of Conway, AR
September 2, 1941 - September 22, 2020
Rita Loree Jernigan Leslie passed away Tuesday September 22, 2020. She was born Tuesday, September 2, 1941. Loree was the only daughter of Robert Ercle (John) Jernigan Sr. and Edna Elizabeth Tabor Jernigan.
She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Robert (Bob) Leslie of Conway. Her children John Leslie, Beth Leslie Andrews (Mark) both of Conway. Her grandchildren, Tabor Lee Andrews, Orion Teague Leslie, Gregory Ward Andrews, Christopher Thompson Andrews, and Caroline Elizabeth Andrews, all of Conway. Her brother Robert Ercle (Robin) Jernigan Jr of Benton, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Loree attended school at the U of A in Monticello AR, where she was a cheerleader. She graduated from Henderson State University receiving Bachelor of Science in education. She then attended the U of A at Fayetteville to earn her master's degree in secondary education and she attended Vanderbilt University for a Ph.D. in education psychology (dissertation not complete).
Loree came from a long line of educators, she continued that tradition by teaching at the U of A, UALR, UCA continuing education, and Webster's University. During her career she held positions with Arkansas PBS, Acxiom, Express Human Resources, Achieve Global International, and Development Associate Inc.
Loree was a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority, the St Joseph Catholic church, Delta Kappa Gamma, the order of the Eastern Star, and Faulkner County Masters Gardeners.
Loree gave 110[[][%]] to everything she did. She was and an over achiever. She became a Master Corporate Trainer, a Master gardener, and her cooking skills would give Justin Wilson's a run for his money. She was the ultimate southern hostess.
Loree loved spending time with her family. Her home was the center of the family life. She loved entertaining and throwing lavish parties. She always welcomed any visitor with a delicious homemade dessert and a warm cup of coffee. One of her favorite activities was sitting on her back-porch swing looking out at her incredible botanical garden. She enjoyed reading, music, movies and keeping in touch with her extended family in Louisiana.
Her family would like to thank everyone for the good thoughts and prayers during our time of loss.
Memorials can be made to the CARTI foundation (CARTI.com)
A celebration and Thanksgiving for her life will be held at Roller McNutt funeral home in Conway. Visitation will be from 12pm to 2pm Saturday, September 26, 2020 with service following at 2pm. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Shiloh cemetery, Bernice Louisiana.
Roller Funeral Homes are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funerals and visitations to 100 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering our funeral homes.
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55 Condolence(s)
James and Brenda Houston
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Bob, thinking of you during this very difficult time. Loree will, truly, be missed by many family members and friends. She was a joy to have as a friend, although we didn't know her for long. She will be missed by the FCRW's group. God bless you.
Charles &frances farrell
Monday, September 28, 2020
Bob, children and robin. So sorry to hear of Lorene's passing. We were close neighbors of her wonderful parents. Hope all the wonderful memories you have will give you comfort. Our prayers are with your family Charles mad frances Farrell
Sherry Koonce
Monday, September 28, 2020
Bob,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your wife. She was a beautiful lady and I am so glad I got to know her. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. If there is anything I can help with don’t hesitate to reach out. I will always be here for you as you have always been for me. Love, Don and Sherry Koonce
Jimmy and Jo Ann Beggs
Sunday, September 27, 2020
so sorry to learn of the loss of your loved one-our prayers are with the leslie family-God bess
Linda Bagwell
Sunday, September 27, 2020
Bob, I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray for God's peace and strength for you and your whole family. I would have been there had I known.
Keeping you in my prayers.
Linda Bagwell
Robert & Janet Jackson
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Bob & Family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragically difficult time.
Betty Workman McLeod
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Bob, John Beth and family. I just heard about your loss today. I’m so sorry and will keep you in my prayers. I remember fondly many memories of Loree and our times at Bryd & Leslie! With deepest sympathy.
Misty Dann
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Oh how this hurts my heart. Loree taught at Redfield Jr High School and I remember her having a big personality! Always making people laugh and always had encouraging words to pass along. My deepest condolences to all the family. She was definately one of the best!
Denise Kutait wi go
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Bob so sorry for your lost. I remember our trip to Alaska and how sweet Loree was. Page thought the world of you. God has received two amazing people. Page and Loree. Praying for you and your family.
Tim Griffin
Saturday, September 26, 2020
Bob,
I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies for the loss of your wife, Loree. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. I pray you will find comfort in the memory of Loree and the wonderful legacy she left behind.  She was a wonderful and gifted lady that was loved by so many. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Please do not hesitate to call if I can ever be of service to you. May God’s grace and peace be with you.
Sincerely,
Tim Griffin
Robert and Sandy Kyzer
Saturday, September 26, 2020
We’re so sorry for your great loss. We have that hope of meeting again one day.
Melonaie Gullick
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob, my condolences and heartfelt prayers to you and your family. Loree was a sweet, sweet lady. What a blessed life that you had so many years together. I will miss buying Loree’s desserts at the auctions!
