Cleda Driftwood, widow of Founding Father of the Ozark Folk Center Jimmy Driftwood, died Monday, April 26. She was 86. The Driftwoods were special friends of the University of Central Arkansas.
A memorial service for Mrs. Driftwood, who was born March 1, 1918, will be held Monday, May 3 at the Timbo (Stone County) Assembly of God Church beginning at 11 a.m.
In December of 1991, the Driftwoods gave to the UCA Foundation the following:
– 495.41 acres, valued at $475,410 and a barn on the property valued at $8,000 for a total appraised value of $483,410;
– 3.05 acres with a mobile home and additions, valued at $30,000;
– All memorabilia of Jimmy Driftwood, best known for writing the classic song, “The Battle of New Orleans”, as well as “Tennessee Stud” and thousands of others, and his musical instruments.
Then about seven months later, the Driftwoods gave to the UCA Foundation: 121.8 acres, including the home in which they were residing. An appraisal valued the home at $30,000 and the land at $101,800 for a total value of $131,800.
Through their generosity, many students have been able to attend UCA as Driftwood Scholars.
Jimmy Driftwood received his degree from Arkansas State Teachers College (now UCA) in 1949 and was named the school’s first Distinguished Alumnus in 1986.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Bank of Mountain View – Cleda Driftwood Memorial Account, P.O. Box 1228, Mountain View, AR 72560. Proceeds will be given to the Timbo Schools.
“At their request, Jimmy and Cleda Driftwood will be reunited through the combining of their ashes which will be scattered over their 600 acre ranch in Timbo,” said a family friend.
