Stacy Bates

Stacy was a dedicated art teacher, and professional solo artist, but most importantly, she was a daughter, wife, sister and friend who was the embodiment of the Golden Rule and a model for all of us to follow. Her loss is heartbreaking and leaves an unfillable void.

Visitation will be Friday, February 28, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith. Memorial service will be Saturday, March 1, at 11:30 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 14511 Old Jenny Lind Road in Fort Smith. Stacy’s uncle, Bruce Holsted, will serve as minister.

Stacy was born March 8, 1985, in Fort Smith to David and Karen Beck. She is survived by her parents, of Greenwood; her husband, Justin Bates of Fort Smith; her brother, Dustin Beck and his partner Kelly Parker of Fayetteville; and a host of friends, colleagues and extended family, all of whom loved and cherished her dearly.

Stacy was gifted in everything she did. She loved art and basketball from an early age. She was a skilled point guard, first as a starter for the Greenwood Lady Bulldogs basketball team through her senior season in 2003. She earned scholarship offers from multiple institutions before electing to continue her career collegiately at Carl Albert State College. As a Carl Albert State Viking, Stacy was annually among the scoring leaders across the National Junior College Athletic Association, including second in the nation in three-point shooting at 46%.

Stacy worked professionally as an art teacher in the Fort Smith Public School System for 17 years – instilling her knowledge and wisdom to students at Darby Junior High School, and at Woods, Beard, Tilles and Carnall elementary schools. Her knowledge and skill as a teacher will live on through the lives of her students.

Stacy’s love for her family was endless. She often spoke fondly of her younger years, playing basketball with her family in the driveway or traveling across the state and the country to play in basketball tournaments. Her skill and dedication to the sport helped her earn accolades at each level in which she participated.

She and Justin met and fell in love in the summer of 2013, and later married in the spring of 2016. Together, they combined their love for travel, art, music and sports, and created a bond and a love story that could rival Romeo & Juliet. Together, Stacy and Justin explored the arts and culture of New York and Chicago, the beaches of Florida, the bustle of Los Angeles, the beauty of Pittsburgh, the energy of Austin and so many other places in between.

Stacy also grew her personal business brand, Stacy Bee Art, over the years, to become a sought-after name for mural commissions, and her other inventory.

Stacy’s name is synonymous with “art.” And art is often considered an expression of one's soul. Art can serve as a tangible reminder of its creator’s soul, spirit and unique perspective.

With Stacy, her work and vision were just that — a look into her soul and spirit. The world she created through her work contained so much love for people, for humanity, for family, for animals, and for peace

Stacy put into the world more of what we need: compassion, empathy and beauty. But it was her ability to give this world more life and make others around her better people as her lasting legacy.

She will be tremendously missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the River Valley Regional Food Bank, 1617 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, Ark., 72908, or online at www.rvrfoodbank.org