FAYETTEVILLE — Loretta B. Carr

was born to Grace Blackburn and William Blackburn on June 19, 1939, in Fayetteville, Ark. She was called home after 82 years on this Heavenly earth on June 23, 2021, also in Fayetteville, Ark. She was surrounded and supported by her loved ones during the last days of her life.

Loretta lived a long life and has seen things and dealt with things most of us could not imagine. Loretta was one of the first 11 Blacks to be integrated into the Fayetteville School District in 1954.

Loretta enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, camping and most of all, family! She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She will be truly missed by those who got the chance to know her.

Loretta B. Carr was preceded in death by her mother and father, Grace and William Blackburn; sister, Marie Culph; husband, Jack Carr; daughter, Grace Blackburn; and grandchildren, Sasha, Leslie Jr. and Dylan.

Loretta is survived by eight beautiful children ( 3 daughters, 5 sons), Valerie Blackburn, Lawrence Blackburn, Lindsey Blackburn, Leslie Blackburn, Cynthia Jenkins, Tommy Jenkins, Onita McLellan (James), and Stanley Blackburn, all of Fayetteville, Ark.; 33 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Beard’s Chapel.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 2, 2021, at Beard’s Chapel. Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com .