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
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16 Condolence(s)
Helen Peterson
Saturday, January 30, 2021
Melisa and Greg, I remember your Grandmother from church. She was a great lady and she will be missed. Sometimes I was privileged to teach her Sunday School class. Praying for all of y'all.
Reida Phelan
Wednesday, January 27, 2021
Carnell, so sorry to read about your Mother's passing. I cherish my memories of her at West Race Baptist Church. You and your family were so blest to have her with you for so many years. I think about you often and the fun we had as teenagers. My God comfort you during this time.
Reida Forrest Phelan
Janet & Phil Bartos
Monday, January 25, 2021
Carnell, your mother was beautiful! We are so sorry we didn’t get to meet her. May she Rest In Peace. Our thoughts are with all of you and we will keep the family in our prayers. Love Janet & Phil
Carol Smith
Monday, January 25, 2021
Carnell. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family sweet friend. God bless you. All my love,
Carol
Ron and Kay Fry
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Nellie was very special to my family. She was a wonderful sweet soul who we will miss very much. She always had a smile for me. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Ron and Kay
Natasha Moore
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Carnell, our hearts go out to you and your family during this sad time. I read all of your text messages to Mom every day. Yes, we always loved to visit Aunt Nellie. Hugs from afar we will look forward to seeing you in October. Tassy, Talo & Kai
Danelle Hoffer
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Carnell, we are thinking about you and sending our love, prayers and hope for peace. We love you all! â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Marilyn Blackwell
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Carnell I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Please know I will be thinking of you and your family. May God Bless you.
Marilyn Blackwell
Sunday, January 24, 2021
Carmella I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Please know I will be thinking of you and your family. May God Bless you.
Brian Minyard
Saturday, January 23, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Nellie. She was always so kind to my family. She will be missed.
Gwen E. Anderson
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Praying for your family. May God. Bless you with many memories.
Gwen E. Anderson
Saturday, January 23, 2021
Praying for your family. May God. Bless you with many memories.
Nagel & Donna Champlin
Saturday, January 23, 2021
So sorry for your loss we both loved aunt Neil Dearly
GOD BLESS YOU
JOHN AND LYNDA BAILEY
Saturday, January 23, 2021
What a wonderful and beautiful lady she was, always had her special smile. She will be missed by so many. She sat an example for her family, her friends and God, she is one of Gods angels now and her suffering days are gone. Love you NELLIE,
JOHN and Lynda Bailey
Leoda Mullins
Saturday, January 23, 2021
So sorry about your mom. I know you will miss her. I’ll be praying for you all
Sylvia Cleveland
Friday, January 22, 2021
Nellie was always so kind to me. What a reunion she is having with her precious loved ones who have gone before her.
Love and prayers to all of you!
Sylvia