Helen Foushee, 91, of Newport departed this life on Sunday, March 10, 2024. She was born in Bradford on October 15, 1932, to Leslie J. and Elizabeth Byrd (Howard) Goad.
A devoted member of First Baptist Church in Newport since 1961, she dedicated 26 years to children’s ministries, leaving an indelible mark on young lives. Her love for reading, particularly the Bible, was unwavering. In her youth, she excelled as a basketball and softball player, showcasing her athleticism. She retired in 1989 after working for White River Production Credit (Farm Credit) for thirty-eight years. A 50-year member of the Order of Eastern Star and active participant in the Newport Investment Club, she cherished fellowship and community engagement. Regular Friday lunch dates with dear friends underscored her commitment to nurturing relationships. Family gatherings brought her immense joy. An avid sports enthusiast, she cheered passionately for the Arkansas Razorbacks and Newport Greyhounds, as well as her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their school activities. Her legacy of faith, service, and love for family and community will forever endure.
Ma was a very kind, loving, generous, and thoughtful wife, mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was always thinking about others and their feelings. She loved sending cards with a sweet note of encouragement, love, and memories to others.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty years, Claude A. Foushee Jr.; her brothers, Russell Goad and Dale Goad; her great granddaughter, Blakely Elizabeth Thomas; and her son-in-law, Jerry Long.
She is survived by her son, Claude Scott Foushee (Janet); her daughter, Sally Long; her brother, Jerry Goad (Pat); her grandchildren, Heather Long Froman (Jason), Melanie Long O’Tinger (Jonathan), Jordan Foushee Thomas (Aaron), Katlyn Foushee Schulz (Hayden) and Samantha Brown (Alan); her great-grandchildren; Collin O’Tinger, Ryker Brown, Landry O’Tinger, Lynnix Brown, Kysen Brown, Harper Thomas; and a host of special nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be at Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
