Frances Futrell Obituary

Oct 10, 1936 - Jan 23, 2026

Frances Ann (Gould) Futrell, age 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 23, 2026, beside her loving husband, Byron, of 69 years. A devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, Frances' life was a beautiful example of love, strength, and unwavering faith.

Frances was born October 10, 1936, in Dongola, Illinois, to Frank and Anna (Corzine) Gould. She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Anola Phillips. The Gould family moved to Pocahontas in 1949 when Frances was 12 years old for her dad to preach at Pyburn Street Church of Christ. Frances and Byron started "going steady" when she turned 14. Frances graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1954 and attended Harding University from 1954 to 1956. Byron and Frances wed on March 30, 1957 while Byron finished his MBA degree at the University of Arkansas. In January of 1958, Frances gave birth to their first child, Terri, and in the same month moved back to Pocahontas. They continued to grow their family, welcoming Mel in 1960, Kristi in 1961 and Eric in 1968. Frances loved her family fiercely and created a home filled with warmth and laughter. While working alongside Byron at Futrell Hardware, she enjoyed visiting with everyone who came in the store. Frances and Byron were life-long members of the Pyburn Street Church of Christ. In May of 2023, they relocated to Harding Place in Searcy, AR.

Frances is survived by her husband, Byron Futrell, her children, Terri (Mitch) Walton of Searcy, Mel (Shayna) Futrell of Birmingham, AL, Kristi (Joe) Mabry of Spartanburg, SC, Dr. Eric Futrell of Pocahontas and Keith (Shelly) Futrell of Pocahontas. Nine grandchildren: Matthew (Alicia) Walton, Margaret Ann (Jay) Youngs, Paige (Dr. Kevin) Barnett, Martha Ellen Mabry, Halle (Cody) Poe, McKenna Futrell, Conner Futrell, SaraMarie Futrell, and Charity Futrell. Ten great-grandchildren ranging from 11 to 4: Owen Barnett, Luke Barnett, Adaline Walton, Emery Poe, Frances Ellen Youngs, Ellison Poe, Andrew Barnett, Ford Youngs, Ezra Poe, and Milo Walton. And one sister, Joan (Bob) Moore.

Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2026 from 2:30-3:30 PM in the chapel of McNabb Funeral Home with a funeral service beginning at 3:30 PM. Burial will follow in Randolph Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.