Miss Willa Dean Campbell nee Smith, was born on September 3, 1932 , to John Samuel Smith and Augusta Smith nee Correll. Her family migrated to Lawrence New York, where she attended public schools and was a high school track and field star. Willa was a natural born athlete and was very good in softball, tennis, bowling and archery. Her passions were crossword and jigsaw puzzles, cooking and baking.
She’s preceded in death by her husband, Carlise Campbell of Arkadelphia, two sons, Carl Melvey and Keith Campbell and daughter Julia Katie Campbell, also of Arkadelphia.
She leaves behind a son Derek Rice of New York, Karen Dudley nee Campbell and Craig Campbell both of Arkadelphia, along with Charisse Campbell of New York and stepson Brian Carter of Arkadelphia. She leaves a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren who will cherish her great cooking and memories. She left this realm on July 2, 2025 and passed peacefully in her sleep. Willa was known as Ma to her children, Grandma to her Grands and Aunt Dean to a host of nieces and nephews and will truly be missed.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 11, 2025, at Greater Pleasant Hill Church with Pastor Louis Shepherd officiating.
Viewing hours will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM Thursday at Welch Funeral Home.
Interment will be in Beirne Cemetery.