Lucretia Keaster

Lucretia Denise Keaster, 78, of Russellville, Arkansas, entered her heavenly home on September 7, 2026.

Lucretia was born on August 2, 1948, in Mena, Arkansas, to Winford A. Hoover and Gladys C. Bates Hoover. Raised in Arkansas, she graduated from Fort Greely High School, in Delta Junction, Alaska, in 1966 before attending Arkansas Tech University, where she earned her degree in education in 1970. She later continued her education at the University of Central Arkansas, earning a master’s degree in early childhood education.

On August 30, 1969, Lucretia married the love of her life, Donald Keaster, at First Baptist Church in Russellville. Together, they raised their three children in Russellville and shared 57 years of marriage.

Lucretia dedicated her professional life to children and education. She spent 25 years teaching at Oakland Heights Elementary School in Russellville and one year at Morrilton Elementary School, teaching students in second through fourth grades throughout her 26-year career. Her love for children extended far beyond the classroom. Nurturing and caring came naturally to Lucretia, and she had a special way of making those around her feel loved and valued.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Russellville, where her faith remained an important part of her life. She enjoyed reading and Bible study and carried her faith with her through the kindness and care she showed others.

Lucretia was full of life and found happiness in both the people she loved and the simple pleasures of everyday life. She loved planting flowers and watching hummingbirds, reading, sewing, shopping, swimming, and driving around with friends. She treasured her dog, Gus, and especially loved spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, Lucretia cherished that role. Her family was at the center of her life, and being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother brought her tremendous joy. She was sweet, thoughtful, fun-loving and nurturing, with a naturally caring spirit and a way of making people feel special. She approached life with positivity and happiness, and those who knew her will remember the warmth and kindness she brought into their lives.

Lucretia is survived by her husband, Donald Keaster of Russellville; her children, Chad and Becky Keaster of Morrilton; Jeremy and Amanda Keaster of Russellville, and Christina and Cory Williams of Fort Smith; her grandchildren, Kaylee Rohlman, Koree Keaster, Kadee Keaster, Kayna Keaster, Karsyn Keaster, Luke Keaster, and Casen Williams; her great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Brewer; and her brother, Elwin Hoover of Tampa, Florida, and his partner, Awilda O’Leary.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Winford A. Hoover and Gladys C. Bates Hoover.

Memorial service will be held at Noon, Friday, September 11, 2026, at Russellville First Baptist Church with Senior Pastor Greg Sykes officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior from 11:00 AM – Noon at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the River Valley Christian Clinic, P.O. Box 11045, Russellville, AR 72812. Donations may be designated “Memorial: In Memory of Lucretia Keaster.” Arrangements are under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.