Jean Langford

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Jean Langford, 77, of Huntsville, Ala. (formerly of Little Rock and Jonesboro), passed away peacefully on Oct. 9, 2025, in Huntsville, Ala., surrounded by family.

Born and raised in Jonesboro, Jean was the daughter of the late Lloyd Love Langford, Sr., and Janiece Jernigan Langford. She was a lifelong Christian whose faith was central to her life. As a young woman, she attended First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, later becoming an active member of a Methodist congregation in Little Rock, where she joyfully sang as a backup worship leader.

An expert in her field, Jean was a proud graduate of Jonesboro High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education before beginning her career as a high school teacher. She later completed a Master of Arts at Arkansas State University and a Juris Doctor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her early professional experience included serving as a law clerk for Chief Judge Melvin Mayfield of the Arkansas Court of Appeals and Circuit Judge Perry Whitmore of Pulaski County, Arkansas.

Jean went on to serve for nearly twenty-five years as Chief Counsel for the State of Arkansas Insurance Department, Legal Division, in Little Rock, where she helped author state insurance legislation that continues to protect Arkansas families and businesses today. Before retiring in 2010, she also served as an attorney for Troop A of the Arkansas State Police, drafting and implementing agency rules and legislation that strengthened department operations and funding. She was an active member of the Arkansas Bar Association, the Pulaski County Bar Association, and a Fellow of the Arkansas Bar Foundation. Throughout her distinguished career, Jean was deeply committed to public service and was known for her intelligence, fairness, and integrity.

Faith, family, and service defined Jean's life. She volunteered on numerous political campaigns and worked tirelessly for candidates who shared her passion for equality, compassion, and opportunity. She was a brilliant cook, an ardent supporter of local arts and community theater, and a loyal friend whose laughter filled every room.

Later in life, "Aunt Jean" relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, to be close to her niece's family, where she also joined Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Huntsville. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd Love Langford, Sr., and Janiece Jernigan Langford, her twin sister Jan Langford Kirkindall, and her siblings Lloyd Love Langford Jr. and Loretta Langford Bookout.

She is survived by her beloved nieces, Wendy Jan Kirk and her husband Todd, and Jill Bookout Rogers and her husband Bryan; and her nephews Charles Howard "Chuck" Kirkindall, Jr., Paul Bookout and his wife Sherry, and Lloyd "Trey" Love Langford III; along with many great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom she cherished deeply.

An intimate graveside service will be held at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery in Jonesboro, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at 10 a.m. with Todd H. Kirk officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church (Huntsville, Ala.) Pastor's Discretionary Fund helping those in need. (https://www.aldersgatehsv.com/giving)