Community Comes Together to Honor Rita Harlow and Clifton Tankersley

News Summary

The community mourns the loss of two cherished members, Rita Harlow and Clifton Tankersley, who have left a lasting impact through their kindness and dedication. Their memorial services are scheduled for December 29th and 30th, with loved ones reflecting on their legacies of love and service.

Community Comes Together to Honor the Lives of Rita Harlow and Clifton Tankersley

This week, two beloved members of the community have left this world, and their absence is felt deeply by friends and family. Rita Harlow and Clifton Tankersley were both extraordinary individuals, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication.

Remembering Rita Harlow

Rita Harlow, known for her infectious smile and caring nature, passed away recently, leaving a void that will be hard to fill. She was the loving daughter of Troy Harlow, cherished wife to Wade Hopkins, and devoted mother to her children: Shawna Barber, Keila Hopkins, and Brandon Hopkins. Rita was also a proud grandmother to three: Madison, Kenzleigh, and Gatlin Barber.

Rita’s journey in life was marked by her incredible spirit. A devoted member of the First Church of the Nazarene, she was passionate about making a difference, particularly in the lives of children. Rita worked as a health caregiver with Home Helpers, where she touched the lives of many families. Not one to shy away from competition, she even *took home a League Champion title* alongside her daughter Keila in 2022, earning a reputation for her unique bowling style that included a distinct slide on her right foot.

Beyond her achievements, which included the prestigious Clara B Rogers/Roy Culverson service and contribution award in 2015, Rita was known for her generous heart. An organ donor, she will continue to help others even in her passing. Rita was also an animal lover, and her pets often reflected her nurturing character.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be held on Monday, December 29th, at 1:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene, located on 4813 N O St. After the service, her family will lay her to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Honoring Clifton Tankersley

In a bittersweet turn of events, Clifton G. Tankersley also passed away, leaving a legacy of military service and community involvement. At the age of 88, Clifton was a proud veteran who enlisted when he was just 17 years old. After 41 years of dedicated service, he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant, making significant contributions as the Air Field Management Superintendent at Ebbing ANG Base. His role as the past president of the Arkansas Enlisted Association of the National Guard in 1971 highlighted his leadership skills and commitment to veteran affairs.

After his military career, Clifton worked for 22 years at American Airlines, retiring in 2017. His love for travel brought joy to his life, as he enjoyed exploring the world with his wife and children. Clifton also had a passion for golf, volunteering for local tournaments and spending countless hours enjoying the sport.

Clifton is survived by his daughter Heather Schrader and her husband Steven, as well as sons Chris Tankersley and Scott Tankersley, alongside their families. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Marsha Kaye Tankersley, and many siblings, leaving behind cherished memories with his grandchildren, Faith, Matthew, and Andrew Schrader.

Visitation for Clifton will take place on Monday, December 29th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home. His funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30th, at 12:00 PM, also at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel, with interment to follow at Fort Smith National Cemetery.

Remembering Their Impact

Both Rita and Clifton were known not just for their personal achievements but also for the warmth they shared with their community. Their kindness and commitment to bettering the lives of those around them will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in their names can be made to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, causes that resonated with the values they held dear.

As the community comes together to remember these two incredible lives, we reflect on the memories we’ve shared and the love they’ve spread in every corner of their lives.

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