Audrey Dacus

Audrey Mae Dacus, 90, a devoted servant of the Lord, passed from this life on November 23, 2024. Born on January 14, 1934, in Rockledge, Georgia, Audrey grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, where she graduated from Fairview High School before pursuing nursing school in Chicago. It was in October of 1952 that she met and married the love of her life, Gerald W. Dacus, with whom she embarked on an extraordinary journey.

Together, Audrey and Gerald traversed cities and experiences, eventually settling in Paragould after a brief sojourn in St. Louis. Audrey's faith in the Lord was unwavering, and she spent over six decades as an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, participating joyfully in all church activities and extending love through preparing meals for church families.

A pillar of strength and compassion, Audrey's nurturing spirit shone through her visits to hospitals and nursing homes, where she provided comfort and care to many. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-own 69 Mini Mart, leaving a lasting impact on the local retail industry. Prior to this, she dedicated her time at Emerson Electric and the shoe factory, showcasing her strong work ethic.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Audrey found solace in her garden, spending countless hours tending to it with love and preserving her harvest through canning. Her passion for gardening reflected her ability to nurture and grow, mirroring the care she extended to all she encountered.

Audrey is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Leon and Belinda Dacus; granddaughter, Christi Rodden; great grandson, Fisher Sparks; and great granddaughter, Cora Rodden. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Dacus; parents, Leroy and Mellie Crisp Keene; son, Kenneth Dacus; brothers, Joe Keene and Leroy "Bud" Keene; and sisters, Ruth Nesbitt and Betty Moore.

The graveside service to celebrate Audrey's remarkable life will be held at Greene County Memorial Gardens on November 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory.

To leave a lasting memorial, please consider Calvary Baptist Church and Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Her legacy of faith, kindness, and dedication to others will forever resonate in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Audrey's light will continue to shine brightly in the lives she touched, and her spirit will be eternally remembered.