Jacqueline R. Hughes

Jacqueline Renee Duncan began her journey of life on Saturday, July 9, 1966, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas as the fourth child to Emma Lee Smith and Riley Duncan. She accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. Jacqueline Renee grew up in Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School, Class of 1985. Being raised in a family of 12 siblings, she easily developed a passion for children. In 1986, Jacquline Renee gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Kia’Quana Jones. She later gave birth to a handsome baby boy, Mario Jones, in 1988. After graduation, she attended Henderson State University for two years, then beginning her career in education at Wizard World Childcare Center. Jacqueline Renee was an independent hardworking woman. For over 10 years, she was employed at Petit Jean Poultry in Gum Springs, Arkansas.

She was a firm believer in “Finish what you started.” Jacqueline Renee was a graduate from Southern Arkansas University Tech, Class of 2006, earning an Associates degree in Early Childhood Development. While enrolled, she was employed at First Step in Sparkman, Arkansas for 13 years. During her tenure there, she was awarded Teacher of the Year.

Jacqueline Renee became a member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church after she relocated to Sparkman. She was a highly active member and faithful choir member. She also was a part of Young Woman for Christ, which was founded by First Lady Ester Faye Newborn. She enjoyed dancing, cooking, fashion, attending Blues concerts, spending countless hours at garage sales, and with her grandchildren. The students that she taught were like family. Often, she was called to assist with their needs, even after she was no longer employed at the school. Jacqueline Renee was a force to be wrecked with! She also enjoyed watching college and professional football. She was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan! She would always holler “We dem Boys!” and “Woo Pig Sooie!” She relocated to Arkadelphia, where she attended St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church and began working at Pediatrics Plus-Arkadelphia until her health began to fail.

Jacqueline Renee was the life of the party! Her smile was contagious and brighten every room she entered. Her laughter will forever be in the hearts of those that she touched. A life well lived! She was proceeded in death by her mother, Emma Lee Smith-Nelson and father, Riley Duncan; brothers, Kenneth Jones, Anthony “Basha” Smith; and sister, Misty Nelson.

Jacqueline Renee’s memory will live forever in the hearts of her children Kia’Quana Jones of Arkadelphia, AR; Mario (Colecia) Jones of Benton, AR; special children, Shyanne Hughes, Jasmine Wilson, Javion Hughes all of Sparkman, AR; 5 grandchildren, McKynlee Jones, Carter Russell, Malachi Jones, Christian Logang, E’Yanne Whitaker; Stepfather, James Doug Nelson of Arkadelphia, AR; 9 siblings, Stacey Miller of California; Terrell Williams, Martone Williams both of Lansing, MI; Yvonne Neasley of Seattle, WA; Phillip (Maritta) Wright, Jason (Tannea) Nelson, Keith (Christy) Nelson, Jermaine (Veronica) Nelson, Amanda Nelson all of Arkadelphia, AR; best friends, Debra Monroe, Jennifer Gray, Debbie Walker, Rayanne Thomason and Demetress Whitaker, Double RR, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other friends. Special acknowledgement to Jeremy Williams, Ellet Home Health, and Arkansas Hospice for their outstanding care and support.

Submitted by the Hughes Family.

A family hour will be held from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Williams Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Paul AME Church with Pastor T. W. Scott, eulogist. Family and friends are asked to wear red to the service.