Laura Jane Huddleston "Callahan" Hale

Laura Jane "Callahan" Huddleston Hale of McRae, Ark., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday Dec. 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born May 3, 1939, in Wynne, Ark., along with her twin sister, Daisy Jean Wilson, to Ivy Edward and Hattie Bell (Wolfe) Callahan. Her family had taken care of her in her home, along with caregivers and hospice staff, since April 2023.

She is survived by her brother Jerry Callahan of Wynne, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Jimmy Callahan of Velvet Ridge, Ark., and by her twin sister, Daisy Jean Wilson, of Hot Springs, Ark.

She married the love of her life, Jesse Leroy Huddleston, on Sept. 8, 1957. They were married 38 years. He preceded her in death on July 27, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her son, Jesse Leroy Huddleston Jr.; a daughter, Julie Christina Huddleston; her son-in-law, Samuel Leland Kirk; and a grandson, Dacoda Alan Goodman. She is survived by three daughters, Patricia Ann Moser (Rickie) of Batesville, Ark., Laura Regina Kirk of Beebe, Ark., and Vicki Renea Brooks (Danny) of Searcy, Ark.; six grandchildren, Lori Green (Tim), Tony Bressie, Daniel Brooks (Megan), Tasha Boozer (Bryan), Steven Bressie and Jessica Bartholomew (Christian); and 16 great-grandchildren, Alyxis, Alex, Aidyn and AJ Green, David, Samuel, Isaiah and Abigail Jane Brooks, Codie Goodman, Presley Boozer, Cylie Goodman, Brenlee and Bradley Boozer, Colten, Hudson and Lilli Anne Bartholomew. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, a special sister-in-law, Mona Rea Davis of Beebe, Ark., brother-in-law, Robert Huddleston of Forrest City, Ark., and a special friend, Twyla Land.

She married John Theodore Hale on Feb. 26, 2011. They were married 10 years. He preceded her in death on May 4, 2021, and she also was preceded by a stepdaughter, Lisa Renea Hale Blair (Steve). She is survived by three stepchildren, Sandra K Hays (Ricky), Diana Hale Landis (Eddie W.) and John T. Hale Jr. (Jayme); six step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren, all of Judsonia, Ark.

Jane loved the Lord Jesus and the Lord's church and was a faithful servant. Her daily life was a witness for Christ. She spread the news of Jesus to those she encountered. She loved to laugh and carried the joy of the Lord with her. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely. She was present at every event, big or small, until it was physically no longer feasible. She also loved her animals and was a "dog mom" through and through. Ashley and DeeDee were her "babies" and companions for 16/17 years and Rosie for eight years. She exemplified Christ's love by forgiving easily, loving unconditionally and giving to those in need. She was a homemaker while raising her family. After her children were grown, she worked at White County Medical Center in dietary and at Riverview schools, where several students looked to her as a surrogate "Mamaw."

She was known by "Mama" to her girls, "Mamaw" to her grandchildren and a follower of Christ to all of those who knew her. Her Bible was very well read, and she was a powerful prayer warrior. Everyone who knew her knew love.

Visitation will be at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy, Ark., on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. The funeral will be held at South Heights Church of God on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at 2 p.m. with interment to follow at White County Memorial Gardens.

The family would also like to honor and thank our precious caregivers and the hospice staff who became like a second family, also to her granddaughter, Jessica, who was one of her primary caregivers and always by her side, and also her grandson, Daniel, who helped with her care along with their spouses. She was able to be cared for at home due to their care, compassion, sacrifice and love for their Mamaw.

Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. 

www.powellfuneralhome.net