Lelah "Rose" (Riley) Caraway

Lelah Rose Caraway, 77, of Crossett, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the Unity Health-White County Medical Center in Searcy, Arkansas. She was born in Port Gibson, MS, on October 22, 1945, to her parents, Hobert and Dora Francis Hill Riley.

Rose worked for several years as a clerical assistant at Williams Welding and, for over fifteen years, owned and operated R&E Antiques and More. Rose loved antiquing and thoroughly enjoyed the hunt for the most extraordinary pieces. 

She also enjoyed baking, saving recipes, planting flowers, and providing job security to delivery drivers who, most likely, knew her by first name, along with her family and pets’ names. Online shopping was her passion; seeing the brown trucks arrive always made her smile.

Rose was very caring, outspoken, and a tad strong willed at times. Being one of eight children in her family, she most likely had to learn to speak her mind early, but she had a BIG giving heart and always enjoyed a good laugh. Her love for family was undeniable, especially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spending time with them, along with her dogs, “Bella” and “Puppy,” always brightened her day.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Doyce Von Caraway, and seven siblings, Ruth Brown, Virginia Hudson, Faye Prince, and Bill, Hobert, Paul, and Charles Riley.

She leaves behind her daughter, Angela Abrams McGilton (Corey) of Crossett; one son, Ricky Caraway of Conway, AR; six grandchildren, Natalie White (Brad), Lauren Gettman (Devin), Shane Heath, Linzey Kelley, Victoria McGilton (Michael Lemons), and Alex McGilton; nine great-grandchildren, Ryann, Logan, and Landyn White, Avrie, Kamrie, and Hadlie Gettman, Kendall Temple, Donavon Kelley, and Grayson Lemons; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 5th, at the Second Baptist Church, 3114 Hwy 278 S, in Crossett, with Casey Braswell and Pastor Donald Stafford, officiating, followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Kenny Pennington, Brad White, Devin Gettman, Charles Winn, Alex McGilton, and Wendell Brown.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 4th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in North Crossett.

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