The Minds Behind the Mission
A long time ago, some very special people worked hard to help create a county wide museum. They had big dreams. To protect our history and share the stories of our communities.
They spent their time making sure important things from the past, like photos, clothes, tools, and letters, were saved and shared so we could all learn from them. Because of their love for Crittenden County, the museum became a place where people of all ages can explore the past and understand how it shaped our world today.
We are thankful for everything they did. Their ideas, hard work, and care helped make the museum what it is today. And even though they may no longer serve on the board, their spirit is still with us every day, in every room and every story we tell.
Gladys Wright may not be a household name, but in Crittenden County, Arkansas, her impact quietly echoes through the pages of local history. As the lead compiler of the Earle Epic, a rich collection of family stories and community heritage, she helped preserve the voices and memories that shaped Crittenden County. Her work gained special importance during Arkansas’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1986, when communities across the state came together to honor 150 years of statehood. Gladys, alongside a small committee, seized the moment to document Earle’s legacy—gathering names, tracing family lines, and recording the everyday lives that defined the town. Her project became more than a book; it was a tribute to the past and a gift to the future. Thanks to her dedication, Earle’s story didn’t fade—it found a home in the Crittenden County Museum, where her efforts still connect generations, one story at a time.
Gladys Wright
President
Bryan Wilson Speed (1925–2015) was a dedicated educator and community leader in Earle, Arkansas. After moving there with his wife Jane in 1957, he served as principal of the local elementary school, shaping the lives of countless students. Beyond his role in education, Speed played a vital part in preserving local history at the Crittenden County Museum, housed in the historic 1922 Missouri Pacific train depot in Earle. In 1995, he led a community art project through the Delta Art Society to create a large mural in Earle, Arkansas depicting a from the steam train era. His lifelong commitment to learning, art, and heritage left a lasting impact on Crittenden County.
Bryan Speed
Secretary / Treasurer/ Director
Margaret Elizabeth Woolfolk (1917–2002) was a pioneering journalist, attorney, historian, and civic leader whose life was deeply rooted in Crittenden County, Arkansas. Beginning her career at the Crittenden County Times in the 1930s, she went on to found and manage the Evening Times before merging it with the county paper. In her 60s, she earned a law degree and served as a municipal judge. Woolfolk authored A History of Marion and A History of Crittenden County, Arkansas, works that remain central to the county’s recorded heritage. Honored for her lifelong dedication to public service and historical preservation, she is memorialized by the Woolfolk Public Library in Marion.
Margaret Woolfolk
Board Member
Richard Wood (1920 – 2008) was a beloved figure in Earle, Arkansas, known not just for his long career as a bookkeeper but for his deep passion for local history. After serving in World War II, he spent over four decades working at People’s Implement Company, but his real legacy shines through his work with the Crittenden County Museum. As director, he poured his heart into preserving the stories of the community, helping turn the old train depot into a space full of local pride and memory. Whether he was organizing museum exhibits or serving as treasurer at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Richard was the kind of person who quietly made things better for everyone around him.
Richard Wood
Director
Janis Lancaster
Board Member
Annelle Saig
Board Member
Linda Fritz
Small Title
Board Member
The Hands Shaping The Future
When COVID-19 hit, the Crittenden County Museum had to close its doors. For a long time, the rooms were quiet, and no one could come in to explore the stories of the past.
But even while the museum was closed, a special group of people (the current board members) were hard at work behind the scenes. They believed the museum was too important to be forgotten.
They made plans, shared ideas, and worked together to bring the museum back to life. When it was finally safe to reopen, the museum returned stronger than ever, ready to welcome families, kids, and visitors with fresh energy and exciting stories.
These board members are the hands shaping the future, making sure the museum continues to grow, inspire, and share the history of Crittenden County for generations to come.
Clifton Avant began his career in 1978 as a job development specialist with the Northcentral Arkansas Development Council in Batesville. He joined Entergy Corporation in 1982 and retired after 29 years as an operations and economic development executive. Over his 47-year career, Avant contributed to numerous local, state, and national initiatives. He held key roles at Entergy, including Manager of Area Development, Manager of Business Development, and Interim Director of Economic Development for Entergy Louisiana during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He helped develop Gulf Opportunity Zones in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas and supported the Delta New Markets initiatives under the Clinton and Bush Administrations. Avant holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lyon College and completed the Community Development Institute at the University of Central Arkansas. A Retired Certified Economic Developer, he also earned certifications in power plant operations and energy distribution. He is a graduate of several leadership programs and an active member of various economic development organizations. His honors include numerous awards and the Key to the City of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas and Lyon College Lifetime of Service Award.
