Amanda Kay Arford, 43, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center Regional Medical ICU after a courageous battle with a long illness.

Amanda was born on May 30, 1983, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, to Charlie and Cathy Johnson. She graduated from Evening Shade High School with the Class of 2001 before attending Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Through determination and a passion for caring for others, she earned her Master's Degree in Nursing and became an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), dedicating her career to serving her patients with compassion and excellence.

Amanda was raised in Ash Flat United Methodist Church and was a faithful member of Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Jonesboro.

Above all else, Amanda treasured her family. Her greatest joy in life was being a wife and mother. She shared a deep and loving bond with her devoted husband, Brian, and found endless happiness in her daughter, Sydney, who was truly the light of her life. She also loved her daughter, Courtney, and son, Austin, with all her heart.

Amanda will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering love for those around her. She was an avid reader who found comfort and adventure in the pages of a good book. After illness forced her to retire from nursing, she discovered a new creative outlet, spending countless enjoyable hours building intricate LEGO® creations that reflected her patience, creativity, and attention to detail.

She is survived by her loving husband, Brian Arford of Jonesboro; daughter, Sydney Renee Bailey of Jonesboro; daughter, Courtney (Cody) Allen of Harrisburg; son, Austin Arford of Conway; her parents, Charlie and Cathy Johnson of Ash Flat; sister, Sarah (Justin) Balentine of Fifty-Six, Arkansas, Nephew Jared and Niece Hollie; sister, Christy (Justin) Holman of Batesville, Arkansas, and their children, Alyssa, Ava, Aidyn, and Austyn; aunt, Doris (Ernie) Rose of Hardy; aunt, Ann (Kenny) Brewer of Cherokee Village; aunt, Nicole Byrd Donnie) of North Little Rock; along with a host of beloved extended family members, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Amanda was preceded in death by her grandmother, Marian DeLany; grandparents, David and Dathine Johnson; aunts, Sandra Holden and Patty French; and cousins, Roger French and Jessica Draper.

Amanda's life was a beautiful example of compassion, perseverance, and unconditional love. Though her time on earth was far too short, the kindness she shared, the lives she touched through her nursing career, and the love she gave her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.