Roma Lou Fawcett

Roma Lou Staples Fawcett, 91, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025. Born on August 12, 1933, in New Edinburg, Arkansas, Roma lived a life defined by courage, compassion, and unwavering love for her family.

She graduated from Pine Bluff High School and began working as a clerk at a dime store at 16 years old. At 19, she married the love of her life, Albert Lee Fawcett, in 1952. That same year, she made a bold and unforgettable journey to San Francisco, where she boarded a cargo ship to reunite with Lee, who was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, during his military service.

After Lee’s service, the couple settled in North Little Rock, where they raised their two children, Louann and Al. Roma embraced motherhood with joy and purpose, becoming the beloved “neighborhood mom” to her children’s friends. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of family life— water skiing, boating, camping, and cheering on her children and grandchildren at ball games, school performances, and life’s many milestones. Her pride and support were constant, her presence a source of strength and joy. She is described as special, unique, and one of a kind woman who made a mark on many lives.

Roma was a gifted seamstress, known for crafting beautiful clothes and handmade Barbie outfits for Christmas gifts. She enjoyed knitting with her Friday group, was a member of the Red Hat Society, and an avid bridge player whose friendships endured through the years. Her home was always open, her heart always full.

Professionally, Roma worked as an administrative assistant at the original Twin City Bank, but her most cherished role was that of a stay-at-home mom and later, the devoted caregiver to her three grandsons—Drew, Garret, and Reed. She was a Northeast High School drill team mom and a passionate supporter of every sport her son and grandsons played.

Roma was the heart of her family—their matriarch, their guiding light. She loved auctions and flea markets, and her Depression-era upbringing made her thrifty and resourceful. She could stretch a dollar so thin it only had one side, and she could fix almost anything with tape, staples, or zip ties. She had a passion for gardening and could bring life into the tiniest of sprigs. She loved sharing cuttings from her garden so they would take root and flourish in other people’s homes and gardens.

Perhaps most remarkably, Roma was a true warrior. She courageously battled cancer six times over the course of her life, beginning at age 48, using faith and her positive attitude as her mightiest of weapons. Her strength, resilience, and grace inspired all who knew her. She was called a hero, a soldier, a fighter—and rightly so. On June 30, Jesus called her home, rewarding her with heavenly wings and eternal peace that surpasses all understanding.

Roma is survived her daughter, Louann Gardner; her son, Albert Lee Fawcett, Jr. (Melinda), both of North Little Rock; her grandsons, Garret Gardner of North Little Rock and Dr. Reed Gardner (Zoe) of Little Rock; her great-grandson, Boston Gardner of North Little Rock; her sister, Carole Ann George (Claud); niece Claudia Kuntz (Pat), of Texas; Matt Dixon of Greenbrier; and her beloved Boston Terrier, Buddy —her doggie soul mate. Buddy loved Roma, his rescuer.

She was preceded in death by parents Pauline and James Staples; brother, Jimmy Staples; husband, Albert Lee Fawcett; grandson, Drew Gardner; and nephew Mark Lynch.

The family would like to recognize Dr. Diane Wilder, Dr. Jeri Fant, Dr. Clark Watson, and the compassionate staff at CARTI for their exceptional care. A special thank you to nurse Stephanie Hayes, whose loving presence and dedication brought comfort to Roma and her family—she holds a special place in our hearts.

Join us in celebrating Roma’s life on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Smith Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock. Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM. A procession will follow to Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Avenue, North Little Rock, for interment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the charity of your choice or to CARTI to help save lives, or, as “Maw” would say, “Contribute to your grandkids.”