Rosie Jane Smith Jones
(February 23, 1925 - January 21, 2014)
Rosie Jane Smith Jones was born February 23, 1925 in Jacinto, Arkansas (Dallas County). She was one of four children born to Rev. Ray M. and Essie Jones Smith. She departed this life on January 21, 2014 to be with her heavenly father. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Randolph M. Smith; and her husband of 65 years, Rex D. Jones.
Rosie Jane was a 1943 graduate of Princeton High School in Dallas County. Before graduating from college, she taught school in Croak, Dalark, and Princeton. Upon her graduation from Southern State College, she taught first grade at Fairview Elementary School in Camden for 26 years. Many of her former students were inspired by her and have remained in contact with her throughout the years.
She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and Mayflower Society. She was also a member of the state and local retired teachers' associations. For many years, she was a choir member and Sunday School teacher at Immanuel Baptist Church in Camden. Until her illness, she was a faithful member of the Joy Sunday School Class at Cullendale First Baptist Church.
Her children remember all the delicious meals she often prepared for visiting preachers. One Sunday, a young preacher named Mike Huckabee ate Sunday dinner with the family. After the meal, he asked if he could take a nap on the living room floor. As Mike entered the political arena, this became one of her favorite stories to share.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother and cherished the time spent with her family. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Rex, as they visited 47 states during their marriage. She loved nature and God's creations and delighted in viewing the birds, trees, flowers, and changing of the seasons. She enjoyed walking on the family land at Jacinto and sharing stories about her childhood and the depression years. She also like to engage others in political as well as spiritual conversations.
Rosie Jane is survived by one son, Richard Jones and wife, Sandra, of Camden, Arkansas and one daughter, Judy Harrell of Camden. She is also survived by two sisters, Doris Beeson Faulkner of Camden, and Clora Parham and husband, Ed, of Fordyce, and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Smith, of Mt. Home. “NeeNee’s” memory is cherished by three granddaughters; Susan Harrell of Lavon, Texas, Julie Bird and husband, Billy of North Little Rock, Lisa Lowe and husband, Paul, of North Little Rock. Survivors also include great-grandchildren; Olivia, Wesley, and Everett Bird, and Hannah and Andrew Lowe, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday 5-8 PM at Proctor Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Wade Totty at Cullendale First Baptist Church on Thursday at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Camden. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Cullendale First Baptist Church Building Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.
A special thanks to the employees of Silver Oaks Nursing and Rehab for their care and support during her illness.