Janice Marie Parkerson

Janice Marie Parkerson of Dermott, Arkansas passed away Thursday, May 10, 2018. She was born on December 21, 1942 to the late Jesse H. Cone and Mary Marie Jones Cone. Janice (Jan) grew up in Hamburg, Arkansas and graduated from Hamburg High School. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She was a retired teacher, having taught at Broadmoor Elementary School in Pine Bluff and Dermott Elementary School. She was a longstanding member and church secretary, youth group leader, TeamKid leader, Vacation Bible School teacher, and Sunday School teacher at Dermott Baptist Church. More recently, she was a member of 1st Baptist Church of Tillar where she was a member and teacher of the Keenagers Sunday School class. She served as the founder and leader of the Tillar Baptist Church Basket Ministry. She received the Dermott Chamber of Commerce award for Volunteer of the Year in 2004. Her numerous community activities over many years included senior caregiving, Girl Scouts, Dermott summer baseball program, Dermott High School band boosters, and the Dermott Crawfish Festival. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Her family affectionately referred to her as the "Queen." She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jimmy G. Parkerson; daughter, Becky Parkerson (Suzette Taylor) of Little Rock, Ark.; son, Kevin Parkerson (Beverly) of Bentonville, Ark.; daughter, Karen Parkerson Bennett (Gerald) of Magnet Cove, Ark.; grandchildren, Abby Parkerson, Claire Parkerson, Rachael Bennett, Ryan Bennett; sisters, Judy Showalter (J.) of Allen, Texas and Peggy Wallace (Randolph) of Huntington Beach, California, and numerous other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents. Janice (Jan) enjoyed family and church gatherings, especially if they involved a game of Skipbo or chickenfoot. She was an avid reader (particularly in front of the fireplace) and collector of miniature bells and churches. She often had music playing in whatever room she occupied. Most of all, she was one of the world's best encouragers. She spent her life investing in people, planting joyful seeds that continue to grow and multiply. What an example and legacy of love she provided for all. Visitation is from 6-8 pm Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, Ark. Burial and graveside service will be held at the Dermott Cemetery at 10 am on Monday, May 14 with Rev. Jerry Starnes officiating. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 14 at 11 am at 1st Baptist Church of Tillar in Tillar, Ark. Memorials may be made to the 1st Baptist Church of Tillar Basket Ministry, c/o Catherine Marshall, 4428 Highway 277, Tillar, Ark., 71670. Online guest book may be signed at www.griffinculpepper.com.