Carol June Cravens
Carol June Cravens Landers entered her eternal rest in Heaven on July 8, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, George and Juanita Landers; sister Debbie McNeil; daughter Melissa Chapman; grandson Aaron Chapman; grandson Shannon White; and Nephew Brian Shackelford.
Carol is survived by her partner, Jodie Haralson; sister, Karen Shackelford; two sons, Gregory W Grounds (wife Rose) and Lewis D Grounds (wife Molly); and one daughter, Belinda Perkins-Brooks.
Nine grandchildren, Amy, Heather, Kathleen, Brock, Nick, Katelyn, Lauren, Roshell, Cal, and several cherished great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Carol was born on December 19, 1942, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where she attended school and enjoyed playing softball. Carol enjoyed life and most of all family. She married shortly after High School to Joe Brooks. During this brief marriage, she mothered two beautiful daughters, Belinda and Melissa.
She later married Lewis C Grounds. During their 23 years together, they raised two sons, Gregory and Lewis. Carol gave herself to be the best mother to her boys. She was an active member of Chicot Road Baptist Church. Carol enjoyed camping, gardening, entertaining, and cooking. Carol was a very active person. When most people begin to look toward retirement, she went to nursing school after her boys graduated and earned a degree. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the VA hospital in North Little Rock for many years.
Carol was a very loving woman with a heart to serve others. She was the life of the party with her laughter and smile. Later in life, she enjoyed being with her grandchildren, sister, and mother.
Carol was truly blessed to enjoy many loves and joys in life, but the most profound true love came after retirement. Carol moved back home to Fort Smith and shortly thereafter met Jodie, a man who matched her own loving, compassionate, and servant’s heart. A relationship formed, strengthened, and bonded during their retirement years. Their love endured and was envied by all who were blessed enough to witness them together for more than two decades. When Carol’s memory failed, her spirit did not forget her sense of love for Jodie. Their love for each other was still radiant. Jodie was her rock, who patiently and lovingly cared for her until her last breath.
Jodie and the family would like to thank the nursing staff at Fort Smith Hospice and all the family and friends who cared for Carol during her final years.
The visitation will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 6:30 at Lewis Funeral Home Chapel, 4817 Kelley Hwy, Fort Smith, AR 72904. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Burial is to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery. Services are under the care of Lewis Funeral Chapel.