Charlene Ladd

On August 15th, 2026 the matriarch and beacon of light in our family, Charlene Ladd, passed peacefully, surrounded by the six loves of her life - her two daughters and four granddaughters. Although 1,000 years with her by our sides wouldn’t have been enough time, we find peace knowing she’s being held in God’s arms, completely healed and welcomed by her husband Bill. She devoted her life to Jesus, and through that relationship, shared her unconditional love with all people she met. It was our family’s honor to be able to reciprocate that love in her final months. The idea of life without her is daunting, but her devotion, warmth, and humor live forever in our memories as we strive to be a reflection of her grace and tenderness in our own lives.

Born June 18, 1944 in Seymour Texas, a middle child of five, she grew up in loving but hard times picking cotton on a sharecropping farm. After high school, she began working as a bank teller where she met and fell in love with her husband of 60 years. She left west Texas for Arkansas and started a family, raising both of her daughters, Christal and Melody, in Fordyce. Charlene briefly worked as a teaching assistant - a career that she loved, and her former students would still approach her, 40 years past her time in schools, remembering her effort and empathy. Her true calling in life was praying and caring for her family and friends. She spent time every day interceding on our behalf and her community. We know her prayers facilitated miracles and always joked that she had a direct line to God.

She is preceded in death by her parents LouElla Richardson Cockrum & Buster Cockrum, siblings Clara, Mary, and Clydell, and her husband, Bill Ladd. She is survived by two daughters Christal Martindale (Kenny), Melody Little (David), four granddaughters Kaitlin Martindale, Alex Norris (Kyle), Kenli Carr (Logan), Ashton Little, one great-grandson Christopher Ladd Carr, sister Juanita Yowell, two sisters in law Dale Matlock (Ronnie) and Linda Scanlan (Mike), and her beloved prayer group that met weekly for over 40 years.

Charlene spent a lifetime loving those around her. Her playfulness and joy for life will live on in her family, as we remember handstands and hook shots, the growling of a bear outside the kitchen window, blanket forts, the soft touch of her hands, and the sounds of her singing “I love you, a bushel and a peck” and “You Are My Sunshine.” As we remember her, we hold close what the Bible reminds us: Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Fordyce First Assembly of God, with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Nathan Hubbard will officiate. Burial will be at Stoney Point Cemetery. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.