Effie Lorance Jones

Effie Lorance Jones, 91, formerly of Mineral Springs, Arkansas, passed peacefully from this life to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Concordia Care Center in Bella Vista, Arkansas. She also was welcomed in Heaven by her husband of 64 years, Darwin Jones. Effie was born in Rector, Arkansas, to Ezra and Vera Lorance on September 17, 1920. Effie and Darwin met at the University of Arkansas and were married on her twenty-first birthday. The next spring, in May 1942, she graduated with a degree in Home Economics and taught at Mineral Springs High School for five years. In 1966 Effie started working for the Arkansas Department of Human Services and enjoyed working there for thirteen years, much of this time serving as the director for Howard, Little River, and Sevier Counties. Effie loved to serve others, often by cooking and her sweet Southern hospitality. Effie and Darwin loved to entertain friends and family and hosted many times of fun and reunions at the â�œcamp houseâ₝ or â�œthe farm.â₝ After her retirement in 1979, Effie and Darwin enjoyed traveling, gardening, and were active members of the Howard County Retired Teachers Association and the University of Arkansas 4H Alumni. She also enjoyed the Howard County Extension Homemakers and was involved in activities at her church, Central Baptist, in Mineral Springs, where she was on the Board of Directors of the Retirement Village. After living in Mineral Springs for sixty-three years, Effie and Darwin moved to Bella Vista to be closer to their children and grandchildren. She loved her â�œkidsâ₝ beyond all that she could give or express and was able to enjoy them further while being content, happy, and lovingly cared for in Concordia Catered Assisted Living for seven years. A legacy of love, commitment, peace, and total devotion to God is what she has left for all of us. She is lovingly remembered and survived by her three children and their spouses: Mike and Yvonne Jones of Gulf Shores, Alabama; Joel and Janie Jones of Bella Vista; and Janice and Danny Studdard of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Other survivors include six grandchildren: Glen and Deanna Jones of Daphne, Alabama; Chris Jones of Van Buren, Arkansas; Brian and Beth Jones of Bella Vista; Jonathan and Ashley Studdard of Tulsa; Blake and Charlsey Studdard of Norman, Oklahoma; and Ashley Brooke Studdard of Norman. Great-Grandchildren: Brett Jones, Chad Jones, Denver Jones, Max Studdard, and Chandler Studdard. Visitation will be Monday, December 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Latimer Funeral Home, Nashville, Arkansas. Following a private burial, there will be a memorial service at 10:00 a.m. at Central Baptist Church, Mineral Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Central Baptist Church at Mineral Springs, Arkansas, or your favorite charity. You may send an online sympathy message at www.latimerfuneralhome.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Effie Lorance Jones please visit our Sympathy Store.