Doyan Matthews
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob, so sorry for your loss you and your family are in my prayers, I will always be thankful for the friendship we have shared for many years.
Orion Leslie
Friday, September 25, 2020
I will remember Mémé with fond memories, a warm heart, and lots of love.
Doyle Webb
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob,
As Chairman of the Republican Party of Arkansas and more especially as one of your many friends, I want to express my deepest love and prayer for God’s peace to you. Lorre will live on eternally not only in Heaven but here with us as you recount the many memories you have of her on special days and holidays. She will be with you at those times.
May God’s Holy Spirit be with you in the days ahead,
With the love of Christ,
Doyle
Asa Hutchinson
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob, Susan and I send our deepest condolences to you and your family. She was a lovely lady and I enjoyed my lunch with her not long ago where we swapped stories on you. We wish we could be there but know we send our thoughts and prayers.
Donald McMillen
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob,
Ms. Loree was one of my favorite people. She always had a smile and made me feel welcome in your home. I will miss her greatly! I'll think of her often and fondly.
May God's comforting hand be with you and your family. Give your family my love.
Donny and Martha McMillen
Charlie Bowerman
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob , you have my sincere condolences and I hope you will be doing ok during this time of sorrow. Regards Charlie
arthur boutiette
Friday, September 25, 2020
A real southern lady....Bob you were an amazing team and she brought a brightness into the world, into our JC community, and into every room she ever entered. That will live on in our hearts. It was a pleasure to know her and we were all blessed to be a small part of this honorable woman's life
Frenchie
Tom Anderson
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob, so sorry to hear of your loss. She seemed like a marvelous person. Prayers for you and your family.
Ann Fairless
Friday, September 25, 2020
I've been so thankful that you, Fran and I got to have our last coffee date. With your passing I've loss a dear friend.
John E. Boyce
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob,
As I said to you the other day, Loree and you have meant so much to me over the years. Thank you for calling me.
The Roller-McNutt Funeral Home tribute with photos is wonderful.
I'll always remember her last Facebook post, dated August 16, 2020:
"Sunday Morning…..
Me and The Lord Are Talking It Over in My Quiet Garden…..
Birds Are Adding Their Comments……."
Trish Weddle whitfield
Friday, September 25, 2020
My mom Joanie weddle RIP worked for Loree then Bob. Outstanding people. I've known them for 35 years and have loved them almost my entire life. I was 13 when I first met them. At the age of 20 Loree did her magic and got me my first real job and it was at Axciom. They always made you feel like part of the family. Love to all of Loree's family and friends.
Damon and Rhonda Edwards
Friday, September 25, 2020
Bob, You and your family are in our Prayers.
Buddy Matson
Friday, September 25, 2020
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting both of you for the first time 50 or so years ago. Our friendship has remained the same since. If I can do anything please let me know.
Josh McHughes
Thursday, September 24, 2020
From your cheerleading days at A & M to our JC travel and throughout many other times, what a cheerful joy you were. Hopefully, if I get to heaven, they will let me smoke my pipe, and maybe I will just scorch your wings rather than burn your hair.
Josh, your airplane seatmate
Bob McBryde
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Bobby, My thoughs and prayers are with you tonight , Bobby. McBryde
Don Logan
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Bob, our cousin, Lois Dickman, let me know of Rita's passing. I am so sorry. Though we have never met, I appreciate making this contact with you. I will pray that the comforting Presence of the Lord will be very real to you during this time.
Lois told me that you remember my father attending your mother's funeral. I recall when that happened when I was in college.
May God's peace surround you.
Your Cousin,
Don Logan
Sally Haltom
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Loree was my first cousin and even though we hadn't seen each other in many years, I was so glad to be able to stay connected with her online over the past several years. She was and will always be inspirational to me in many ways, and I loved her very much and will miss her forever. My heart goes out to Bob, Beth, John, Robin and everyone in Loree's wide circle of family and friends as they celebrate the amazing life of this beautiful, cherished and wonderful lady. I know that her memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her.
Ken and Sue Coon
Thursday, September 24, 2020
We love both of you and will surely miss Loree. She was a vivacious person - full of life. We shared the love of flowers and beautiful things.
Ken and Sue
Ed and Lana Bethune
Thursday, September 24, 2020
We send our love and prayers for a life well lived. RIP beautiful, sweet lady. â¤ï¸
Al and Binnie Alberius
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Bob, to an old friend, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God Bless You.
Dock & Debbie Hanks
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Bob,
When I got to know you about 47 years ago, I had no idea I was also going to get to know such a special person as Loree, too. From New Orleans to our last meal together in Little Rock, Debbie and I thank you for sharing just a little time with her. She was always an upbeat ray of sunshine and a great addition to every gathering.
I know there will be some nights a friendly voice may help. We have had a lot of practice trying to change the world on the phone. As always, your call is always welcome.
Our thoughts are with you in this very tough time. Hope you are holding up O.K.
