of Little Rock, AR

August 1, 1947 - June 2, 2023

A person's life cannot be judged by the dates carved on a stone, but by the years between those dates.

Jane was born in Springfield, Missouri to Clyde and Edoline Chester. The oldest child, and only daughter, she made it her mission to keep her brothers Ken (Debbie), David and Mark (Chris) Chester in line. The family moved to Arkansas in the mid 1960's where Jane attended Hall High in Little Rock. She completed her pre-pharmacy studies at Harding University and graduated from the UAMS School of Pharmacy in 1971. Jane eventually accepted a position at the Veterans Administration Campus in Little Rock and became the Chief Pharmacist for the VA in Central Arkansas servicing the Little Rock and Fort Roots campuses and was a volunteer pharmacist at the River City Ministries. She participated in multiple professional pharmacy organizations throughout her career.

Jane raised two children on her own: a son, Casey Gault; and a daughter, Sara (Danny) Hill. Sara blessed Jane with three grandchildren, Caroline, Andrew and Luke Hill, who quickly stole an enormous portion of her heart. Jane showered her grandchildren with affection and filled their bellies with buttermilk cake. Her wish for her grandchildren is that they excel in everything they do and live a successful life.

During her 33 year tenure at the Veteran's Administration, Jane found a long-empty piece of her soul filled by Jim Clark, also a pharmacist. They married in the late 2000's and doted on one another for 14 years. Jane spent many hours in various classic cars accompanying Jim around the country to car shows and road rallies. She was a member of the Central Arkansas Mustangers and the British Motoring Club of Arkansas. The pair attended many Austin-Healey Conclaves throughout the United States and were quite fond of the Brits in the Ozarks annual car show in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Jane had the incredible ability to sleep in an Austin-Healey convertible, top down, going 75 miles per hour on the interstate for hours on end. Jane spent many hours with Jim inside and under the hood of several classic cars using Q-tips to clean any dirt particles prior to upcoming car shows. Her attentiveness to detail often led to "Best of Show" awards.

Jane was an avid gardener and enjoyed reading. When not tending to plants, she participated in the Little Rock Meet and Greet Club where she served as Vice President for several years and organized many events throughout the community. She played the flute for the Harding University Band, the North Little Rock Community Band and was a long-time donor to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. She loved needle point and crochet and was a passionate camper and hiker.

While Jane was active locally, her heart tugged with the unwavering desire to ease human suffering. Jane was a member of the Windsong Church of Christ nearly her entire life. As she grew in Christ, she found an outlet for helping humanity in the Partners in Progress. Through this program, Jane was able to conduct mission work across the world in Africa, South America, Cambodia and Jamaica to name a few. Jane participated as a pharmacist on more than 15 medical mission trips which she funded from her own pocket. On one mission she slept in a small thatch hut and set up her pharmacy in a chicken coop.

Jane enjoyed travelling with Jim. They visited 40 of the 50 United States, explored England and France and Jane visited five of the seven continents. Although she was a world traveler and always ready to embark on a new adventure, Jane's favorite place was right at home. Her "engagement ring" was a plot of land on a hillside in West Pulaski County where she envisioned a beautiful and natural home. While visiting the architect, Jane firmly stated she wanted her home to look as though Mother Nature herself had lifted her skirt and birthed it on the land. She loved the Christmas season and would flutter about decorating every nook, cranny and window for the season. In her flurry, she was always sure to leave the tree decorating for last so she and Jim could share in the joyous experience together.

She enjoyed both cooking and entertaining guests and could magically produce a gourmet meal from nearly anything on the spur of the moment. One of these simple yet elegant masterpieces was a peasant pie dessert made of shortbread crumbles, fresh strawberries and whipped cream that left the guest feeling like royalty in her presence. If a person ever went hungry or thirsty in her home it was their own fault!

Author L. Jawarski once said, "Oh, that I might walk kindly through life with peace in my heart, and compassion for all." These words seemingly described Jane whose unwavering dedication to her family, friends, community and humanity shined like the Northern Star on a dark ocean. She faced every adversity with grace and compassion and left a lasting legacy on most everyone she encountered. While her absence will leave an emptiness, her love will continue to flourish through others until we reunite.

The family would like to extend special gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for their guidance and support, especially Zann Jordan, RN; Cathy Glasner, CNA; and Shanya Jones, CNA; and a sincere gratitude to Beatrice who helped with Jane's care for many months.

A celebration of Life will be held at the Windsong Church of Christ in North Little Rock where Jane was a long-time member. The family will receive guests on Saturday, June 24th at 9:30 AM and the service will begin at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Partners in Progress, an affiliate of Windsong Church of Christ. www.partnersinprogress.org.

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