of Little Rock, AR

February 13, 1937 - February 12, 2019

With a beautiful smile that emanated from her beautiful soul,
Jeanette ''Mama Jen'' Jones was a life-giving force on this earth.
On February 12, 2019, Jeanette beheld the face of Jesus Christ, her eternal Life Giver.

Born in Noble, Missouri to Everett and Ethel Cantwell on February 13, 1937, Jeanette was welcomed by older siblings Maxine, Bonnie, and Carl. Jeanette became an older sister at the birth of their little brother, F.A., who later died tragically as a young boy.

Raised primarily in Willard, Missouri, Jeanette's youth was full of activity. Cheerleading, school plays, choir, Methodist Youth Group, beauty queen, volunteering, year book editor along with anything remotely resembling ''social'' made for fun-filled days and nights shared with dear friends, many of whom remain friends to this day.

Clay Jones had never enjoyed dancing like he enjoyed it the night he met Jeanette Cantwell on the dance floor at Springfield's Tumble-In in 1955. Their courtship began the following day, spending time together between Jeanette's job as a switchboard operator and Clay's enlistment in the United States Air Force.

Married in Springfield, Missouri on Dec 22, 1956, they spent their days working but their evenings dancing and spending time with Clay's twin brother, Ray, and his soon to be wife, Charlotte. Clay and Jeanette began growing their family with the arrival of their first child, Jeffrey, in 1958. Soon after, the family of three moved to Germany for a time. In 1962 the USAF transferred them to Houma, LA, the birthplace of their new baby girl, Joy Rene', in 1964. Moving back to Germany shortly after Joy was born, the little family later moved to Poplar Bluff, MO, in 1969, calling it home until retiring from the USAF and moving to Searcy, Arkansas in 1978.

Putting down roots in both Poplar Bluff and Searcy, Jeanette was an all-in wife and mom, present and active at every turn. A faithful member of Poplar Bluff's Second Baptist Church and then Searcy's First Assembly of God Church, Jeanette was active in Bible studies, taught Sunday school, led Bible Quiz, sang in the choir, and generously shared her gift of hospitality, serving on numerous shower teams, committees and productions.

After 44 years of marriage, Clay died in 2000. Jeanette moved to Little Rock in 2001. Jeanette briefly lived in Springfield, Missouri but her new, true home was Little Rock, close to her children and grandchildren. ''Mama Jen's'' nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren (with another great-grandson due July 2019) were unequivocally the joy of her life.

Jeanette was an incredible baker, cook, seamstress, vocalist and host. Creative and industrious, with an ability to make the unlovely lovely, she was a valuable part of her community and the dependable matriarch of her family. While strong enough to beat her grandsons in arm wrestling or open any jar lid, there was a soft, accepting nature about Jeanette that drew people in and kept them safe in her presence.

God drew Jeanette to Himself at an early age. She took her faith seriously, loving fiercely and faithfully, not afraid of getting her hands dirty for the sake of her Savior. Oh, the joy that must fill her soul today as, after waiting for 82 years and 364 days, she is finally beholding the face of her Lord Jesus.

Still on this earth but eager to see Jeanette in heaven someday are her children, Jeff (Teddi) Jones of Little Rock, and Joy (Larry) Jones Crain of Little Rock. Her grandchildren, Afton Joy (David) Jones Byrne, Jacob (Rachael) Jones, Salem Jones; Chandler (Kelli) Rackley, Chase (Casey) Rackley, Carrington, Christian, Cenzington, Covington, and Cruze Crain; and great grandchildren Ellis, Evaline, Zoe; Ada Rose, Ellie; Afton, Rivers; Stellar, Saige; Jack, Cannon have been left a legacy that points them heavenward. Many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends remain here on earth, looking forward to their day of reunion with those dear to them who are already with Jesus.

A celebration of Jeanette's abundant life will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2 pm, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Little Rock, AR. In keeping with Jeanette's long-time love of sugar-laden fellowship, the celebration will continue with a dessert reception in Trinity's fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Jesus Film Project on their website: jesusfilm.org/honors

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