Dock & Deb
Bill Long
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Prayers for Bob, John and the rest of the family and friends. Miss Loree was an awesome lady and will be missed dearly.
Waymond Teague
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Lo and I first met when we were young ---- she was four and I was seven and in the first grade. Later when we got into grade school, I never let her forget that I was the upper classman. Her mother was a teacher and a librarian. Her Dad was the number one boss of the Civil Service personnel at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. If you talked to him, you would never know that he was the number one boss, and if you talked to Lo, you would never know she was the daughter of the number one boss. They were good people.
We grew up living at the Arsenal. It was a military base. It had a post office, fire station and a community center, where the schools and the community would put on little shows and plays. That was the first time I saw Lo dance in a tu-tu. As a four year old, she could dance in a tu-tu. I guess that was also the last time I saw Lo dance in a tu-tu. The tu-tu dancing must have helped her later to be a cheerleader at the college we all attended.
As time moved on, Lo and I became close friends. I know Lo as “Leslie’s girlfriend†They started dating early and never looked back. They got married right out of college and Lo put Leslie thru law school. She told me it wasn’t easy. Lo was smart, but she also have a certain wisdom about her. One didn’t necessarily see it very often, but you knew it was there. It was subtle. We would talk, and you realized that the issue have been well thought out and a reasonable conclusion had been reached.
Lo and I were the kind of friends that didn’t have to see each other --- we just knew that the other was there. Now, she is going home to Louisiana and I will miss her. I loved her as a sister ----- Tigg
Pris Sinclair
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Bob, so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for you and the family.
Ted & Gerrye Jenkins
Thursday, September 24, 2020
We are so very sorry! May our condolence prayers be felt by Bob, Robin and ALL THE FAMILY!
Lo was like a younger sister to me. We grew up at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in 1940 & 50’s! My Mom was her 1st grade teacher.
Oh how I loved to tease & pick at her like an older brother.
We sincerely mourn her death and celebrate her wonderful life.
Ted & Gerrye Jenkins
BEN D. BRITE
Thursday, September 24, 2020
BOB---SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!! CHERYL AND I ARE THINKING ABOUT YOU, JOHN AND BETH.
BEN
Angie Brixey
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Loree was a special lady to me! She always made me laugh & filled me with encouragement! She loved me & my children like we were her own. She loved to tell me stories of her family & grandchildren...they were her world! She could brighten up a room with her laughter & good cheer! She was a blessing to me & my children & I will cherish all the words of advice & love that she gave me!
Prayers for your family during this time of loss!
Love, Angie
Randy & June Cantrell
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Bob, Beth, John, & Robin,
We’re so sorry for your loss of Loree. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Reba Inzer
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Loree was a special friend of mine, as was the whole family. I grieve her loss with you. Cherish her memory and remember always how much she loved you. To be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord. Praying for PEACE and COMFORT during this time. My love to all the family.
Marty Roberts
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Condolences to Bob and family miss Loree was a wonderful lady and be dearly missed.
Crystal Taylor
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
I was Blessed to have known this lovely lady. She will be missed dearly. I have a few of these inspirational women that have touched my life and Mrs. Loree was certainly one of them.
Lois and Dan Dickman
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Sending love and prayers to Bob and the family. Remembering that a Great Reunion Day is on its way.
Tammy Sessions Estrada
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Such a sweet and fun lady. Beth, you're in my thoughts and prayers.
Molly Rankin
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Our mothers were first cousins and both named “Edna†...we were friends because of Facebook and got together a few times including a visit to her home in Conway 4 years ago. A lovely hostess and interesting, intelligent individual who I will miss very much. RIP.
Kathy Hutson
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
I’m so sorry for your loss. If you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Joe and Brenda Ball
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Our condolences to Bob and family. Joe’s memories of Loree date back to the good old days at the Arsenal. We both enjoyed visiting with her at White Hall reunions and will miss her. What a beautiful lady!
Joe and Debi Nabholz
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Loree was such a wonderful person, who had a great personality. She was such a joy to visit with every time we bumped into her.
Bob, Beth, Mark, family members, and friends, Our prayers and our concern are for you, your family, and those close to Loree, as you grieve her loss,, and as you move on without her.
Linda Hurd
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
She was a beautiful and loving friend of mine since we were very young at the Pine Bluff Arsenal. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and comfort for all her family and friends.â¤ï¸ðŸŒ¹
Lorna Leslie
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
I wish I could be there with you! Sending you virtual hugs!
Mary jo Green & Cherry Lockwood
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
We are so sorry for the Loss of cousin Loree ! Thankful for the sweet memories we made last oct 2019 when y’all came to moms in Bernice! What a great visit we all had with y’all . Beth y’all are all in our thoughts and prayers ðŸ™
Dolan Lunsford
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
She was a friend from school. Never met a stranger.
Skeet & Mary Jane Morse
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
May God's love surround the Leslie family
David Leslie
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
An amazing and inspiring human being. Rest In Peace, Aunt Loree.