Nelda Franklin

Nelda Jean (Barentine) Franklin, 97, of Jacksonville, AR, passed away peacefully on Feb. 10, 2026. She was born to Wiley Emmitt and Florence Catherine (Hightower) Barentine on Jan. 28, 1929. After graduating from Beebe High School in 1947, she went on to work at Ottenheimer in Little Rock for approximately 10 years where she became an excellent seamstress. Sewing was a favorite hobby and she made many clothes for her daughters, including Regina's wedding dress.

Nelda loved spending time with her daughters. The greatest joy of her life was becoming a stay-at-home mom. As a result, she became very involved in their education and school activities, especially in the PTA and as a homeroom mom in their elementary years. She never missed a concert or a performance throughout their lives and was quick to tell all of her friends how proud she was of their accomplishments. Her greatest happiness was with her family, and her heart grew even fuller when she became “Grandma Jean”, a title she wore with pride and endless love. She treasured every moment spent with Caleb and Jacob and was overjoyed to welcome Luci and Julie into the family. Adding yet another blessing to a life centered on love and devotion was the day she became “Great-Grandma Jean” to Finn and Tristifer.

Organization and leadership were two strong traits of Nelda as shown by her lifetime membership in the North Metro Hospital Auxiliary and her years of service as President and floor captain of the Jacksonville Towers Senior Citizens Club. She lived almost 26 years in the Jacksonville Towers. You could always find a calendar and notebook next to her chair filled with many lists for upcoming events. When she took a break from those lists, you could find her with her girls either shopping and eating at Cracker Barrel or shopping at Cato every chance she got.

Her family and friends will remember her for her strength, encouragement, mentorship, sense of humor, and faith. Nelda was raised in Union Valley Baptist Church and later became a member of Northside Pentecostal Church, where she attended faithfully for the last 55 years. Her love for Jesus and faith in His word were the most important lessons she handed down to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Nelda was preceded in death by her husband of 29 years, Ray Franklin; her parents; her 1 year old sister, Mildred Pauline Barentine; and son-in-law, Ron Melson.

She is survived by her daughters, Jamie Melson of Jacksonville, AR; Regina (Jim) Trotter of Rockford, IL; grandsons, Caleb (Luci) Trotter of Rochelle, IL; Jacob (Julie) Trotter of Cape Coral, FL; and great-grandsons, Finnegan Powell and Tristifer Jack Trotter of Rochelle, IL.

Macular degeneration took her eyesight the last few years of her life, but when she took her last breath here on earth, the first sight she saw with her new eyes was all the beauty of Heaven as her Savior welcomed her home. She will be missed tremendously.

Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse: "I will go before you and make the crooked places straight." Isaiah 45:2

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. Visitation will be held at 10AM with Service to follow at 11AM at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. DeWitt Henry Dr, Beebe, AR 72012. Interment will follow the service at Concord Cemetery in Furlow, AR. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com