Loretta Gary Childs Specie, 82 of Texarkana, Texas passed away on Wednesday morning January 25, 2023 in Texarkana. Loretta Gary was born on July 14, 1940 in Carthage, Texas to the late Walter Lacy and Lola Koonce Gary. She was raised in Panola County and graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1958. Loretta attended Panola College where she was a member of the choir. She then attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Loretta was a teacher in Fouke, AR and later helped establish the Columbia County Christian Academy. She was a member of Mercy and Grace Cathedral in Springdale, AR where she was very active. Loretta and her husband, Roy L. Specie served for five years in prison ministry, helping the homeless and people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. Mrs. Specie is also preceded in death by her first husband Malcolm O. Childs and second husband, Roy L. Specie.

Loretta is survived by her children, Laurie Panko, Miles Childs, Malcolm Childs, II, Samuel Childs; grandchildren, Kiley Childs, Eric Cummings, Tyler Cummings and Joel Cummings; step-sons, Robert Lee Wallace, Edward D. Specie, Wayne L. Specie; special caregivers, Sondra Alderson and Anna Beth Waun; and nieces and nephew, Jayne Gary Bell (Leonard), Judy Gary Holder (Jim), Joan Gary Chandler, Michael Gary, and Susan Gary Hough. Numerous other relatives and a host of friends also survive Mrs. Specie.

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 17, 2023 at the Six Mile Cemetery with Scott Reeves officiating under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home, 1131 State Hwy 149, Carthage, Texas 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.