Valinda Rose Jones, age 85, passed peacefully the afternoon of July 9, 2024.  She was born August 14, 1938 in North Little Rock, Arkansas to the late John and Inez Whittle.  Valinda was a retired teacher and librarian with a natural ability to share her love of reading and knowledge with kids. Long after she retired, she still liked to read to others. It was common when her family went out to eat for special occasions, she would read the entire menu out loud to everyone and proceed to tell you which dishes she thought you would like best. Camping was another activity she enjoyed. She went camping with her family every year until her health prevented her from doing so.  Valinda also loved gardening – well, she enjoyed someone else growing a garden and giving her the vegetables, they grew. It was even better if that someone also cooked them up for her! This was a trait that she passed on to both of her daughters. Traveling was also something she enjoyed. If you went on a trip with her, hope you have extra room because she had a purse and a pair of shoes to match every outfit she brought. Valinda was simply a "fun" person. She wasn't scared to try new things – like the time she purchased a bicycle to ride around the neighborhood. It was all good until she wrecked in Carrie's driveway, then to avoid going to the doctor and possibly getting stuck by a needle, she told Carrie, "Just bring me a blanket and pillow, I'm going to just lay here" – in the middle of the driveway – on the asphalt!

Valinda so enjoyed raising her family on Epperson Drive. This closeknit group of people on this street were considered family. They all share many memories throughout the years of raising their kids together.  It is this family that has been there for Valinda through the last years of her life allowing her to stay at home for several years when she could not have done so by herself.

We all know where Valinda is today. She is in her Heavenly home with her precious family that have been waiting on her. It's hard to be sad, because we know that she is so very happy today. There are no more tears, no more pain, no more goodbyes. She is truly at peace.

In addition to her parents, Valinda was preceded in death by husband, Jimmy Jones and daughter, Lisa Jones Vail.  Valinda is survived by her loving daughter, Carrie Jones (Marty), son-in-law, Gary Vail, bonus daughter, Gina Myers-Gunderman (Joe) and her extended family on Epperson Drive in Cabot, Arkansas.

Carrie would like to thank all that helped her through these last couple of years with her mother, she could not have made it without each and every one of you. Denise, thank you for your many months of companionship, care and love that you gave Mom. You brought laughter and smiles to her days when we couldn't be there.

Valinda's funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2024 at Moore's Cabot Funeral Home with interment to follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery.  Visitation will be 10:00 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home.  Arrangements by Moore's Cabot Funeral Home, 501-843-5816.