Service: 11 a.m. Thursday, May 7, at Melbourne First Baptist Church, with burial at Maplewood Cemetery; Visitation: 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 7, at the church, with arrangements by Eddie's Family Funeral Home, Melbourne.
Lois Faye James Hacker, 78, of Sage, died Monday, May 4 (2015) in her home, attended by her family.
She was born May 28, 1936, in Bellefonte, to the Rev. Dennis and Dale James. She graduated salutatorian from Berryville High School in 1954 and attended Ouachita Baptist College. She married S.D. Hacker on Dec. 25, 1953, at First Baptist Church in Berryville. They were married 61 years.
Her life consisted of serving the Lord, her family and others, unselfishly. The love she had for her family was evident in the many ballgames, concerts, recitals, parades and other gatherings she attended. Family birthdays and holidays were always a big event, as she used such creativity in her celebration of each life. She showed gentleness, patience and affection to each member and provided a Godly example of love and support. She loved board games, playing softball, pitching horseshoes, golf, and memorizing scripture.
She was a homemaker, she led Bible drills for children in churches, associations of churches, and in Arkansas Baptist State Convention, led conferences for older children's leaders for Arkansas and Missouri State Convention, was a Special District worker for older children for Arkansas Baptist State Convention for many years, taught Sunday school classes, served as clerk for the Rocky Bayou Baptist Association for 19 years, wrote older children curriculum for the Southern Baptist Convention for 17 years, worked in numerous Association camps and retreats, served on the State Women's Mission Board for Arkansas Baptist, trained students for competitions in Bible memory work, recitals, and talent contests, taught piano lessons for over 60 years with many students playing in churches today (a personal joy to her) served as church pianist in all the churches her husband pastored, played for high school and college graduations, funeral services, and countless revivals. She loved to write poetry, especially about the journey of life and finally seeing God face to face in Heaven.
Survivors include her husband; three children, Sherry Lawrence and Tate Lawrence, of Melbourne, Vicky and Robert Norton, of Sage, and David and Shandle Hacker, of Sage; seven grandchildren, Trey Lawrence, Tracy Cone, Davis Norton, James Norton, Andy Norton and Benji Norton and Amara Hacker; five great-grandchildren, Julianna Lawrence, Sonny Lawrence, Allie Cone, Adam Cone and Audrey Cone; two sisters, Betty Wilbanks, of Prescott, Arizona, and Mary Bishop of Harrison; one brother, Dr. Dennis and Joyce James, of Hot Springs; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Sue Marshall; and one brother-in-law, Mike Bishop.
Visitation will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Melbourne First Baptist Church. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests Gideon Memorial Bible donations at Gideons International, Box 302, Franklin, AR 72536 or the Miracle Village International at P.O. Box 890, Melbourne, AR 72556.
