Glenda Mitchell Arey, 90, of Haskell, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Glenda was a faithful servant of God, a devoted Matriarch of her family, and a passionate educator. Born on March 30, 1935 to Otis Mitchell and Ailene Mills Mitchell. She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Arey Davis, and husband, Robert; son, Jeffrey Arey, and his wife, Betsy. Five grandchildren cherish her memory: Allen Davis and wife, Lana; Kristen Davis Castleberry and husband, Sean; Jason Davis and wife, Melissa; Jake Arey and wife, Leigh Ann; Rachel Arey Pilcher and husband, Patrick. Glenda was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Avery, Brynlee, Jack, Sam, Dani, Ollie-Kate & Ketcher. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Lynn Mitchell Wilson, and husband Troy of Leesburg, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her cherished husband of 57 years, Raymond G. Arey.

Glenda graduated from Harmony Grove High School in 1953 and graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor's degree in Education. A pioneer of her time, she later went on to obtain a Master's degree in Music from the University of Oklahoma. Glenda influenced countless children's lives as a revered teacher of 3rd grade at Bryant Elementary for 30 years, during which time she established the Bryant Elementary Music Program. During this time, with seemingly boundless energy, she also started her own music school, where she taught many children in Central Arkansas how to play the piano.

Glenda and Raymond traveled extensively across the United States and Europe in their golden years, creating lifelong memories. They traveled across the country with their wonderful friends as part of the Arkansas Roadhogs. She also performed with many avid musicians across Arkansas, where she excelled at the autoharp and dulcimer in addition to the piano and organ.  Glenda was known for her generous spirit, artistic nature, and fabulous sense of style. A true Southern lady, she was the epitome of grace and charm and a marvelous cook, baker, gardener, and painter.

A lifelong and faithful servant of God, she was deeply involved in the church throughout her life. At Mt. Harmony in Haskell, she played both the piano and organ. At First Baptist in Benton, she found and shared fellowship for over a decade and was involved with the Children's ministry. After the passing of her beloved husband, she founded Grief Share at Balboa Baptist in Hot Springs Village, which continues to bring comfort to that community today.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Selph Hall at First Baptist Church, Benton, Arkansas, with Memorial Services immediately following

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bryant Elementary Music Program in her honor. Details below:

Bryant Elementary Music Programs
Bryant Administration Building
1511 N. Reynolds Road
Bryant, AR 72022