ARKADELPHIA — Marsha Kay Halbert,

age 68, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Monday, May 16, 2022, at Baptist Medical Center in Arkadelphia, after a brief illness. She was born October 4, 1953, in Monticello, the daughter of the late Burton Dyess and Martha Shelton Halbert. She was born with a rare genetic disorder, known as Williams syndrome, which causes developmental disabilities. Marsha’s childhood was spent in Pine Bluff, and she entered the Group Living Program May 6, 1976, in Arkadelphia. With the training, support, and living assistance provided by Group Living, Marsha was able to grow into her full potential.

Marsha was well know in Arkadelphia for her outgoing personality and a big smile. She never met a stranger and welcomed all, treating them like a special lifetime friend. Marsha’s passion was cats. She has gone to the Humane Society of Clark County every Saturday morning for the last number of years to visit her “babies” in the cat room. Those “babies” will miss all the snuggles, hugs, and kisses. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marsha is survived by her sister, Judy Gately of Austin, Ark.; her niece, Micah Lynn (Jesse) Kelly of Ward, Ark.; and greatniece, Madelyn; also her Uncle Bill and Aunt June Shelton of Sherwood, Ark.

Private burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello.

The family wishes to thank Group Living, Inc. for the care and guidance given to Marsha for 46 years.

Memorials may be made to: Group Living Inc., P.O. Box 159, Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923, or Humane Society of Clark County, P.O. Box 435, Arkadelphia, Ark., 71923.

Final arrangements are entrusted to: The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.