Jeanne Elizabeth Jones of Jonesboro, Arkansas, departed this life on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the age of 62. She was born September 28, 1962, in Newport, Arkansas, the daughter of Bobby Neal Jones, Sr., and Ruth (Parker) Jones.
Jeanne graduated from Tuckerman High School in 1980 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education from Arkansas College (now known as Lyon College) in 1991. Throughout her life, she was a strong advocate for education and was recognized with the Governor’s Award in 1995 for her role in establishing Kid’s College.
Jeanne began her career as Director of Business and Industry outreach for UACCB. From there, she became the Statewide Coordinator for Academic Programs for Public Colleges and Universities for the Arkansas Department of Higher Education until her retirement.
Jeanne was a dedicated supporter of her hometown, actively serving on the Tuckerman School Board and the Tuckerman Alumni Association, where she also held the position of Past-President for both organizations. She co-authored one book with Coach Morgan Gilbert: “The History of THS Athletics” and wrote “The History of Tuckerman High School.”
After retiring, Jeanne enjoyed gardening, sunbathing by the pool, and hosting swimming parties with her nieces. She loved all animals, particularly her cats, and supported children’s charities, including St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Jeanne truly valued her family and friends, treasuring every moment spent with them.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bobby Neal, Sr., and Ruth Marie (Parker) Jones.
Jeanne is survived by one brother, 1st Sgt Retired, Bobby Neal Jones, Jr., and wife, Denise of Harvest, Alabama; one sister, Cathy Jones Platt and husband, David of Tuckerman; five nieces and nephews, Bobby Neal Jones, III and wife, Maria, Shawn Michael Gilbert, Stacey Anne Wilson and husband, Ray, Katelyn Elizabeth Platt Murphy and husband, Austin, and David Jeffery Platt, II; two great nieces, Avery Grace Solis and Addison Grace Gilbert; her lifelong friend, Karen Wheeler of Jonesboro; her good friend, Deena Coleman of Jonesboro; and a lifetime of friends.
The Jones family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of Liberty Park Senior Living, Craighead Nursing Center, and Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House for their loving care of Jeanne.
Memorial services will be announced by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, www.stjude.org, or the Jackson County Humane Society, P.O. Box 154, Newport, AR 72112.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
