Wynema Lee (Nelson) Littlefield

Wynema Lee (Nelson) Littlefield, 103, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed peacefully in her home surrounded by family on October 18, 2025. She was born October 11, 1922, in Barber, Arkansas, to Seab Sam Nelson and Pearl Ula Pyles Nelson.

A graduate of Booneville High School, Class of 1940, Wynema married the love of her life, A.B. Littlefield, on March 8, 1944. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to family. After A.B. returned from World War II, he and Wynema were founding members of Littlefield Oil Company, along with A.B.’s brother W.C. Littlefield and his wife, Emma Lou. During the war, Wynema served her community through her work in commodity rations. She went on to work at the oil company well into her 80s, remaining actively involved and deeply proud of the family business.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, A.B. Littlefield; her brothers, W.O. Nelson and Talmadge Nelson and his wife, Laverne; her brother-in-law, W.C. Littlefield and his wife, Emma Lou; and her sister-in-law, Wenona (Littlefield) Damron and her husband, Glyn.

She is survived by her son, Buddy Littlefield and his wife, Cathy, of Booneville; her daughter, Kathy Snyman and her husband, Eugene, of Springdale; grandchildren Aaron Littlefield and wife Julie of Fort Smith; Melissa Arterbury and husband Brad of Fort Smith; Beth Rogers and husband Stanley of Fayetteville; and Jolene Baker and husband Jerald of Booneville. She also leaves behind her nieces Katy Nelson-Ginder, Kay Fennell, and Joy Parks and her nephews Matt Nelson and Sam Nelson.

Wynema was blessed with great-grandchildren Laken Adair and husband Chad of Fort Smith; Lauren Napier and husband Anthony of Greenwood; Abby McGuire and husband Tim of Fort Smith; Milly Thornton and husband Jonah of Fayetteville; Elly Hopper and husband Ryan of Booneville; Mason Arterbury and wife Kinley of Little Rock; and Austin Baker and wife Allyson of Booneville.

She also leaves behind her beloved great-great-grandchildren: Cruiz Napier, Levi Adair, Palmer Littlefield, Luke Adair, Emmett Hopper, Boyce Napier, and Charlie Baker.

In addition, Wynema’s family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren through marriage—Justin Rogers and his wife, Allison; Leon Snyman; Nerinda Elliott and her husband, Adam; Matthew Snyman; Malachi Schluterman; Parker Elliott; Stella Snyman; Olivia Elliott; Hudson Elliott; and Macy Grace Rogers—who became a cherished part of her extended family.

Wynema enjoyed spending her later years in Destin, Florida, where she found joy in the sunshine and the peace of the sea. She loved to read, cook, and share recipes—though family suspected she might occasionally leave out an ingredient or two so hers always turned out best. Wynema was known for her quick wit and spirited personality. Every member of her family can attest to having received “the look” at least once—a trademark glance that spoke volumes without a single word.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Booneville.

Wynema will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery following a private family graveside service. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at McConnell Funeral Home, 137 N. Main Street, Greenwood, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wynema’s memory to the Glendale Cemetery Fund, c/o Sherry Goddard, 909 Anderson Road, Booneville, AR 72927, or to Services for the Blind, Arkansas State Library, 900 W. Capitol Ave., Ste. 100, Little Rock, AR 72201-9709, whose reading program enriched Wynema’s final years and kept her love of books alive.