Willie Faye McKissack

Willie Faye Garlington McKissack, age 98, died on November 20, at her home at Presbyterian Village. She was born on February 20, 1927, to James & Claude Garlington, in Fordyce, AR.

She graduated as valedictorian of Kingsland High School in 1944, attended Draughon’s Business College in Little Rock, and married her husband of 43 years, Earnest Whit McKissack, in 1947. Despite pursuing a professional career in the “big city,” she never forgot her Fordyce roots. She worked for 45 years as Executive Secretary at Kolor Print, Inc., and later at Roselawn Memorial Park into her 80s. For several decades she helped her husband purchase, renovate, and manage numerous rental properties across Little Rock. She had a strong work ethic and deeply valued personal fiscal responsibility and worked hard to pass that along to her family.

She is preceded in death by her parents James and Claude, her husband Earnest, infant son Joseph Whit, and great-granddaughter Claire. She was the youngest of ten children and was predeceased by her six brothers Paul, Bill, Carroll, James Jr., Jack, and infant Garlington, her four sisters Norma, Emily, Rubye, and Mary Lou.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacy Jill Roberts (Bob), her grandchildren, Rachel Claire Tomlinson (Laken) of San Francisco, CA, Caroline Grace Andrews (Joshua) of Houston, TX, and Rees Taylor Roberts of Cleveland, OH, as well as by her great-grandchildren Taylor, Leon, and Jillian, and a very large extended family. She was very thankful for “her precious family.”

Willie Faye was proud to live independently and drive until age 94. Her final years were spent at Presbyterian Village, where she received wonderful care from the nurses and staff. Her family wishes to extend their gratitude to all at Presbyterian Village for the compassionate and attentive care they provided.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, in the chapel of Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, AR. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel. A private graveside service will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Presbyterian Village, 510 N. Brookside Drive, Little Rock, AR. 72205 or Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, Ar. 72211. Arrangements are by Smith Family Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR. 72205. Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com for the online guestbook.