Thelma Jane Loftin
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Obituary
Thelma Jane Loftin
Age 89, a lifetime resident of Morrow, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at her home surrounded by family. She was born May 24, 1935 in Morrow, Arkansas, the daughter of James Owen and Emma D (McCarty) Reed.
Thelma dedicated her life to hard work, creativity, and fostering cherished memories with those she loved. She attended school at both Morrow and Lincoln, where she participated in various activities, including playing basketball.
On July 11, 1953 she married the love of her life, Gerald Dale Loftin.
Throughout her life, Thelma held diverse roles that reflected her commitment to her community and family. She worked at the Morrow Post Office, Magnatec, and Lincoln Schools. She also spent many years devoted to the family farm, raising milk goats, hens, cattle, dogs, flowers, and nurturing her children and later her grandchildren. Her passion for service extended to her role as director of the Lincoln Senior Citizens Center, where she found joy in delivering meals on wheels and supporting others.
Thelma was a woman of many talents and interests. She enjoyed gardening, painting, ceramics, photography, and playing the piano with remarkable skill. Her greatest gift was her ability to involve her loved ones in all that she did, creating treasured moments that will be remembered by all who knew her.
Thelma’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She attended both Morrow Methodist Church and Liberty Baptist Church, where she shared her love for God by teaching Sunday School and playing the piano. Her dedication to her faith and her community left a lasting impact on those who worshiped alongside her.
May Thelma’s memory bring comfort and inspiration to those whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Owen and Emma D. Reed and one brother Gerald Reed.
Survivors include her husband of 72 years Gerald Dale Loftin; one son Johnny Dale Loftin and wife Kelley; one daughter Deanna Loftin Burgess all of Morrow, Arkansas; two brothers Tommy Reed of Morrow, Arkansas, and Herman Reed of Farmington, Arkansas; six grandchildren Christina Moreton and husband Dax, Jennifer Bailey and husband Tim, Jeana Parkhill and husband Chris, John Pershall, Derek Burgess and wife Nerren, and Kelby Burgess and Brittany; eight great grandchildren Brinkley Moreton, Caleb, Audrey, and Emorie Bailey, Jarynn Grayson, Chloe Parkhill, Emma and Aiya Burgess; one great-great grandchild Emery Hall; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00-7:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - 10:00 A.M. at Mt. Pleasant Holiness Church in Morrow, Arkansas; Burial will be in the Bethesda Cemetery in Morrow, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be John Pershall, Derek Burgess, Kelby Burgess, Dax Moreton, Chris Parkhill, and Caleb Bailey.
Age 89, a lifetime resident of Morrow, Arkansas, passed away Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at her home surrounded by family. She was born May 24, 1935 in Morrow, Arkansas, the daughter of James Owen and Emma D (McCarty) Reed.
Thelma dedicated her life to hard work, creativity, and fostering cherished memories with those she loved. She attended school at both Morrow and Lincoln, where she participated in various activities, including playing basketball.
On July 11, 1953 she married the love of her life, Gerald Dale Loftin.
Throughout her life, Thelma held diverse roles that reflected her commitment to her community and family. She worked at the Morrow Post Office, Magnatec, and Lincoln Schools. She also spent many years devoted to the family farm, raising milk goats, hens, cattle, dogs, flowers, and nurturing her children and later her grandchildren. Her passion for service extended to her role as director of the Lincoln Senior Citizens Center, where she found joy in delivering meals on wheels and supporting others.
Thelma was a woman of many talents and interests. She enjoyed gardening, painting, ceramics, photography, and playing the piano with remarkable skill. Her greatest gift was her ability to involve her loved ones in all that she did, creating treasured moments that will be remembered by all who knew her.
Thelma’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She attended both Morrow Methodist Church and Liberty Baptist Church, where she shared her love for God by teaching Sunday School and playing the piano. Her dedication to her faith and her community left a lasting impact on those who worshiped alongside her.
May Thelma’s memory bring comfort and inspiration to those whose lives she touched.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James Owen and Emma D. Reed and one brother Gerald Reed.
Survivors include her husband of 72 years Gerald Dale Loftin; one son Johnny Dale Loftin and wife Kelley; one daughter Deanna Loftin Burgess all of Morrow, Arkansas; two brothers Tommy Reed of Morrow, Arkansas, and Herman Reed of Farmington, Arkansas; six grandchildren Christina Moreton and husband Dax, Jennifer Bailey and husband Tim, Jeana Parkhill and husband Chris, John Pershall, Derek Burgess and wife Nerren, and Kelby Burgess and Brittany; eight great grandchildren Brinkley Moreton, Caleb, Audrey, and Emorie Bailey, Jarynn Grayson, Chloe Parkhill, Emma and Aiya Burgess; one great-great grandchild Emery Hall; numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00-7:00 P.M. at Luginbuel Funeral Home in Prairie Grove.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - 10:00 A.M. at Mt. Pleasant Holiness Church in Morrow, Arkansas; Burial will be in the Bethesda Cemetery in Morrow, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be John Pershall, Derek Burgess, Kelby Burgess, Dax Moreton, Chris Parkhill, and Caleb Bailey.
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Mt. Pleasant Holiness Church in Morrow, Arkansas. There will be no graveside service held.
Visitation
6:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home.
Final Resting Place
Bethesda Cemetery
North, Row 02 35, Space 95
General
May 24, 1935
Jan 15, 2025
89
Tributes
Thelma was a kind and loving Godly woman. When I was in high school, I found myself behind her family's Christmas tree and made the best of the opportunity to make her laugh. I loved her most when she gave that gentle smile and her laugh was delightful to my ears. I miss her already.
Dianna Payne - friend
Funeral Service
10:00 am
Mt. Pleasant Holiness Church in Morrow, Arkansas. There will be no graveside service held.
Visitation
6:00 pm
Luginbuel Funeral Home.
Final Resting Place
Bethesda Cemetery
North, Row 02 35, Space 95
General
May 24, 1935
Jan 15, 2025
89