Clifton Avant
Chairman
Hoover Clinton Williams Jr. is a seasoned educator and dedicated community leader with over 40 years of service in the field of education. A graduate of Parkin High School (Class of 1975), he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas State University, with a focus in Special Education and Elementary Education. He furthered his academic journey by obtaining a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision, followed by a Specialist degree in Superintendency. Throughout his four-decade career, Mr. Williams worked passionately to inspire students, support teachers, and strengthen school communities. His leadership has left a lasting impact on countless lives and educational institutions. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Williams is an active member of Butler Chapel CME Church, where he serves faithfully as a steward, treasurer, and president of the Board of Trustees. He is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., reflecting his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and excellence. Mr. Williams is married to Suzanne A. Williams. They are the proud parents of four children and the loving grandparents of five. He lives by two guiding principles: “Education is the key to OPPORTUNITY.” “Action speaks louder than words.”
Clint Williams
Vice Chairman
Judy Wiley is a lifelong resident of Earle, Arkansas. She has been a devoted member of Earle First Assembly of God for 48 years, serving as Deacon, Secretary/Treasurer, and Sunday School teacher. Her faith and dedication to her church and community have been a guiding force throughout her life. Judy is the proud mother of two daughters, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of one. Her professional career in accounting and business spanned over five decades, including leadership roles at Binswanger Glass, Lewis Auto Glass, and Mygrant Glass, where she earned recognition as a top saleswoman in the industry. Beyond her career, Judy has been active in the Earle Area Chamber of Commerce, the Crittenden County Museum, and the Gibson Bayou Cemetery Board. Her life reflects unwavering service, faith, and love for family and community.
Judy Wiley
Treasurer
Sandy Holloway is a lifelong Earle resident, devoted mother, and experienced community leader. A widow and proud mom of two sons, she has served over 10 years on the Earle City Council and is a certified council member. A graduate of Earle High and a member of First Assembly of God for 55 years, Sandy brings deep roots and dedication to her community. Professionally, she has led major roles in agricultural lab management, currently serving as National Agricultural Lab Manager for Alford Knight. A member of the American Oil Chemists Society since 1979, Sandy is also a former President, VP, and Treasurer of the Board of Trade. Passionate about preserving local history, Sandy enjoys contributing to the Crittenden County Museum and honoring the county’s legacy for future generations.
Sandy Holloway
Secretary
Otis Davis
Board Member
Chelsea Henderson was born and raised in Essex, Vermont and graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts with a degree in Mathematics. Following graduation, she joined Teach for America where she was placed at Earle High School in Earle, Arkansas, as a secondary math teacher. After her 2 years of AmeriCorps service, she obtained her teaching license in Mathematics and Computer Science and made the choice to continue at Earle High School and worked for a decade at EHS as a teacher and later the Assistant Principal of Curriculum. She received her Master’s in Education from Arkansas State University in 2019 and is currently serving as an Operations Research Analyst for the US Navy. She lives in Earle, AR with her boyfriend, teenage step daughter, and their animals. She is a proud member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and in her free time she enjoys DIY projects around the house.
Chelsea Henderson
Board Member
John Evans began his career in the banking and financial services industry as an agent with New York Life, where he earned the prestigious Career Success Award as a top producer in his first year. He later transitioned into law enforcement, serving with both the West Memphis Police Department and the City of Memphis Police Department. He is a graduate of the 100th session of the John D. Holt Police Academy (2008). Following his law enforcement service, he assumed the role of Director of Campus Safety for the Marion School District. He currently serves as the Director of College Security at LeMoyne–Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Philander Smith College, where he continues to support the institution as a member of the Board of Trustees.
John Evans
Board Member
Associate Pastor Anthony Ville Baptist Church Owner, F and E Real Estate Renters Earle, Arkansas Midsouth Community College: AA Education, 1999 Arkansas State University BA Education, 2006 The Tennessee School of Religion, MBA Theology 2010, Jacksonville Theological Seminary, PhD Counseling, 2012. The Agape Bible College, PhD of Ministry and Pastoral Ship 2017 Dr. Wilson is married to Frank Wilson-Retired Army officer. Doctor Wilson is the mother of seven children. Doctor Wilson Is a lifelong citizen of Crittenden County, who is a Retire Behavior Health Counselor. She spent 30 years as a behavioral health counselor throughout Eastern Arkansas. She worked in the Earle School system as a counselor for many years. Doctor Wilson is known for her ability to work with children with behavior and mental issues. Doctor Wilson is a state certified Christian instructor and spent hours teaching Christian leadership Classes throughout the state of Arkansas. She is in the process of becoming a certified Dean. She is active in teaching and training in the Valley District Congress.
Emma Wilson
Board Member
Meet the Director
Candice Price
As a wife, mother, and advocate for justice, I’ve always stood for integrity, fairness, and resilience. I graduated from Earle High School in 2006 and earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Arkansas State University in 2023. My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me the value of knowledge, perseverance, and purpose.
With seven years of leadership experience in retail management and a role as Office Manager at the Earle Water and Sewer Department, I’ve built a strong foundation in service and community leadership. A pivotal moment in my life came when I helped my mother uncover our family's history discovering that my grandfather marched with Dr. Martin Luther King. This connection deepened my commitment to justice and honoring our past.
Since October 2024, I have served as Director of the Crittenden County Museum, where I help preserve and share powerful stories from our communities. The museum connects generations and reveals the resilience of everyday people reminding us that history not only informs the present but empowers the future.
