Earline Hallam Stoddard

Friday, March 17, 2023

Earline Hallam Stoddard, 83, of Bryant, Ark., entered into God’s presence on March 11, 2023. She was born Feb. 1, 1940, to Earl and Cleota Hallam. She was preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Edmund A. Stoddard; and her oldest son, Edmund A. (Andy) Stoddard. She was a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant, Ark.

Earline is survived by a sister, Barbara Elliott; a brother, John (Patty) Hallam; her daughter, Ellen (Ron) Boling of Searcy; and sons, Charles (Denise) Stoddard of Paragould, and Chad (Victoria) Stoddard of Marked Tree. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Maeria Boling, Noah (Hannah) Stoddard, Michael Boling, Elizabeth Stoddard, Andrew Stoddard, Kaitlyn Stoddard, Abby Stoddard, Ayden Boling, and Alan “AJ” Boling; and two great-grandchildren, Carter King and Ella Stoddard.

Upon graduation from both Cottey College and the University of Missouri, Earline married the love of her life, Edmund A. Stoddard in 1963. While serving beside him in various pastorates over Missouri, Arkansas, and Wyoming, she utilized her career in nursing to supplement the family income. She had the privilege of serving in many capacities from directing a home health agency, overseeing surgical units in a couple of hospitals, being the nurse for various church camps, substituting as a school nurse and she completed her career by teaching at Baptist Health College, from which she retired in 2019.

Earline had a strong work ethic, which she got from her parents by being raised on a farm and given chores at the young age of five. She instilled these values into her children. One of her most famous sayings occurred when someone would say, “I have to …” and the blank can be filled with any obligation that comes to mind. Her response would always be, “No, you GET to …” To her, work was a hobby and she was never happy when idle. This is truly representative in her favorite Scripture verse, which she would often sing: This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalms 118:24).

A celebration of her life will begin at 10 a.m. with visitation, followed by a service at 11 a.m. on March 15, at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 AR-5, Alexander, AR 72002, with Pastor Matt Duran officiating.