Arlene "Lee" Mae Richards

Heaven had another celebration Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. with the arrival of Arlene (Lee) Mae Richards. Lee was born on January 31, 1933, in Lackawanna, New York to Melbourne Marx and Bessie Mae Dunkel Marx. Lee attended public schools in Buffalo, New York before taking a job as an Accounting Assistant at Merrill Lynch. On a blind date, Lee met her husband, John Richards, while he was on furlough from the US Army. Marrying in 1955, Lee and John were blessed with a family of five.

Lee is predeceased by her parents, husband, John, brothers Donald Marx and Kenneth Marx and nephew Donald Mack Richards. Lee is survived by daughter, Elizabeth Bailey, and sons John (Lauren), Don (Marie), Michael (Tami), James (LuLynn) Richards, grandchildren - Jonathan Brad (Rachel), Danielle (Forrest), Austin (Holly), Dylan, JT, Kaden and Katherine and 3 great-grandchildren – Shane, Alianna and Nora, beloved brother and sister-in-law Donald and Jeanette Richards, niece Greta Richards and nephew Barry Todd (Wendee) Richards, special friends Mrs. Shirley Majors, Ms. Diann Watson, Mrs. Glenda McLehanan and Ms. Ava Holmes and many cousins.

Lee rejoiced in the Lord and loved to give to others. Lee taught her children and others to love God with life-long lessons of service and charity. Lee was always optimistic with a smile on her face looking for the best in every situation. She loved her church, First Baptist church in Beebe, Arkansas and served in any way she could.

Lee loved volunteering at the Christian Outreach Center and greatly missed doing so when she had to stop driving. She was always glad to see those who came across her doorstep and came to play a game of Upwords. She almost always won those matches no matter who she was playing, though she was known to 'throw' a game to get a rematch! Lee grew up playing ping-pong and bowling and loved teaching these to her children and grandchildren with many hours filled with laughter!

Visitation will be held Friday, October 31st at First Baptist Church, Beebe from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 1st at First Baptist Church, Beebe with graveside services following at Beebe Cemetery, Beebe. To the online registry: www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook

Special thanks to Arkansas Home Health for their love and care. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to |Beebe Christian Outreach Center.