Neva Caye Ballard

Neva Caye Ballard, age 93, passed away on May 18, 2020 at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas. A lifelong resident of Beedeville, Arkansas, Neva was born on July 11, 1926 at Gourdneck, Arkansas to Buna (Little) B. and Homer E. Makinson who were married Janurary 21, 1920 in DeView, Arkansas. Neva married James (Jimmy) Harold Ballard October 23, 1948 in Beedeville. Neva was preceded in death by her mother Buna, her father, Homer, brothers Austin Lee Makinson and Milton Ernest Makinson, and Ester and Jeff McKay. Neva is survived by her children Danny (Karen) Ballard of Roland, Arkansas, and Linda (Greg) Thomas of Ft. Worth, Texas, grandchildren Christopher Neece (Ft. Worth, Texas), Erin Neece (Dallas, Texas), Grant Ballard (Roland), and Lauren Ballard (Fayetteville), special niece Doris (Russ) Carter of Jonesboro, nephew Pat Burnette, and brother Homer B. Makinson of Rogers, Arkansas. Neva began her teaching career in Beedeville on July 10, 1944, one day short of her 18th birthday and retired on May 15, 1981 after 35 years of teaching at Beedeville School. Neva received a Bachelors degree in education, a Masters degree in Library Science, and multiple teaching certifications from Arkansas State University. Neva attended Beedeville Church of Christ and enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Neva was known for her amazing cooking which was shared with the community and family. She made the best biscuits and gravy in the world. Neva loved helping others as a teacher and a friend. On her 90th birthday she received over 100 cards expressing thanks for how her life had influenced others for the better. The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living on Chenal in Little Rock for their kind and considerate support and care for many years and the staff at Chenal Pines, her current residence. The family would like to thank caregivers Shelia, Marsha, Cheryl and Anice. Visitation will be Thursday, 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. Thursday at Eightmile Cemetery in Beedeville, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Eight-Mile Cemetery Fund, c/o Larry Dabbs, 7301 Highway 37 South, Newport, Ark. 72112. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.