Ardith "Evon" Coleman

Ardith “Evon” Harvey Coleman, age 95, passed away May 16, 2026, in Conway, Arkansas. She was born July 5, 1930, in Judsonia, Arkansas, to Lawrence and Myrtle Harvey and was one of twelve siblings. Evon graduated from Judsonia High School, where she especially loved playing basketball. She continued her education at Harding University and later at State College of Arkansas, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and began a career in education that reflected her caring spirit and love of teaching. She taught at Perryville High School and Harmony Grove High School, touching the lives of many students through the years.

On August 23, 1968, she married William R. “Bill” Coleman, Jr. and became a loving mother to four children: Jerry, Vicki, Cindy, and Bobby. Together they built a life filled with family and adventure, living in Benton, Arkansas, later moving to Cookeville, Tennessee, and then to Green River, Wyoming. While in Green River, Evon enjoyed being active in the local chapter of Republican Women. She was talented and creative, enjoying painting and golf, and was especially known as an avid and competitive bridge player who treasured time spent with friends around the card table.

Evon’s devotion to family was perhaps most evident during the 20 years she lovingly cared for her husband after his illness. During those years, they moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and later to Conway, Arkansas, where she treasured being near her beloved sister, Jean. Her strength, loyalty, and selflessness were a testament to the deep love she had for her family.

She attended the Church of Christ whenever able and carried her faith quietly throughout her life. Evon was preceded in death by her husband, William R. “Bill” Coleman, Jr.; her parents, Lawrence and Myrtle Harvey; her twin brother, Artie Harvey, who was killed in Korea in 1950; her brothers Charlie, Bill, Ed, Junior, Levon, Delano, and Glen Harvey; and her sisters Daisy, Gertrude, and Jean.

She is survived by her children Jerry (Lisa), Vicki (Tim Sharpe), Cindy (Charles Barkley), and William (Vicki); twelve grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews who will continue to cherish her memory and the strength, determination, and independent spirit that defined her life.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Conway HealthCare and Rehab and Gentiva Hospice for the wonderful care, compassion, and support they provided during Evon’s final months. She will be remembered for her intelligence, competitive spirit, artistic talents, devotion to family, and the strength she showed throughout her life.

Donations can be made in her memory to https://www.gentivahs.com/ or to Evergreen Cemetery in Judsonia c/o Mary Spurlock, 1305 Eastside Rd., Judsonia, AR, 72081.