Carmelita Ferguson

Carmelita Rose Ferguson, 85, of Searcy, Arkansas, passed away June 5, 2020, in Ash Flat, Arkansas. She was born January 28, 1935, in Ash Flat. A 1952 graduate of Ash Flat High School and a 1959 graduate of Arkansas State College, she worked as a teacher in Williford, Salem, Hoxie, and Pleasant Plains. Most of her teaching career was in Kensett. She later obtained a masters degree in education from Arkansas State University. Carmelita took great joy in children and loved her students, especially those who struggled but were able to become successful in school. She also taught Sunday School and vacation Bible school, most often at the Ash Flat Church of Christ where she attended most of her life. She was extremely humble and did not boast about herself, except occasionally about her ability as a basketball player. She bragged freely about her grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and former students. She loved sports and regularly attended Arkansas State football as well as men's and women's basketball games until her health finally kept her away. She also had a passion for genealogy which fit with her love of puzzles and brainteasers. Carmelita was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Susie Martin, and brothers: Doyne, Bob, and Bill Martin. Survivors include her husband of 67 years Jim Ferguson; sons, David and his wife Susan, Mark and his wife Cheryl; grandchildren: James and his wife Jessica; John, Andrew, and Katie; brothers, Warren and Gary Martin; sisters, Carolyn Bowers and Linda Thompson. Visitation of family and friends will be 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home at Highland, Arkansas, with funeral service immediately following, Steven Martin officiating. Burial will be in Wiles Cemetery in Ash Flat. Pallbearers: Mike Martin, Lance Martin, James Ferguson, John Ferguson, Andrew Ferguson, Katie Ferguson Honorary Pallbearers: all of her nieces and nephews In lieu of flowers, the family asks for consideration of donations to a charity supporting children or to BeMightyLittleRock.org.