Theda Henbest Dennington

Theda Henbest Dennington passed away Wednesday, December 2, 2015 in her home at Lewisville, Arkansas. Preceding her in death are her husband of 58 years, Dan Dennington; her parents; a brother, Dean Henbest; and two grandbabies.

She is survived by five children and their spouses; Roger Dennington (Kathy) of Loganville, GA; Rebecca Landes (Doelas) of Mulberry, AR; Neil Dennington (Spring) of Columbia, SC; Dana Nell Mereness (Lyman) of Victoria, TX; and Brian Dennington (Pam) of Wake Village, TX; thirteen grandchildren; Doug Dennington of Statesville, NC; Dan Dennington (Mindy) of Pendergrass, GA; Caronna Kinney (Troy) of Council Bluffs, IA; Derk Landes (Dana) of Lawrence, KS; Reid Landes (Angela) of Maumelle, AR; JoungAe Hill (Newton) of Ellicott City, MD; Charity Dennington of Little Rock, AR; Leah Dennington of Brooklyn, NY; Tyler Mereness (Diane) of Spring Hill, TN; Amy Cady (David) of Ewa Beach, HI; Stephen Regan of Katy, TX; Joe Regan (Jamie) of Texarkana, TX; Angie Kidd (Cody) of Maud, TX; twenty four great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; special friend, Margie Chastain; and many more friends.

Theda Nell Henbest was the first child born to Gus and Edna Henbest in the Mount Comfort community of Fayetteville, AR. The date was February 8, 1918. There was a 14 inch snow on the ground. The doctor couldn’t get his car out on the road, so Gus Henbest hitched his horses to the buggy and went to town to get the doctor.

At the University of Arkansas, Theda met Dan Dennington, a student from Fouke, AR. They were married October 9, 1938.

Mrs. Dennington was a stay-athome mom. When her children were school age she was a “home room mother” and was active in PTA for 27 years. She supported her children in school activities and was a Cub Scout and Brownie Scout leader. She delighted in and was adored by her grandchildren.

“Mrs. D” loved the Lord and was a woman of prayer. She had great joy in teaching Bible classes at the Church of Christ. She was kind and generous and loved all people. She sent untold numbers of card and letters to encourage and cheer others. She enjoyed baking, especially cinnamon bread, and giving it away.

Visitation will be at Smith Funeral Home in Stamps, AR on Friday, December 4, 2015, between 6-8 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at the Stamps Church of Christ building Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Neil A. Dennington officiating. Burial will follow at Wilson Cemetery in Lewisville.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Dierksen Hospice, especially April and Autumn, who cared for her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southern Christian Children’s Home, 100 W. Harding, Morrilton, AR 72110, www.schome. org.

Online registration is available at www.aosmithfuneralhome.com.