Ila Verne Scifres

Ila Verne Richardson Johnson Scifres, of Louann, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, after a short illness at Baptist North Little Rock, surrounded by her beautiful family.

Ila was born at home on April 29, 1946, in the Shuler Community on the outskirts of El Dorado, to the union of Jesse Augustus Richardson and Sarah Hattie Burns Richardson. Ila was the second of three girls. When she was three years old, a tornado struck their community and destroyed the family home. Afterward, they moved into town, where three brothers were later born to lovingly pester their older sisters. She grew up in a close, loving family. One of their favorite pastimes was visiting an old swimming hole her dad had enjoyed as a young boy. The family would spend the day swimming and then share a picnic meal prepared by her mother.

Ila was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Tony Richardson; a sister, Emma Perkins; and her first husband, Jerry C. Johnson.

At a young age, Ila accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and became a member of Second Baptist Church in El Dorado, Arkansas. She graduated from El Dorado High School in 1964. In November of 1965, she married Jerry C. Johnson. Together they built two homes where they raised their children, Jennifer and Sean. After a fire on Christmas Eve in 1976 destroyed their home, they persevered and rebuilt for the third time.

With Jerry, Ila found a love for camping. The family would pack up on Fridays and head to Lake DeGray, Millwood, Greers Ferry, Albert Pike, Lake Ouachita, or White Oak Lake, to name a few. Most family vacations were spent together at the lake, where Ila could be found fishing, sunning, or watching the kids ski and tube. She loved island hopping and collecting rocks to bring home for her flower beds. Oh, how she loved the water, even though she couldn’t swim a lick! A perfect day for her meant floating on a raft with the sun on her face.

Throughout her life, Ila held many different jobs. After graduating high school, she worked for Lion Oil, Stromberg Carlson, and Smackover Electric, and later spent 28 years with the United States Postal Service before retiring in 2007.

A couple of years after Jerry’s passing in 1989, a friend introduced Ila to Darryl Eugene Scifres. Sparks flew, and their story began on Leap Day, February 29, 1992, with their respective children serving as attendants. During their marriage, Ila and Darryl traveled to many places—visiting Utah to see their new grandson, enjoying shows in Branson, exploring the Gulf Coast, enjoying the food in New Orleans, exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota, and adventuring through Yellowstone with her sister Emma and brother-in-law Jerry.

Ila’s camping fever continued as she and Darryl made new memories together at area lakes. Some of their favorite spots were JFK Campground, Lake DeGray, and their all-time favorite, Kirby Landing on Lake Greeson. Ila decided she wanted a pontoon boat—and you better not call it a “party barge,” because she would quickly correct you! Her love for the water only grew stronger. Darryl would drive while Ila sat back, enjoying the wind in her hair, the sun on her face, and the sight of eagles perched majestically in the treetops or soaring overhead. She often brought along a good book, as her love for reading was something she proudly passed down to her children and granddaughter.

Ila also had a fondness for classic cars—especially the 1965 yellow Chevrolet Malibu SS she once owned. It was just like the one she had when Jennifer was born, but had to give up because, as she joked, she couldn’t hold her baby and shift gears at the same time! (Don’t judge—car seats weren’t required back then.)

Another of Ila’s greatest joys was traveling across south and central Arkansas and Louisiana to watch her grandchildren play football, softball, basketball, volleyball, or cheer. She adored her “grands” and was incredibly proud of the wonderful young people they’ve become. In 2022, she became a great-grandmother with the birth of her first great-grandson, Beau Tyler, followed by Liam Jameson in 2024. She loved her random FaceTime calls with Beau—even when the first thing he asked was, “Where’s Papaw?” And if she was wearing her glasses, Liam was sure to snatch them right off! But did she mind? Not one bit.

After Ila and Darryl married, they began attending Elliott Baptist Church, where they soon moved their memberships. Their love for their church home and family grew deeply. Ila cherished her church family and her women’s group, the “Elliott Angels.” She served faithfully in the church—singing in the choir, teaching young children on Wednesday nights, and working on the building committee. She loved any opportunity for fellowship, whether it involved worship, service, or a good church meal.

Ila had a heart of gold. She would do anything for anyone if it were within her power. She had the most amazing smile, the most infectious laugh, and the biggest heart. If you ever saw her without her lipstick, you knew something was off. Her hair was always perfectly fixed, and her great sense of style was evident to anyone who peeked into her closet. Ila will be dearly missed by many, but we rejoice knowing she is reunited with loved ones who have gone before her—and that she is finally pain free. We love you, Mom, Babe, Meme, Sister, Aunt, and Friend.

Ila is survived by her husband, Darryl Scifres; her daughter, Jennifer Fife (Boyd); her son, Sean Johnson (Mandy); her stepson, Lloyd Scifres (Alison); and her stepdaughter, Susie Scifres Kuillan (Joe Bryant). She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Jason Kuillan (Jessica), Luke Fife (Alyssa), Jamie Fife (Kevin Talley), Taylor Heckman (Steve), Mady Scifres, Madelyn Hoskins, and Macy Hoskins; two great-grandchildren, Beau Fife and Liam Fife; and a special brother-in-law, Jerry Perkins. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

The family would also like to thank Tiffany Boykin at South Arkansas Regional Hospital and the rest of the staff that attended Ila and the amazing and phenomenal staff at Baptist North Little Rock. The caring and support that was shown is something that will never be forgotten.

Services will be held at Elliott Baptist Church on Wednesday, October 8, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery, outside of Louann.

Memorials may be made to Elliott Baptist Church in Camden, Arkansas.