of Little Rock, AR
April 2, 1951 - March 12, 2026
Jayne Veal Durham, age 74, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and their children on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Born on April 2nd, 1951, in Dublin, Georgia, Jayne was the second of four daughters born to Samuel Levi Veal, Jr. and Joyce Elaine Woodard. She was a 1969 graduate of Dublin High School where she was a great student, athlete and homecoming queen. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in education, she spent time teaching in Bogota, Colombia before returning to Dublin to teach kindergarteners.
Jayne married the love of her life, Paul Durham, on the 26th day of January in 1976 on the S.S. Emerald Seas. Together they embarked on a voyage of 50 years. That journey took them through Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, Georgia, Illinois and Arkansas. Most of the years were spent raising their children in Apple Valley, Minnesota where she poured herself into a community of friends, church, school and neighbors that she dearly loved.
While she enjoyed crafting, gardening and shopping, the great joy of her life was her family. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children, standing beside them through every stage of life. Her love was constant, her support unwavering and she took great pride in the lives they built.
''Grammy'' was adored by her grandchildren. She delighted in the simple moments of their childhood, hosting tea parties, baking and decorating cupcakes, reading books together, making pancakes and pulling out toys she had carefully saved from when their parents were young.
Jayne loved the Lord and brought her energy in service to congregations in many communities. Her home was often open for gatherings and celebrations with fellow church members, where her warmth and hospitality brought people together. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome and important, whether she had known them for years or had just met them.
She is survived by her loving husband, Paul Durham; her children, Paula Arnold (Will) of Little Rock, Kate McNabb (Connor) of Denver, Taylor Durham (Kimberly) of Memphis; her cherished grandchildren, Liam, Lucy, Eleanor, Arlo, Henry, Ada; her sisters, Elaine Rich (Mike), Sandra Garner (Lamar), Suzie Nesbit; her siblings-in-law, Ray Durham, Judy Smith, Tony Durham (Susan); and her many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Samuel Veal, Jr.; her mother, Joyce Woodard; and her parents-in-law, Horace and Nela Durham.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life on April 2nd, 2026, her 75th birthday, at 2:00pm at Roller Chenal Funeral Home Garden Room. Dress comfortably and colorfully to reflect her bright spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations may be made in Jayne's memory to the Sjogren's Foundation (https://sjogrens.org).