Teddie Leah Sandifer

Teddie Leah Sandifer of Searcy passed away on Sept. 14, 2025, at Unity Health in Searcy. She was born April 25, 1937, in Sidney, Ark., to the late Phillip Glen and Drinon Wright Smith.

Ms. Sandifer graduated from Sidney High School in Sidney, Ark. Graduated with her BSE and MSE degrees from UCA in Conway. She taught Special Education classes at Beebe, then worked with Cabot Schools as the LEA (Local Education Administration) Supervisor until she retired.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband ,Joe Sandifer; a son, Douglas Whitener; and a sister, Glenna Dean Smith, age 2.

She is survived by three daughters, Sheila Jennings (Bart) of Searcy, Dixie Bryant (Ricky) of St. Louis, Mo., and Nancy Duren (Randy) of Benton; stepdaughters, Gayla Sandifer Jackson and Johanna Sandifer Spilotis; eight grandchildren, Clint Fulks (Hannah) of Benton, Shawn Romine (Heather) of Greenbrier, Colby Jennings (Meg) of Searcy, Trisha Jennings, Douglas Whitener (Ashley), Casey Whitener, Brianna Whitener and Christie Hensley (Mitch) of Conway; 13 great-grandchildren (14 in December), and three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Gayra Smith of Washington; and one brother, Mike Smith of Perryville, Ark.

Visitation was held on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, beginning at 1 p.m, at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy. Memorial services followed at 2 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy.

www.powellfuneralhome.net