Elizabeth Trigleth

In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Trigleth

August 8, 1940 - March 25, 2026

A Life of Faith and Foundation

Elizabeth Trigleth was a woman of unwavering conviction, a faithful servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and a pillar of the Lake Village community. The sixth of eight children born to the late Elder Paul and Rosetta Easterling, it was apparent early on that Elizabeth was destined to do something special. She was inquisitive, yet cautious and prepared for almost every eventuality. This remained her process throughout her life. Elizabeth's life was rooted in the church. She didn't just talk about her faith, her life was a shining example that remained steadfast to shine as a shining beacon for all to see. As the longest-serving member of Westside Church of God in Christ, she dedicated her talents as the organist, secretary, and as an Evangelist, remaining a continuous presence until the Lord called her home.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 14-16

A Legacy of Excellence and Education

A gifted student, Elizabeth's passion for learning allowed her to graduate early alongside her brother, Joseph Paul Easterling. She initially followed in the footsteps of her sister, Iniece, graduating from cosmetology school and working in Iniece's salon. Known for having "growing hands"; Elizabeth flourished in her role as a beautician, but her yearning for cultivating young minds and promoting excellence eventually led her back to the classroom.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, completing her course of study and beginning a storied tenure in the Lakeside School District that spanned over five decades. During her tenure as a teacher, Elizabeth returned to the classroom to enhance her education. She received a Master of Science in Early Childhood Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and a Master of Science in Counseling Education. For more than 20 years, she shaped young minds as a third-grade teacher before transitioning to serve as a counselor. At the time of her passing, Elizabeth held a lifetime teaching certificate from the Arkansas Department of Education. The wisdom she imparted and the lives she touched have impacted young minds for many years past and will continue to do so for many more to come.

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Proverbs 18:15

A Covenant of Love

On September 13, 1958, Elizabeth married the love of her life, Harry Trigleth Jr. Together, they were successful business proprietors and shared a life defined by love, laughter, mutual respect, and a sacred commitment to their covenant with God. When Elizabeth accepted Christ into her life, long hours as a business proprietor were replaced with Bible Study, Choir Rehearsal, and mentoring the youth as well as the young women in the church. Twelve years into their marriage, their family was completed with their "bouncing baby girl." Though Harry preceded his wife in death, on October 3, 1995, the foundation of love they built remained a guiding light in Elizabeth's life.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

Ephesians 5:25

The Crown of Her Life: Mother and Grandmother

While Elizabeth wore many hats-educator, missionary, and business owner-none fit her more perfectly than those of "Mother and Nana." Her daughter was the light of her life, a "bouncing baby girl" who became her greatest pride and joy. Elizabeth poured her wisdom, her faith, and her strength into her daughter, ensuring she walked through life with the same grace and excellence Elizabeth herself possessed. That love only multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren. To them, she was a source of endless encouragement and a soft place to land. She sat on the front row of every milestone, cheering and praying the hardest.

Whether she was celebrating their academic achievements or sharing stories of the Easterling legacy, her pride in them was radiant. She saw them both, Evan and Jana, as a reflection of God's goodness, often remarking that they were her greatest earthly rewards. Her love was the family's anchor, and her belief in their potential will remain a driving force in their lives.

Elizabeth would call her daughter every night, inquiring about everyone's day. When she said everyone, that included her grand dogs or "the boys" as they were so affectionately known to her. Her conversations often included the escapades of Matty, Mason and Paddington. Her love extended to the creatures, and human alike. She was the true embodiment of love.

She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

Proverbs 31:25-28

Service to the Kingdom

Elizabeth was a licensed Church of God in Christ Missionary, taking her calling seriously and serving with distinction. Her leadership extended to the Dumas District, where she served as both the District Missionary Emerita and the District Youth President, mentoring generations of young believers with grace and authority. As a Missionary, Elizabeth ran revivals both in and outside the state of Arkansas. She was a confident and powerful orator, but it was the genuineness and passion that resonated in her voice telling everyone that she was doing more than repeating verses from the Bible, she was living the life commanded by the Lord.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot* be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

Family and Transition

On March 26, 2026, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Elizabeth transitioned from labor to reward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Rosetta Easterling, her beloved husband Harry, and Charles "Dean" Easterling, Bernice (Alonzo) Brown, Iniece Cleveland, Cornelius (Nelson) Thompson, Joseph Paul (Jewel) Easterling, and Grover Easterling. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter, Gwendolyn Trigleth-Jackson (Benton, Arkansas), and two grandchildren, Evan Jackson (Fayetteville, Arkansas) and Jana E. Jackson (Benton, Arkansas); her sibling Pastor Lilton (Irene) Easterling; two sisters-in law, Frances "Tina" Trigleth (Little Rock, Arkansas) and Betty Easterling (Benton Harbor Michigan) and a vast host of nieces, nephews, relatives, former students, and her beloved church family.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7