Faye Laverne Counts Hiblong

Faye Laverne Counts Hiblong, 93, peacefully passed away on September 14, 2026. She was born on July 29, 1933, in Huntsville, Arkansas, to John E. and Myrtha Counts.

Faye retired from Pulaski County Food Services, where she worked as a cook. A gifted cook and baker, she won many ribbons at the fair over the years, including ‘Best in Show’ for her angel food cake. She was also a talented quilter who lovingly made many quilts throughout her life. The consummate homemaker, Faye took great pride in caring for her home and making everyone who entered it feel welcome. She loved having visitors, and her door was always open.

Sweet and quiet by nature, Faye’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being “Nanny.” She loved her grandchildren fiercely and treasured every opportunity to have her family gathered around her. Until recent years, Sunday dinners at Nanny’s were a beloved family tradition, filled with good food, time together, and memories her family will always treasure.

Faye possessed a strong and steadfast faith in the Lord. She was a faithful, longtime member of East Union Missionary Baptist Church. Ministry ran deeply through her family, as four of her six brothers were pastors, and her son, David, also followed a calling to ministry. Surrounded by pastors and faithful servants throughout her life, Faye’s faith was a treasured part of who she was and the legacy she leaves with her family.

Faye was married to the love of her life, Howard Hiblong, until his passing in 2014. Together, they shared 63 happy years centered on faith, mutual respect, and devotion to their family. Even after his passing, the love Faye and Howard shared remained close to her heart, and each year, she honored their life together by writing him a beautiful, heartfelt poem.

Faye’s memory will be cherished by her children, Barbara (Gary) Alexander, David (Vickie) Hiblong, and Lisa (Jerry) Smith; grandchildren, Paige (Jeff) Brown, Jeff Alexander, Paul (Jordan) Hiblong, Mark (Allison) Hiblong, Crissy (Don) Nichols, Ross (Bailey) Smith, and Bryce Smith; great-grandchildren, Josh Brown, Giovanni Hiblong, Ethan Nichols, Jenna Alexander, Jamey Nichols, Ruth Hiblong, Patrick Hiblong, Miller Hiblong, and Lewis Smith; and two more great-grandchildren on the way, Lexi Smith and Evelyn Nichols.

She is also remembered by her sister, Linda Sue (Don) Masters; four sisters-in-law with whom she shared a particularly close bond, Kaye Counts, Eloise Pledger, Rose Hiblong, and Betty Jean Counts; and many extended family members and dear friends who loved her and will miss her deeply.

Faye was welcomed with open arms into Heaven by her beloved husband, Howard Hiblong; her parents, John E. and Myrtha Counts; and her siblings, Carl, Ken, Curt, Betty, Loy, Bill, and Bob Counts.

Faye will be remembered for her quiet and gentle spirit, her deep faith, her open door, and the fierce love she held for her family. The meals she prepared, the quilts she stitched, and the traditions she created will remain treasured reminders of a life devoted to caring for others.

Visitation will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. A funeral service honoring Faye’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, also at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at Sharon Cemetery.

Pallbearer honors have been entrusted to her grandsons, Jeff Alexander, Jeff Brown, Paul Hiblong, Mark Hiblong, Ross Smith, and Bryce Smith; and her great-grandsons, Josh Brown, Giovanni Hiblong, Ethan Nichols, and Jamey Nichols will serve as honorary pallbearers.