Wava Stinnett

Wava Gail Waldon Stinnett, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, in Texarkana, Texas, at the age of 78.

Born on July 7, 1947, in Gurdon, Arkansas, to Bruce and Mary Waldon, Wava lived a life marked by faith, family, friendship, service, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Known as “Wava Gail” to her family and friends in Gurdon and simply “Wava” to those who came to know and love her in Texas, she never met a stranger and had a gift for making others feel welcome.

Raised in Gurdon, Arkansas, Wava Gail graduated from Gurdon High School in 1965. She was known for her outgoing personality, warm smile, and love of being around people. The friendships she formed during her school years remained important to her throughout her life.

In 1967, she married the love of her life, Robert Stinnett. For more than four decades, they shared a marriage built on faith, love, mutual respect, and unwavering devotion. Wava was not only a devoted wife but also Robert’s true partner in every sense of the word. Whether they were remodeling a home, working side by side in the yard, supporting school activities, traveling, or facing life’s challenges, they did it together. Their love story was evident to all who knew them, and together they built a legacy that continues through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In 1983, Wava and Robert moved their family to Maud, Texas, when Robert accepted a position as Principal of Maud Independent School District and later served as Superintendent. The Stinnetts quickly became a cherished part of the Maud community. They were actively involved in school activities and invested wholeheartedly in the students, families, and community they served.

Wava served Maud ISD as the district’s PEIMS Coordinator, where she was respected for her dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. She and Robert faithfully raised their family in the Methodist Church, teaching by example the importance of faith, integrity, hard work, and service to others.

Following Robert’s passing in 2013, Wava moved to Bryant, Arkansas, to be closer to her beloved sisters. During her years there, she remained active in her Methodist church and enjoyed participating in the Brady Home Extension Club. She treasured the opportunity to spend time with her sisters, sharing adventures, shopping excursions, laughter, and precious memories. Eventually, she returned to Bowie County to be near her children and grandchildren.

Of all the roles she filled in life, none brought her greater joy than being “Mom” and, most especially, “Granny.” To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Granny was a source of unconditional love, encouragement, wisdom, and comfort. She celebrated every accomplishment, offered support through every challenge, and made each member of her family feel deeply loved. She encouraged those she loved to always do their best and believed wholeheartedly in their ability to succeed.

Wava was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Stinnett; her parents, Bruce and Mary Waldon; her sisters, Leigh Ellen Hunter; Johnnye Sue Peacock, and her granddaughter Gracyn Elizabeth Carlow.

She is survived by her daughter, Ashley Stinnett Carlow and husband Brad Carlow; her sons, Robbey Stinnett and wife Shayla Stinnett, and Lendsey Stinnett and wife Wendy Stinnett.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Taylor Carlow and wife Taylor, parents of great-granddaughter Willow Carlow; Shelby Carlow Stephens and husband Caleb Stephens, parents of great-grandson Banks Stephens; Triston Carlow and wife Sarah, parents of great-grandchildren Julia Carlow and Noah Carlow; Briley Barron; Lauren Stinnett Lewis and husband Henry Lewis; and Lendsey Stinnett.

She is further survived by her sisters, Tommye Billing and husband Henry Billing, and Kitty Waldon; her brother-in-law, Dwight Hunter; her sister-in-law, Myrna Stinnett Hoke and husband Dr. Dan Hoke; her brother-in-law, Dr. J.L. Stinnett and wife Sharon Stinnett; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love and friendship.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff of Chambers Hospice for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided during Wava’s final journey. Special thanks are extended to Shelby, Shelley, and Katrina, whose kindness, professionalism, and tender care brought comfort not only to Wava but also to her family during her final weeks and days. Their compassion and dedication will never be forgotten. The family also wishes to thank Megan, Wava’s special caregiver during the last year of her life, for the friendship, devotion, and loving care she provided each day.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Robert and Wava Stinnett Memorial Scholarship Fund at Maud ISD. Through this scholarship, Wava and Robert’s commitment to education, community, and the success of future generations will continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of students for years to come.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Bates-Rolf Funeral Home in New Boston, Texas.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Maud Methodist Church in Maud, Texas. Interment will follow at Center Ridge Cemetery in Maud, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Taylor Carlow, Triston Carlow, Briley Barron, Caleb Stephens, Henry Lewis, and Ben Frazier.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Stevenson, Dustin Sahlmann, Scott Squires, and Tracy Kirby.