Helen Irene Vansandt

Helen Irene Vansandt, of Dewitt, Ark., was born on Oct. 1, 1931. She went to be with her Lord on June 18, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Vansandt; her parents, Vernon and Mae Helen Smith; two brothers, Jimmy and Buddy Smith; two sisters, Barbara Jean Smith and Patsy Sanders. She is survived by her son, Darryll Vansandt (Hazel) of Dewitt, Ark.; daughters: Sheila Harvey of Vilonia, Ark., Marsha Burlack (Paul) of Gainesville, Ga., Joyce Watson of Cordova, Tenn., and Sally Simpson (Larry) of Dewitt, Ark.; grandchildren: Jason Harvey, John and David Bohannon, Nicole Kitchen, Russell Watson, Angela Foster and Ira Burlack; great-grandchildren: Aaron, Jessie, Alex, Maggie, Riley, Chloe, Bradley, Cassidy, Christian, and Charles. Irene was a home maker early in life living on a farm in Ethel, Ark. Later she became a nurse and began work at Crestpark Nursing Home in Dewitt, then moved to Stuttgart Hospital where she worked until retirement. Irene was a member of 1st Baptist Church of Dewitt. Irene was always very active in the community; she was a member of the Home Extension Club and was a Master Gardner. She helped to start a 4-H club when her children were at home and continued in 4-H for many years becoming an outstanding leader in the county and state, mentoring many club members throughout this time. Irene was a very caring person, her sweet laughter will be missed by her family and many dear friends. Visitation is Monday, June 20, 2016 from 6:30 to 7:30 at Essex Funeral Home. Funeral service is Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:00 at 1st Baptist Church in Dewitt with Reverend Jimmy Albrecht officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarcrest Memorial Gardens by Essex Funeral home, www.essexfuneralhome.com.