Martha Ann Childers

Martha Ann Childers was born on December 15, 1946, in Stuttgart, Ark., to J.N. and Sarah Jane Cooper. She attended Almyra Elementary and graduated from DeWitt High School. In 1965, she married Bob Childers, the love of her life. They moved to Des Arc in 1974, where Martha Ann served as a homemaker, kept the books for the family farm, and later retired as district treasurer of Des Arc Public Schools. Together, they raised their two boys at ChildersCorner in the Oak Prairie community. She loved being involved in her boys’ lives and later found great joy in watching her grandchildren grow up in the community she and Bob loved so dearly.
Martha Ann was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, where she dearly loved serving her church family. She had a servant’s heart and was often one of the first to arrive with a casserole when someone needed comfort or a helping hand. She spent her life serving the Lord through her gift of music, faithfully serving as the pianist at First Baptist Church for more than 50 years. She continued playing for as long as she physically could, sharing her love of the Lord through music.
She loved Des Arc and was always willing to serve wherever she was needed. As a member of the Lions Club, she helped prepare countless hamburger sack lunches and decorated floats for community parades. She was actively involved with the Des Arc Chamber of Commerce and was always willing to do whatever she could to make her community a better place to live. Her dedication to serving others was simply a part of who she was.
Above all, Nana loved her family. Nothing brought her more happiness than being involved in her grandchildren’s lives. The grands treasured their nights at Nana’s house, making memories they would carry with them forever. As they grew older, she traveled all over the state to watch them play sports, cheering them on every step of the way. She was a wonderful cook who lovingly prepared meals for her family and always welcomed the extra friends the grands brought along. At Nana’s house, everyone had a place at the table, and friends quickly became family. Her home was a place where everyone felt loved and right at home.
Some of the grands’ favorite treats were her cheese wafers and the cookie dough she always kept in the freezer. That cookie dough was so popular that it often led to a few good-natured fights over who would get the last bite! Those simple, everyday moments were what made Nana’s house so special. It was a place filled with food, fun, and the feeling of knowing you were loved.
Martha Ann’s life was a beautiful reflection of her faith, her love for her family, and her devotion to her church and community. She gave generously of her time, her talents, and her heart. Her legacy will live on through the family she cherished, the music she shared, and the community she worked so hard to serve. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bob Childers; her sons, Kent (Stacy) and Cliff (Lee); her grandsons, Austin (Ashlee), Andrew (Brooks), Grant (Kortney), Ross, Cooper, and Cane Childers; her great-granddaughter, Sutton Ray Childers, with another great-grandchild on the way; her brother, Jim (Kathy) Cooper; and many other beloved family members and dear friends.
Visitation will be Friday, October 16, 2026, beginning at 5 p.m., until 7 p.m., held at the First Baptist Church in Des Arc, Ark. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 17, 2026, beginning at 2 p.m., held at the First Baptist Church in Des Arc, Ark. Memorials can be made in honor of Martha to the First Baptist Church Mother’s Day Out Program, 401 Erwin Street, Des Arc, AR 72040.Arrangements are entrusted with Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen, Arkansas.