Brenda Laffoon Carmichael

Brenda Laffoon Carmichael, 77, of Jonesboro, formerly of Monette, was surrounded by her family as she passed from this life Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born in Scottsville, Ark., to the late Lonnie and Lena Harris Murphy, she spent her early childhood in Pope County before moving to northeast Arkansas in 1954. A 1964 graduate of Leachville High School, Brenda married Ronnie Laffoon later that year and they enjoyed 46 years of marriage before his death in 2011. As a young adult she was employed by the former Brown Shoe Company in Leachville and EIS Brake Manufacturing in Manila. Brenda later became the activity director for the Monette Manor Nursing Center and then went on to work several years as the visitation hostess at Howard Funeral Home where her gift of compassion and her love for others was felt by many families who had lost loved ones. She was an artist and many of her paintings can be seen throughout the homes of her family. Her many hobbies also included dancing, having yard sales, and rescuing and caring for her many animals. For several years during Easter Week Brenda made annual visits to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in full costume as the Easter Bunny. Her desire to love and care for others was unending. Following the death of her first husband she married Kenny Carmichael and his family became her family. They shared 10 happy years together before Kenny’s death earlier this year. Kenny and Brenda attended the First Baptist Church in Leachville. In addition to her parents and husbands, Brenda was also preceded in death by two sisters, Billie Jean Cossey and Virginia Murphy, and her loving son, Tony Laffoon.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Greg Smith of Jonesboro; her grandchildren, Lindsey and Lee Blake of Cabot, Matt and Megan Smith of Jonesboro; great-grandchildren, Lleyton Hyland Blake, Charleigh Jane Smith and Parker Kate Smith; one sister, Florence Morris of Leachville; one brother, Sonny Murphy of Blytheville. Brenda also leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, at the Howard Funeral Service chapel in Leachville with pastor David Price officiating. Serving as active pallbearers will be Mike Willyerd, Monk Willyerd, Benny Willyerd, Greg Jones, Mark Prince, Kevin McLean and Paul Lancaster. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Tuesday evening from 6:00-8:00 at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.howardfuneralservice.com. The family prefers any memorials be made to the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House or the NEA Humane Society at 6111 East High land Drive, Jonesboro.