Brenda Ancel

Mrs. Brenda Ancel, a resident of Benton, Arkansas, formerly of Pumpkin Bend, departed this life on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 77. She was born on July 25, 1948, in Holly Grove, Arkansas, to Noble and Ellen (Smith) Woodard.

Brenda was a proud graduate of Holly Grove High School, Class of 1966. She went on to further her education at East Arkansas Community College, where she earned an associate’s degree. Brenda dedicated over 35 years of service to Sanyo in Forrest City before retiring. On December 29, 1990, she married Robert Louis Ancel, and together they shared nearly 33 years of love and companionship before Robert's passing in 2023. Brenda was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McCrory. In her free time, she enjoyed piecing jigsaw puzzles, crocheting, sewing, birdwatching, and cherishing moments with her beloved dogs.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents, Noble and Ellen Woodard; her brother, Harold “Buddy” Woodard; and her sister, Lois Maxwell. She leaves behind her son, Tommy Woodard, and his partner, Robert Snow, of Benton; two sisters, Jean Marshall and husband Raymond, and Glenda Marshall, all of Brinkley; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in McCrory, followed by visitation until the Mass at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Fr. John Wakube. Interment will follow at Pumpkin Bend Cemetery in Pumpkin Bend.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Chris Ancel, Jayme Ancel, Stephen Ancel, David Crawford, Ray Henry, and Craig Marshall. Honorary pallbearers are Brad Marshall and Robert Snow.

Arrangements are entrusted to Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home of McCrory.