Gwenda Dean Pilkington

Gwenda Dean Pilkington, died Sunday, May 12, 2013 in Searcy. She was born June 12, 1925 in Morrilton, Arkansas, to Ben Hugh Tucker, Sr. and Grace Evans Tucker. She attended the University of Arkansas, where she was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma. She married Albert W. Pilkington, Jr. in 1945. During their marriage they lived in Helena, Camden, and Searcy. Gwen was an active member of the First United Methodist church until she became ill. She was always ready to help with any activity. She was a wonderful mother and friend. She was patient, kind and caring and put the needs of others ahead of herself. She will be missed by all who knew her. Gwenda is survived by Becky Phares ( Lynn) of Searcy, Martha Jane Plant of Albany, Georgia; and Albert W. Pilkington, III (Michele) of West Virginia; eight grandchildren, Chris Phares (Tiffani), Ben Phares ( fiancé Karen Sexton), Rich Plant ( Stephani), Matt Plant (Kelley), Drew Plant ( Casey), Albert W. Pilkington IV, Aaron Pilkington, Austin Pilkington; and 10 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Grace Tucker; husband, Albert; brother, Ben Tucker and great-grandsons, Tucker Phares and Tanner Phares. Visitation will be Wednesday at Powell Funeral Home from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Searcy. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Searcy. A special thanks goes Oakdale Nursing Home staff. They were all so kind and caring. Thanks also to her caretakers Maxine Teague and Irene Sutton. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.