Marita Rose Needham

Marita Rose (Briley) Needham, 80, of Van Buren, passed from this earth Sunday, April 26, 2026 surrounded by her family. Marita was born December 12, 1945 in Fort Smith to James and Flossie Briley. She was a graduate of Van Buren High School Class of 1963.

Marita was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved taking care of her family and did it well. As well as taking care of her family, over the years Marita worked at Dixie Cup, Kiddie Kampus Preschool, Sherman's Grocery, and Spencer's Candlery.

Marita loved the Lord and was of the Freewill Baptist faith.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Flossie (Richmond) Briley; a son, Brian Needham; a sister, Donna Bell; and a brother, James Edward Briley.

Marita is survived by her husband of 62 years, Arlis Needham; a son, David Needham (Darlene); two grandsons, Taylor Needham (Melissa) and Logan Needham (Jamilyn); and a great-grandson; Grayson Needham. She is also survived by other family members and numerous friends who loved her dearly.

A celebration of Marita’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel, officiated by Pastor Kevin Hardcastle. Marita will be laid to rest privately at the Fort Smith National Cemetery beside her son, Brian, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.

Honorary pallbearers will be Taylor Needham, Logan Needham, Alan Foliart, Darrell Spencer, Daryl Standifird, Colton Standifird, Garrett Standifird, Chipper Jeremiah, Roger Jeremiah, Brian Jeremiah, Kevin Bell, Jeff Bell, Randy Cole, and Shannon Cole.

The family will visit with friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time, Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House at 3324 S. M Street, Fort Smith 72903 or www.reynoldscancersupporthouse.org or the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 800-272-3900 or www.alz.org.