Carol Dean Boas, 96, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023. She died peacefully with family at home in Hamburg, AR. She was born December 7, 1926 in Lincoln County, the daughter of Robert Loren Thomas and Lillie Mae Stephenson. Carol was born and raised in Star City, and received her education there. She graduated Salutatorian of her class.
Upon graduation, Carol obtained employment at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith as Secretary to the Commander. It was here she met the love of her life, LeRoy Boas. They married and relocated to Southeast Arkansas, and began a life together lasting 70 years.
Carol had a Servant’s Heart. She was active in community, school, social and church life but the centerpieces of her life were her faith and Bible. A lifetime Sunday School Teacher, she taught children thru adults-even teaching the Pastor’s Class at First Baptist for years. She worked with choirs, Vacation Bible School, “live” Nativity Scenes, trips to Nursing Homes and other Youth projects. She and LeRoy started the first Coffee House for High School Students during the 1960’s. In later years, she focused on Samaritan’s Purse and the Benevolence Committee’s. She was a Honorary Member of the Criswell Sunday School Class of First Baptist, Dallas, TX.
Carol had three daughters, who she called their “jewels” and Family always came first. In addition to working in the Church Office, Carol worked as a legal secretary to Chief Justice Carlton Harris. She and LeRoy established a ladies boutique clothing store, which Carol managed after LeRoy famously said “with Mama and three girls, I am going to buy one, one way or the other.”
After your “typical” retirement, she and LeRoy had a new career in the Arkansas Legislature for over twenty years. Carol served as Constituency Service. It was here, she shined, composing hundreds of letters for Legislators and Arkansans. She loved working with Capitol Staff-especially the ladies in her Office.
Following another retirement, Carol and LeRoy relocated to Fayetteville for several years. Being life-long Razorback fans, they reacquainted themselves with a place they loved deeply. It was where they honeymooned and LeRoy attended college. It was where they spent years of enjoyment participating in the college years of their children and grandchildren.
Carol is survived by her devoted daughters, DeAnne (Jimmy) Murphy of Hamburg, Susan Reid of Sheridan, and Lynn (John) Hulette, and bonus daughter, Ila (Louis) Campbell of Fayetteville. Joyous memories are left to be cherished by grandchildren, Jim, Olivia, and Jon (Jenny) Murphy, Bart (Jamie) Reid, Ginny Lauren (Tom) Dowden, and her bonus grandchildren, Shepherd (Ashley) Campbell, Steadman (Tara) Campbell, and Caroline (Jerry) Faulkner; as well as her beloved 16 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at First Baptist Church (Pine Bluff) at a date to be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church (Pine Bluff), Samaritan’s Purse. Her interment will be in Ft. Smith, AR.
