SEARCY — Rebecca “Becky” Mathis Tackett
passed away on Sunday, February 5th. She was born in Arkadelphia, Ark., on January 18, 1949.
Becky was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Gary Tackett, and her parents, Winston and Pauline
Mathis. Becky is survived by one daughter, Amy Williams (James) of Searcy and one son, Terry Tackett of Little Rock. Grandchildren, Hunter Wood (Jessica), Haley Wood and Olivia Tackett. One great-grandchild, Wells Wood. She is also survived by her sister, Pat Cook (Curtis), brother, Darrell Mathis (Julie), sister, Jan Calicott, Sister-in-law, Gail Conaway, aunt, Gayle Owen and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Becky went to school in Okolona, Ark. She graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1967 and from Henderson State University in 1971 with a degree in early childhood education.
Becky and Gary met in college and were married soon after graduating. They moved to Altheimer, Ark., in 1971 to start their teaching careers. In 1976 they moved to Searcy, Ark., where Becky taught at Sidney Deener Elementary and then at Westside Elementary where she retired after 40 years of teaching. Becky was inducted into the Searcy Schools Hall of Fame. She was devoted to her students. She was the first to arrive at school most days and was always so organized. Becky mentored a number of fellow teachers and left an example for all to follow.
Becky loved playing basketball at Okolona. She loved Elvis, Motown and dancing. You would often hear of dance parties she and Olivia would have when they were together. She could sing every word to many Elvis songs, even in the late months of her battle with Dementia. You would always find her wherever the Searcy Lions or her grands were playing.
The services for Becky are scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2023, at First United Methodist Church, Searcy, Ark. Visitation will be from 12:30-2 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 2:00.
We would like to thank all of the caregivers at Providence Memory Care, Oakdale Rehab Center, Hospice Care Services and most of all, her pal and caregiver, Nadia Hendricks.
In lieu of flowers, we ask friends and family to make donations to Alzheimer’s Arkansas in memory of our precious mother.
You can donate at this link: https://igfn.us/f/3v8b/n (https://igfn.us/f/3v8b/n). Look beneath the “volunteer” drop-down menu. There is a “make this donation in someone’s honor or memory” checkbox. You will also receive an email confirmation.
Donations can also be sent to: Alzheimer’s Arkansas, Attn: Ricky Williams, 201 Markham Center Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72205
Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net