Lovene Girard

Golda Lovene Girard passed away January 19, 2022 at her home in Ardmore, Oklahoma. She was 103. She was born on December 24, 1918 in Mansfield, Arkansas to Virginia Pearl and Henry Sylvester Holland. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill Ray Girard, and her brother, Lavon Holland.

After graduation from Mansfield High School in 1937, she became a member of the Hartford Melody Girls quartet, representing the Hartford Music Company and their gospel song books. They traveled Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma singing at churches and singing conventions.

She married Ray Girard on April 8, 1939. They were married for 59 years, and raised four children. They were residents of Lavaca Arkansas until the late fifties, when Ray was transferred to Ardmore, Oklahoma by OG&E. While in Lavaca, Lovene remained active in singing at church, was in WMU, and served as Worthy Matron in Eastern Star.

In 1971, they returned to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Lovene devoted much of her time to the food ministry of First Baptist Church, perfected her hobby of growing beautiful roses, and African violets, and became an avid quilter. She was a loving and cherished Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother.

She is survived by one daughter, Ann Girard Phillips of Emmett, Idaho; three sons: Geary and Vicki Girard of Lake Mary, Florida, Steve and Janet Girard of Ardmore, Oklahoma, and Dale and Cyndi Girard of Rotonda West, Florida; eight grandchildren: Chris Phillips, Kimberly Wages, Amie Hanrahan, Jason Girard, Nick Girard, Colin Girard, Tyler Girard, and Graeme Girard; seven great-grandchildren: Cooper Phillips, Dawson Phillips, Reagan Phillips, Ryan Hanrahan, Zane Girard, Alexia Girard, and Gracie Girard; and nieces Carol Barber, Susan Geurian, and Lola Holland.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00pm Tuesday, January 25 at Edwards Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00am Wednesday, January 26 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Oak Valley Cemetery near Lavaca. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Pallbearers are Chris Phillips, Jason Girard, Nick Girard, Tyler Girard, Graeme Girard, and Zane Girard. Honorary pallbearers will be Kimberly Wages, Amie Hanrahan, and Colin Girard.