Almeda Faye (McSpadden) Vandiver

Almeda Faye McSpadden Vandiver was born on February 27, 1935, in Paden, OK. She was one of 9 siblings born to Martin and Chester McSpadden. She is survived by her husband of almost 74 years, Jimmy Vandiver, 2 sisters, Norma Robinson and Linda Davis, daughter Pamela Green, son David Vandiver (Marianne), daughter Patti Freeman (Carl), and daughter Joy Vest (Toby). Grandchildren Marcus, Adam, Maira, Magnolia, Christopher, Sara Beth, Abby, Beau, Vandi, and Lyvie. Great-grandchildren Ford, Claire, Spencer, Chandler, Catalina, Lily, Ben, Rosemary, Tye, and Nolan. Great-great grandchildren Alyvia, Asher, and Holden. She was preceded in death by 5 brothers, 1 sister, son-in-law Tommy Green, and granddaughter Micah Holden. As a teenager, she moved to Judsonia, AR where she met the love of her life, Jimmy Arvis Vandiver. The couple dated a short time and decided to elope at the ages of 15 and 17. However, they did not let their parents in on this news until Jimmy’s mother, Madge, found the marriage license in the glove box of Jimmy’s 1937 Chevy. She said, “Jimmy, if you’re married to this girl, Almeda, she needs to come live with us!” Together they began making their way with Jimmy working at the Rialto Theater and Almeda working at the shoe factory down Main Street. Soon their first child, Pamela Kay, was born with their favorite and only son, David Lynn born six years later. After moving to Little Rock for a couple of years, they returned to Searcy around 1960 and became active in their home church, First Baptist. Almeda stayed busy raising her children and began serving in the church through WMU, Children’s Ministries, Sunday School youth teacher, Hospitality committee, VBS, and so much more. In 1967, a pleasant surprise came along with the birth of another girl, Patti Suzanne, and then an even bigger surprise came in 1969 with the birth of Joy Anniece. Almeda continued working as a homemaker and was dedicated to church and community service. Many of these roles included cooking, hosting, and serving meals. Some of her specialties included: world’s best hush puppies, cornbread, soups, hickory nut cake, duck dressing, and so much more. Through the years, she designed and contracted the construction of three different homes in Searcy where the family lived and made many memories. Almeda joined a bowling league in her 30s and kept a high average with several 200+ games. She picked up tennis in her 40s and grew to become a 4.0 player in the Volvo tennis league. Many friendships were made in these years through tennis that continue today. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren knew her as Nonnie and loved her so much. She was an integral part of raising them and caring for them on a regular basis- especially feeding them. Her spiritual influence on them was consistent and strong and will never be forgotten- a huge legacy of love. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, May 13, 2024, at 2:00pm, at First Baptist Church in Searcy. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 12:00pm and lasting until 1:45pm. Interment will follow at White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Almeda Faye (McSpadden) Vandiver

February 27, 1935 - May 9, 2024