Leola Gloria Dean Keaton-Eckles

Leola Gloria Dean Keaton-Eckles, 75, of Fort Smith, AR died surrounded by her family at a Fort Smith hospital, Saturday, June 18, 2016. She was born December 21, 1940 in Moro, Arkansas. She was head of Food & Nutrition Services at Sparks Regional Medical Center where she retired after 16 years of devoted service. She was a faithful member of Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member of Missionary Society, choir, and usher board. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star: Queen Esther #265.

Leola was preceded in death by her mother, Doris Brown (Katherine Williams grandmother) and her father Hershel Moss; a daughter Carolyn Burnett Johnson and a son Donnie Burnett; her grandsons Lawrence Burnett and Jonathan Burnett, Jr.; her sisters Laney Smith and Lillie Bell Smith; and a brother Charles Tilley. Left to cherish her memories are her children Frances London (Tommy), Stephanie Scott, Curtis Burnett, Jonathan Burnett (LaMonica), Eric Burnett (Michelle), Lisa Green-Hassen (Shaheed), and Crystal Eckles all of Fort Smith; Evelyn Banks of Wichita, KS; Beverly Burnett of Conway, AR; Kenneth Burnett (Lisa) of Little Rock, AR; and Nausha Green-Carter (Darren) of Bentonville, AR; her sisters Louise Teague-Hill of Brinkley, AR; Gearline Martin, Errie Mae Jones, Gloria Smith, Sharon Smith, and Dannie Smith all of Fort Smith, AR; and brothers Floyd Smith of Oklahoma; Roosevelt Smith and Orie Smith both of Fort Smith, AR; 28 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

The family will greet visitors and friends Friday, June 24th from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral Service will be Saturday, June 25th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church as well. Interment will be at Forest Park Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors and friends at 1835 North 13th Street, Fort Smith.