Tijuana T. Livingston

Tijuana Tieann Livingston came into the world on October 8, 1979 and those who were touched by her life would never be the same. Her parents Lester and Stella knew right away that Tijuana would one day make a forever lasting impression in this world. As a baby she was active and exploratory; she warmed up easily to anyone and possessed an infectious giggle and smile that would melt any heart. As a little girl she was baptized and united with Eastern Star Baptist Church. She was an active member and attended on a regular basis when her health would permit her to do so. She was a exemplary student at Gurdon Highs School where she graduated in 1999. She was very outgoing and made friends with all races. Tijuana knew the value and worth of being a true friend. She loved being in the company of family and friends; and was often the center of attention. If ever a title existed “Selfie Queen” she was. Tijuana loved to Facebook and posting “selfies”, she also used it to keep up with family and friends, send an encouraging message or post her victories against sickle cell. On September 24, 2003, Tijuana was blessed to be the mother of Sam W. Bell, Jr., whom she affectionately named “Chunky”. He was her life and she loved being his mother. She took that role seriously and wanted to make sure that he received all of the love and affection he deserved. She was very active in all of his school events, whether it was an award ceremony or a sporting event. Tijuana was diagnosed with Sickle Cell as a child, but she never really let it get her down. She became a local advocate of education about sickle cell in the Gurdon and Arkadelphia area. She was known to be a tough and a fighter. Many family and friends rallied behind her as she battled with Sickle cell. However, it was her faith and trust in the Lord that carried her through until the end. Tijuana’s death has been swallowed up in Victory. Her life has just begun. She greeted life and its circumstances with a style and grace all her own. In the last season of her life on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, Tijuana was blessed to share her transition with her son Chunky, her parents, other family members and friends. Those left to relish in her memory are: a handsome and loving son, Sam W. “Chunky” Bell, Jr., of Gurdon, AR; her parents, Stella and Johnny Lacy of Gurdon, AR, Lester and Queen Livingston, Jr., of Arkadelphia, AR; her grandparents, Mildred Anderson of Gurdon, AR and Lester (Dorothy) Livingston, Sr., of Chicago, IL; her siblings, Stevie (Youlanda) Anderson of Dallas, TX, Ashley (Gabe) Adams of Arkadelphia, AR, Dannielle (Will) Johns-Walker of Conway, AR, Jeremiah Dodd of Chicago, IL, Candice Tribbet of Prescott, AR, Karl Harris of Little Rock, AR, and Chi’Ann Livingston of Fayetteville, AR; also, Katrina Lacy, Camilla Lacy, Jamelle Lacy all of Gurdon, AR and Jonathan Lacy of Jonesboro, AR; aunts and uncles, Earl Anderson, Mattie (Augustus) Gentry, Otis Duncan, Tony Anderson, Tip (Benita) Anderson, Carl (Vickie) Anderson, Greg (Talitha) Harvell, Carolyn (Billy) Johnson, Belinda Livingston-Blue, Shelia (Henry) Butler and Terry (Sheila) Livingston; her great aunts and uncles, Annie Phifer, Lula Mae Carroll, Lonnie Quarles, Lee Quarles, Herman “Bo” Quarles, Georgia Washington, Elizabeth Washington and Billy Washington. Tijuana also leaves and abundance of family and friends who loved her and added to the richness of her life. Public visitation will be from 12 noon until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home and the family will greet and receive friends from 6;00 until 7:00 p.m. at Eastern Star Baptist Church. A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Rev. Johnny Harris, pastor and Rev. Marshall Allen, pastor of Eastern Star Baptist Church, eulogist. Interment will be in Rose Hedge Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to wear Tijuana’s favorite color pink to the celebration.