JEARLENE MURPHY WATERS
passed away at the age of 92 on June 6th, 2020. She was born on December 1st, 1927 to James Edward Murphy and Betty Alice Jerry Murphy of Union County, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 67 years, James Elmer Waters, siblings, Juanita (Buriel) Wooten, James Ray Murphy, Archie Murphy, Hugh P. Murphy, and Wanda Jean Murphy.
She is survived by two sons: James David (Renay) Waters of Jacksonville and John Douglas (Janet) Waters of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren, Tara (Tom) Newkirk of Jacksonville; Jake Waters of Cabot, Joshua Waters of Wichita, Kansas; Jana (Tyler) Hoffpauir of Jonesboro; Jodi Waters of Wichita, Kansas; Tommy Beason of Cabot, and Elizabeth Beason Sisk of Jacksonville; great-grandchildren, Braydon, Logan, and Dawson Waters of Cabot, Evyn and Jaxon Sisk, and Allison Newkirk, all of Jacksonville; siblings Faye (Dickie) Jerry of El Dorado, Wayne (Carol) Murphy of Kingsburg, California, and Jerry Murphy of El Dorado; sister-inlaws Claudine Waters of Little Rock and Patty Murphy of Lee Summit, Missouri, and many nieces, nephews and family friends.
Jearlene professed Christ as her savior as a child and was a member of many Southern Baptist churches including: First Baptist Church in North Little Rock, East Main Baptist Church in El Dorado, and most recently Second Baptist Church in Jacksonville, where she was a member of the Faith Home Makers Sunday School Class. In these churches, she was a member of the adult choir, taught children’s choirs and Sunday School, was church treasurer, and was a part of many decorating committees. She and her husband James ministered to many senior adults during these years of service. Her faith was an inspiration to all who knew her and she leaves a legacy of being a prayer warrior and faithful servant of Christ. She was the best encourager and sacrificial giver. Anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with her left her presence feeling loved and inspired.
Jearlene graduated Valedictorian of Lawson High School’s class of 1946. She worked at Timex, Time Truck Line, and Breedlove’s Florist, but her most important job in life was being a devoted wife and mother.
In lieu of flowers, lasting memorials can be made to Second Baptist Church Mission Fund, Jacksonville, Arkansas.
A family graveside service will be held at Green Grove Cemetery in El Dorado, Arkansas on Thursday, June 11th, 2020 at 2 p.m. A memorial service will take place in the coming months to honor Mrs. Waters and her lasting legacy. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. (501) 982-2136. www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.