Janet Marie Williams Spears, age 59, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at UAMS in Little Rock. She was born November 21, 1966, in Murfreesboro, the daughter of Bobby and Freda Williams. She attended Caddo Hills High School. Janet was a homemaker and of the Pentecostal faith. Janet loved to pray, to encourage others, and to make people feel seen and special. She had a gift for making friends and for holding relationships with care and sincerity. Janet loved taking trips to Glenwood to see her grands! Weekends with Hawhaw, Shadow and Lyllie were filled with love, laughter and many many unforgettable memories.
Though life brought challenges, she was a survivor who never gave up and who trusted in God’s promise. Her family takes comfort in the belief that her name is written in the Book of Life and that she has gone to a place of peace. Janet’s pride and joy were her grandchildren, whom she adored, they were her world. She loved spending time with family and friends, texting to check in, creating TikTok videos, keeping up with social media, decorating, shopping, and collecting purses. Janet had a warm, playful spirit, known for nightly goodnight texts, for lying close to her mother, and for the way she made everyone feel loved. She also had a knack for breaking or losing phones, which became a beloved family joke.
Survivors are her parents, Bobby and Freda Williams of Benton, one daughter, Misty Williamson Holmes (Robert) of Bismarck, one son, Ted Pate of Arkadelphia, one sister, Sueann Williams Jones (Warren) of Murfreesboro, three brothers, David Williams of Arkadelphia, James Williams of Benton and Levi Williams of Big Cabin, OK, nine grandchildren, Madison, Allison, Jaylynn, Braylee, Remington, Shadow, Lyllie, Nathaniel and Brianna.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Calvary Pentecostal Church of Amity with Bro. Motes officiating.
Visitation will be from 12 Noon until services time at the church.
Interment will be in Black Springs Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Joseph Minchew, Warren Jones, Hector Santillan, Richard O’Neal, Walley Boone and Willie Knighten.
Honorary pallbearers are Lance Maxey, Robert Holmes, John McClure, Levi Williams, Jackson Stewart and Chase Stewart.
Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit http://www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.