Martha Ophelia Dumas Burchfield was called to a grand homecoming by her Lord and Savior, Jesus, to be with Him eternally in Heaven on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at the age of 83. She was the first born of Moses Lee Dumas and Francis Elizabeth Machen Dumas on March 29, 1934 at Hopewell community, Cornie Township, Union County Arkansas. She died at Life Touch Hospice in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Mom has lived in Wesson, Junction City, Milner, Village, McNeil, Gurdon, Magnolia and Smackover. She worked 22 years as a secretary/clerk at Maple Avenue Baptist Church, 13 years at Sur-Wa-Store and 1 year in the Smackover Middle School Library. Ophelia was a devoted mother struggling through tough times to raise six children. She liked to cook and was a good cook. One of her favorite pastimes was crocheting, making pot holders, baby blankets, shawls, neckties for herself and for others. She was an encourager. I've heard her on several occasions encouraging her pastor and I am convinced she never left out one. Many thought she had a college education for several reasons. One is that she did well in school. Another, is that often she taught Sunday School and other church classes which required extra studying. Finally, she spent much time reading for information. Many times she would say "I don't read for entertainment, I read to learn".

The biggest characteristic, for which she is known is what Bill dubbed her; "The Card Lady". She was prolific in sending cards to more folks than could be believed. Very often folks would remark that they couldn't believe that she remembered them and their birthday, anniversary etc. She couldn't afford expensive cards, but it was the realization that she remembered them that counted. But what would put a lump in their throat and a tear in their eye would be when it was the only card they received.

Preceding Ophelia in death were her parents: husband, Warren Simpson Burchfield: brother, Donald Ray Dumas; sisters-in-law June Dumas and Kathy Dumas.

Survivors include her sons; Billy Ray, Kenneth Wayne and Larry Dale Burchfield all of Smackover, Edward Lee (Clair) Burchfield of Hampton, CT and Doyle Gene Burchfield (Mirna) of Hammonton, NJ; daughter, Martha Jane Swilley (Johnny) of Smackover; brothers, William Benjamin (W.B.) Dumas and Billy Clyde Dumas, both of Magnolia, AR., Daniel Lee Dumas (Kay) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Michael Swilley and Sean Burchfield both of Smackover, Lori Burchfield and Kara Burchfield of El Dorado; great-grandchild, Amelia Belle and Audrey Grace; nephews, Rodney Dumas (Jacqui) of Montgomery, TX, Michael Dumas of Houston, TX, Jason Dumas (Robin) of Charlotte, NC, Curtis Dumas of Magnolia, AR; three grand-nephews and three grand-nieces.

Visitation will be held from 10 - 12pm on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Maple Avenue Baptist Church in Smackover..

Services will also be held on Wednesday. August 23, 2017 at Maple Avenue Baptist Church at 2pm with Bro. Lawrence Harrison.

Interment will follow at New Bethel Cemetery in McNeil, Ar. under direction of Perry's Funeral Chapels.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Maple Avenue Baptist Church 1306 Maple Ave., Smackover, Ar 71762 or to New Bethel Cemetery c/o John Paul Edington 6011 Hwy 98 East Magnolia, AR 71753.

Online guest registry at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com