In loving memory of Betty Jones, who peacefully departed on December 25, 2023, at the age of 79. Born to Elmo and Katherine (Davis) Warren on July 15, 1944, Betty’s life was a vibrant expression of creativity, joy, and community spirit.
Betty was a faithful member of Jacksonport Baptist Church and raised her family there. In her later years, she was faithful to the Newport Pentecostal Church and loved her church family. Her love for God is shown in her life with her actions and kindness to everyone she met. She constantly witnessed Christ and gave praise to the Lord.
Her passion for making flower arrangements showcased her artistic talents, and her love for swimming, especially at the beach in Florida, brought her immense joy. Betty’s culinary skills and love for fishing were nurtured by her father, who ran the ferry on the Black River, where she fearlessly swam its currents.
Her commitment to community shone through as she played music for senior citizens in Batesville and Ash Flat, bringing the joy of dance, particularly the jitterbug, to their lives. Betty’s playful side was exemplified when she dressed up as Big Bird for the Rice Festival, creating laughter and fond memories.
Betty’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished with the ownership and operation of Betty’s Food Mart in Jacksonport, a testament to her dedication to the local community. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those she touched, leaving an enduring legacy of laughter, creativity, and a genuine passion for life. Today, we celebrate Betty’s remarkable journey and the joy she shared with all who were fortunate to know her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mitchell Jones; her brothers, Max Warren, Lloyd Warren, and Cloys Warren; and her sisters, Inez Blanton, and Jeanetta Newman.
She is survived by her daughters, Pam Johnson of Newport, Ronda Gansz of Searcy and Bo Hutchinson (Darrin) of Newport; her grandchildren, Brandon Valencia, Alex Valencia, Jayden Valencia, Mandy Gansz, Courtney Gansz, Kenny Hutchinson, Bubba Hutchinson, John Hutchinson and Natalie Jones; her great-grandchildren, Kyra Wilson, Bliss Smith, Rayson Cane Flemming, Bentlee Valencia, Beckham Valencia, John Jax Hutchinson, Jake Jones, Bella Jones, Hazel Hutchinson and Jett Hutchinson; her great-great-grandchild, Zylah Wilson, and her niece, Melinda Warren.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Brandon Valencia, Alex Valencia, Jayden Valencia, Kenny Hutchinson, John Hutchinson, and Bubba Hutchinson. Honorary pallbearers are Lloyd Warren, Jr., Billy Max Warren, Mike Warren, Cloys Warren, Jr., Mark Warren, Jaime Valencia, and Dale Davis.
Service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Dillinger Funeral Home with Brother Tim Waterman officiating. The interment will be at Watson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023.
