Nancy J. Gaston

Nancy J. Gaston, 85, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on March 9, 2026 — a homecoming she had spent a lifetime preparing for. She was born on August 19, 1940, in Magnolia, Arkansas, to Wayne Hayes and Helen Whitlow Hayes.

Nancy grew up in Magnolia, where she attended school and laid the foundation for a life built on faith and devotion to others. On March 16, 1957, she married the love of her life, James Gaston, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and an open door, raising their family in Sparkman, Arkansas.

Nancy devoted herself fully to her family as a stay-at-home mother and faithfully served in ministry for many years, pouring into the lives of young people and helping build outreach efforts that touched many lives. Her love for the Word of God was not passive. She spent hours each day in Scripture and prayer, and it showed in the way she lived, the way she spoke, and the way she welcomed everyone who crossed her path.

Her favorite verse was Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Nancy didn’t just quote those words, she embodied them. Each morning she greeted the day with gratitude, and every person she encountered felt the warmth of a woman who genuinely believed life was a gift worth celebrating.

She was known for her open heart and her open home and to many, she was simply “Meme.” Whether someone needed a meal, a prayer, a shoulder, or simply a place to belong, Nancy’s door was always open. Her laugh was contagious, her generosity was quiet and constant, and her faith was the kind that made people want what she had.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, James Gaston; her parents, Wayne Hayes and Helen Whitlow Hayes; her brother, Jerry Hayes; her sister, Sue Briner; her granddaughter, Kelly Carter Seale; her grandson, James Mears; and her great grandson, Steven Bagwell.

She is survived by her children: John & Kitty Gaston, Sherry & Mike Carter, Becky Gaston, Kristi & Mike Mann; grandchildren: Jerry Hammonds, Letitia & Mike Rosenbaum, Paul & Laronda Carter, Jim & Junae Barnhart, Tiffany & Casey Howell, Morgan Mann, Madison Mann, Dawson Mann; great grandchildren: Cameron Carter, Emersyn Barnhart, Addisyn Barnhart, Brayson Howell, Levi Howell, Giovani Hernandez, Maddie Chick, Ike Nowlin, Dustin Hammonds, Alex Mosley.

She is also survived by her sister, Donna Beevers, and her husband, George Beevers; her nieces and nephew, including Angie Lester, Gena Sunwall, and Carey Beevers; and a wide circle of extended family and friends who loved her deeply.

A private viewing will be held for immediate family. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13th, at 2:00 PM at New Life Church of Sparkman. Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce.

Nancy’s legacy is one of faith, service, and unconditional love. She lived a life fully devoted to Jesus, her family, and to helping others. Though she will be deeply missed here on earth, her family rejoices knowing she has been welcomed home into the arms of her Savior.