Mrs. Jerry Ann Jewell

Jerry Ann Jewell was born on December 28, 1939, to Frank and Minnie Smedley in Vandervoort, Arkansas. She grew up with her brother Gary and a close-knit extended family of cousins, aunts, and uncles who enriched her childhood. On May 8, 1958, Jerry Ann married the love of her life, Edward Jewell, in Durant, Oklahoma. Their marriage was a shining example of devotion and enduring love, a partnership that would inspire everyone who knew them. Mrs. Jewell was a hardworking and dedicated woman. For fifteen years, she raised chickens for Lane Poultry, a decision that allowed her to remain closely involved in the daily lives of her children. During those years, she also served as a devoted 4-H leader, creating opportunities and meaningful experiences for countless young people in her community. She played a central role in reviving the Vandervoort Picnic's July 4th celebration, reintroducing morning competitions and helping establish the parade, which quickly became a cherished tradition. As her children grew older, Mrs. Jewell extended her influence beyond her family and community by becoming a reading specialist. For 21 years, she taught at the elementary level, pouring her heart into her students. She loved them dearly and worked tirelessly to see them succeed. While she maintained high expectations and could be firm, her students understood that her discipline came from deep care, and her impact stretched far beyond the classroom walls. After retirement, Mrs. Jewell spent several years spending time in a cabin in the woods, traveling with her daughters, and creating beautiful works of art through needlepoint and quilting. Mrs. Jewell was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Jewell of Vandervoort; her brother, Gary Smedley of Tupelo, MS; her parents, Minnie Smedley of Mena, AR, and Frank Smedley of Cove, AR; her stepmother and lifelong friend, Louise Cheeks Kesterson Smedley of Mena, AR; two sons-in-law, Kenneth Walker and Raymond Vallee of Cove, AR; and two great-grandchildren, Keith Welch of Ashdown, AR, and Angel Walker of Cove, AR. She is survived by her children: Barbara Vallee of Cove; Keith Jewell (Wanda) of Hatton; Beverly Higgins (Mike) of Vandervoort; and Nancy Jewell (Tommy) of Fayetteville. Her grandchildren include Elizabeth Stubbs (Chris) and Christopher Walker (Becky) of Cove; Travis Jewell (Christen) and John Jewell (Jamie) of Cedarville; Cassandra Welch (James) of Ashdown; Delia Jewell of Hatfield; Betty Rausch (Arlyn) of Carlsbad, NM; Aaron Jewell of Jonesboro; Michael Harrison of Eureka Springs; Jessica Braun (Steve) of Breckenridge, TX; Daniel Harwood (Brittany) and Clinton McBee (Brianna) of Mulberry; Tyrail Higgins of Hatfield; Justin Higgins of Ft. Smith; Cassondra Peek (Thomas) of Wickes; Corrie Ward of Poteau, Kagan Ward of Mena, and Curtis (Angel) Keisling of Alexander, AR. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Phyllis Smedley; special niece and nephew, Buffy and Justin Smedley, all of Tupelo, MS; and her dear friend, Sherry Weatherford (Freddy) of Cedarville. Additional survivors include 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and a host of bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved as her own. Graveside services for Mrs. Jerry Ann Jewell will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at the Witherspoon Cemetery in Vandervoort, Arkansas. Brother Donnie Jewell will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Travis Jewell, John Jewell, Christopher Walker, Daniel Harwood, Clinton McBee, and Michael Harrison. Honorary pallbearer is Aaron Jewell.