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Sandra G. Sharp of Traskwood passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the Arkansas Health Center. She retired from the Health Center in 2019 and jokingly said she would “never be back.” When life brought her return as a patient, she faced it with grit, resilience, and grace — even wearing a shirt that read, “When I retired from here in 2019, I said I’d never be back… Never say never.” The staff appreciated her humor as much as she appreciated their care.
Born October 22, 1954, to Billy Fred and WathaLee Virginia Kuykendall, Sandra lived a life marked by sweetness, humor, and deep devotion to family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Sharp; her parents; and her brother, Arlie Kuykendall.
She is survived by her sons, Billy James (“BJ”) Sharp, Frederick (“Freddy”) Sharp, grandchildren Jonathan and Alexa Sharp, Freddy’s longtime companion, Chenoa Douglas, and her daughters, Carrie and Jonah; her sister, Donna Stebbins (Rick) of Arizona; her brother, Mike Kuykendall (Carolyn) of Greers Ferry; and multiple nieces and nephews. Michael Cullins, Mitchell (Tori) Cullins and their son Brynden. They were like her grandsons. Brynden was very attentive to Sandy as soon as he could crawl, making sure she played with him by bringing her toys and spending time with her without even being told. Even on days when she didn’t respond to us she always watched and smiled at him. They had a special relationship.
Sandra shared a special and enduring bond with her siblings. She and Donna remained deeply connected throughout their lives, and in recent years, that closeness was evident through Donna’s many trips from Arizona to be by her side. Her brother, Mike, had been her protector growing up, and that steady love and respect between them never faded. In her later years, the comfort she found in his presence reflected a lifelong bond rooted in loyalty and affection.
Sandra shared a lifelong and extraordinary bond with her niece, Evelyn “Lynn” Green (Marty) of Poyen. Sandy helped raise Lynn and loved her as her own daughter. As life came full circle, Sandy was surrounded by steadfast love and advocacy from those closest to her. Those who knew Lynn understood that her love for Sandy was fierce — steady, protective, and unwavering. Throughout Sandy’s time at home and in facilities, Lynn remained a devoted advocate, ensuring — and at times demanding — that her comfort, dignity, and well-being were never compromised. Beneath that fierce protection was deep gratitude for the woman who helped shape her life — fostering her love of music, her humor, and the loyalty that defined their bond.
Lynn and her husband, Marty, were grateful for the opportunity to walk beside Sandy during her later years. Marty’s gentle patience, quiet attentiveness, and loving care brought comfort and peace. He often anticipated her needs before she ever had to ask — whether adjusting her blanket or keeping her glass filled with fresh sweet tea — small acts that reflected deep respect and tenderness. The calm joy visible in Sandy’s eyes during those moments spoke volumes.
Sandy was also blessed by the devoted companionship of Beverly Puckett of Poyen. What began as support became a deep and mutual bond. Beverly became part of the family, and the love, respect, and gratitude shared through those years will continue long after this chapter has closed.
Sandra loved horses, bingo, Razorback sports, and country music. She could recall players, coaches, and scores from years ago as if the games had just ended. Even when communicating became difficult, she could still sing every word to her favorite country songs. She was also family-famous for her fried chicken — perfected by heart and never quite duplicated.
One of her happiest memories was her 69th birthday trip to the Grand Ole Opry with Lynn and Marty. During the performance, her name and birthday were announced from the stage — a moment also carried live on the radio broadcast for all to hear. The look of pure surprise and the radiant smile that followed could have lit up Nashville.
Sandra received exceptional care from the staff at the Arkansas Health Center. Their compassion extended not only to her but to her entire family, and the gratitude felt for their kindness and support cannot be fully expressed.
In her final hours, country music played softly as the family gathered close. There was conversation, laughter, and even a lighthearted, silly song being sung when she gently slipped away. Though the moment was bittersweet, it felt fitting — wrapped in the humor, music, and love that defined her family. Her passing was peaceful, surrounded by love.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Ashby’s, with burial to follow at Traskwood Cemetery, where she will be placed beside her beloved Billy.
In honor of Sandra’s deep love for the Arkansas Razorbacks, family and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite Razorback attire and jeans to the service — just the way she would have liked it.
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Lydia Daphne Brown, 62, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2026 at her home. She was born on November 2, 1963 in Mishawaka, Indiana to Lamar and Betty Ray. She worked as a paralegal for an Elder Law Firm before serving the Saline County Clerk for 12 years, where she retired as the voter registrar and administrator.
She is survived by her two daughters, Anna McAdory(Scott) and Olivia Brown(Jessie); her son Samuel Calvin Brown(Wendy); her sister Jeana Carter; her brother Jonathan Ray; her mother Betty Jean Ray; brothers-in-law Arlon Brown(Valerie) and Russell Brown; sisters-in-law Cathy Faulkner and Melissa Ray(Roy); her grandchildren Julia and Chandler Piker; Kaylee and Wyatt Brewster, Lillian Blevins; Santiago and Lila Brown-Garcia.
Lydia spent her last days at home surrounded by family and friends. In life, she held onto the hopes and dreams she shared with loved ones. In death, she goes on to the peace and happiness that awaits her. She is preceded in death by her father, Lamar Ray; her husband of 32 years, Calvin Dewey Brown; and her grandson, Mateo Samuel Brown.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00pm on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Ashby Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be 10:00am on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
James S. Johnson, January 31, 1961 — February 14, 2026, Alexander
It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.
He was a man who found joy in the simple and sacred things of life. Whether he was out before dawn in a quiet deer stand, walking through the woods he loved, or sharing stories of past hunting trips, he felt closest to God in the stillness of nature. Hunting wasn’t just a pastime for him – it was a tradition, a discipline, and something he took pride in passing on to the next generation.
At home, he was happiest on his tractor, a grandchild perched beside him, teaching small hands how to steer straight rows and appreciate honest work. He found equal joy in tending the garden alongside his beloved wife, planting seeds in the spring and watching both crops and grandchildren grow season after season. The garden was more than soil and harvest; it was partnership, patience, and love cultivated daily.
Above all, he was a man of faith. Each day, he and his wife praised Christ together, beginning their mornings in prayer and gratitude. His faith was steady and quiet but unmistakable. He lived what he believed – through kindness, humility, generosity, and a deep love for his family. He didn’t just speak about faith; he modeled it.
He was also a storyteller and a jokester. He could lighten any room with a well-timed joke or a playful grin. His laughter was familiar, comforting, and contagious. He believed life was meant to be enjoyed and that no gathering was complete without a little teasing and a lot of smiles.
As a husband, he was devoted. As a father and grandfather, he was patient and wise. As a great-grandfather, he was tender and proud. As a brother, he was loyal and steady. He taught by example – how to work hard, love deeply, pray faithfully, laugh often, and care for the land and the people entrusted to you.
The theme of his life, and now his farewell, is simple: Pass It On. Pass on the faith he lived. Pass on the love he gave. Pass on the stories, the skills, the laughter. Pass on the tradition of early mornings in the woods, hands in the soil, and praise on your lips.
His legacy lives on not only in the generations that follow him but in the values he planted in each of them. And just as he would want, we will carry those gifts forward.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
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