Jann Woodard, age 65, of Benton, died on Friday, June 17 at her home. Jann was born on July 17, 1945 in Bradley County, Arkansas, a daughter of the late Perry F. Williams and the late Vivian Corinne O'Neal Williams. She was a graduate of Banks, Arkansas schools, and attended Baptist Nursing School in Little Rock. She enjoyed a thirty-seven year nursing career with Dr. Frank Thibault, of Benton, building cherished friendships with her co-workers along the way.

She is survived by her husband of forty-six years, Benjamin Lathan Woodard; two daughters, Julie Partridge and Lucy Hyatt, both of Benton; three grandchildren, Tucker Partridge, Fletcher Partridge and Perry Hyatt; and, two sons-in-law, Wade Partridge and Marty Hyatt. In addition to her late parents, she was preceded in death by her older sister, Wanda Lynn Williams.

Jann had a passion for history, specifically in the area of genealogy. During the thirty-five years that she devoted to this study, she compiled tens of thousands of documents, and published close to a dozen works which contributed greatly to the recorded history of Bradley County, Arkansas. In recent years, she launched the website: www.bradleycountyresearch.com, which serves as a valuable resource for those researching the area. (Her page now exists only in the "Wayback Machine" Archive, at the link. 10/23/2017 BLL)

She was a past board member of the Arkansas Genealogical Society, and was an active contributor to the Bradley County Genealogical Society. Additionally, her research on the Saline River was published on the Encyclopedia of Arkansas website.

Jann loved music. She enjoyed singing, and played both the piano and ukulele. In fact, it was rare to see Jann, when she was not either whistling or humming a tune. She is remembered by family and friends for her dry wit, and keen sense of humor; and, in her younger year, for her athletic prowess.

Pallbearers will be Andy Wayne Williams, Aubrey Williams, Norris Williams, Harold Woodard, Jr., Robert Woodard, William "Petie" Woodard, Russell Woodard, Honorary Pallbearers will be her co-workers from Medical Park Women's Clinic.

A funeral service will be held at Ashby Funeral Home, in Benton, on Thursday, June 23rd [2011] at 10:00 AM,with Rev. [Richard] Gambill officiating. Graveside service to follow at Ebenezer Cemetery, in Bradley County, at 2:00 PM. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd [2011] from 6:00 – 8:00 at Ashby Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to the Bradley County Genealogical Society and the Saline County Public Library.