Cleva Ellen Douglas

Cleva Ellen Douglas, 106, died Aug. 29, 2014, at Red Rose Health and Rehab, Cassville, Mo. She was born Nov. 22, 1907, to Harmon and Dora (Dawson) Williams at Glade, Ark. She attended Coal Gap School, completing the eighth grade. She married Harry Douglas June 25, 1924. In 1927, they both accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and made it their practice to follow his teachings. They lived in the Glade Community until 1944, moving to Gateway, Ark., to provide better educational opportunities for their children. After their four children were grown, they raised three grandchildren who kept them active. Harry died in 1980, and for the first time in her life, Cleva was faced with spending the night alone. Her faith didn't fail her and she continued to live alone on the farm until she was 94. At age 101, she chose to move to Red Rose and remained content with that decision. Cleva and Harry were well known for their gift of hospitality and were always ready to help anyone in need. Even through tough times and hard work, they took time to sing, read, tell stories and play games with their children. Cleva's lack of formal education never stopped her from learning. If she had free time, she spent it reading, crocheting and quilting. Beside her love for gardening, she enjoyed traveling, having covered most of the states and several foreign countries. Her middle name was "Go." Preceding her in death are husband, Harry; son, Dean; grandson, Terry Douglas; brothers, Virgil, Omar and Liss Williams; sister, Clema Wilson; and son-in-law, Chalmers Porter. Cleva is survived by daughters, Betty Porter, Fargo, N.D., Glenda Hanna and John (Bill), Quitman, Ark.; and son, William (Bill) and Susan, Cassville, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. A visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, from 1-2 p.m., with a funeral service at 2 p.m. in Rollins Funeral Home chapel. Burial will follow at Ruddick Cemetery in Garfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse; P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; or Ruddick Cemetery, c/o Dorothy Williams, 13451 Ventris Road, Garfield, AR 72732.