Dezie Arrington

Dezie Ree Arrington, 72, died Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado.

Affectionately known as "Shug," an abbreviation of "Sugar," Dezi was born November 24, 1949, to Eliza T. and DeWitt T. Arrington in El Dorado. She was a lifelong El Dorado resident and attended Washington High School, now Washington Middle School.

The youngest of four daughters, Dezi was a diligent homemaker who loved reading comic books, working word search puzzles, attending gospel musicals, and watching "good movies," game shows, and daytime and primetime soaps on TV.

Dezie often presented an ornery, gruff exterior, but underneath lay a heart of gold and compassionate spirit that were equally displayed and reflected in her nickname.

Anyone who spent time at the yellow house on Roosevelt Street never left hungry, unless by choice. Dezi did not hesitate to offer guests "something to eat or something to drink," whether it was a home-cooked meal, a sandwich or hot dog, fresh vegetables from her father's garden, or a treat from the stash of snacks she always kept handy to satisfy a fierce sweet tooth. Dezi was especially generous to the dozens of neighborhood children who regularly gathered in the yard, on the porch, or in two small fields nearby to play with her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephew. However, she would simultaneously fuss about "all these children in this yard!"

Dezi freely shared homespun wisdom, humor, and advice, which was sometimes unsolicited but begrudgingly welcomed. She imparted knowledge and life lessons that the children in her family - most of whom are now adults - still carry with them.  She is already sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.

Preceding her in death were her parents; a sister, Mona R. Arrington; infant twin brothers Herman and Thurman Arrington; an infant grandson, Patrick J. Levingston Jr.; and Ezell Frazier, the love of her life.

Dezie is survived by two daughters, Consuela M. Levingston and Shawana B. Frazier, both of El Dorado; two sons, Delfino A. Frazier of El Dorado and Orlando C. Frazier of Memphis; two sisters, Arma R. Arrington and Margie R. Lyons, both of El Dorado; three granddaughters, Tarneshia S. Levingston, VaSheeda D. Washington, and Shakeira T. Lovett, all of El Dorado; a grandson, Daniel M. Levingston, of El Dorado; great-granddaughter, Jazaria N. Levingston, of El Dorado; a nephew, Troyce P. Smith (LaQuelia "Keeya"), of Brusly, Louisiana; two nieces, Tia L. Lyons and LaToya A. Lyons, both of El Dorado; and a host of other family members and friends.