Carminta Ann Needham

Carminta Ann Needham, age 91, passed away peacefully at her home in Alma, Arkansas, on April 30, 2025, with her loving daughter, Rita, by her side. She was born on August 19, 1933, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to Elvin and Annie (Jackson) Pettygrew. Carminta was the devoted wife of Howard Needham, whom she married on March 12, 1949, in California. The couple later made their home in Arkansas, a place Howard proudly embraced as his forever home. They shared 29 years of marriage before Howard’s passing. Carminta dedicated 31 years of service to the U.S. Postal Service. What began as a temporary substitute role for her friend Harold Allen turned into a full-time position as a mail carrier, a job she performed with pride and commitment until her retirement.

Outside of work, Carminta found great joy in nature—especially in caring for her yard and tending to her beloved flower beds. She had a special fondness for hummingbirds and often admired them while surrounded by her blossoms. She treasured time with her family, particularly watching her great-granddaughter Tianna play basketball and softball, and seeing her great-great-grandson Rhett play in Rita’s yard. Summers were filled with joy as she watched her Oklahoma great-grandchildren ride four-wheelers outside her window. Holidays, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving, were dear to her, and she delighted in cooking large family meals until her health no longer allowed it. A passionate sports fan, Carminta proudly cheered for the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Oklahoma Sooners, faithfully following both football and basketball. Her life was also guided by her Christian faith, and over the years she attended a Baptist church.

She is survived by her daughter, Rita McCarthick of Alma, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Deann and husband Gordon Henagar, and Heather and husband Dustin Moiser; six great-grandchildren, Tianna and husband Garrett Parson, Sapphire and husband Skylur Whaley, Cass Henagar, Moriah Moiser, Koby Moiser, Tallon Moiser, and Levi Mason; and two great-great-grandchildren, Rhett and Emmett Parson. Carminta also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elvin and Annie Pettygrew; her husband, Howard Needham; her grandson, Jason Howard Winfrey; and her siblings, Mildred Criswell, Maggie McDaniel, Charlene Pestoni, and Harold Pettygrew.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Lewis Funeral Chapel, 4817 Kelley Hwy, Fort Smith, AR 72904. Interment will follow the services at Conley Cemetery in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Pastor Martin Jones is to officiate. Serving as pallbearers are Garrett Parson, Roy Shepherd, Randy Burrough, Thomas Parker, and Tony Bummett. Marvin Pettygrew will serve as honorary pallbearer. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Carminta’s caregiver, Dorothy, for her compassionate and devoted care.