Eva Elder

Eva Lee Howard Elder, age 83, of Benton, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2015 She was born March 8, 1931 in Benton, Arkansas. Mrs. Elder was preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Lola Lovell Sr.; two husbands, John Howard and Doyle Elder; grandson, Jimmy H. Holcombe and her brothers and sisters, Thad, Morris, Jack Keith and John Jr. Lovell, Mae John Swaty and Narrie Lancaster. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Joneva (Jone) and husband Jimmy G. Holcombe; granddaughter, Jamie Lee Holcombe; sister, Peggy Shell and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. Mrs. Elder spent her career as a bookkeeper for several local businesses including Gingles, West Side Pharmacy & Beavers Hardware and enjoyed several years as a greeter at the Military Road Walmart. She was owner & operator of Howard's Ceramics for many years. Mrs. Elder was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She had a knack for remembering every joke she ever heard and shared them with others on a daily basis. Mrs. Elder never met a stranger and her favorite hobby was calling to give birthday or anniversary greetings to her many friends through the years. She was passionate about sharing her faith in God and directed Wednesday devotionals at the nursing home up until the week before her passing. Pallbearers will be her nephews, Shannon Lancaster, Eugene Jamison, Dr. Lendall Shell, Scott Lovell, Steele Lovell, Clint Lancaster and her "grandson" Russell Morton. Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews, Michael Klaneher, Joe Swaty, Jr. and Larry Lovell. Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 8 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Bro. Vance Nutt and Bro. Freddie Blohm will be officiating. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Heartland Rehabilitation for the exceptional care she received and a special thank you to her "special angel", Bobbie Freeman CNA, whom she adored. We would also like to acknowledge the awesome care and compassion that was found at Arkansas Heart Hospital during her last couple of days. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.