Connie Sue Staley

Connie Sue Martin Staley, 75, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home on September 18, 2026, after a courageous 17-month battle with glioblastoma, surrounded by the care of hospice and many beloved women. She was a woman of deep Christian faith, and she is now at peace in heaven.

Connie was born on December 18, 1950, in Killeen, Texas, and was raised in Clarksville, Arkansas, where she graduated from Clarksville High School in 1968. Following graduation, she moved to Little Rock and enrolled in nursing school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, earning her associate degree in nursing. She went on to dedicate her career to caring for others, working as a nurse for the Department of Veterans Affairs and for Baptist Hospital. On December 23, 1972, she married the love of her life, Ed Staley, in Little Rock. When she retired, it was to raise her children full-time — though "retired nurse" turned out to be a bit of a misnomer, as her family can attest, having received her care on more than one occasion without so much as a local anesthetic.

Connie was a devoted member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, where she took part in the Koinonia Sunday School Class and spent countless hours serving in the church's Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. Outside of her ministry work, her passions were gardening, interior decorating, and tennis — along with an undying devotion to caring for her neighbors, friends, and family.

Connie was preceded in death by her mother, Mattie Dee Martin, and her father, F.H. Martin, as well as her sister, Roxie Paschal, and her brother, Jimmie Martin.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Royce Edward Staley Jr. (Ed); her son and daughter-in-law, Brent and Natalie Staley; and her daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Jordan Johnson. She was beloved Cici to her five grandchildren: Patterson Johnson (19), Luke Staley (19), Levi Staley (17), Keeton Johnson (16), and Staley Catherine Johnson (14). She is also survived by her brother, Bennie Martin, and her sisters, Patsie Bridges and Elaine Hickman; her sisters-in-law, Becky Martin and Anita Woodall; and her brother-in-law, Rodger Woodall, along with many cherished nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Connie's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30th, at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, officiated by Dr. John Robbins, with a reception to follow. A private family interment will precede the service in the church's Columbarium Garden officiated by Rev. Britt Skarda.

Arrangements are entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church.

Connie will be remembered for her courage, her faith, her quick wit, and her lifelong devotion to caring for others — first as a nurse, and always as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She spoke the truth to those she loved, whether they wished to hear it or not, and most who were close to her can recall a moment or two of wishing she loved them just a little less. She passed from this earth knowing without a doubt that she was bound for an eternally better place, and even though she was in a hurry to get there, she'll never have to hurry again.