Rebecca Kirkland Whitehead

Rebecca Kirkland Whitehead, age, 76 of Fordyce died Wednesday, May 13, at National Park Medical Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Rebecca was born on August 21, 1949, in Pasadena, Texas. She was a devoted member of First Methodist Church of Fordyce for more than 40 years and served as President of the Mary Mays Circle Women’s Group.

Rebecca dedicated 33 years to education, with her primary focus as a sixth-grade English teacher. She was loving, stern, and definitely took charge. Rebecca had the gift of articulation and wanted to share it with all. She was also a member of the local Retired Teachers Association as well as the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association. Rebecca was a part of Delta Kappa Gamma, a nonprofit international honor society for women educators.

Rebecca graduated from Lakeside High School in Lake Village, AR, and started her college career at the University of Arkansas at Monticello where she met her beloved husband, Bill Whitehead. Rebecca finished her college degree at Henderson State University.

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoyed participating in a local book club with friends and spending quality time with her family, grandchildren, grand dogs, and friends. Rebecca was affectionately known as “Cha Cha” leaving her two grandchildren with fun memories.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Bill Whitehead of Fordyce; one son, Aaron Whitehead and wife Katie of Fordyce; one daughter, Wesley Morgan and husband Steven of Hot Springs; two grandchildren, Parker and Matthew Morgan; one sister, Cecilia Kadane of Ballwin, Missouri; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Pauline Kirkland, and her sister, Celeste Eason.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2026 at First Methodist Church of Fordyce. Service will be held at First Methodist Church of Fordyce, Monday May 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Debbie Heard and Bro. Dusty Roads officiating. A private burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Fordyce, Arkansas.

Guests are encouraged to wear bright colors to honor Mrs. Rebecca Whitehead.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Fordyce Methodist Church/Mary Mays Circle,P.O. Box 1003. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.