Faye Olivia Evans

Faye Olivia Evans

October 14, 1941 – September 18, 2026

Faye Olivia Evans, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Sherwood, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on October 14, 1941, in Newport News, Virginia, Faye lived a life filled with love, laughter, music, and an extraordinary gift for making everyone around her feel welcome. She was quite simply one of the friendliest people you could ever meet. Faye never met a stranger, and her warm smile could light up a room and lift your spirits no matter what kind of day you were having.

Faye spent a large portion of her life working as a server at several area restaurants—a job she absolutely adored and one that perfectly suited her outgoing personality and genuine love of people. She never forgot a face, and chances are, if Faye had waited on you once, she remembered you the next time you walked through the door. To her, people were never simply customers. They were friends she had made along the way.

Music and dancing were also a big part of Faye’s life. In her younger days, if there was music playing, you could usually find her on the dance floor. Even in later years, it didn’t take much more than a good beat to get her feet tapping. Music brought her joy, and that joy was contagious.

But nothing meant more to Faye than her family. Some of her happiest moments were found in the simple pleasure of being together—hosting family gatherings around the holidays, going to brunch with her grandson Kenny and his wife, Melena, playing dominoes with her granddaughter Nicole, or gathering around the table for a game of cards with her great-grandchildren Jenna, Gavyn, Kaylee, Madisen, Hayden and Cadence, along with the many other family members who joined in over the years. She cherished staying up late for long talks with her grandsons Landon and Lathan, and, of course, she was always ready for a good game of Farkle with anyone willing to play. These were the moments Faye treasured most—not grand occasions, but time spent laughing, talking, playing and simply enjoying the company of the people she loved. They are the memories her family will hold especially close and carry with them forever.

Faye also had a tremendous love for her fur babies, Girlfriend, Benny, and Gypsy, who were very much members of the family. She was forever making sure they had eaten—and then making sure they had eaten enough. That concern was simply part of who Faye was. She spent her life looking after others, often putting everyone else’s needs ahead of her own. Whether you were family, a friend, a customer, or a four-legged companion, if Faye cared about you, you knew it.

Her family will remember her laughter, her smile, her love of music and dancing, the games played around the table, the holidays spent together, and countless little moments that made ordinary days special. Most of all, they will remember the love she gave so freely and the happiness she brought into their lives.

Faye was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Evans; her parents, Arthur Murden and Thelma Carpenter; her sisters, Alice Allen and Grace "Dimples" Lewis; and her grandson, Cody Bradley.

She is survived by her brother, Ronald Merritt of Denver, North Carolina; and her six children, Terry Eliza Bradley (Philip) of Quitman, Arkansas; James Darryl Apple (Debbie) of Ward, Arkansas; Ronald Carl Apple (Jan) of Beebe, Arkansas; Michael Dane Apple (Pam) of Cabot, Arkansas; Billy DeWayne Evans-Delrie (Damein) of Sherwood, Arkansas; and Elizabeth Ann Sena of Van Buren, Arkansas.

Faye’s legacy of love and laughter will also live on through her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and adopted kids and grandkids, who were truly the light of her life.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home, 7700 Highway 107, Sherwood, Arkansas 72120.

A celebration of Faye’s life will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home. A graveside service will immediately follow at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.

All floral arrangements for Faye’s services should be placed with Sherwood Florist & Every Blooming Thing, 10411 Highway 107, Sherwood, Arkansas 72120. Orders may be placed by calling (501) 835-0305 or online at sherwoodfloristar.com.

The family would like to thank everyone in advance for the tremendous outpouring of love, prayers, kindness and support during this difficult time. Your calls, messages, visits and thoughtful gestures mean more than words can express.

Although Faye will be deeply missed, her family hopes she will be remembered not only with tears, but with smiles—with a favorite song playing, a game of cards or Farkle around the table, a little dancing when the mood strikes, and plenty of laughter shared among the people you love. Because if there was one thing Faye knew how to do, it was bring a little more joy into the lives of everyone around her.