LaWanda Jean Fuller Dale, age 77, of Dover, was called home peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Born on December 12, 1947, in Russellville, LaWanda spent most of her life in Pope County, and passed with her family in Dover.  LaWanda spent her adult life devoted to loving relationships with the Lord and her family.  If you ever wanted to see love, all you had to do was look at LaWanda, as she was ever present in the lives of the people that were near to her.

LaWanda graduated from Russellville High School, University of Arkansas at Monticello for her bachelor's degree and Arkansas Tech University for her master's degree.  She taught school and ended her 35-year educational career as a school media specialist in Dover and was President of the State Library Board. She was recognized statewide for the School Library Media Specialist of the Year award in 2001, for her innovative ideas in educating children in the library. She often could be seen reading to her grandchildren when they were younger and found a variety of ways to make reading fun and an adventure.  After retirement, LaWanda stayed busy with the family farm growing a fantastic garden, helping tend cattle, and canning the rewards of her garden to provide for the next year. An excellent cook, nothing pleased her more than having the family and friends out for a good meal often accompanied by her home-grown goodies. She believed in sharing good things, and this included food, recipes, and tips on canning and gardening.  She also loved attending anything her grandchildren were involved in and being their biggest cheerleader.

An avid traveler, she traveled the United States as well as Mexico, Sweden and Norway on a big family trip every other year. She had many stories and pictures of her travels and enjoyed the time with her grown children and grandchildren.

Robert, her loving spouse of 58 years, later became a State Representative and LaWanda and Robert moved to Little Rock part time to support his governmental service. They would come back to Dover on the weekends to work the farm and attend church. They enjoyed eating out and attending plays and local events in Little Rock. The hustle and bustle of Little Rock fed her longing to try and see new things.

LaWanda was a beloved member of First Baptist Church of Dover and was there many times a week. She was a Sunday school teacher, children's music leader for their annual Christmas cantata and also a vibrant member of her ladies Sunday school class, the "W.O.W. Ladies." For many years, she played the organ on Sundays. There was always a space in her pew for additional family and friends to visit. She was an ever-loving servant of the Lord and did not fear death.  She was ready when it was time.

LaWanda was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Eunice Fuller. She is survived by her husband, Robert; two sons and their spouses, Charles and Allynson Dale of Coppell, Texas, and William "David" and Stephenie Dale of Dover; four grandchildren, William Dale, Emily Dale, Wesley and Ally Dale, and Alexander Dale; her sister and brother-in-law, Delane and William Cagle; her brother, Bobby Fuller; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jo Ann and Jim Killer.

The funeral service  will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Dover with the Rev. Jeff Paxton officiating. Burial will be in North New Hope Cemetery under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Hayward, Kenneth Buchanan, Charlie Zimmerman, Eddie Rice, Stan Berry, and George Overbey.

Visitation will be 4:30-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Shinn Funeral Service.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 10403, Russellville, AR  72812.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com .