of North Little Rock, AR
February 7, 1935 - December 14, 2025
Jewel Dean Persinger Chrestman loves her family, and she loves Jesus above all else.
Jewel was born to James Clemons and Grace Victoria Basset in West Helena, Arkansas, on February 7, 1935. After her mother's unexpected death in 1948, Jewel was adopted by her uncle and aunt, Louis and Modine Scott.
Jewel is preceded in death by her parents, her adopted parents, her brother, Robert ''Buddy'' Persinger, her son, James Edward Chrestman, III ''Eddie'', and her husband of 70 years, James Edward Chrestman, Jr.
Here to rejoice and celebrate her home-going are her brother, Dennis, and his wife, Corrine. Along with her children Anna Livingston Chrestman Barnard and Richard, Doyle Chrestman and Rhonda, Victoria Chrestman Hollis and Walt, Gizelle Chrestman Jones and Brett, Carla Chrestman Martin and Charles, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends who claimed her as their Granny or Aunt Jewel, which sounded like ''Angel''.
Mom loved Jesus the most. He was the most important aspect of her life. She journaled about her talks with him and rarely left a conversation with a stranger without mentioning Jesus to them. She intentionally raised her five children to love Jesus, to respect the sanctity of the body of Christ, to honor the role of their pastor, and to lead others to Jesus. This godly woman's tenacity influenced all five of her children and their spouses to pursue ministry in various forms. What a legacy to build and leave!
Jewel impacted so many lives: young and old. She taught Sunday School, led Tuesday prayer meetings, facilitated grief share, participated in the Red Hatter's Society, coordinated meals for the bereaved, and coached individuals re-entering society from time in prison. Jewel was nominated ''Volunteer of the Year'' several times from Meadow Park Elementary, the school where some of her children and grandchildren attended. One year she was even nominated the ''Volunteer of the Year'' for Pulaski County School District. She was also awarded ''Apostolic Church Mother of the Year'' multiple times, and served as an officer for the Ladies Auxiliary at the home church and state levels.
Jewel, Mom, Granny, G-Granny: whoever she was to you, she loved you. She mentioned you in prayer by name every single day, and she is finally home and at complete peace with her savior, Jesus
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11 Condolence(s)
MeChelle Hoffman
Saturday, December 20, 2025
Granny I love u so very much! U will always be my hero! I only knew u for a little over a yr but I felt like I have know u my whole life! U was my biggest cheerleader! Im gonna see u soon in heaven! So safe me a seat beside! I can't wait till that day comes! I miss u so much already! Now I have angel watching over me!
Carla mom I love u too an I miss !
Brooke Clausen
Friday, December 19, 2025
Sending love and my sympathy to my friend, Valisha, Jewels granddaughter, and to their family. May your memories of her and being together bc of her bring you all comfort in your time of loss. I love you Valisha!
Linda Hall Aldridge
Friday, December 19, 2025
Oh, what an honor and privilege it was to be around Sister Chrestman. I spent many days at her home and loved every minute of it. She poured into my life and was such a light and an example for the whole world to see. She was a very special lady and will always be remembered. I'm so sorry for your loss and praying for you all during this time.
Gary and Karen Marshall
Friday, December 19, 2025
Gary and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are lifting the family in prayer! We have very fond memories of Sister Crestman while we attended Apostolic Church. What a legacy she's left! Our love to the family!
Gary and Karen Marshall
Joyce Brewer
Friday, December 19, 2025
I loved her. We worked together on many projects at Meadow Park elementary school, and we had fun while we worked. Many times I would be outside in our front yard and hear a horn blow and turn to see her car passing as she headed to visit her relatives. I always got a warm welcome whenever I dropped by their home just to say ''Hello'' to her and Mr. Chrestman, and if I ever spotted them when we were out, I always made my way to speak to them and get a smile and a hug. She was a Jewel in every sense. My most sincere empathy and warmest hugs to her family and my friends.🫂
Meghan & Ryan Moore
Friday, December 19, 2025
So sorry for your loss. We hope you find comfort in knowing how deeply her life touched others. Hugs and prayers.
Sincerely,
Meg & Ryan Moore
Ginny Merritt
Friday, December 19, 2025
Such a blessing to be loved by my precious Aunt Jewel! Love all of you and sending prayers!
The Tovars
Friday, December 19, 2025
Our sincere condolences in the loss of such an amazing and precious woman. Our friends, the Doyle Chrestman family, are very near and dear to our hearts and have certainly carried on her legacy of ministering and giving to others. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all of you during this time. With much love.
Elizabeth Colston
Friday, December 19, 2025
My condolences and prayers are with each of you. Sister Chrestman was such a sweet lady.
Melody Haney Dycus
Friday, December 19, 2025
To know Sister Chrestman was to love her. She was an amazing example to all of us. Her positive attitude, and the love she had for God and for her family, was always evident.
Our hearts and prayers are with you all - now and in the days to come. Sister Chrestman will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
Tom & Kim Clouette
Monday, December 15, 2025
Sis.. Chrestman was such an inspiration to so many. She is loved dearly and will be missed more than words can express. Our sympathies and love to the entire family. She was a great woman of God with a life well lived.