Violet Novalene Callahan, 92, of Benton, born on November 20, 1930, in Big Creek, Hot Springs County, peacefully joined her beloved husband of 69 years, Charles Callahan, in Heaven on Friday, August 11, 2023

Novalene was the daughter of Webster and Zella Price Allen and was predeceased by her parents, as well as her brother Don (Diane) Allen and sister Veldene (Harley) Jester. She is survived by her sister, Beth (Walt) Hood of Malvern.

She leaves behind a legacy carried on by her four loving daughters: Dianna (Ronnie) Griffith, Sheila (Dan) Harris, Debra (Bob) Ramsey, and Sherry (Terry) Parsons. Novalene was a devoted grandmother to eight cherished grandchildren: Garth (Adrienne) and Seth (Makenzee) Griffith of Arlington, TX; Greg (Julie) Harris of Arizona; Dana (Shannon) Everett of Benton; Jennifer Ramsey and Jayme (Zach) Barker of Benton; and Dustin and Layne Parsons of Benton. Her family continued to grow through the generations with 19 great-grandchildren: Ethan Ruffing; Houston and Easton Griffith; Shelby and Kinlee Griffith; Grace, Charlie, and Calvin Harris; Blake, Tucker, Layla, and Weston Everett; Bella and Lexi Barker; Adison Ramsey Reese; Emerson Flanagan; Charles Rachel and Nora Parsons.

Novalene was an exceptional cook; her culinary skills earned her trophies for numerous recipes. She stood out as the valedictorian of the Poyen Class of 1948, with her identical twin sister as the salutatorian, forging an unbreakable bond. As a dedicated shopper, Novalene's knack for finding the best deals on any item was unrivaled.

After graduating high school, she met the love of her life at the Rainbow Cafe in Malvern, Arkansas. She was a past member of Holland Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  Novalene was a member of Spring Creek Missionary Baptist Church and a volunteer at the Benton Senior Adult & Wellness Center, where her selflessness touched many lives. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who provided comfort and support during her final days.

As we bid farewell to Mom/Mamaw, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, family, and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Pallbearers will be Garth & Seth Griffith, Gregory Harris, Dustin & Layne Parsons, Zach Barker, and Shannon Everett.

Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17 at Ashby Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 18 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial Fairplay Cemetery.  Bro. Terry Parrish and Bro. Kim Hammer will be officiating.