Madeline Simpson Barber

Madeline Simpson Barber went to her heavenly home on February 11, 2024, at her Harding Place home with her loved ones present. Madeline was born November 15, 1938, to Nettie Kate Watson Roberson and Horace Simpson at home in Center Hill, AR. Surviving Madeline are her four children, Chester Lee Barber Jr. (Roxie) of DeQueen, AR, Christopher Gerald Barber (Karen) of St. Louis, MO, Andrea Kay Higginbotham (Byron) of Searcy, AR, and Teresa Anne Treat (Greg) of Hot Springs, AR. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Elee Coleman (Scott) of DeQueen, AR, Torrey Barber (Brittany) of DeQueen, AR, Chris Jr, Addison and Rachel Barber of St. Louis, MO, Stephanie Bruce, Josh Higginbotham, Wayne Higginbotham of Searcy, AR, Jack Treat (Emma) of Dallas, TX, Madeline Treat of Hot Springs, AR. Great grandchildren, Chastin Reed, Channing Williams, Caden, Carver, and Olivia Higginbotham all of Searcy, AR, Evangeleen Coleman of DeQueen, AR, and Troy Mac Treat of Dallas, TX due in April 2024, as well as a host of nieces and nephews and extended family. Madeline is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Chester Lee Barber Sr., her mother Nettie Kate Simpson Roberson, father Horace Simpson, step-father Rudell Roberson, sister Mary Francis Simpson Alexander, and brother William Lee Simpson. Madeline and Chester married in 1955 and lived in various places while he served in the military. They moved back to Searcy in the early 60’s to raise their children. Madeline took great pride in teaching her children and her husband to love the Lord. Madeline was a member of West Side Church of Christ for over 50 years. She was proud of her children’s accomplishments and was always eager to share with others. Madeline worked at Sperry Vickers for 22 years and retired in 1986. Following her retirement, she and Chester spent many years traveling, square dancing, and enjoying their second home in Pharr, Texas. She loved working on genealogy, gardening, fishing, playing board games, and spending time with her family. Madeline will be greatly missed as she lived a life of selfless love for her family and God. She was a loving Christian mother, wife, Grandma, and Great-Gram. The family would like to thank all her caregivers at Southern Caregivers, Hospice Home Care, and her Harding Place Family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to her church, West Side Church of Christ, your church, or your charity of choice in her honor. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 2:00pm, at the Powell Funeral Home Chapel in Searcy. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00pm. Interment will follow in White County Memorial Gardens in Searcy. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net

Madeline Simpson Barber

November 15, 1938 - February 11, 2024