Emily B.R. Carrigan
NORTH LITTLE ROCK — Emily Bernice Roberts Carrigan passed away Sunday, Aug. 13, 2017, at Sherwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, North Little Rock.
Bernice, as she was known, battled Alzheimer’s disease for many years, but will be remembered for her warmth, dignity and kindness. The youngest of three children, Bernice was the daughter of Cecil and Taylor Roberts, of Little Rock. She attended Little Rock schools and a year at Little Rock Junior College (now University of Arkansas-Little Rock), before transferring to Hendrix College, Conway, from which she graduated in 1946. She also married the late Conway T. Carrigan that year and settled in Little Rock, before moving to Cabot, and later on to Hot Springs.
Bernice’s life revolved around her family, her church and her community. She raised a daughter and two sons, who will be forever grateful for her gifts of faith in the face of trials, compassion to others, and for her constant infectious laugh. She took an active role at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Hot Springs, serving on the Altar Guild, Vestry, Junior Warden, ECW and many other activities for the parish. After moving to Fox Ridge Assisted Living in North Little Rock, she regularly attended services at St. Luke’s Episcopal, North Little Rock, and could usually be found on the front row of the church.
Bernice traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe with her husband and later, her sister and daughter. She also enjoyed time on Lake Hamilton with family and friends. After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she moved to Fox Ridge and continued — remarkably — to send thoughtful notes to those she loved for years, before moving to Sherwood Nursing. She will be remembered at these facilities as a resident who was unfailingly gracious and kind. As her dementia increased, she became even sweeter, never losing her smile and twinkle.
She is predeceased by her sister, Ella Ruth Davis, her brother, Taylor R. Roberts, and her former husband.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Sue Carrigan Reep, of Maryland, C.T. “Chip” Carrigan, of Conway, and Patrick S. Carrigan, of Dallas; also by five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, four nephews and a favorite niece, Janie Kendall, of North Little Rock.
A celebration of life service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, North Little Rock, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. Interment of ashes will be in the columbarium at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Hot Springs.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 4106 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, or the Alzheimer’s Association Arkansas, 5506 Walsh Lane, Suite 212, Rogers AR 72756.
An online guestbook is available at http://www.griffinleggettresthills.com.