Mrs. Rebecca B. Jones

Rebecca Bailey Lewis Jones, affectionately known as “Becky,” passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 12, 1944, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Vera Marie Peoples Bailey and Sylvester Cleter Bailey, who preceded her in death. Becky was the fifth of six children and dearly loved her sisters and brother. At an early age, she accepted Christ and united with Historic First Baptist Church in Forrest City, where she remained a faithful lifelong member. She served in numerous capacities, including Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Chairman, Church Treasurer, and Financial Secretary. Becky attended Lincoln High School, where she excelled academically and formed lifelong friendships. She later attended Arkansas AM&N College, now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, majoring in Early Childhood Education. While in college, she played basketball and was proudly known as one of the “Bailey Girls.” During that time, she met Edward Lewis, Jr., and the two were married on June 19, 1966, in Forrest City. Their twenty-nine-year union was blessed with three daughters: Velena, Renita, and Crystal. Rebecca taught third and fourth grades in the Forrest City School District for more than 30 years. Her commitment to education and community service extended beyond the classroom. She was a member of the Semper Fidelis Charmettes Club, served as a Girl Scouts leader, acted as a Room Mother, and was always willing to assist others. On December 31, 2000, she married Thomas Jones. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with family until his passing on September 19, 2006. In retirement, Becky remained active and engaged. She took piano lessons, participated in step and water aerobics, and traveled extensively to visit family and friends across the country. She enjoyed spending time at the Forrest City Senior Center, where she served as President, led bingo games, and played Bean Bag Baseball. She fondly recalled trips to Branson, Missouri, Canada, and other destinations. Becky cherished family vacations and celebrated her 75th birthday in New York City. She also traveled to Mexico, Italy, The Vatican, Greece, Turkey, and Jamaica. In her quiet moments, she enjoyed playing Sudoku and Word Cookies and watching Monk and Columbo marathons. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Clifton Bailey; her sister, Oneida Bailey Wilson; her husbands, Edward Lewis, Jr., and Thomas Jones; her granddaughter, Breyanna A. Lewis; and dear friends, Arlene Williams Mobley and Mary Norman Allen. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Velena Marie Lewis McRae (the late Jesse C. McRae, III), Renita Darlene Lewis Simmons, and Crystal Yvette Lewis Lougin (Torrey Lougin); six grandchildren, Jordan C. McRae, Britney A. Lewis, Trent A. McRae, Cameron J. Harris, Nadia R. Lougin, and Paige R. Simmons; one great-grandchild, Kairo A. Harris; five bonus grandchildren, Mariam Ukbazghi, Christopher Conover, Tori Lougin, Richard Rowland, and Kaelanni Walters; three sisters, Charlene Bailey Dickson (Willie Ray), Jean Bailey Woods (the late Norman Woods), and Jeanetta Bailey Hamiter (Theo); three sisters-in-love, Mable Tart, Dennice Ebberhart, and Theresa Virden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Rebecca Lewis Jones, 81, of Forrest City, will be held Monday at Historic First Baptist Church, with Pastor Frank Mull, III delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow at Casteel Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Miles Mortuary of Forrest City, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to 1. Rebecca Bailey Lewis Jones Education Scholarship - https://pay.jvmcraefoundation.com/EducationScholarship, 2. Forrest City Senior Center - Donors and Partnerships | East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging, and/or 3. Donald W. Reynolds Cancer House, Fort Smith, AR - Home - Reynolds Cancer Support House

Mrs. Rebecca B. Jones

May 12, 1944 - February 6, 2026