Jean Roy

 On the morning of January 26, 2026, Valaria Jean Staton Roy, age 89, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, and reunited with the other love of her life: her husband of 72 years, William Eugene (Gene) Roy.  

        Jean was the daughter of Edna and Lewis Staton. Born in Keevil, Arkansas, on September 18, 1936, she was the youngest of three, joining her brother, Lewis “Snookie” Staton and sister Ann Staton Hill.

           She grew up on her family farm before meeting and falling in love with the young man who would be dedicated to her for over 72 years.  Gene and Jean made their home in Brinkley, where she took her role as a wife and mother very seriously.  She lovingly raised 4 children, and was respected by many of their friends over the years as Ms. Jean and Momma Jean. Known for her hospitality, Jean opened her home to family and friends, making time for them and enjoying a visit to catch up.  She was a great listener and wonderful friend to many in the community. 

            Outside of the home, she extended her caring for others by being on the hospitality committee of First Baptist Church Brinkley, taught Sunday school for youth girls, and a member of the Joy Sunday School class for many years, meeting the needs of the church and community. Jean genuinely loved people and that was evident as a mighty prayer warrior and sharing Godly wisdom in a very down to earth and meaningful way.  

          In her free time Jean loved cooking, reading, and gardening at home. But she also loved traveling with Gene all over the country, visiting historic and scenic locations, including New England and Canada with travel companions Elsie and Robert Boyle. Her favorite trip was getting to go with Gene to England, where she got to see the Crown jewels, and she even went to Oxford University. 

         Jean will forever be remembered as a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother who poured her heart into her family. She always had a hug and a sweet smile to brighten one’s day. She made sure no one left on an empty stomach and many times exclaimed, “oh! Isn’t he or she precious!” regarding a grandchild. 

        Words cannot express the love Jean’s family has for her, but we will certainly miss the matriarch of our family.  We will have to make do with the many wonderful and fun memories we had with her over the years. 

          Jean was preceded in death by her mother, father, brother, sister, faithful husband, son Barry Eugene Roy, and son-in-law, Tommy Lee Thompson.  She is survived by her daughters Deborah Roy Thompson of Brinkley, AR, and Kathy Roy Emerson (Tony) of Colt, AR, son William Kerry Roy (Erin) of Little Rock, AR, daughter-in-law Jeanette Vaughan Roy of East End, AR, 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.