Reida J. Phelan

Reida Forrest Phelan, 75, of Harrison, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025, in Harrison.
She was born in Searcy on October 23, 1949, to Shelby Reid Forrest Jr. and Evelyn Bolton Forrest. Reida graduated from Searcy High School, which is also where she met and began dating, Robert Phelan, her husband of almost 54 years. She then went on to attend college at Arkansas Tech University, in Russellville, and graduated in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry and an Early Childhood Education certification.
In 1971, she married Bob and not long after they began their life in Harrison. Reida enjoyed her time as a pre-school teacher at St. John's Episcopal Day School. While there, she loved and cared for many children; however, medical care was her calling. In 1982 she began a 20+ year career as a technical assistant in otolaryngology at Chambers Clinic and then as an office manager for Dr. Ron Reese and Harrison Animal Clinic. Reida was an accomplished All-State clarinetist, piano and organ player, and she shared her gifts in civic performances and church services around the area for most of her life.
Reida's life was centered on her family, they were her greatest joy. She never missed a birthday, and she showed up for everything: band & choir concerts, marching contests, baseball games, basketball games, football games, plays and musicals, art shows – if her family did it, she was there. She looked forward to every holiday, but especially fall holidays and Christmas. She loved reminiscing on special memories and "Goggie" always created a magical Christmas for the grandkids (making sure they had everything on their list, outdoing even Santa himself).
Her heart was especially full when she was rescuing and taking care of animals: dogs, cats, birds, squirrels, guinea pigs, and once even a ferret. She didn't search for them, they found her, and they knew they were loved. Reida was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Phelan; daughter, Robyn (Steven) of Memphis; son, Josh (Bek) of Fayetteville; sister, Shelly Parker (Lester White); nephew, David Turnbow; and three beloved grandchildren, Henry Sharp, Ruthie Phelan, and Ryan Mae Phelan. She also leaves behind other dear relatives.
A memorial service with visitation and reception immediately following will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Holt Memorial Chapel, with Father Ross Stuckey officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
The family would like to extend our gratitude to Dr. Jake McClintock and Jennifer Nichols-Wright and staff, along with all of the special nurses and staff at The Springs in Harrison, where Reida received hospice care in her final weeks.
In honor of Reida's life and her mission of saving all creatures great and small, donations can be made to Gather Valley Rescue, c/o Glynna Allen, 115 Martin Drive, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.