Mildred Doyle Dabbs

Mildred Laverne Doyle Dabbs, age 91, of Humphrey passed peacefully from this life on Sunday, April 20, 2025. She was born on December 22,1933, in Bethel, Arkansas, to Bartley Wallace “Pat” Doyle and Dessa Mai Allen Doyle.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, E.R. "Babe" Dabbs; her parents; her sister, Mary Isabelle Doyle; her sons Dennis Ray Dabbs and Gary Lynn Dabbs; her daughter Holly Eileen Dabbs; and her grandson Joshua Lee Phillips.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Patti Dabbs Thompson and Cindy Dabbs Phillips (Bill); her grandchildren Meritt Brothers (Richard), Joseph Dabbs (Kayla), Aaron Thompson (Blyss), Terry Phillips (Mandy), Jeremy Phillips, Colbie Clabourn, Britton Steward (Jake), Will Phillips, and Rob Phillips; and 15 great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

After the passing of her mother, Mildred moved with her father first to Hunter, Arkansas, then to Stuttgart, Arkansas, where she graduated from high school in 1951. While in school, she met the love of her life, Babe Dabbs. They married on December 26, 1950, and made their home on Dabbs Farm outside of Humphrey, where they raised their children and built a life grounded in love, hard work, and family.

Mildred devoted her life to caring for her husband, her children, and her home. She was the heart of her family, always present, always cheering, and always willing to lend a hand whether driving to 4-H meetings, FFA events, ball games, or band practice. She was the mom who brought the snacks, made room in the station wagon for extra kids, and cheered the loudest from the stands. To Humphrey basketball team, she and Babe were known simply and affectionately as "the fans," because they never missed a game.

Although she never sought accolades for herself, Mildred lived a life of purpose and passion. Her career was her family, and her impact was immeasurable. She helped with 4-H record books, groomed show cows (with perfectly painted hooves and teased tails), and supported every endeavor her children took on. She served as a 4-H leader and Secretary of the Arkansas Angus Auxiliary, raising money for scholarships, and traveling the country to cattle shows, duck-calling contests, and 4-H competitions. Whether on Main Street during the World Championship Duck Calling Contest or in the stands at a 4-H event, Mildred was there, camera in hand, love in her heart.

In 1969, the Dabbs family was named Farm Family of the Year. Decades later, in 2021, they were honored again as the Arkansas County 4-H Alumni Family of the Year. Mildred and Babe were also named Arkansas County 4-H Alumni of the Year, a testament to their lifelong commitment to youth, agriculture, and community.

In her later years, Mildred poured the same devotion into her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending games, shows, and events with unwavering enthusiasm and pride.

A faithful member of the Humphrey Church of Christ, Mildred loved her church family deeply. Even when she could no longer attend in person, she continued to listen to services from home. Mildred’s life was a tapestry of love, service, and dedication. She gave her all to her family and community, and the legacy she leaves behind will live on through the many lives she touched. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Turpin Funeral Home in Stuttgart.

The celebration of life will be 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at Turpin Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Lone Tree Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Humphrey Church of Christ, c/o John Harrison ,21 Senning Loop, Humphrey, AR 72073; Arkansas 4-H Foundation, 1 Four-H Way, Little Rock, AR, 72223; or Dabbs FFA Scholarship, 2601 S. Main St. Stuttgart, AR 72160. Please put Mildred Dabbs on the memo line.