Barbara Jo Swails

Barbara was the first baby born in Union Country on January 1, 1940. She was raised in Norphlet, Arkansas by her loving parents, Ted and Marie Nordmeyer. Barbara had many fond memories of growing up in her small town and spoke often of the happy years she spent at Norphlet High School. Among her favorite memories were her years of playing on the girls’ basketball team where she was recognized as a standout athlete and named to the All-State team her senior year in 1958. Her love of basketball never faded; even well into her 50’s the men in her family knew they could still be challenged to a game by Barbara.

After graduating high school Barbara married W.I. Bell and soon became a family of four. She was a devoted mother to her children and never missed an activity, event or milestone in their lives. Barbara brought creativity and joy into everything she did. She loved crafting and making things with her own hands, and she especially loved Christmas. Her collections of snowmen and Santas grew over the years, and she took great pride in decorating her home so beautifully and making Christmas truly magical for her family.

Barbara later found love again with her high school sweetheart, Jack Swails. They shared more than 30 years of marriage filled with love, family, travel and countless memories. Barbara and Jack loved to travel and enjoyed seeking out new places and experiences together. Barbara also had a remarkable streak of good luck. If there was a raffle, she was likely to win it. Over the years she won several trips and even a motorcycle – one she famously had to walk home herself since she didn’t know how to drive it.

Barbara also treasured the adventures she shared with her sister, Media, and brother-in-law, Wayne. They made yearly trips to Canton, Texas, in search of treasures at the flea markets and enjoyed annual trips to Myrtle Beach together. These traditions and the time spent with family were some of the memories she cherished most.

One of the most meaningful chapters of Barbara’s life was her involvement in pageants. Alongside her brother, Wesley, she helped start the Miss Norphlet Pageant, where the two worked together to create elaborate and memorable sets and begin a tradition many women of Norphlet treasured. Barbara had her own experience in competing in pageants, becoming the Union County Fair Queen and eventually passing her crown the following year to Donna Axum, who eventually became Arkansas’ first Miss America. A story Barbara was always proud to share. Barbara went on to share her knowledge, encouragement and pageant advice with many girls in El Dorado throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s. Many of the women she helped during those years continue to remember Barbara fondly and credit her with making an impact on their lives.

Then came the grandchildren and Barbara’s heart grew even bigger. She was a devoted and loving grandmother and the bond she shared with her grandchildren was one of the greatest joys in her life. Her family continued to grow with the arrival of six great-grandchildren who brought her even more joy and gave her another generation to love and spoil.

Barbara was a lifelong member of First Baptist Norphlet, where she grew and remained an active and faithful member throughout her life. Her faith and her church family were an important part of who she was.

Barbara was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Charles Swails; her parents, Ted and Marie Nordmeyer; and her brother Wesley Nordmeyer.

She is survived by her children Sondra Luttrell (Rel) and William Bell; her grandchildren Kyle Luttrell (Jennifer), Kara Johnson (Scott); her six great grandchildren Landon, Campbell, Avery, Bennett, Addie Kate, Wells; her sister, Media Mays (Wayne) and her sister-in-law Elena Nordmeyer.

Barbara will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her creativity, her generous spirit and the countless lives she touched throughout the years.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Young’s. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Norphlet. Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

The family would like to thank Charla Cheatham, Dixie Harrison and Sherry Harrison for the care they extended to Barbara in her final years.