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Joyce “Darlene” Williams
Joyce “Darlene” Williams, known lovingly as “Mamaw” to her grandchildren, passed away July 20, 2026 at her home in Benton, Arkansas. Born on November 5, 1943, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Darlene lived a life full of love, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to the people she held dear.
Darlene built a career in banking at Union Bank before venturing into business ownership, operating three Curves for Women locations. She was also a talented piano player whose music brought joy to those around her. But no matter what she accomplished professionally, Darlene always put God first and her family second, and everyone who knew her understood that about her.
If you knew Darlene, you knew she loved to cook, and she never once followed a recipe. Whatever she made just turned out right, and her kitchen was always a place where people gathered. She was happiest when she was hosting family get-togethers at their home or out on the houseboat, aptly named “Fast Enuff.” That name was pure Darlene. Anytime the family was out on the party barge or ski boat and things picked up speed, she could always be heard saying, “That’s fast enough!” She also loved to travel with friends and family, and she never missed a chance to decorate for the holidays, turning every season into something special.
Darlene loved all her grandchildren dearly, but her granddaughters were her pride and joy. She spoiled every one of them, and she spoiled her kids too. She was the kind of mom who wanted you to call her and tell her about your day, and she was always there as a listening ear whenever any of her family needed one. Her favorite thing to say, after someone told her they loved her, was simply, “Love you more.”
Throughout her life, Darlene was a faithful member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church and was also blessed to call Unity in Paron, Oak Grove, and Spring Creek a church home. Her deep and abiding faith carried her through every season of life, and her family finds comfort knowing she rests now in the arms of her Savior.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Arvin Williams; her daughters, Jeana Kelley (Rob Kelley) and Monda Parsley (Steve Parsley); and her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Love you more, Always
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22nd at Ashby Funeral Home from 4-6 pm.
Funeral service will be at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in Benton on Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Fowler cemetery in Paron, Arkansas.
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Mary Ann (Noble) Bender
Mary Ann (Noble) Bender, 88, of Little Rock, passed away on July 15, 2026, in Little Rock. She was born on May 24, 1938, in Aurora, Illinois to the late George P. and Bernadine Emma (Andrews) Hawkinson. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Douglas Noble, her second husband, Vincent Bender.
Mary was an active member of Healing Waters Church in Shannon Hills. She started her career teaching in the Illinois Public School System, then a Counselor at several Rehabilitation Facilities until her retirement.
Mary was very passionate about animals, especially her dogs.
Survivors include her sister, Carolyn Ohman, four grandchildren, Jadey LaDeur, Teale Noble, Caden Noble, Skylar Noble, three stepchildren, Kathryn Bender, Paul Bender and Amy Hjelmeland.
Robert “Lee” Davis, Jr.
A devoted husband and loving father, Robert “Lee” Davis, Jr. passed into eternity on July 19, 2026. Born on May 22, 1956 in Dearborn, Michigan, Lee was the second oldest of five and the eldest son.
He joined the Navy after graduating from Bryant High School before returning to settle in Benton, Arkansas with his new bride, Debbie, and newborn son Sean.
Lee had a deep love of family — where he prioritized family dinners — and of reading, as he could always be found with a book in his hand. In 2019, he retired from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock to his whiskey, cigars, books, a slew of cats, and a back porch view with the love of his life.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Davis, Sr.; mother, Mary Stanford; son, Sean Wesley Davis; grandson, Brantley Robert Davis; and a brother, David Davis. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debbie Davis; two sons, Chris Davis, and Jason Davis, wife Emily; and a daughter, Jana Peairson; 7 grandchildren, Sean Davis, Rylan Davis, Harper Peairson, Sam Peairson, Noah Peairson, Emily Bunch, and Bailey Satanovsky, husband Alex; one great-grandchild, Zooey Satanovsky; his sister, Susan Rhoades, husband Wayne; brothers Michael Davis, wife Peggy, and Woody Davis, wife Marla; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Services will be at Fellowship Bible Church West Little Rock on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 10:30 am. A private interment will follow at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Arkansas Children’s Foundation Child Life Education Department to help children learn to read.
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