Bobbie Coleman Harrod

Bobbie Louise Coleman Harrod, 82, died Tuesday June 21, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Although her battle with cancer was brief, she approached it with courage and peace. She was blessed to be able to say good-bye to many family and friends in her final days. Bobbie was born Sept. 23, 1933 in Blackton, Ark., to Thomas Lawrence Coleman and Cassie Irene (Davenport) Coleman. She was named after her paternal grandmother, Bobbie McCurley Coleman. She was the oldest of twelve children that entitled her to the status of "second Momma" to her younger brothers and sisters whom she adored. As they all grew up and married, she loved and nurtured her brothers and sisters-in-law as she had her brothers and sisters. Known to be like her father, she could have a conversation with total strangers, many times in the "designated smoking areas." She never met a stranger and was the ultimate people watcher. Like her Father, she was a strong disciplinarian yet loving and fiercely devoted to her family. She was always willing to step up, take the lead, and help everyone that needed her. Being the oldest sibling, she provided a strong and special bond to her large family. She liked to remind her brothers and sisters how many baths, polished shoes and grooming sessions she supervised. Bobbie attended church with her family in the Dyer Community as a child and the Blackton Schools. She attended Holly Grove High School and graduated in 1951. She met the love of her life and married Glennis Neil Harrod Nov. 11, 1951 at the Holly Grove Methodist parsonage. The ceremony was officiated by Rev. Charles P. McDonald Jr. After settling in the south Holly Grove area near Deep Elm, two children were born to complete their family. Jerry Ray in 1953 and Janice Carol in 1956. A faithful 56-year member of the Holly Grove Presbyterian Church, she participated in the Presbyterian Women activities and her fellowship potluck dishes were some of the best. She was known for cooking annual Christmas candy, divinity, fruitcake cookies, pies and desserts that were shared all over the community. After 64 years of marriage, the routine was Bobbie cooked and Neil delivered the food… along with a dozen fresh eggs. Like her Mother, an expert cook from scratch, no recipe needed, it made everyone around her desire to cook like her. She loved to tend her yard and flowers and had an expert ability to keep white clothes white and laundered and ironed each item perfectly. She was a strong supporter of the Holly Grove Schools and attended all activities and sporting events… enjoying football in particular. She loved to watch all sports on TV and surprisingly would not answer the phone until halftime or after the game. She had her favorite college and pro coaches, teams and players and didn't mind telling you which coaches and players she despised. Her hard work ethic continued into being in business with her brother Dickie in Manes Liquor Store in Holly Grove and also partnering with brothers Dickie and Donald Gene in Pinecrest Laundry and Dry Cleaners in Brinkley. Retiring in 2007, she lived out her entire life in the Holly Grove area and enjoyed being NaNa for the past 42 years to her grandchildren, Brandon, James Neil, Breanne and Lindsey and Great-grandchildren Kinsey, Katie, Emma, Elleigh Grace, Warren Neil, Reese, Mason, Carter, and Cooper. She loved to attend their school functions, sports, dance recitals, and church programs. She was blessed to be able to spend time with all nine great-grandchildren. Her mother and father; infant brother, Clarence Albert Coleman; brother, Theodore Martin "Dickie" Coleman; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Opal and Luther Harrod, sister-in-law, Marilyn Coleman and brothers-in-law, Stanley K. Chastain Sr., Charles Harrod and niece, Laura Coleman Kulp preceded her in death. Survivors include her husband, Glennis Neil Harrod; son, Jerry Ray Harrod and wife Karen of North Little Rock; daughter, Janice Everett and husband, Randy of Holly Grove; Grandchildren, Brandon Everett and wife, Misty of DeWitt, James Neil Harrod and wife, Samantha of Fayetteville, Breanne Damron and husband, Chris of Jonesboro and Lindsey Chance and husband, David of Little Rock. Great-Grandchildren are Kinsey, Katie and Emma Everett of DeWitt, Elleigh Grace and Warren Neil Harrod of Fayetteville, Reese and Mason Damron of Jonesboro and Carter and Cooper Chance of Little Rock. Surviving brothers include Joe Coleman and wife, Natalie of Annandale, Va., Larry Coleman of Holly Grove, Donald Gene Coleman and wife, Cathy of Gaithersburg Md. Surviving sisters include Ozella Chastain, Norma Ann Orlansky, Arlene Coleman, Brenda Dunavan and husband, Billy all of Holly Grove, Lynn Dell Gray and husband, Mark of Little Rock and Rhonda Vaughn and husband, Troy of Ozark. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Betty Gerlach and husband, Billy of Jonesboro, Ginny Coleman of Holly Grove and Mary Harrod of Lonoke as well as many nieces and nephews who she loved deeply and many, many wonderful friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 28 at 2 p.m. at the Holly Grove Presbyterian Church. The family will receive visitors at the Presbyterian Educational Building from 12:30–2 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Holly Grove. Active Pallbearers are nephews, Gary Gerlach, Stanley Karel Chastain, Calvin Chastain, Jack Martin Coleman, Chris Coleman, Matthew Dunavan, Berkley Reed, Parker Reed, Kirby Vaughn, Craig Coleman, Kevin Coleman, P.J. Coleman, and Justin Coleman. Honorary Pallbearers are the Members of the Holly Grove Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be sent to the Holly Grove Presbyterian Church or Macedonia Cemetery, both to the attention of Jean Kirkpatrick 51 Kirkpatrick Lane, Holly Grove, Ark. 72069 or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home-Brinkley. www.bobnealandsons.com.