Becky Messenger

Rebecca “Becky” Messenger, affectionately known as “Dadoo” by her nieces, nephew, and many friends, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the age of 75. She was born on April 14, 1950, in New Orleans, Louisiana. A proud native New Orleanian, Becky loved all things NOLA—especially Mardi Gras—and could often be heard cheering on the Saints and her LSU Tigers.

Becky moved to Benton, Arkansas, in 1989 and has been a beloved resident ever since. She was an active member of New Beginnings Church of Central Arkansas in North Little Rock. Becky enjoyed Friday fish nights at Riverside, the races at Oaklawn, and could even be found cheering on the Razorbacks—when they weren’t playing LSU.

Becky was preceded in death by her mother, Dixie McCoy Messenger; her father, William “Bill” Robert Messenger; and her sister, Patricia “Pat” Tacko. Left to cherish her memory are her two loving nieces, Lori Tacko Peden (Mark) and Michelle Tacko Sparling. Becky adored her great-nephew and great-nieces: Taylor Peden, Karrah Peden Trammell (Will), MaryGrace Peden, and Emma Brown. She also leaves behind her four-pawed children, Lily and Sissy, whom she loved dearly. Friends were family to Becky, especially her truest best friends and companions, Martha Koen and Janeice Cox, along with so many others whom she called family.

Nursing was both Becky’s passion and her gift. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and her Master’s in Nursing Administration from Louisiana State University Medical Center. Becky devoted her life to the care and comfort of others and served as a mentor to many. She began her career at Southern Baptist Hospital in New Orleans as a Charge Nurse, and during her 17 years there also served as House Supervisor and Nursing Director of the Special Surgical Department.

After moving to Arkansas, Becky served as Vice President of Patient Care Services at Southwest Hospital for eight years. The loss of a dear friend, Jackie Moore, led her to join Arkansas Hospice, where she spent 17 years providing care, comfort, and humor to patients and their families. During this time, Becky was honored as one of the Top Four Nurses in the state of Arkansas. She truly lived a life of service and touched countless lives.

Although Becky loved her homes in New Orleans and Benton, her happy place was her camp in Maine, named Lagniappe. There, she cherished time with family and friends, captained her boat on Great Pond, shopped at L.L. Bean, and enjoyed lobster rolls from the infamous Reds Eats.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Arkansas Hospice and the Life Touch team for their skilled care and tender support. We are forever grateful for your compassion and comfort.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Benton, Arkansas, with a Celebration of Life service to follow from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Arkansas Hospice or New Beginnings Church of Central Arkansas.