SEARCY — Carmelita Rose Ferguson,

85, of Searcy, passed away June 5, 2020, in Ash Flat, Ark. She was born Jan. 28, 1935, in Ash Flat to Forrest and Susie Martin.

A 1952 graduate of Ash Flat High School and a 1959 graduate of Arkansas State College, she worked as a teacher in Williford, Salem, Hoxie, Pleasant Plains and spent most of her career teaching in Kensett. She later obtained a masters degree in education from Arkansas State University. Carmelita attended the Ash Flat Church of Christ most of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her brothers: Doyne, Bob, and Bill Martin. Survivors include her husband of 67 years Jim Ferguson; sons, David and his wife Susan, Mark and his wife Cheryl; grandchildren: James and his wife Jessica; John, Andrew, and Katie; brothers, Warren and Gary Martin; sisters, Carolyn Bowers and Linda Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for consideration of donations to a charity supporting children or to BeMightyLittleRock.org. Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home of Highland, Ark.