Rogers, AR- Wikarjehan Chand Haydar, 85, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025 of natural causes. Born in India, she immigrated to the United States in the mid 1960s with her late husband, Dr. Mohammed Afak Haydar. They first lived in Illinois and later moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas, the town she loved  and called home.

Chand was a jack of all trades. She could cook any cuisine perfectly without a recipe.  During a time when most of her friends depended on their husband to drive the family car, she got her license to drive and enthusiastically zipped around town. Through the years, she drove all sorts of cars, including a 1966 orange Mustang, a couple of Fiats, and then eventually more refined Lincolns and Cadillacs.

She was a seamstress, counselor, teacher, artist, entrepreneur and accountant. She wore many hats, sometimes a few at the same time, while always taking care of her family, friends and community.

Chand was a gracious and joyful hostess. Visitors were always welcome to the Haydar house - no matter what time of day or night they knocked on the door. She made sure that guests felt at ease and, of course, that they were very well fed!

She always had a smile on her face and open arms that gave awesome hugs. She loved her family fiercely, and she was the easiest person to love. Chand was genuinely kind and never spoke a single harsh or critical word about anyone. She had a huge, loving heart and she always saw the best in everyone she knew.

As a final tribute, we include a message her children would want her to hear:

Mamma, thank you for all the love, support, acceptance, grace and guidance you always showed us. We love you lots and will miss you much. You will forever be in our hearts. The carrots are purple!

Chand Haydar is survived by her sons, Aslam (Sameera) and Arif and his wife, her daughter, Tara, as well as 11 grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and scores of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Afak Haydar (2007); her son, Najmi Haydar (2021); and her grandson, Caleb Haydar (2013).

Chand has been laid to rest in Oaklawn Cemetery where her friends and family had a beautiful celebration of life for her.

The family requests in lieu of flowers to donate to a charity of your choice or donate to the Richmond-Haydar Foundation at ASU in their moms memory.