of Paragould, AR

December 16, 1945 - June 25, 2025

Regenia ''Jean'' M. Kent
December 16, 1945 - June 25, 2025

A Woman of Faith. A Heart of Gold. A Life Well Lived.

Regenia Moore Kent, affectionately known as ''Jean'' and lovingly called ''Mama'' by her four sons and all who knew her, passed peacefully into eternal rest on June 25, 2025, at the age of 79.

Born on December 16, 1945, to Regenia ''Big Momma'' Moore and Luke ''Daddy Luke'' Moore, Jean was one of 13 siblings raised in Mississippi. She was lovingly brought up by her aunt, Corrie Lee Knight Perkins, known in the family as ''Grannie'', Daddy Luke's sister. In true Southern tradition, this type of extended family nurturing was common and full of wisdom, love, and structure. Grannie's influence shaped the quiet strength and grace that Mama Jean would carry for the rest of her life.

Her greatest dream was beautifully simple: to see her sons grow into good, successful men.

Mission accomplished. She is survived by her beloved sons:

Robert L. Kent, Jr. (TX)
Daryl L. Kent (AR)
Stephen E. Kent (MN)
Patrick F. Kent (MO)

Her legacy lives on through one treasured granddaughter, eight grandsons, two great-grandsons, and two great-granddaughters.

A Life of Service and Grace
Jean earned her LPN license and Associate of Nursing from Copiah Lincoln Junior College in Mississippi. She went on to serve as a devoted nurse for 33 years, offering comfort, care, and courage to countless patients across her career. Her work was more than a profession, it was an expression of love.

Jean also found joy in life's simple pleasures: reading, crocheting, and cooking. Her recipes were family staples, her handmade gifts wrapped warmth around loved ones, and her books kept her curious and sharp even in her later years.

The Heart Behind Be The Best
Though she never sought recognition, Mama Jean's life is the heartbeat of the Be The Best Foundation. Her quiet motto ''Be the best'' became the guiding vision behind a movement to empower underserved youth, veterans, and families.

Her legacy now lives on through the work her sons Stephen and Robert champion in her honor, expanding access to financial literacy, mentorship, and hope.

Celebration of Life -Family Only
A private graveside service for close family members will be held to celebrate Mama Jean's beautiful life at Linwood Cemetery, 1232 W Kings Hwy, Paragould, AR 72450 on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 9:00 AM.

We lovingly ask friends and extended loved ones to honor her in spirit, prayer, or by supporting the Foundation she inspired.

In Her Memory
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Be The Best Foundation to continue her mission of uplifting lives and building brighter futures:

Zelle: info@bethebestfoundation.org

Online: www.bethebestfoundation.org/donate

''She watched us grow. We watched her lead. Now we walk in the light of her legacy.''

Arrangements by Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home of Jonesboro.

Sign Guestbook

3 Condolence(s)