It is with great sadness that our community says goodbye to our beloved friend George Henry Staples, who passed away Dec.17, 2024 at the age of 80. Imagine a life so filled with kindness and faith, your loved ones say 80 years was much too short. This was the life George lived. The son of Robert and Lilian Staples, George was born on August 30, 1944, in Rochester, New York. After much travel, including time abroad, God brought George to his beloved Hope, Ark. To list his accomplishments would require this entire publication, but George’s main goal was to serve others. He earned his master’s degree in counseling from Henderson State University and went on to work as plant counselor for SMI Joist, as well as a Trio Counselor at the University of Arkansas at Hope. George later taught as a substitute teacher in Hope, a time he dearly treasured. Many still remember him as “Mr. George” and won’t soon forget how his light shined in every classroom.
For almost three decades, George was an active member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church. His faith was deeply precious to him and greatly influenced who he was. George served the Lord by serving others. He was a sponsor for new members of all ages, and a lector who proudly shared God’s word. He was also a minister of the Holy Eucharist, at Mass and to the homebound and sick, and he took time to teach young Catholic students and serve on the altar. Most recently one of the last church ministries George volunteered at was the food pantry at Our Lady of Good Hope. He spent hours sorting and packing food for those in need. His humble faith not only impacted his actions, but his character. George never met a stranger. His ‘good morning’ and bright smile were so pure, one instantly felt they were with a friend. Up until his last days, George made it a point to chat with everyone, even those just passing by in the hallway at Heather Manor Nursing Home where he resided in his final years, he was still always reaching out to others.
He leaves behind many who loved him, including his own love and joy, Joy Toliver. To know George was an honor and a privilege. He leaves behind a legacy that will remain with all of us, one of humility and humor, love, and light. We will miss him deeply, but we are eternally grateful for the example of life he left behind.
A visitation will be held at Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home (1001 S Main St, Hope, AR) on Jan. 3, 2025. Visitation will begin at 5:30 pm followed by the Rosary at 6:00pm.
The Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church (315 S Walker St, Hope, AR) at 11:00 pm on Jan. 4, 2025, followed by burial at Rosehill Cemetery (N Hazel St, Hope, AR). Everyone is welcome to return to the parish hall of Our Lady of Good Hope for lunch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of George’s favorite causes:
-St Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, SD stjo.org/flowers
-Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church Food Pantry Office: (870) 777-3202
“Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25: 34-36
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brazzel Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope. Online condolences can be made at www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com