of Little Rock, AR
July 11, 1925 - August 24, 2025
Dora Jean Calvert Aronowitz, 100 years old, passed away on Sunday morning August 24, 2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born July 11, 1925 in Waketon, (Denton County) Texas to John and Sealie (McLeod) Calvert. Jean grew up in the Waketon community, close to what is now known as Flower Mound. Growing up was hard with a family of 8 and by the time Jean started school in the 1930's the country was in the midst of the Great Depression.
Jean became a follower of Christ at a young age while attending a Brush Arbor summer revival at Chinn's Chapel, a rural Methodist Church in her community. Jean's faith was an anchor for her the rest of her life. She lived out a quiet, consistent faith that blessed her family and friends.
At the age of 18 Jean attended North Texas Teachers College. By the end of the school year the US had entered World War II. She moved to Dallas in 1943 to find a job. In 1945 she met and started dating Marty Aronowitz, a marine who was stationed on a base near Dallas. Jean and Marty married February 23, 1946. Marty and Jean moved to Ft Worth in 1951. Jean was a solid and steady influence in raising her children and supporting Marty in his career. Marty and Jean's home became a magnet for many people from all walks of life because of Jean's hospitality and graciousness.
Jean was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She gave of her time, talents and resources to her family, friends, church and community. Jean was kind, thoughtful, beautiful, classy, athletic, competitive, fun-loving, adventurous, artistic and above all, a great listener and
encourager for whoever she was with. Her competitive spirit came out playing dominoes with her daughter and son in law, at 99 years old she still did not want to lose!
After Jean's children were raised, her artistic talents blossomed while taking oil painting lessons. Her beautiful paintings are enjoyed by family and friends. Jean was widowed in August of 1986 and for the next 31 years she continued to live in the home she and Marty shared. She volunteered at her church, Pantego Bible Church and
took leadership roles in her One Plus group, the Sages class, teaching children's Sunday School and financial bookkeeping. She was a student of the Bible and was a great friend to many other women in her church and community.
She made many trips to see her children and grandchildren by whom she was affectionately known as Grams.
Jean read the Ft Worth Star Telegram every morning with her coffee for 65 years. She and Marty were known for a fruitcake recipe which JoAnn Vachule published in the Star Telegram in November of 1965. The fruitcake recipe was a hit and became a Ft Worth tradition for many years. In 2017 Jean moved to Little Rock, AR to live with her daughter, Anne and son in law, David. For the next eight years she developed a new community of friends that came to love her deeply.
Grams loved her caregivers Carol, Misty, Stacy and Kanisha who helped carry her through the last months and days of her life. Many thanks to Gentiva Hospice who also assisted in Jean's care.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Martin (Marty) Aronowitz (1986); her granddaughter, Jeanie Newell (1983) and daughter-in-law, Dona Kay (Hix) Aronowitz (2018).
She is survived by her brother, Wayne Calvert of Denton, TX; as well as her daughter, Anne (David) Newell and their children: son, Jake (Jennifer) Newell of Bentonville, Arkansas and children, Joseph and John; daughter, Emily (Cory) Roth of Hartsel, Colorado; son, Stephen Newell and his son, Aiden of Colorado Springs, Colorado and son, Andrew (Sara) Newell of Scottdale, Georgia and children, Alden and Margot. She is also survived by her son, Steven Aronowitz (and the late Dona) of Ankeny, Iowa: son, John (Mollie) Aronowitz of Rockville, Maryland and their children, Leigh and Jack; son, Mark (Becca) Aronowitz of Richmond Hill, Georgia and children, Avery and Felix; daughter, Amy (Doug) Bear of Ankeny, Iowa and children, Madeline, Eleanor, Vivian and Emmett and daughter, Lisa (Andrew) Selvadurai of Ankeny, Iowa and children, Ava and Devin. Jean is also survived by a total of 14 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Jean's life will be held on Friday, September 5th, 11:00am at St. Andrew's Anglican Church, 8300 Kanis Rd, Little Rock, AR 72204. A Graveside Service and Burial will follow on Monday, September 8th 10:30am Greenwood Memorial Park, 3400 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76107.
Flowers can be sent to St Andrews Anglican Church or to Greenwood Memorial Park.
Donations can be made to one of Jean's favorite charities, St Jude Hospital, stjude.org.
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16 Condolence(s)
Shared Smeby
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
Anne and David, sending you much love and prayers. Your Mother sounds like an amazing woman. Feast on your memories! I still miss my Mom after more than30 years. Of course, I'm missing All terribly. It's been over a year since he went to be with Jesus. '-🙏🏼
Peggy Nantz Hackett
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
A very loving lady will always be remembered! Jean was an inspiration to me by her example. Prayers of comfort to Anne and family!
