Elizabeth Soisouvanh died on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, near Hartington, Nebraska, in a car accident. Daughter of Ouphavanh and Victor Soisouvanh, Elizabeth was born July 19, 2000. She was 21 years old.
The youngest of four, Elizabeth is survived by two sisters, their husbands and a brother (Alice Price and her husband Cody Price; Olivia Wood and her husband Jake Wood; and Archibald Soisouvanh). She was better known as Lizzie to her family and many of her friends.
Elizabeth, a junior nursing major from Waldron, Arkansas, was a member of the Air Force Reserve and had planned to commission as an officer and become an Air Force nurse upon graduation.
On Wednesday, March 16, Harding students and community members gathered for a candlelight vigil in memory of Elizabeth. An ROTC cadet prayed, many of her friends shared some of their favorite memories with her and the group sang her favorite song, “Blue Skies and Rainbows.”
Cheryl Lee, assistant dean of clinical education, said that Elizabeth was a joy to know.
“She had a positive attitude and loved serving our country and serving others,” Lee said. “She would have touched so many lives by her nursing care. She will be greatly missed. I am thankful for the time I had with her this semester.”
Hannah Hale, a childhood friend of Elizabeth, said the two had been close since middle school. In a post on Elizabeth’s Facebook page, Hale said she does not have a memory since then that Elizabeth was not a part of.
“You were the first person I called when I got into medical school,” Hale said. “You always knew exactly what to say to make me smile and laugh when I was having a bad day or was willing to listen to me rant for hours. You always gave the best advice. You had the most contagious laugh, and your smile lit up any room you walked into. You always made sure everyone knew how much they were loved and supported. A piece of me still wants to call you to hear you say ‘I love you honey’ one last time.”
Tiffany Elam, Elizabeth’s hairstylist in Searcy, said Elizabeth often picked her daughter up from school and would always make her laugh during appointments.
“[Elizabeth] was not only a client but an amazing friend to me and my daughter,” Elam said. “She was one of the most kindest and sweetest ladies I know. Her laugh was infectious and her smile would light up the room. Rest in peace, sweet friend, until we meet again.”
Elizabeth’s funeral ceremony was held on Sunday, March 13, in Waldron, Arkansas. A celebration of life was held on Sunday, March 20, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
