Frankie Jackson

Frankie Janette (Dickey) Jackson, 86, of Beebe, Arkansas, peacefully joined her family and friends in heaven on August 21, 2026. Frankie was born on November 7, 1939, at her grandparents' home in the scenic hills of Boone County, Arkansas, to the late Arvil and Orvilla Dickey.

Growing up in the Ozarks, she developed a lifelong passion for reading, sewing, and cooking—even winning her high school's best biscuit contest. A proud 1957 graduate of Valley Springs High School, Frankie was a cheerleader and a highly active member of 4-H.

She began her higher education at Arkansas Tech University before transferring to Arkansas State Teacher’s College (ASTC). There, she earned her degree in Home Economics in 1961 and met the love of her life, Jerry Jackson. The college sweethearts married in 1962.

Frankie launched her teaching career as a home economics teacher in McGehee, Arkansas. In 1964, she and Jerry moved to Beebe, where they planted deep roots and raised their two daughters. Frankie went on to dedicate 29 years of her life to shaping young minds as an elementary school teacher, spending 24 of those rewarding years with Beebe Public Schools.

A woman of deep and enduring faith, Frankie was a dedicated, long-time member of the Beebe First United Methodist Church. She took great joy in praising God through music, faithfully singing in the church choir until her health declined.

Frankie’s home was a reflection of her vibrant spirit and creative talents. She was an extraordinary cook, famously known by family and neighbors for her incomparable chocolate pie. An accomplished seamstress, she lovingly crafted beautiful clothing for herself and her children.

She also possessed a keen eye for history and charm, finding immense joy in hunting for vintage treasures. Her home beautifully displayed her curated collections of vintage Santas, Annalee dolls, and 1950s kitchenware.

She was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 47 years, Jerry Jackson; her parents, Arvil and Orvilla Dickey; and her brother, David Dickey. Frankie’s greatest legacy remains her family. She is survived by her two loving daughters, Julia Jackson of Little Rock and Lora Jackson of Beebe; her niece, Elisha (Robert) Strick; her nephew, Michael (Kim) Dickey; her sister-in-law, Linda Dickey, all of Greenbrier, Arkansas; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sheena & Andy Williamson, Jamie & Buddy Burns, Frederick Harden, and Jessica Neri Varela who provided care and friendship to Frankie during her last few years of life. We are also grateful for the support we received from Gentiva Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving.

A memorial service celebrating Frankie’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the Beebe First United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to honor her roots in Boone County:

Crawford Cemetery Fund ℅ Randy Williams. 2503 Joe Holt Road, Everton, Arkansas, 72633

Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com