Elaine Hammack French

Elaine Hammack French, 88, of Springdale passed away to her Heavenly home on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at her home. She was born August 17, 1927 in Port Arthur, Texas to John and Mary Badeaux Hammack. She was preceded in death by both parents, her husband, Samuel Baker French, and her sister, Marjorie Meszaros. Elaine grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1945. She was drum major of a fast stepping drum and bugle Corp, the Red Hussars. After graduation she went into nurses training at Touro Infirmary with Tulane University. She graduated in 1948 as a Registered Nurse, receiving both the nursing ability and citizenship awards. She married Samuel Baker French on September 5, 1948. Elaine was a certified Red Cross Home Nursing Instructor and a Red Cross volunteer. Her long nursing career included industrial, hospital, office, and Director of nurses for Medical Personnel Pool, with the last 17 years of her career working for EDS as a Medical Analyst Texas Home Health. After living in Austin, Texas for 47 years she moved to Springdale, Arkansas in 1999. Elaine's hobbies were quilting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, and cooking, especially breads. She was a member of the Perennial Garden Club as well as the Botanical Gardens. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Springdale since 1999 and was active in Bible Study Fellowship. Elaine loved her family dearly and is survived by her daughters Debby Goodwin and husband H.L. and Laura Taylor and husband Frank of Springdale, Arkansas; sons Sam French and wife Diana of Austin, Texas and John D. French and wife Irene of San Antonio, Texas; 10 grandchildren, Rebecca Bennett and husband Johnny, Joshua Goodwin, John Caleb Goodwin, Sarah Blaine and husband Adam, Heather French, Jill French, Brenda French, Kaci French, John Daniel French, and Russell Taylor and fiance' Melanie; four great-grandchildren Kadie, Karsten, and Killian Bennett and Wyatt Blaine; and many other family, friends, and loved ones. Visitation will be Friday, August 19, 2016 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be Saturday, August 20, at 10 a.m. at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. A private family burial will follow under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind at www.guidingeyes.org. The family wishes to extend many thanks to Elaine's doctors and staff, church members, and many friends who have been so dear to Elaine. Condolences may be made online at www.nelsonberna.com.