of Harrison, AR

October 26, 1945 - March 10, 2026

Sally Lou Carlton, age 80, of Harrison, passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Cox Medical Center South, surrounded by her family. Sally's life was a testament to love, family, and hard work. Sally was born on October 26, 1945, to Nathaniel "Pete" and Luvie Crow Villines at their home in the Gaither community.

She gave her heart to Jesus as a child when the Bryant-Passmore family took her to Gaither Baptist Church with them. Sally attended Harrison Public Schools. On May 26, 1962, Sally was united in marriage to John Austin Carlton in Harrison, AR. They lived in a home on Highway 43 before purchasing a home in the Watkins Addition in 1970. Sally worked for Shipley Bread Company for over 30 years. She thoroughly enjoyed serving the public at the retail store. She also worked at KC Meat Company in her later years.

Sally was a talented musician, excellent cook, and wonderful grandma. She could play most any instrument by ear and recorded several records and CDs. Sally performed at Ozark County Music Review, the old county music theatre in Harrison, and was offered a Sun Records music contract in the late 1960's. She enjoyed singing with the Austin Phillips Band. Sally's love language was cooking for family and friends. She canned and shared food from a large garden. Strawberry jam and pepper jelly were signature treats. Sally loved her family fiercely and doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed thrifting and filling bags of treats for her great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind three children and their families: Todd (Roxie) Carlton of Nixa, MO; Shelley (Robert) Turkington of South Fork, CO; and Darlene Tate of Harrison, AR. Her grandchildren are Khris (Madison) Carlton, Kara (Luke) Turner, Kaden (Kaila) Carlton, Sean (Aubree) Turkington, Sarah Turkington (Sam Salwei), Austin (Meagan) Tate, and Taylor Tate. Her great-grandchildren are Haylen Grace Carlton, Silas McBee, Waylon Carlton, Timber Elliott, Lincoln Turner, London June Turner, Landon Turner, and Axel John Carlton. Also remaining are her sister, Sheila (Rod) Combs; her sister-in-law, Carolyn Villines; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friends, Donna Olsen, Bonnie Bright, Betty Young, and Janet Billups.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Luvie; her husband, John Austin Carlton; her siblings, Bill Villines, Wanda Post, Bob Villines, Agnes McNutt, and Jerry Villines; her brothers-in-law, Joe McNutt and Arland Carlton; and her sister-in-law, Mildred Carlton.



Visitation is Thursday, March 12, 2026, at The Church at Silver Valley, 2262 Milam Cemetery Lane, Harrison, Arkansas, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM.

The funeral service is 11:30 AM, Thursday, March 12, 2026, at The Church at Silver Valley, with Rev. Rodney Stromlund officiating.

Burial will take place at Gaither Cemetery Thursday afternoon.

Pallbearers are Khris Carlton, Kaden Carlton, Luke Turner, Austin Tate, Sean Turkington, Sam Salwei, Nathan Wilson, and Mike Tate.

Honorary pallbearers are James Bryant, Bob Estes, Joe Jones, Austin Phillips, Wayne Ruff, Steve Savage, and Sonny Villines.


Memorials may be made to The Church at Silver Valley, 2262 Milam Cemetery Lane, Harrison, AR 72601.

 

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