Barbara Pruitt

Barbara Pruitt was a thoughtful and kind woman, who never hesitated to lend a helping hand. She loved others wholeheartedly; to know Barbara was to love her. She enjoyed visiting with anyone and everyone. Whether it was a short chat over the phone or a sit- down conversation over a Coke, you always left the conversation feeling loved.

Barbara went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 25th, 2025, at the age of 84 surrounded by loved ones at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born on March 3rd, 1941 in Mayflower, Arkansas to Perry Preston Dickens and Ruby Lucille Dickens, and was a loving sister to her siblings Paulette Cummins, Patricia Barnes, Ann Gagliano, and Perry Preston “Bo” Dickens.

Barbara spent most of her childhood in Mayflower, Arkansas, until the family moved to Merced, California which is where she graduated from Merced High School in 1959. Not long after, her family moved back to Mayflower where she met Dewey Pruitt. In the early 1960s, Barbara met and fell in love with Dewey, and the two were married in March of 1962. Over the course of their 63 years together, they faced life’s challenges hand in hand and shared countless adventures. Barbara and Dewey worked hard and made a strong team.

For many years, they owned and operated a dairy farm, dedicating themselves to the demands of farm life with determination and resilience. After selling the farm, they continued working side by side, managing and renovating rental properties—often renovating them together with a shared vision and tireless work ethic. She was a devoted, loving wife to Dewey.

In August of 1973, they welcomed their son, Robert Preston Pruitt, who quickly became the center of their world. To call Barbara a loving mother would only begin to capture the depth of her devotion. She was endlessly proud of Robert and took immense joy in every one of his accomplishments, cherishing her role as his mother above all else.

In 1997, Barbara joyfully embraced a new title—“Nana”—with the birth of her first granddaughter, Hailey Peyton. That joy grew even greater in 2001 when she welcomed her second granddaughter, Landrey Preston. Being Nana quickly became one of the most cherished roles of her life. She carried the name with pride, and it wasn’t long before “Nana” was how she was known by many beyond her own granddaughters. Anyone who met Barbara could feel the depth of her love and unwavering pride in her family—it radiated from her in every conversation and every smile.

Barbara had a deep appreciation for all things creative. She pursued painting with enthusiasm, taking several classes to refine her skills and also learning through watching The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross. Sewing was another of her cherished hobbies; she lovingly crafted clothing for family members and took great pride in her handiwork. Her creativity extended to reupholstering and refinishing furniture, and she had a remarkable talent for transforming everyday items. One of her proudest accomplishments was building her own deck—a project she completed with determination and skill, and one she spoke of often with pride. Most days you could find her at Home Depot dreaming up her next project, and she never left home without her tape measure.

Whether it was cake decorating, crafting, or tackling a home improvement project, Barbara was truly the “queen of DIY.” No project was ever too big—or too small—for her capable hands.

Unconditional love was the foundation of how Barbara lived her life, and she reflected that love in every action. She believed in leading with kindness rather than judgment, always choosing compassion first. Whatever she did, she did with her whole heart. Giving came naturally to her—whether it was surprising someone with their favorite sweet treat simply because it reminded her of them, or faithfully supporting causes close to her heart, like donating regularly to charity.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Perry, her mother, Ruby, her brother, “Bo,” and her two children, Tammy Denise Pruitt and Dewey Noel Pruitt Jr. She is survived by her husband, Dewey, her son, Robert and wife Maisie Pruitt, and her two granddaughters, Hailey and husband Hayden Harrington, also Landrey and fíance Droux Staten.

Barbara, lovingly known as “Nana,” will be deeply missed by all who had the joy of knowing her. Her passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of those she touched—one that can never truly be filled. Yet, her spirit will continue to live on in our memories and in the love she so freely gave. The world would undoubtedly be a kinder, more beautiful place if we all loved as Nana did—with unwavering devotion, wholehearted kindness, and unconditional grace.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas. Funeral will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Antioch Cemetery. To view the online guest register, please visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook