of Hot Springs, AR
November 30, 1938 - June 25, 2025
Sisters in Life, Together in Rest
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of two beloved half-sisters, Sammie Jean Crawford and Helen Joann ''Tink'' Predmore, who departed this life just hours apart on June 25, 2025. Helen passed at 4:10 p.m., followed by Sammie at 10:15 p.m. Their bond was strong in life, and their final journey was one of unity and peace.
Sammie Jean Crawford
Sammie was born on November 30, 1938. On July 15, 1966, she married Harry Clinton Crawford, Jr., beginning a beautiful life together. While living in California, Sammie discovered her love of stained glass art. After moving back to Arkansas in 1990, she found her true artistic passion -gourd painting.
Lovingly known as the ''Fairy Gourdmother,'' Sammie earned hundreds of awards for her whimsical gourd creations. Her work earned her the honor of painting ''gourdaments'' for The White House Christmas Tree and The Smithsonian Tree for many years. Sammie's joyful creativity and kind heart made her beloved within the art community and beyond.
Helen Joann ''Tink'' Predmore
Helen, born on January 18, 1948, was a woman of deep faith and grace. Known affectionately as ''Tink,'' she was a devoted Christian and a cherished member of her church family. Helen loved reading Christian romance and thriller books, watching Jeopardy and other game shows, and cheering on her favorite team - the Arkansas Razorbacks. Helen's greatest love was for the Lord and God's word. She was described as ''as pure as the first snowflake in the mountains,'' a reflection of her gentle spirit and heartfelt compassion.
Sammie and Helen were preceded in death by their mother, Freda Rucker; their sister - each other; half-brothers, Robert Garrett and Tom Garrett; and half-sister, Linda J. Garrett-Cochran. Sammie was also preceded by her husband, Harry Crawford, and her father, Gene A. Garrett.
They are survived by Sammie's half-brother and Helen's stepbrother, John A. Garrett (Evelyn); Sammie's stepson and Helen's nephew, Larry Crawford (Dana); five granddaughters - especially Sammie's youngest, Lenore Crawford, with whom she shared a special bond; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Their legacy of love, faith, and creativity will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
A joint funeral service celebrating the lives of Sammie and Helen will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home in Benton with Burial to follow at Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00am until service time at the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home of Benton.
Forever in our hearts, together in peace.