1933
2017
Ruby Willodine Hopkins Williams Peterson, 83, departed this earthly life on Thursday, May 18, 2017, in El Dorado, AR. For the last eight years, she had resided in Bentonville, AR. Prior to this, she had lived extensively throughout Arkansas, Indiana, and California.
Willodine was born in Harrisburg, AR, to Willard and Ruby Hopkins on August 11, 1933. She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Kenny, sisters Sheila Ann and Melba, and her husbands, V.L. Williams and LeRoy Peterson. She is survived by her brothers Ralph and Douglas Hopkins, half-brother David Hopkins, and half-sisters Kaye Simpson and Sheila Burke.
Having obtained a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Biology in Education from Arkansas State University, Willodine was a beloved teacher at Clover Bend and Tuckerman public school districts, as well as Crowley's Ridge Academy and Crowley's Ridge College in Northeast AR. She then relocated to Southern California where she taught at Normandie Christian School and the Los Angeles Unified School District, while continuing her education at California State University and the University of California.
When Willodine retired from teaching, she pursued her dream of becoming a writer. She authored many books and loved ministering to women one-on-one, and speaking at workshops and retreats in the Church of Christ. Her greatest passion was the Lord. She used her gifts of teaching and evangelizing to reach people all over the world.
But beyond these accomplishments, her greatest fulfillment was being the matriarch of her family. She loved her family! Known as Mother, Mom, Nanny, and Grand-Nanny, she will be missed by her four children, eight grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren, related spouses, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, students, and exchange students she considered her own. For Willodine, there were no strangers – she had an all-inclusive heart.
She is preceded in death by her granddaughter Shanna Wilson and her great-grandsons Robbie Seay and Jake Baker. She leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Roy Seay, of Bentonville, AR, daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Don Wilson of El Dorado, AR, son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Ruth Williams of Indianapolis, IN, and daughter Elizabeth Williams of San Jose, CA.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Jeffrey Seay of Bentonville AR, Steve, Shannon, and Wrigley Seay of Centerton, AR, Greg, Danielle, Brody, and Vera Seay of Centerton, AR, Suzanne, Joe, Moye, Jody, and Hailey Hawkins of Pocahontas, AR, Cara, Kent, Derek, Austin, and Brylee Jobe of El Dorado, AR, Julie, Jason, Jarett, Joshua, Jaylee, and Joy Baker of El Dorado, AR, Justin and Allyson Williams of Camby, IN, Daniel, Ashley, Sadie, and Sutton Williams of Camby, IN.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children's Homes, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR, 72450, or online at http://www.childrenshomes.org/.
An online registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Young's Funeral Directors.
May 24, 2017
Sara (Hoover) Street
I am so saddened to hear this news. Willodine was a dear friend and mentor to me as a young wife and mother when I worked at Crowley's Ridge College. She will be missed. Love and prayers to her family, especially Elizabeth (who sometimes kept my children and taught them how to microwave cookies for a "fresh from the oven" taste!)
May 23, 2017
Joe Lindsey
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. The worlds loss is heavens gain.
May 23, 2017
Bobby Bratcher
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember Mrs. Willodine very well. A kind and patient woman. I know many of her family and pray for comfort and peace at the loss of her. She will definitely be missed. MSgt Bobby and Denise (Massia) Bratcher family, USAF Retired
May 20, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
May 19, 2017
Don House
So much of her attainment and service was an inspiration to both male and female, students and non students. She touched so many lives. God's blessings on her works that follow her. God be with family members that must adjust to her passing. It is not easy but He will walk with you.
May 19, 2017
Sheila Mullins
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this time, Ms Willodine will be missed she was an inspiration to us all and a loving person, I am proud to call her my friend. RIP Willodine
May 19, 2017
Debbra English-Decker
May God be with family while you celebrate your beloved's life here on earth. RIP Willodine.
May 19, 2017
Walter Johnson
Willodine was my wife's Sherry's loving aunt -I was surprised when I went to a family function with Sherry to meet a good friend from ASU - we had taken German together and science courses Physics and Chemistry together - shared good conversation and notes. She was an Awesome woman - prayers and condolences to family and friends - she will be missed <3
May 19, 2017
Steve Seay
Love you and miss you, Nanny. Give our sweet babies a hug and a kiss for us.
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