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Audie Mae “Cotton” Warford Townsend
Audie Mae “Cotton” Warford Townsend, age 85, of Benton, Arkansas, passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026. She was born December 17, 1940, in Benton, Arkansas to Aud Warford and Dovie Browning Warford. She was of the Baptist faith.
She married Weldon “Dean” Townsend, on August 28, 1959, and they shared 34 years together until his death in 1992. She never remarried, saying, “Once you’ve had the best …”
She loved camping with her family and friends and enjoyed reading and sewing in her spare time.
She went to work at Benton Savings and Loan, which later became Union Bank. She worked there for 30 plus years before finally retiring to spend more time with her family. She absolutely loved being a grandmother and, later, a great-grandmother. Her grandchildren lovingly called her “Moga.”
Everyone in her family at one time or another has been told “Kiss my Grits”, which was her favorite saying. Her greatest blessing in life was her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a grandson Matt Johnson, brothers Roy Warford and Lloyd Warford.
She has left behind to cherish her memory a daughter, Audena (Jerry) Johnson, a son, William (JoDee) Townsend, granddaughters, Deana Johnson and Megan (Josh) Davis and grandson, Riley Townsend; and four great-grandsons, Brennan, Beckham, Brooks, and Beaux Davis all of Benton. Sister Roma Carden, her best friend since ninth grade, Frances McNeil, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Pallbearers will be William Townsend, Jerry Johnson, Mark McNeil, Michael McNeil, Josh McNeil, and Wade McNeil. Honorary Pallbearers are Josh Davis, Riley Townsend, Brennan Davis, Beckham Davis, Brooks Davis, and Beaux Davis.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29 at Ashby Funeral Home. Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30 at Ashby Funeral Home with Kevin Minyard officiating. Burial is to follow at Ten Mile Cemetery.
Audie’s legacy lives on in the family she adored, the memories she created and the love she shared with so many. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Christopher David Garza
Christopher David Garza, of Bryant, Arkansas, passed away on September 25, 2026, at the age of 20. Born on June 2, 2006, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Christopher lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and genuine love for others.
His relationship with Jesus was at the center of his life. Christopher loved sharing the Gospel and ministering to those around him, encouraging others in their faith through his words, actions, and compassionate example. His faith was not merely something he spoke about; it shaped the way he served, cared for, and welcomed others.
Christopher was known for his gentle spirit, kind heart, and sincere concern for people. He had a gift for making others feel valued and at ease, bringing warmth and joy wherever he went. He treasured time with family and friends, especially the conversations, laughter, shared meals, and simple moments that created lasting memories.
Thoughtful, curious, and creative, Christopher enjoyed building Legos, singing, playing clarinet and trumpet, reading the Bible, and learning new things. He approached life with enthusiasm and wonder, finding meaning in both ordinary moments and new discoveries.
Though his life was far too short, Christopher’s impact was deep and lasting. Through his faith, service, encouragement, and everyday acts of kindness, he pointed others toward Christ and left a legacy that will continue in the lives he touched. He will be remembered with love by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Visitation will be 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 28 at New Elm Monte in Little Rock with services beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.
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Virginia Ann Weems
Virginia Ann Weems, 63, of Benton, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on September 24, 2026. She was born on October 21, 1962, in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Virginia graduated from Arkadelphia High School. She spent much of her life devoted to her family, especially her children, and was a loving and dedicated mother. Although she worked various jobs throughout her life, her greatest role was being there for her family. In her 40s, health issues led to her becoming disabled, but those challenges never changed the love she had for the people who meant the most to her.
Virginia was funny, outgoing, and never short on a story to tell. She spoke her mind and was never afraid to let you know exactly what she thought. She could be stubborn, too, but that same determination was part of what made her who she was. If Virginia cared about you, you knew it. She was honest because she cared, and she loved her family fiercely.
Virginia had a strong and genuine faith in the Lord. Although her health sometimes made it difficult for her to attend church, her love for God never wavered. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and she carried that love for the Lord with her through every season of her life.
Her children were especially important to her. Virginia was a devoted mother who loved Rachel and Jacob deeply and was always proud of them. She found joy in the things she loved: playing pickleball, shopping, and especially music. She loved to sing, and those who heard her knew she had a beautiful voice. Her laughter, her stories, her opinions, and her unmistakable personality will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Virginia leaves behind her daughter, Rachel Deyoung, and son, Jacob McNabb; her father, Woodrow Ligon; her mother, Lavine Lindsey Watson; her sister, Donna (Jimmy) Todd; and her brother, Bill (Sarah) Ligon; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her Stepfather, Terry Watson.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who has reached out, offered support, and prayed for Virginia and her loved ones during this time.
A memorial service honoring Virginia’s life will be held Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Bible Missionary Church, 12613 Interstate 30 S., Benton, Arkansas 72015.
Virginia lived life in her own way and was never afraid to be exactly who she was. She leaves behind more than memories…she leaves behind stories that will continue to be told, songs that will bring her to mind, and the lasting imprint of a woman who loved her family deeply and was loved deeply in return.
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