Dorothy Nell "Dottie" Spillman

Dorothy (Dottie) Nell Bullock Spillman, 94, formerly of Searcy, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the home of her daughter, Kathy and Darrell Kuhn. She was reunited with her husband, Harvey, who preceded her in death on November 24, 2013. She was born August 26, 1931, in Monticello, MS, the oldest child of the late Earl and Lelia Mary (Dupuy) Bullock. Dottie left her family home following high school graduation to move to New Orleans, LA. There she lived with her aunt to work and attend business college. As God would have it, she would meet her future husband in a hospital in New Orleans while visiting a family member. Harvey was a patient in the VA Hospital having been medically discharged from the Navy in WWII. He caught her eye that day and the rest is history. Three months later they were married on February 9, 1951. Mrs. Spillman has always been a faithful follower of Jesus wherever she went. She and Harvey settled in Jackson, LA until 1968 before moving to Mt. Ida, AR. They moved to Judsonia, AR in 1977. In November of 2018, Dottie moved to Harding Place in Searcy, AR. She thrived there, continuing to serve the Lord and making many friends. Dottie was known as a friendly and hospitable person, making all feel welcome. While living in her home, she hosted many Bible studies for teen girls and young women. She truly lived out Titus 2:3-5 instructing the older women to teach the younger women. If you went to her house on Sunday, you would find a tableful (or two) of hungry college students enjoying a home-cooked meal sometimes followed by a nap and always good conversation. The highlight for Harvey and Dottie was when their own grandchildren became students at Harding. They spent most Sundays enjoying MaMa’s cooking, doing laundry, studying and napping. It was their home away from home. Mrs. Spillman’s six children were the center of her life. She is survived by Tricia Watkins of Beebe, AR; Steve (Pam) Spillman of Wheaton, MO; David (Sherri) Spillman of Washington, IL; Betty (Arnie) Klemm of Denver, CO; Mike (Janan) Spillman of Gravette, AR and Kathy (Darrell) Kuhn of Marshall, IL. She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren: Michelle (Daniel) Holland; Kristina (Ben) Stephens; Stephanie Watkins; Warren (Paige) Spillman; Julie Williams; Heather (Jeffrey) Gasvoda; Kelsey Klemm; Jacob (Beth) Spillman; Jeremy (Cassidy) Spillman; Jordan (Caitlin) Spillman; Justin (Nicolette) Kuhn and Amber Kuhn. Dottie enjoyed her 18 great grandchildren: Bryson Coizman; Finleigh, Carter, Lucas and Evie Stephens; Beckett and Will Spillman; Whitley, Sawyer and James Williams; Emelyn, Asher, Rory, and Judah Spillman; Rhett and River Spillman, Beckham and Thacker Kuhn. She is also survived by one brother, Jerry, and many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Spillman was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Dan and Tommy, her sister Marilyn and her son-in-law Mike Watkins. A special thank you to Transitions Hospice in Marshall, IL for their wonderful care and support during her last month. Thank you to Pearce Funeral Home in Marshall, IL for their kindness in facilitating her return “home” to Searcy. Powell Funeral Home in Bald Knob, AR is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 12:00-2:00pm at Highway church of Christ in Judsonia, AR. The funeral will follow at 2:00pm at the church with Mike Chalenburg and Fred Gallo officiating. Devin Swindle will lead congregational singing. Interment will follow at White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy, AR. Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Warren Spillman, Jacob Spillman, Justin Kuhn, Jeffrey Gasvoda, Daniel Holland and Bryson Coizman. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mision Para Cristo c/o Highway church of Christ or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Dorothy Nell "Dottie" Spillman

August 26, 1931 - June 2, 2026