John and Bev Cooper
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Dave and Anne,
May caring thoughts and prayers support you and may memories bring you comfort, now and always.
We're thinking of you and praying peace in this time of remembrance.
Carol Moore
Monday, September 1, 2025
Jean Aronowitz was a true Southern Belle. She had the kind of Southern hospitality and grace that Texans are often known for. When Jean moved from Texas to live with David and Anne, I had the privilege of spending time with her when they traveled while serving FamilyLife. The fact that we were both native Texans was the first thing to bond us together.
Jean was a friend to many. She had a way about her that endeared people to her, and I was blessed to be one who called her friend. Early on, it was obvious that Jean loved her family deeply. We would often look at family photos or pictures that David and Anne would share while traveling, and I was always amazed that she knew by name, first, middle, and last, every single child, grandchild, and great-grandchild, and she knew their birthdays! She loved talking about and sharing stories about those who were smiling back at us through the images on her phone. I could tell she has such a sense of pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Thank you, David and Anne, for serving this dear lady so well and so faithfully until God called her home.
Jean was a sports fanatic and particularly loved baseball, basketball, football, and even golf! She would let you know that she did not like hockey. Again, I was amazed that she knew the names of sports figures and various details about many of them. She certainly had her favorites, and she would give me the details as to why she particularly liked that person. Usually, she was endeared to them because they were a Christian or because they had a sweet family story.
Jean had Texas hospitality, and she loved to serve people. While she was still able, we enjoyed cooking meals and cleaning up afterward together, but it was a challenge to get her to let me help. I was a guest.
Jean was a true Southern Belle, devoted mom and grandmother, and a faithful friend. She was my friend, and I am a better person because of her. She will truly be missed, but I know she is loving her new home. She is spending time with Jesus, Marty, and family and friends who have gone before her. I look forward to one day seeing her again and spending time with her, and with Jesus.
I love you, Jean Aronowitz.
Edwin Rosa Baez
Friday, August 29, 2025
We didn't have the privilege to know her. However, we did know Anne and David. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Edwin Rosa Baez
Friday, August 29, 2025
We didn't have the privilege to know her. However, we did know Anne and David. Our deepest condolences to the family.
Robert and Anne Coletti
Friday, August 29, 2025
Dear Anne and David, what a beautiful tribute to a blessed and wonderful life. We were so pleased to meet Jean at your delightful home. (Thank you for a solid example of how to honor parents!) Jean was a sweet lady and we know you will miss her terribly. Hugs and prayers from Colorado. ❤️
Paul & Debbie Callahan
Thursday, August 28, 2025
I'm so glad to have known Aunt Jean for 68+ years. A wonderful, caring, lovely person. I was privileged to be her nephew. Our condolences to the entire extended family.
Judy Morgan
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Jean was loved by all who knew her & I had the privilege of meeting her through her son, Steve (Dona) who is my dear friend & brother in Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:5-6. May the Lord continue to bless you, Anne (& David) for your extra special love & care of your mom the final months of her life on earth. Steve, you were always there for your mom; loving her from a distance, calling her by phone & visiting her often. All the other kinfolks loved her (actually, ALL of you) loved her well"to the fullest & what a marvelous legacy she left to you earthlings, whom she treasured & loved as only a mom can do! She's enjoying Jesus, her beloved Marty, & Dona. God is ALWAYS good no matter the circumstances! Carry on this wonderful legacy of loving/obeying/following Jesus that she left for all to do who knew & loved her! God's peace has enveloped her for sure! "️'🥰
Paul & Debbie Callahan
Thursday, August 28, 2025
I'm so glad to have known Aunt Jean for 68+ years. A wonderful, caring, lovely person. I was privileged to be her nephew. Our condolences to the entire extended family.
Kathy Searcy
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Sending you all our love and praises for a beautiful blessed life of service to Jesus. She was a joy to know and love. She is now laughing and enjoying her feast with the Bridegroom. Thank you for taking wonderful care of her.
Kathy and Corey Pettett
Deborah Schellhase
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Dear Anne and family... As I read the words in the obituary, I saw a legacy of love that she leaves to so many of you. I'm especially in awe of your wonderful care for your mother in her last years, Anne - truly beautiful! May many happy memories be shared when you all gather together!
Peri and David Neale
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Jean - such a lovely lady! It has been a joy to know her. Our love to you, Anne and David.
Kent Reeves and Kris Reeves
Thursday, August 28, 2025
Gary Roth
Thursday, August 28, 2025
My condolences go out to family !!
Kanisha M. Harris
Thursday, August 28, 2025
I cared for you selflessly; I loved you like I would love myself, and I held your hand, until God said rest.