Claudia (Scarbrough) Leftwich

Claudia (Nana) Leftwich, whose heart was boundless in love for her family and friends, departed this life on the Lord’s day, July 28, 2024 at 3:33 p.m. God granted her 71 blessed years of life, during which she showered us all with her deepest affection, her artistic talents, and the contagious sound of her laughter. Claudia was granted the gift of departing from her beautiful and tranquil home, perched upon a hill in the lovely countryside of Hackett, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, siblings-in-love, friends, and even her two beloved pups. We rest in the firm belief that Claudia was born into Eternity and was received into the hands of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in whom her faith was firm and unshakable and who she loved with as perfect a love as is possible in this life. 

Claudia was born to Clarence and Edwina Scarbrough on July 7, 1953, in the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was welcomed into the world by her three older brothers, Ronald, Randy, and Richard and was later joined by her baby sister, Joellen. She spent her happy childhood in the city of Van Buren, Arkansas and was proud to have been a Pointer, member of the 1971 graduating class from Van Buren High School. Her family, the Scarbrough clan, is as large of heart as it is large of size, and the sound of laughter is a constant soundtrack, accompanying all family gatherings. She adored with all her heart, her siblings and their spouses, her nieces and nephews and their spouses and children, her aunts, uncles, and her many cousins. We believe she will be glad to be in the company again of her previously departed father, Clarence, her brother Randy and his wife, Gina, her niece, Rebecca Pennington, and her beloved grandparents and extended family members. 

Claudia brought joy to the offices of many businesses for which she worked during her life, and most notable among them was the office of Hanna Oil and Gas. But her favorite role in life was that of mother and grandmother. She gave birth to a daughter and son and eagerly embraced as her own, the children of her life’s soulmate, Hugh Leftwich when they were brought together and united in marriage on May 25, 2001. Her children’s names are Valerie Groh (husband Matthew), Brian Kremer (wife Page), John Leftwich (wife Beth), Teressa Strizich (husband John), and Aaron Leftwich (wife Tabitha). The best birthday gift Claudia ever received was the longed-for promotion to “Nana” on July 7, 2001 when Teressa gave birth to her first granddaughter, Cherish (fiancé Niko). Together with Cherish, her grandchildren Faith, James & John, Bryson, Zane, Zahlia, Zabrina, Zaria, Susie, Tyler and great-granddaughter Willow fulfilled the deepest desire of her Nana-Heart, brought her endless amounts of joy in this life and will surely not be forgotten in her Eternal one. She will certainly never be forgotten by those of us who remain behind.

Beyond her Faith and her family, Claudia’s passions included her friends, to whom she bestowed countless gifts made by her own incredibly talented hands and for whom she would go to any length to serve and love. Claudia was a toll painter and crafter and was a member of too many communities of artists to name, but Suzy’s Toll Painting House in Fort Smith, Arkansas, was where she spent many happy hours of her life. Getting together with her kindred-spirited artist friends at retreats and workshops brought her great joy and I don’t believe there are any who knew and were loved by her whose home does not display at least one of her handmade treasures. 

Claudia’s love was not limited to humans, she also adored animals of all kinds. Among her life’s pets were many dogs, birds, and her horses held an especially large space in her heart. 

Claudia’s visitation will be held on Thursday evening, August 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Chaffee Crossing Baptist Church, located at 813 Fort Street, Barling, AR 72923. Her funeral will be held on Friday morning, August 2, beginning at 9:00 am, also at Chaffee Crossing Baptist Church, 813 Fort Street, Barling, AR 72923. Pallbearers will be Dr. Adam Gold, Mr. Les Lester, Nephews Matthew and Tucker Scarbrough, Nephew Jacob Moore, and Brother-in-love, Ed Spaunhurst.  Claudia will be laid to rest at Grace Lawn Cemetery, located at 3001 Oak Ln, Van Buren, AR.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for Claudia may be made to the “BENEVOLENCE FUND” of Chaffee Crossing Baptist Church. The community of believers at Chaffee Crossing cared for Claudia with the most tender love and attention and she considered herself blessed beyond measure to belong to this parish. Checks may be mailed to 925 D Street, STE A, Barling, AR 72923. Online giving can be completed by using the following link: https://chaffeecrossingbaptist.com/egiving/

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