We were close friends throughout school. We were in band together (we both played flute) and we became majorettes together in 10th grade. We had so many growing up adventures. We roomed together when we went to Hot Springs for State band competition and also when we went to Ole Miss for a week long baton camp. She is part of my growing up memories - and it hurts to know she is gone. My prayers go out to Keith and her family.
(303 AliceAnn, I haven’t forgotten!)
Doris Sarver
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
I knew Ann as the loving and supportive Mother of Greg as he came into my second grade classroom at Brady School. Such a joy to know and work with both of them. Later Ann was my nurse on a procedure at some medical place. Such a loss as a mother, wife and contributing human being. I have wonderful memories of your family and have watched with pleasure as Ann and Keith kept me apprised of Greg's progress. Please accept my condolences.
Marianne Flammang
Monday, September 27, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Ann at St Vincent, she was a joy to be around. An excellent nurse, an awesome instructor, always uplifting. She will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Debra Redding
Monday, September 27, 2021
When I think of Ann Straughn, I think of how much fun she was and how much love and respect that I will always have for her. We met in 1982 when she was my Pediatrics Nursing Instructor at St Vincent's LPN program in Little Rock. After a long stressful day at the hospital, we could always count on her to bring an element of fun. She loved all of her Nursing Students and she was greatly loved in return. She took all of us under her wing. You don't ever forget people like Ann Straughn...Rest in Peace & Love!!!
Rilla (Johnson) Benton
Monday, September 27, 2021
I am so sorry. It is so hard to lose someone you love. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jan and Terry Hastings
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Keith, Greg and Matt we loved your Mom so much and love your Dad and you boys! You are in our prayers. Hugs!!
Kathy Peters
Sunday, September 26, 2021
I will always remember Ann and the bag she always left in the nursery with the boys. It said “Nursing is my bag.†She was a wonderful mom, lots of fun and full of energy. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers and hugs.
ELoise Brown
Sunday, September 26, 2021
I remember your wife/mother so well. I was secretary to the Dean of School of Nursing UAMS while she was a student. She had a bubbly personality and I so enjoyed talking with her when she came into our office. She was a sweet, sweet girl and I know will be missed by her family. My condolences to her family.