Rachel Maybell Davis Maples

Rachel Maybell Davis Maples, age 97, of Hot Springs, formerly of Pine Bluff, passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2016. She was born February 26, 1919 at home near the Lazy Bend Community in Grant County. Rachel is preceded in death by her parents, Gill and Genie Davis; husband, Johnnie W. Maples, Sr.; brother, T.M. (Marshall) Davis; sons, Robert G. Maples and Ulyss T. Maples; and grandson, Robert I. Maples.

Left to cherish her memory, son, John W. Maples and wife, Mary Lou of Pineville, Louisiana; daughter, Ginger Dudey of Hot Springs; grandsons, Michael (Tran) Maples of Atlanta, Georgia, Karl Maples of Los Angeles, California, Collin (Terri) Maples of Hot Springs, and John P. (Amber) Maples of Ward; granddaughter, Malia Maples of Arvada, Colorado; and eight great-grandchildren.

Rachel graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1938 and married soon after. She was a long-time member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, where she and her husband lived and raised their family. As a teenager, she was a talented painter, and later she applied her artistic talents to sewing. She was an exceptionally fine dress designer and seamstress and enjoyed making costumes for her own and other children. She devoted herself to raising her children and grandchildren. Rachel lived in Northern California for fifteen years and returned to Arkansas following the death of her husband in 1977. She moved from White Hall to Hot Springs in 2001 and entered Garland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 87 in 2006. Rachel was a woman who always saw the good in others and never harbored ill will. Despite her own pain and physical limitations, she never complained and always made others feel better. She had such an innate goodness that everyone who knew her loved her. During her 97 years, she had a positive influence on many people, family, friends, and strangers.

Graveside services are 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 23, 2016 at Davis Cemetery in Grapevine with Brother Roy Polk officiating. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Sheridan. www.buiefuneralhome.com.