Gwendolyn Stuckey Cupp

Gwendolyn Stuckey Cupp, 84, of Hot Springs, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2014. Gwen lived with social grace and an excitement and love for people, culture and travel. Her gracious manner and adventurous spirit was instilled in her family and the many who loved her. She was born to James Gilmore Stuckey and Mattie Heath Stuckey of Lepanto, Arkansas on January 17, 1930. She attended high school at The Hockaday School of Dallas, Texas. After a year of College at Randolph Macon in Lynchburg, Virginia, she transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She earned her history degree from then Henderson State Teachers College. At 16-years-old, Gwen met the love of her life, Cecil, on a trip with her parents to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. The following summer, he taught her to water ski on Lake Hamilton. They married on July 14, 1949. True soul mates, they celebrated 65 years of marriage this year. Gwen played a big part in Cecil's long and successful career in banking and business. She truly had a gift for connecting with people and putting them at ease. Gwen loved to travel and planned many three-generation family vacations, including a trip to Hawaii for the entire family for her 50th wedding anniversary. As an active volunteer, Gwen gave her time and energy to various Hot Springs and statewide organizations including the Governor's Mansion Commission, Garvan Woodlands Gardens Advisory Council, and several garden clubs. She was a lifelong Methodist and member of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs. Gwen was predeceased by her parents, her brother Dr. James Gilmore Stuckey Jr., and her sister Eloise Stuckey Bedwell. She is survived by her husband, Cecil W Cupp Jr., her daughter, Celia Cupp Baker, of Little Rock, and her son, Dr. Cecil W (Mary Anne) Cupp III of Hot Springs. Survivors also include her four granddaughters, Wendy Blenden (Shannon) Martin, of Memphis, Tennessee, Caroline Blenden (Ian) Mensik, of Little Rock, Lauren Cupp (Jason) Feilke, of Little Rock, Catherine Cupp (Kenan) Lucas , of Birmingham, Alabama, and six great-grandchildren, Spencer Gary Martin, Emma Elyse Martin, Annika Natalie Mensik, Annabelle Elyse Feilke, Eloise Elizabeth Feilke, and Kenan "Holmes" Lucas Jr. Gwen will be remembered for her graceful presence and warm hospitality. She lived a life rich with adventure and the love of her family, friends and adoring husband. A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m at Gross Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 8, 2014 at First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs, Garvan Woodlands Gardens, or the American Cancer Society. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com.