Jean Barton Obituary
Jean Barton, 85 of Fordyce, passed peacefully March 17, 2026 at her home. Born June 15, 1940 in Dallas County, to the late Robert Clark Ennis and Lillian Maxine Shrum Ennis.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Ennis and Maxine Ennis as well as a step-father, Luther Clarence Bell; husband’s, Rev. David L. Atwell and Olen Barton; one son, Bruce Ward Atwell; three sisters, Norma Wilkerson, Peggy Works, and Shirley Acchione.
She is survived by one daughter, Lisa Atwell of Dudley, MA; five grandchildren, Lesley Taylor of Fordyce, Kyle Belan of MA, Hannah Belan of CA, Ethan Atwell of WA, and Megan Atwell of TN; great grandchildren, Gabriel Rivera, Nathaniel Rivera, and Josiah Rivera.
Jean was an elementary school teacher after graduating from Arkansas State Teachers College now known as UCA, she taught in the Little Rock and Conway area before moving to many different states in the United States and also Canada. Jean came back later in life to Fordyce to care for her mother.
A visitation will be held Friday evening from 6PM until 8PM at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be 10AM Saturday at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel with burial following at Oakland Cemetery. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
501 West 4th Street, Fordyce, AR 71742
People and places connected with Jean
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Barton
Make a Donation
in Jean Barton's name
How to support Jean's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jean Barton's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
