Phyllis Aspinwall

Phyllis Rae Southern Aspinwall of Waldron, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at the age of 78. She was born on September 6, 1946, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to William A. Southern and Lylda June Hedspeth Southern.

Phyllis spent her childhood and formative years in Wynne, Arkansas, where she attended grades 1 through 12. She continued her education at Arkansas College in Batesville, where she studied for two and a half years. On November 25, 1966, she married the love of her life, Wallace L. Aspinwall, in Wynne.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Phyllis was also a dedicated educator. She worked for Waldron Public Schools as a Library Instructional Assistant for 30 years before retiring in 2011. Her gentle spirit, love of books, and caring nature left a lasting impact on countless students.

Phyllis was a faithful and active member of Waldron First United Methodist Church, where her warmth and service enriched the lives of many.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 58 years, Wallace L. Aspinwall; three sons: W. Lee Aspinwall and wife Renee, Daniel Aspinwall and wife Teresa, and Chris Aspinwall and wife Karen. She was a proud grandmother to five grandchildren-Alex, Cade, Lindlee, Cody, and Brandi-and five great-grandchildren: Ruthie, Emersyn, Avery, Sloane, and Adelynn.

A celebration of Phyllis's life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Visitation will take place the same day from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at the chapel. Rev. Roger Rice will officiate the service.

A graveside service will follow on Monday, August 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Black River Cemetery in Williamsville, Missouri.

Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parsons-Burnett Scholarship Fund, c/o ARTA, 1200 Commerce Suite 103, Little Rock, AR 72202.