Mary Francis Oliver Beals, age 73, of Arkadelphia, died Tuesday, February 19, 2018 at her home.  She was born December 8, 1944 in Hot Springs , the daughter of the late Willie H. and Nora Ellis (Reed) Oliver.  Mary was a stay at home mom until 1974 when she went to work for Hollywood Vasserette in Arkadelphia for one year.  She then started helping her husband Richard P. Beals paint until April 2010 when he passed away.  Mary was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where she was the song leader, Sunday school teacher and vacation Bible school teacher.  She was preceded in death by three brothers, and her husband Richard P. Beals.

Mary is survived by one son, David Beals (Maryetta) of Donaldson, one daughter, Debbie Francis (Barry) of Arkadelphia, one grandson, Dustin Beals (Hollie) of Haskell, two great grandchildren, Connor and Cooper Beals of Haskell, two brothers, John E. Oliver of Wichita Falls, TX and Herbert H. Oliver of Hot Springs, several nieces and nephews, and a very special friend, Brenda Frazier.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, February 22, 2018 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church with Revs. Stan Rogers and John Small officiating.  Interment will be in Golden Cemetery .

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday at Welch Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Dustin Beals, Barry Francis, Ronnie Beals, Mike Moore, Arlon Seale, WL Fendley.

Honorary Pallbearers are Connor and Cooper Beals.

The family would like to thank the Doctors of Arkadelphia Baptist Hospice for the wonderful care that they gave to our mother during this time.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church c/o Melanie Rogers 4547 Hwy 67 S Gurdon AR 71743 .

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.  Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book and view the video tribute.