Dena "Joan Whitehead" Jacobs

Dena Joan Whitehead Jacobs (70) passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026 at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. She was a member of Little Brown Free Will Baptist Church. She was a proud graduate of New Site High School Class of 1973. She was a loving, caring and dedicated nurse to many patients through her career. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, traveling, camping and anything outdoors. She loved animals, especially horses. Her biggest passion was taking care and spending time with her family.

Services are Sunday, January 11, 2026 in the Booneville Chapel of Kesler Funeral Home with Bro. Leonard Ball officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Nebo Cemetery. Visitation will be 12-2 pm Sunday, January 11, 2026 in the Booneville Chapel of Kesler Funeral Home.

Joan is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gerald Jacobs; her son, Justin Ray Jacobs; her daughter, Gena McKee (Larry); her mother, Jimmie Ray Whitehead; her brother, Bobby Lyle Whitehead (Deborah); her granddaughter, Ava Jacobs; her cousin whom she raised like a grandchild, Carlee Wright Arnold and her special cousin, Marilyn Rhodes Kelly.

She was preceded in death by her father, E.N. "Bobby" Whitehead, Jr.

Pallbearers are Johnny Wright, Phillip Bearden, Dean Bearden, Bill Riddle, Mike Wright, Daniel Whitehead and Kirk Jacobs.