Lila Bond Matthews Hornor

Obituary Notice

Lila Bond Matthews Hornor, age 90 of Little Rock, died Tuesday December 6th, 2005. She was born at her home in Little Rock to the late John Barnitz and Alice Plunkett Bond.

Lila is survived by her younger sister, Judy Bond Ledbetter, and her beloved grand-daughter, Lila Somers Adkisson Collins “Somers”. Lila is survived by many loving relatives, only three of whom are direct descendants. These are her three adoring great-grandchildren: Andrew Joseph III, Lila Bond and William Benjamin Collins. Also surviving her is Andy Collins, husband of Somers Collins and father to Andrew, Lila and Will. Each great-grandchild enjoyed a unique and loving relationship with their extraordinary great-grandmother.

Born Lila Plunkett Bond in Little Rock, she was the eldest of a trio of beautiful and spirited sisters: the aforementioned Judy Ledbetter and Josephine Temple, who died in 1988, and younger brother Tommy Bond who died in 1933. Lila married Thomas Somers "Newk" Matthews, one of four children of Justin "Big Pop" Matthews, the visionary real estate mogul who assembled the land owned by Metropolitan Trust Company, General Properties, Inc. and Crestwood Companies.

Lila and "Newk" had two beautiful daughters together: Lila Ann Matthews (Adkisson) and Somers Matthews. Tragically, both daughters predeceased their parents.

As the only child born to Lila Ann and The Honorable Richard B. Adkisson, and after her mother's untimely death in 1959, Lila Somers Adkisson Collins (called "Somers") spent a great deal of time with her grandmother. Lila Hornor became what South Americans call a "mother/grandmother" to young Somers and the two enjoyed a most extraordinary bond.

After "Newk" Matthews died in 1969, Lila married James Tappan Hornor, with whom she enjoyed 23 years of marriage. Mr. Hornor predeceased Lila in 1995. Lila continued a close relationship with Mr. Hornor's daughters Mary Sue Hornor, Laura Hornor, and Maggie Koone. She was also a loving grandmother to MarySue and John Jacobs children Lisa Jacobs Burgess, and John Hornor Jacobs, and, great grandmother to their children, Jake and Maggie Burgess, and Lily and Helen Jacobs.

Lila Hornor had many friends to whom she was very loyal. Lila was an avid bridge player and enjoyed gardening and painting as well. She was happiest when she spent summers with her beloved grand-daughter and her family in Ludington, Michigan as well as when she spent holidays with her entire, extended families.

Lila Bond Matthews Hornor lived a long and full life. She was "matter of fact" in her philosophy and expressed her beliefs not so much in words but in the exemplary way she lead her life. She served for many years on The Board of Directors for the historic Mount Holly Cemetery and was a dedicated member of the St. Mark's Episcopal Church Altar Guild. In addition, Lila was a proud member of The Junior League of Little Rock and a member of the Country Club of Little Rock.

There will be a private graveside service at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to any of the following:

Arkansas Children's Hospital, 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR 72202

Arkansas Hospice, 5600 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, AR 72204

Mount Holly Cemetery, 1200 Broadway Street, Little Rock, AR 72202

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