of Vilonia, AR

April 28, 1937 - August 7, 2023

Erkle "Sugar" "Meemaw" Merlene Jones was born on April 28th, 1937 to her parents, Elmer and Myrtle Johnston. She was born humbly on the family homestead on Otto Rd surrounded by family. Erkle passed on the same homestead surrounded by family and loved ones. She passed at the ripe age of 86, just how she liked to eat bananas.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Billy Franklin Jones; her twin daughters, Mary and Martha Jones and her siblings.

She is survived by her children, Stephen (Kim) and Sonja (John); daughter-in-law, Dailia; her grandchildren, Ashley (Jeff Starr), Austin, Megan (William) and Zane and two great-grandchildren, Tripp and Saylor. She is remembered by her nieces, nephews and church family.

To her grandchildren she was Meemaw or Sugar. To all that met her she was the most kind-hearted and generous woman. Erkle spent her life in service to others and in service to the Lord. She accompanied her husband Billy, to his sermons, church functions and provided his sounding board. She was a truly godly wife to him and a compassionate mother to all that needed her. Proverbs 31: 25-31 describes her perfectly as a "Wife of Noble character". Erkle Jones was a woman of a quiet strength, enduring the storms of life graciously and in praise to God. By her example she taught us how to be warriors in our prayers. Her faith and relationship with the Lord were absolute and unshakeable, even after a stroke took many memories and her ability to speak as well as she used to, her heart remained true and she continued to pray giving all her burdens to God.

In her younger years, Erkle always had a hot meal to all that came to her table. Many hearts were soothed and weary souls mended over a plate of her cooking. To her family no holiday is complete without a pan of her biscuits and a slice of her pecan pie. From young ages her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren learned from her to harmonize by following her beautiful strong alto, singing hymns in church.

Erkle always loved anything that she could nurture and grow, be it a plant or person. The way she nurtured people was how her family tried to nurture her in the final days of her life. Erkle taught us to always appreciate the little things, like biting into a good Sonic burger and onion rings, watching your favorite tv show, Gunsmoke or the Gaithers and visiting with family and friends. Erkle's true legacy will always be one of selfless love, taking care of all who needed her.

Funeral services will be held at Roller-McNutt in Conway on Friday, August 11th. Visitation to begin at 10:00 and service beginning at 11:00 in the morning.

Pallbearers: Zane Reedy, John Whitehead, William Shaddox, Frankie Farris, Eugene Farris and Chuck Clonts.

The family would like to thank Hospice Homecare for their professionalism and compassionate care in Mrs. Erkle's last days.

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