Barbara Ann Wolfe

On September 21, 2025, at the age of 90, Barbara Ann Wolfe passed away peacefully. She was preceded in her journey by her parents, Jolly and Evelyn Harrell Jackson, and her devoted husband Donald Wolfe Sr.  She was born on January 16, 1935, to Jolly and Evelyn Jackson.  Barbara was blessed throughout her life and in time, known as “Wolfie” by all who knew and loved her.  

Wolfie graduated from Brinkley Public School in 1953, along with her best friend growing up, Ann French. They were always tickled because Wolfie was Barbara Ann and Ann was Ann Barbara, and became lifelong friends. Wolfie recently said that her best memories from then were driving around with Ann and going skating at the Brinkley Skating Rink.

Wolfie worked outside the home as a floral designer, and in her  early years, she had her own catering business. But the majority of her life she managed and raised a passel of rough and tumble kids on her own, as her husband was a full-time truck driver. Many stories were made of the antics they pulled…. they definitely kept her on her toes!

 Wolfie also enjoyed the outdoors, including fishing or watching an eagle's nest. She was an avid fisherwoman, with several mounted trophies to prove it. She spent many hours on the lake at Des Arc, often times with a son or grandchild. Her favorite was the largemouth bass, as she would laugh and say “they are so fun to watch and catch!” There has been a years-long debate in the family, as to who was actually “Da Best”! Wolfie also had a soft for animals and had several dogs. Steve said she couldn’t pass an animal on the street without wanting to stop and feed them!

One of Wolfie’s greatest joys was meeting Christine Reidhar, who became her best buddy. They had many adventures and times together and enjoyed playing many card game with her friends. They had a standing game for years, and lots of laughter was had by all.

In 1984, Wolfie took up painting. She was a skilled painter, taking pride in showing her artwork to others. She has painted everything from wood plaques, tree leaves, Christmas ornaments, wooden trinkets, and rocks, just to name a few. She has been commissioned by many people to paint specific topics and objects, and she was never afraid to try something new. Early in her painting career, she painted an intricate scene on the inside of a hollowed-out crosstie that won a blue ribbon at the county fair, and at one time was on display in the Central Delta Depot Museum in Brinkley. If you expressed a delight in anything she had painted, she would happily give it to you, and her artwork has been spread all over the country. Though her means were modest, her paintings were always gifts of love and heartfelt appreciation. Wolfie was also very creative and had an eye for decorating. She was known for many years in Des Arc for decorating a “fishing themed” Christmas tree at Dondie’s White River Princess that brought a lot of joy and awe to many people.

As a Christian from a very young age, Wolfie always served in the local church, both in Sheldon and in Hunter, playing the organ. She would also play often times at home, just enjoying the music. Wolfie always gave credit to God, both for taking care of her and providing for her.

She is survived by her sons, Jolly Bussell (Laura Beth) of Rogers, Arkansas, Jim Bussell of Lenoir City, Tennessee, Steven Bussell of Brinkley, Arkansas,  Donald Wolfe Jr., of Lafayette, Indiana, and by her daughter, Karen Dickerson of Searcy Arkansas. Additionally, she has 12 grandchildren, Jason Hefner, Nathan Hefner, Tiffany Benefield, Brandi Hefner, Caitlin Amos, Nicholas Bussell, Joseph Bussell, Tyler Bussell, Gwynne Cain, Sarah Grace Wade, Mitchell Wolfe, and Troy Wolfe as well as 16 great-grandchildren.

 There will be a visitation on  Thursday the 25th at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Services will be held on Friday at the Wheatley Baptist Church at 2:00 P.M. with burial following at Oaklawn Cemetery in Brinkley.