On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, Oleta Terry Ferguson Ammons passed away at age 94. She was born on March 26, 1926 in Springdale, AR, to Lee and Lola Stotts Terry.
A longtime resident of Elkins, AR, Oleta was a member of Crystal Hills Family Fellowship Church and the Circle of Blessings Bible Study. Her Godly character was never shy to give a “bless your heart” and pray for those around her, whether stranger or friend. She retired from the University of Arkansas Post Office, a job she loved for the interactions with many students over the years. Throughout retirement, Oleta uplifted family and friends with encouraging cards and her beautiful script. She loved when everything had a place—from her garden of flowers, an impressive doll collection and intricate sewing. Many of her dolls are clothed in outfits she handmade.
Oleta was preceded in death by her father, Lee; mother, Lola; brother, Weldon Terry; sister, Billie Pritchard; son, Terrel Ferguson (survived by wife Janice); and son-in-law, Darrell Parrish.
Left to cherish her memories are her children: Linda Parrish (late husband Darrell) of Farmington, Allen Ferguson (wife Kathy) and Randy Ferguson of Fayetteville, Brenda Phillips (husband Keith) of Fredericksburg, TX and Marsha Marley (husband Jeff) of Elkins; sisters, Betty Sadler and Joyce Pearce of Escalon, CA; brothers, James Westzel and Travis Terry of Fayetteville; along with Oleta’s cherished 17 grandchildren; 25 great- grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, May 22, 2020 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel at 855 S. Happy Hollow Road, Fayetteville, AR 72701.
A graveside service will be 11:00 AM Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Terry Family Cemetery at Sunset in Winslow, AR.
Family will receive guests at Marsha and Jeff Marley’s home after the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Crystal Hills Family Fellowship Church in Elkins.
I have enjoyed the Terry, Ferguson, Ammons, and Marley families for many years. So many beautiful memories. Reuniting with Oleta in the Elkins community has been very rewarding.
Thank you Mary. You were always such a sweet friend to her.
Sweetest, kindest and strong person. Loved by all!!
Oleta a great lady and family leader. Always a greeting with a smile for you. Wish all family members the best.
Thank you that is very sweet.
Thank you Lula Belle. Mother thought so much of you and your family also.
An outstanding lady and family leader. Her legacy is the great family she leaves behind
Thank you Brian.
We are so sorry for the loss of this wonderful woman. She was a true blessing here on earth. Prayers and love sent to the friends and family of Oleta.
Thank you Linda. Mother was very fond of you also.
I felt blessed to know Oleta and she was dear to my mom as well. Condolences and may God carry these families through your time of loss.oleta will be greatly missed.
Thank you Connie.
Our hearts go out to your family. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Thank you.
Oleta was a precious lady in every sense of the word. She will be greatly missed by her church family. We grew to love her so much. A God loving servant who has taken her heavenly flight.
Thank you Dianne. Mother loved both you and Jasper.
I knew Oleta years ago, she was an anointed woman, so kind hearted, I’m sure she is happy and enjoying Heaven now
God Bless you Linda
Thank you for those kind words.
Oleta was a beautiful lady with a beautiful soul.
Oleta was such a wonderful lady. Our condolences and prayers for the family.
Thank you so much.
Thank you Mary. So sweet.
Thinking of you at this sad time. Oleta was a wonderful woman, and always so kind. She will be missed.
Thank you Trella. So good to hear from you!!
She was the sweetest lady. A delight to be around. Kindest thoughts and prayers for family and friends.
Thank you Louise. She loved you also!!
I will cherish memories of Oleta. She was a sweet lady and so kind.
Thank you Martha. I have many fond memories of your mother as well.
I remember Oleta and her ever present smile. My family spent lots of time with the Fergusons back in the 60’s. And built lasting relationships that lasted over many years. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you Linda. Don’t you know our mothers are enjoying heaven at this time.
Oleta was one of the sweetest women I have ever known. She was always thinking of others. I know she is home now. My condolences to all of her family. She will be missed. ❤️
Thank you so much. She will certainly be missed.
Feeling blessed I got to meet your mother. Our prayers fir the whole family.
Thank you Denise. She will be great missed.
A lovely and gracious lady who will be missed so much by so many. So sorry. Prayers for the family
Thank you Juana. Your words are certainly appreciated.
I loved Oleta and enjoyed getting to know her at church. She was the same person every single time, loved everyone and loved the Lord! What a privilege to have known her. My prayers for her entire family during this time of grief. I will miss her and will never forget her.
Thank you Polly. She certainly enjoyed your company. She has lots of bracelets that remind me of you.
Our family cannot be at the services tomorrow but wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and sharing good memories of Oleta. My mother, Clovita Rice, wanted to make sure you know that she sends her love to your family.
Robbi Rice Dietrich
Thank you Robbi. I certainly understand. Thank you for your sweet words. Lots of Christmas balls hanging in her house that remind me of your mother.
God bless all the family & friends!
Thank you.
Growing up can not remember not knowing Oleta she was always kind no pretentiousness. Sure you will all miss her greatly.
Thank you. Very sweet of you.
You have an amazing family! I’m so glad I’ve had the chance to know you all and meet your sweet mama! You’re all in my prayers!
Thank you Lac’e. I am glad you got to meet her also. She was very special.
Please know our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Kim Salsbury Pendergraft
and Sue Salsbury
Thank you
We have lost a wonderful Christian woman whose life has positively influenced so many. I know her kindness and gentle nature impacted my life when I was young. We rejoice that she rests in Jesus’ arms now, but we will miss her greatly. Praying for the family!
Thank you Richard. I so wish I had gotten our mothers together one last time.
Oleta was my friend, with much joy and love in her heart for so many Thank you Oleta. Much love, Cheryl
Thank you Cheryl. She enjoyed your company and you were very good to her.
God has taken home one of the finest Angels there ever was.
So sweet of you. Thank you.
Oleta was so nice to my mother’s family, The Osburns.
Thank you so much.
Our family was so sorry to read of Oleta’s passing. We have such good memories of living by your family. Oleta was always welcoming to 2 more kids at your home. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. The Clark’s
She loved it. The more kids the happier she was. Fond memories. Thank you.