Zoe Tipton Sherman

Zoe was welcomed to heaven by her parents Arthur and Bernie Thomason at the age of 84 on April 16, 2013. Born October 8, 1928 in Calhoun County, Arkansas she grew up on the family farm with 8 siblings.

She survived the Great Depression and WW II and so became the practical woman who taught us to see the enjoyment that lies in small pleasures and that there was no substitute for work ethic, personal responsibility or kindness. She stood for family, God, and the Arkansas Razorbacks as well as all the lost dogs and cats she rescued throughout the years.

She had many loves throughout her life. She married her college sweetheart from Quachita Baptist College John “Ray” Tipton Jr. on July 7, 1948. They had 3 children. She married her second husband, W.F. “Flip” Owen in 1975 and had a tender love with him for years. She shared the last 29 years with Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Bob Sherman who she married in 1984. Bob was a faithful and devoted husband and friend. She was a lifelong resident of El Dorado and belonged to the Second Baptist Church and most recently the Ebenezer Church. She was a humble yet strong willed woman who despite the times she lived in made great accomplishment in being both a career woman and Mother. She opened her own business in the 60’s called American Insurance & Real Estate and dedicated 40 years to helping the people of her community. She was a well-respected woman. She was recognized for her outstanding voluntary service as VP of the United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas in 1975. Her trademark determination to do it her way is what we remember so fondly. She passed this “stubbornness” on down the family line. There was no substitute for her wit, ever so quick. She had a rebellious spirit and was a jokester. Most of all she loved the family reunion in Hampton every 4th of July, time spent outdoors by the fire, cooking for her children no matter how old they were, attending Sunday school, and taking care of people in need.

She is survived by her husband Robert “Bob” Sherman of El Dorado, Arkansas. She left many gifts for the world including her family of 3 children: son John Tipton III and wife Yolanda of Little Rock, Arkansas; daughter Donna Rife and husband Tom of Bentonville, Arkansas, and son David Tipton and wife Cheryl of Coppell, Texas. 5 Grandchildren who she pulled around on her tractor as kids: Tasya Tipton, Shane Tipton and wife Melissa, Lindsay Dover and husband Howard, Shannon Tipton, Allison Rupp and husband Todd. 9 Great Grandchildren who were her greatest joy and completed her life here on Earth: Kylee, Avery, Eva, Noah, Thatcher, Jace, Sophia, William, and Tatum as well as her loving Sister Dorothy Shirey, Brother Jay Thomason, numerous nieces and nephews, and loyal dog Gidget. Zoe is preceded in death by husbands John “Ray” Tipton Jr. and W.F. “Flip” Owen; siblings: Boyce Thomason, Jack Thomason, Harold Thomason, Clifton Thomason, Ethel Robbins, Trav Thomason, Ionie Groce, and stepdaughters, Bettie Owen and Lou Burris.

We will miss the winding back roads on the way to your house, the sound of the slamming screen door, and treasure all the times you stood on the front porch waving good-bye to us. You were a remarkable woman who encouraged our dreams and praised our every success. We thank you for teaching us the value of hard work, good judgment, and for the simple things like how to fish and when to pick a tomato. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best. Our world will most definably change because you are no longer with us.

There will be a viewing on Friday, April 19th from 6-8 p.m. at Young’s Funeral Home at 508 Champagnolle in El Dorado.

Funeral Services are Saturday, April 20th at 2p.m. in Young’s Chapel with burial to follow at the Means Cemetery in Hampton under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Flowers and contributions are welcome. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Union County Animal Protections Society (UCAPS), 1000 Sunset Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.