Aleta Sewell, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025. She was born on November 23, 1941, in Red Mountain, California, to the late Thomas Alonzo (Lonnie) Edwards and Gladys Faye (Patterson) Edwards. She was raised in Trona, California, where she met her first husband, Jim Gattis. In 1967, Aleta and her family moved to Charleston, Arkansas, with their daughters Rebecca and Karen, and soon after, a son, James, was born.
In 1987, Aleta married Otha Sewell. Together, they made their home in Barling, Arkansas, where they shared their lives until Otha’s passing in 2020. Aleta was initially a cosmetologist and in later years she began her second career as a licensed practical nurse. Caregiving became her legacy. She spent over 30 years providing compassionate healthcare in nursing homes and rehabilitation hospitals, taking on the work that most would shy away from. After retiring from her full-time career, Aleta continued to work as a personal caregiver, helping families who needed extra support for their loved ones, often sitting with seniors who had no family nearby. She completely retired about eight years ago.
In her retirement, Aleta enjoyed walking with her friends at the mall, completing two plus miles a day, five days a week. She cherished this social outing and exercise. Taco Tuesday with her neighborhood group at El Lorito was a highlight of the week. Aleta was also known for her selflessness, especially in caring for her special friend and neighbor, Diedra, oftentimes driving her for appointments and errands, and sharing in all kinds of mischief. Aleta was a longtime member of Community Bible Church in Fort Smith.
Aleta was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Michael Conway; her second husband, Otha Sewell; and her beloved Labrador Retriever, Emma.
She is survived by her three children, Rebecca Sisemore of Fayetteville, Karen Gattis (Trish) of Fayetteville, and James Gattis (Jatana) of Alma; her sister, Shirley Doyel of Van Buren; eight grandchildren, Cole Sisemore (LaShey), Kaitlin Jordal (Ryan), Connor Sisemore, Cade Sisemore (Priscilla), Cooper Sisemore (Sarah), Austin Gattis (Julia), Payton Siebenmorgen (Austin), and Ryan Kotte; as well as six great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 15th at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with Pastor Ed Saucier officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons and the husbands of her granddaughters.
The family will be available for visitation on Sunday, September 14th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Aleta’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite local animal shelter.
To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.
https://www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com/obituary/aleta-sewell
Aleta lived at 201 Lupine Street in Trona.
