of Jonesboro, AR

November 29, 1949 - September 15, 2025

On September 15, 2025, Jeanette Clayton passed from this world to join her Lord Jesus Christ, her parents, James Murray and Barbara Hurst Murray and a beloved sister, Joan Murray Gould. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Bobby Clayton; two sons, Brian and Jared Clayton and their wives, Gretchen and Christi and three beloved grandchildren, Cooper Max, Andrea Dean and Jameson Clifft, who grew up basking in the love and attention of their grandmother. Jeanette also leaves behind a brother, Walter Murray and a sister, June Goodman. Multitudes of relatives, friends, classmates and former students who recognize a life well-lived remain behind, blessed by her presence in this life. Her life as a wife, mother, teacher and dear friend, provides a true example of the Great Commandment to love God and to love others.
Jeanette was born on November 29, 1949 and lived her life in Northeast Arkansas. At Bono High School, she was the heart of the Class of 1967. Her classmates called her 'Jett' and knew they would find a warm greeting and laughter when they chanced to spend time with her. She helped forge friendships that live to this day. Remnants of the class continued to meet for lunch frequently, always looking forward to a story that would bring back a fond memory and a good laugh from Jeanette. All her classmates called her friend. Our frequent meetings will have an empty space without her wit and love among us. Her unique trait of always being who she was is rare. From her youth, she was outspoken, honest and truly 'Jett'.
As a professional, Jeanette dedicated her career to special needs students. After she earned her BSE in Elementary Education from Central Baptist College in Conway, Arkansas, she pursued her MSE in Behavioral Disorders at Arkansas State University. From that time, she dedicated her teaching skills and her warm acceptance and love to hundreds of students who needed more help than they could receive in a traditional classroom. For thirty-four years, she spent her life as a special education teacher in Arkansas schools, including Osceola, Dixie, Brookland, Oak Grove and Baldwin Elementary Schools.
Regardless of her academic and professional accomplishments, Jeanette would say her biggest accomplishment is her family. She and Bobby built a home together for fifty-three years. Since their wedding on June 3, 1972, they have been life mates in the truest sense of what a marriage should be. They built their marriage on love for each other, mutual respect and constant faith. She loved her Bobby. She adored Jared and Brian. Frequently, she praised their accomplishments, not the least of which was choosing the ''right wives''. Christi and Gretchen, her daughters, long ago lost the title of daughters-in-law. They spoke of the life lessons they had learned from her, such as praying for mates and the importance of faith in family life, wisdom that a good Christian mother could pass down. She wanted so much to impress those same life lessons into the hearts of Cooper, Andrea and Jameson. Without a doubt, she succeeded and their parents, Brian and Gretchen and Jared and Christi, will continue to share what Jeanette taught them.
After she retired, Jeanette developed a passion for travel. She made bus trips with groups and travelled with friends and family. Her love of visiting places in the United States trickled down to her children and grandchildren, some of whom have already seen the forty-eight contiguous states.
A lifelong Baptist, Jeanette Clayton was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She has many special brothers and sisters in Christ at the Herman Baptist Church, where she grew up. She was also involved in the ministries of Browns Chapel Church in Paragould, where she taught preschoolers for more than ten years. In all the churches she attended, Jeanette was an avid Vacation Bible School volunteer. She understood the lesson from the book of James and other places in Scripture, that love is best seen through one's actions.
Jeanette passed from this world on September 15, 2025 in the care of the loving staff of the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice Center, surrounded by family. Her memorial service on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. will be held at the Roller-Farmers Union Chapel in Jonesboro. Bro. Royce Boling and Mr. Dennis Mason will officiate. Burial will follow at the Lorado Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 18, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The family asks that everyone share their connection to Jeanette and stories about her time with them.
Pallbearers will be Ronnie Waln, Randy ''Bernie'' Adams, Nephew Sean Gould, Great-nephew Kyle Gould, Brian Clayton, Jared Clayton, Cooper Clayton and Jameson Clayton.
Members of the Bono Class of 1967 will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home
1900 West Washington Ave.
Jonesboro, AR  72401
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com