Cordelia “Dee” Couch

Cordelia Couch, age 81, of Arkadelphia passed away May 5, 2025. Her mortal body was released from the bondages of Alzheimer’s. Because Dee knew Jesus as her Lord and Savior, she is now healed and enjoying heaven beyond our comprehension.

Dee was born in Nashville, Tennessee on January 9, 1944, to John and Evelyn Sweets.

Dee graduated from Chattanooga High School in Tennessee. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Samford University in Birmingham, Louisiana. Her master’s degree was from William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She taught English/Literature to junior high and high school students for 36 years in Mississippi and Texas.

Dee was a compassionate, loving lady with an extraordinary heart, contagious laugh, and a special smile that all family and friends loved so dearly.

Dee left a legacy of love.  She was a faithful representative of Jesus. Those qualities guided her in her roles as wife, mother, sister, friend, and teacher.

Gma, as her grandchildren called her, was extremely proud of each of her grandchildren.  It gave her much enjoyment to see them succeed and grow.  She enjoyed watching them grow from close and far.  She never let a moment go by without showing her friends pictures of her grandchildren on her phone.  She was proud. 

Dee was a faithful member of Third Street Baptist Church for many years. She was active in many ministries within her church and Sunday school. She loved her church family enormously.  Her heart was serving the children’s ministry program, Awana.

Dee was an active member of Arkadelphia Lion’s Club up until her illness took over.  She was president, helped with many pancake fundraisers, helped with eyeglass assistance program, and participated in many more roles. She received several recognitions for her exemplary services.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Martha Kinser.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Kiney Couch of 43 years; sons Steve Milas (Camila) Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Kiney Couch (Pam) of Ft. Worth, Texas; and daughter, Kimberly Howard (Ken) of Diana, Texas, grandchildren John and Marina Milas; Grayson, Avery, and Harper Howard, Cooper and Saylor Kiney Francis Couch; brother John Sweets (Renee) of Swannanoa, North Carolina; sister-in-laws Linda Jones (Ellis) and Marilyn Johnson (Joe) of Arkadelphia and brother-in-law Terry Kinser of Lavon, Texas; special cousin Jean Butler of Arkadelphia; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her so.

Thanks and appreciation to Nightingale/Courtyard Gardens of Arkadelphia and Hospice Home Care of Hot Springs for their extended care towards our loved Dee.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, May 9, 2025, at Third Street Baptist Church with Bro Greg Lathem officiating.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Friday at the church.

Interment will be in DeGray Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Arkadelphia Lions Club.