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 Tate. 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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15 Condolence(s)
Linda Earnest
Friday, March 13, 2026
I didn’t know Sally, but am good friends with her sister, Sheila. I know this is a great loss for this family and I am remembering all of you in prayer. Praying you feel the comfort only the Lord can give. God Bless your family.🙏
Jeanie Daniel
Friday, March 13, 2026
Shelly and Darlene I am so sorry for this unexpected loss of your precious mom. Mother/daughter relationships are so special and I know you will miss her dearly. Love you girls and I will be praying for peace for your entire families. Jeanie
Tony Berter
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
We are so sad for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Stephanie Hodges
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Darlene and family….I am so sorry to read of your Mother’s passing. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family during this unexpected time of mourning🙏🏻
Steve Savage
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
I loved Sally very much a great friend, singer, and a fabulous human being. I got to know her very well several years ago, when I started asking her to sing for me. I asked her to sing 80's Ladies by K.T. Oslin, she did a fantastic job on the song everytime I asked even had sung it for me a couple times in past few months at karaoke. Sally i personally will miss you with all my heart, Love Steve.
Donald and Rita Molitor
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Don and I send our deepest condolences. So sorry to hear of your Mother passing. Sending prayers of comfort.
Mary Jones
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
So sorry to hear this! Sally was a wonderful friend- a Blessing to all that knew her! Enjoyed her songs many times! Prayers for Sally’s family & friends! She’s together now with John! ❤️🙏🏻😔
Sharon Lott Emerson
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Enjoyed Squared dancing many evenings with Sally and John. I pray the Lord comfort her family, and they live
for the Lord to be with her again in heaven.
Barbara maybee
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
I am so sorry to see this. A lovely lady. Always a friend. Sorry I can’t be there I can’t drive anymore. But my love and prayers are with you all. ❤️🙏🏻
Gwen Johnston
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Thinking of all you Villines. Love you and big hugs to Missy, Johnny,and Ricky.Sorry to hear of Sally's passing. I know you all loved her so much.
Amanda Terry
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Granny Sally will be missed. She always had a pot of beans, cornbread and a smorgasbord of food every time we walked through the door. She always had a smile on her face and the famous words - Ya know let me tell you… she always ended it with that big laugh and smile! I will miss her dearly along with all her humor and loved she showed.
Edwina Hathcoat Gilmer
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
So sad to see this obituary. Was a classmate to John and always enjoyed seeing her at our school reunions. Sending prayers and deepest sympathy to all her friends and family.
Stacey McMullen
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Oh how I will miss my sweet Sally at church. She always just lit up with that sweet smile and was so happy to be in fellowship with all of us at Silver Valley. It was such a pleasure when she shared her gift and talent of singing. What a choir Heaven has been enriched with! She was deeply loved & will be missed greatly but oh she is rejoicing with her Savior & walking those streets of gold! Thank you to her family for sharing her with us.
Vickie Villines Bryant
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
I am Bob's daughter, Vickie. I am very sorry for your loss. Sally was a nice person. I know she is in a better place and with your daddy. They loved each other so.
Debra (Debbie Ailey) Robinson
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
I am so sorry to hear about Sally. One of my best memories was hosting a Crow family reunion with her many years ago on the Buffalo River, she was a joy! So many great memories!
Sending hugs, love & prayers to her family.
RIP Sally ❤️