Brenda Joyce (Hollis) Williams, age 71, of Des Arc, entered her eternal home in heaven on Friday, February 7, 2025.  She was born on March 1, 1953, to  J.W. and Gearldean Hollis of Des Arc.  Brenda married the love of her life, Danny Williams on July 18, 1980, and they raised two children in a house full of love and devotion to Jesus Christ.  Brenda was a 1971 graduate of Des Arc High School.  After being in the workforce for several years, Brenda decided to further her education at Harding University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors, and became National Board Certified Language Arts teacher.  Brenda began her teaching career in the Cotton Plant School District where she taught for 3 years.  She eventually received the opportunity to return home to Des Arc Elementary School where she taught full time for 22 years.  After retirement in 2015, she enjoyed traveling, but her love for teaching young people brought her back to work at the school as a substitute teacher, even serving as a long term substitute all the way up to the day of leaving her earthly life.  Brenda has touched and inspired thousands of children and families throughout her career and was known to go above and beyond to make sure that no child was left behind in their schoolwork.

Brenda's love and relationship with Jesus Christ always came first in her life.  Her family and friends rejoice in knowing that with faith and salvation in Jesus Christ, we will get to see her again someday in Heaven.  Brenda always saw the good in all people and all things.  She consistently demonstrated her compassion and kindness to everyone she met, embodying the values of her faith with grace and care.  Brenda was the best daughter, sister, wife, mother, and nana to her family.  Some of Brenda's greatest joys in life were spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She could always be found in the bleachers cheering on Marley, Kanaan, Rowan and all her school children that she loved dearly at all the Des Arc Eagle ballgames and events.  Traveling around the world with her family and friends was also some of the greatest times of her life.  She especially loved traveling internationally with her son Joshua Neal and husband Danny.  Brenda faithfully served the Lord at the Gospel Mission Church in Des Arc for over 35 years.  She was at church every time the doors were open, and she could always be found playing the piano for the praise and worship team.

Left to mourn her loss on this earth is her faithful and loving husband of 45 years, Danny Williams.  Her two children that cherished her, Lindsey (Drew) Widener of Des Arc and Joshua Neal Williams of Beebe. Three of Brenda's greatest loves were her grandchildren, Marley, Kanaan, and Rowan Widener all of Des Arc.  Also left to mourn her passing is Brenda's mother, Gearldean Hollis O'Dell, whom Brenda has cared for daily in the past years.  She was the best sister to her two brothers Ray (Jan) Hollis of Oklahoma City and Lannie Hollis of Des Arc.  She is also survived by Janice (Lynn) West of Pangburn, Joyce Williams of Jasmine, Delores (David) Winfrey of Romance, Tonya Tacker of Searcy, Doris Williams of Benton and Carlos (Debbie) Williams of Clinton, and a host of nieces and nephews that she always enjoyed spending time with throughout her life.  Brenda was proceeded in death by her loving father, J.W. Hollis, her stepfather who she loved dearly, John O'Dell, her mother-in-law, Syble Williams, her father-in-law, Arlie Williams and brother-in-law, Paul Williams.