Johnnie Marie Jones

Johnnie Jones, known and adored as Valerie to many, peacefully passed away on January 3, 2024, surrounded by the warmth of loved ones in the haven of her own home. Born on September 30, 1950, to the late John and Bernice Allen in Searcy, AR, Valerie embraced life with a radiant smile and a heart as boundless as the horizon.  She was a beautiful woman with a generous heart who went above and beyond to show her love to family and friends.  She was hardworking and brilliant. Valerie’s faith in God was a top priority, and she loved to participate in women’s ministries at her home congregation.

Valerie loved to shop, dress up, and decorate her home.  She never missed an opportunity to spoil her children and grandchildren.  “Loving them so” is what she called it.

Valerie graduated from Searcy High School in 1968.  She attended college at Oklahoma Christian and Harding University.  She worked at AT&T as an ESS Switchman, DSL Technician, and Central Office Technician.  She retired after 32 years of service.  After retirement, she worked as a Switchboard Operator at Unity Hospital South Campus.

In 1963, Valerie was baptized at the West Pleasure St. Church of Christ.  She passed away as a faithful servant to the Lord.

She leaves to love and cherish her memories,  her loving and devoted husband, Derrick Jones; two sons, Ronald and Lucious Hardin; two step-children, Corey and Whitney Jones; One daughter-in-law, Brandy Hardin; two God-children, Victor (Sheila) Bailey and Cammi (Hermon) Blackmon,  two honorary daughters, Abigail (Micheal) Stone and Naomi (Steven) Valentine;  one honorary unique sister/friend, Briana (Reginald) Cunningham, and 1 honorary sister Vivian (Jesse) Drayton. Grandchildren: Terrance, Cassidy, Navanah Kay Hardin, Zemarkiah Johnson, and Orion Hulsey; one step-grandson, Jacob Franklin;  honorary grandchildren,  Jada Curtis, Steven Jr. (LJ), Chloe and James Valentine, Daisha and Micheal Stone Jr.  Great-grandchildren,  Paisley Coln and Mariah West, and a host of relatives and friends.

Valerie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Bernice Allen.

Funeral services are set for Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Searcy Church of Christ. Visitation will be at 10:00 and funeral services at 11:00. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Memorial Garden.