Neva Jo Hathaway

Neva Jo Hathaway, 85, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 20, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family. Neva Jo was born on August 15, 1940, in Fairbanks, Arkansas, to Edgar and Alma Kennedy.

She graduated from Quitman High School in 1957. Shortly thereafter, she married the love of her life, Marvin Hathaway, and embraced the adventures of military life as an Air Force wife. Together they lived in Florida, California, Texas, and other locations before eventually settling in Vilonia, Arkansas, where they built their home, raised their family, and started their careers outside of the military.

Believing that it is never too late to pursue a dream, Neva Jo attended the University of Central Arkansas in Conway later in life and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. She went on to hold several accounting positions throughout Central Arkansas before accepting a position as a Tax Auditor for the State of Arkansas, where she faithfully served for over 20 years until her retirement. Above all else, Neva Jo was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and was the foundation upon which she built her family, friendships, and service to others. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend.

Though quiet in nature, Neva Jo possessed remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and a deeply caring heart. Following retirement and the untimely passing of her beloved husband, she devoted herself to her family, especially her cherished role as “Mimi” to her grandchildren. She treasured her church family, enjoyed time with friends, and found great joy in sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, and embroidery.

Neva Jo loved tending her garden, relaxing on her enclosed back porch with a good book, and creating blankets and hats for children in local hospitals. She will be remembered for her quick wit, gentle sarcasm, steadfast faith, and the pride she carried for her children and grandchildren. Few things brought her greater joy than sharing their accomplishments with anyone willing to listen.

Neva Jo is survived by her son, Michael Hathaway and wife, Sarah (Lamon) Hathaway of Franklin, Tennessee; her daughter, Kimberly (Hathaway) Kollar and husband John Kollar of Placitas, New Mexico; and her beloved grandchildren, Mary Grace Hathaway of Chicago, Illinois, and Kathryn Rose Hathaway of Franklin, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Hathaway; her parents, Edgar and Alma Kennedy of Fairbanks, Arkansas; and her sister, Marva Lou Davis of Fairbanks, Arkansas.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers, nurses, and healthcare professionals who cared for Neva Jo throughout her journey with dementia. Their compassion, kindness, and loving support brought comfort and dignity to her every step of the way.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, at 1 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service immediately following at 2 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home in Sherwood, Arkansas, with burial to follow at Fairbanks Cemetery near Quitman, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital in her honor.