Laura Annette (Henry) Mullens Obituary (1929 - 2021)

Laura Annette Mullens, age 92, of Russellville, passed peacefully on Monday, Aug. 23, 2021, while holding hands with her husband, Bert at Legacy Heights Nursing and Rehab in Russellville. The daughter of Mace Leon Henry and Violet Mae (Shinn) Henry, she was born Jan. 10, 1929, in Russellville. While attending Pottsville High School she was Valedictorian of the class of 1946, was named Miss Pottsville, was awarded the Outstanding 4-H Club Senior award, and a scholarship to attend Arkansas Polytechnic College. She was also recognized by the Little Rock Chamber, the Russellville Chamber, and their president, Donald Barger who later would become Bert's employer. She met Bert Mullens while attending Arkansas Polytechnical College and they were married on Dec. 17, 1950. Upon graduating with an Associate's Degree of Science, she worked for C.R. Turner of Turner Insurance Company. Annette was a devoted wife and mother who proudly served as family historian, chronicling Bert's career and civic contributions as well as those of their daughter Sharon's professional accomplishments and personal involvement in community organizations, scouting activities, and recitals. As a skilled seamstress, Annette made her own dresses and suits that were not only stylish but also considered haute couture. She was also a classical pianist and a loyal supporter of community activities with regular attendance at music, art, and theater productions. She participated in numerous service projects through her membership in the Russellville Junior Auxiliary and was a loyal member of the First United Methodist Church. In their younger years, Annette and Bert loved to travel across the nation in their station wagon, along with their daughter, Sharon; and Harl and Elaine Griffith and their children Teri and Tommy. They also loved attending functions at Arkansas Tech University where they fashioned a lifetime of memories. Annette and Bert's love for Arkansas Tech University and commitment to excellence in education came to fruition in their pledge of an unrestricted gift to help future generations of students. Annette was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Kay Desiderio; her parents; and brother, William Henry, PhD. Survivors include her husband, Bert Mullens of Russellville; brother-in-law, Patrick Mullens and wife Jean of Calif.; sister, Carol Hutton and husband Harold of Okla.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville. A time of visitation will be immediately following the service. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. The family would like to thank Dr. Stan Teeter and the employees of Legacy Heights for their continued care. Honorary pallbearers are Bucky Croom and members of the Regions Bank Trust Department. Memorials may be made to the Manna House, 304 S Commerce Ave, Russellville, AR 72801.