Linda Kay Hillis

Linda Kay Hillis, born July 13, 1948, passed away from this earth on January 7, 2026. Linda’s earthly body struggled with dementia for several years prior to her passing. Linda was the daughter of John Randolph Clark and Myrtle Etta Mann Clark. She grew up in Colt, Arkansas, where the values of family, hard work, and care for others were deeply rooted in her life. Her early childhood was filled with wonderful memories of her life raised on a farm and instilled lasting traits that she carried with her throughout the remainder of her life. She graduated from Forrest City High School in 1966. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John Logan Clark; her sisters, Roberta Clause, Beatrice Guthrie, Ella Jo Davis, and NanJane Danehower; her sisters-in-law, Tommy Clark and Willa Mae Clark; and her brothers-in-law, Bill Guthrie and Troy Davis. She is survived by her husband, Larry Hillis of Searcy; their three children; one brother-in-law, John Danehower; and many extended family members and loved ones. Linda was married to the love of her life, Larry Hillis, for 57 years. She followed him while he served in the United States Navy stationed in Norfolk, VA. The remainder of their marriage was spent in eastern Arkansas until they moved to Searcy, once retired. Together, they built a home centered on faith and family. She devoted herself fully to being a homemaker and worked in various roles, including bookkeeping, receptionist work, and childcare. In every role she served faithfully and with care. She was a devoted mother to three children: Gina Riddle (Jason) of Damascus, Arkansas; Alisha Herring (John) of Nixa, Missouri; and Spencer Hillis (Kim) of Bald Knob. Linda was a proud “Gran” to seven grandchildren: Jansen Riddle (Olivia), Tanner Riddle (Lydia), Jameson Hillis, Dalton Herring, Tucker Hillis, Macey Herring, and Finley Hillis, and a cherished great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren: Phillip, Jane, Clark, and Paisley Riddle. She loved all her children fiercely and became “mama” to many of their friends. Sho took on a few additional kids over the years and loved them just as much as she did her own. She was always welcoming to anyone in her home and allowed others needing a roof and hot food to stay as long as they needed. Linda was also known for her creativity. She could whip up a bow in no time flat and had a gift for decorating. Whatever she touched, she turned into a masterpiece, sharing her talents generously with family, church, and friends. Every project she devoted herself to was completed to perfection and always extra. From wedding planner, vacation Bible school director, school party coordinator or church youth group leader, she loved helping others and making everything extravagant. Linda was an active and devoted member of New Morrow Baptist Church. She was a devoted member of several churches throughout her life. She had a beautiful voice and had a deep love of music and singing. She sang in the “Gospelaires” as a young adult and told stories about that group all the way until her last days. Even as her memory severely faded, she blessed the fellow residents and caregivers at her nursing facility remembering those old hymns word-for-word like most of us remember our birthdays. Her faith in Jesus was unwavering, and she lovingly taught her three children, along with many others, about God’s unconditional love. Her life was a reflection of her faith, shown through kindness, service, and compassion. Linda will be remembered for her strong faith, creative spirit, and deep devotion to her family. Her legacy of love and faith will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in her honor to the New Morrow Baptist Church Youth Group, 456 Stringham Rd, Searcy, AR 72143. A funeral service will be held at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy on Saturday, January 10th. Visitation will begin at 1:00 with the service starting at 2:00. Internment will be held immediately after services at Shady Grove Cemetery in Bald Knob. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Linda Kay Hillis

July 13, 1948 - January 7, 2026