Martha Hanify James

With mere days left until the end of her 99th year, MARTHA HANIFY JAMES stubbed her toe and took flight. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity, resourcefulness and resilience. Bebe lost her brave young mother when she was two years old and grew up with her remarkable Grandmother, whose spirit lived within her all her days. She lost her young hero husband when she was 23 years old and honored his courageous outlook by getting on with her life. Her sparkly eyes, lively smile and beautiful hair soon caught the eye of Waford James, who became her best friend and husband of 53 years. They built a life together for their three children, Kenneth, Jackie and Howard -- first in Arkansas - then in Texas - then back to Arkansas. When her children were grown, she picked up her paintbrush again and took every art course offered by Garland County Community College and UALR. She worked big and with abandon, not only in painting, but also in wood, metal and clay. Bebe worked at UAMS until she was 85 and drove until she was 90. Wanting nothing more than to fill her days being helpful to others, she strapped on her backpack and flew wherever she thought a loved one might need her. In her final days, she hugged and kissed Melissa, laughed with Jackie, was uplifted by the prayers of Howard and Kenneth and beamed with joy having Randy by her side. Bebe spent her last breaths promising to deliver our message of love to Waford James. Upon hearing of Bebe's passing, one of Melissa's friends wrote of meeting her: "I remember her coming into the room all cheerful and chatty with white, soft curly hair -- almost translucent skin and a kind of upward energy to her face -- light spirit, light heart, funny, alive, kind -- very, very capable. She is in a good place that can accommodate her big heart." Bebe lived a long and productive life and was loved by many along the way. Many years ago, her much-loved nephew, Buddy, declared: "It's always an adventure with Aunt Martha!" And so it was. Goodbye, Bebe, we love you! Godspeed. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.