Lela Shumard O'Brian

Lela Shumard O'Brian, age 96, left her earthly home on January 17, 2017 to be in the arms of her Lord. She was born September 8, 1920 in Ulm, Arkansas in a log cabin to the late Lawrence Grant Shumard and Vivine Prarieflower Owen Shumard. She was the first of six children. On June 26, 1940, she was united in marriage to Charles Harrison O'Brian and they lived and worked in Brinkley for 60 years before moving to Sherwood, Arkansas to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They were the parents of two daughters, Louise and Linda. Lela served the public as a business owner in the field of cosmetology, and also served as hairdresser for the nursing homes and funeral homes. She had many varied hobbies, winning blue ribbons in the areas of ceramics, wood carving, sewing and quilting. She was well known in the community for her many talents and had many friends. After retirement, she and Charles loved to travel and camp. They traveled to many destinations all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii. She was a devoted woman who made time for and was deeply loved by all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Lela was a member of the First NLR Assembly of God Church and their Challenger Class. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Vivine Shumard Lawson; husband of 66 years, Charles O'Brian; sisters, Bessie McClellan and Lida Shumard; brothers, Albert and John Shumard. She is survived by her sister; Ruth Shumard Dierks Foster of Sherwood, daughters; Louise Hardin (Chuck) and Linda Cotton (Ken), all of North Little Rock; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren. God graced us with her presence for 96 beautiful years, and the love she extended will last an eternity. Visitation 10 a.m., with funeral services following at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 21, at Bob Neal Funeral Home Chapel in Brinkley with the Rev. Eric Harrell officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. Guestbook www.bobnealandsons.com.