Connie Denise Jackson Word

Connie Denise Jackson Word passed away peacefully on August 24, 2015 at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, Arkansas; she was 58 years old. Born in Little Rock on January 15, 1957, she was the third child of James Edward and Modean Jackson. She graduated from Joe T. Robinson High School in 1975 and attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock before working in several investment brokerage firms throughout central Arkansas. In 1990 Connie married George Word, moved to Washington, D.C. and began a new life in the Foreign Service of the United States. She rode camels in Pakistan, elephants in Zimbabwe and danced like an angel at Marine Corps Balls on three continents. She could wear an evening gown like a runway model and throw a runner out at home from second base with laser sharp accuracy. But Connie's greatest joys in life were her three children, Rebecca, Elizabeth and James. Her love for them was deeper than the seven oceans and she raised each with constant affection and independent splendor. Motherhood was Connie's calling in life and no one has ever done it better. Our hearts are saddened as we will miss hearing Connie's deep belly laugh and feeling the warmth of her beautiful smile that could light up any room and melt any heart. But our emotions are eclipsed by the realization that she is now at peace, dancing in heaven and smiling down upon us all. Connie was preceded in death by her parents; beloved grandparents, William and Verna Martindale; and siblings, Carrie, Brian and Charles Craighead. She is survived by her loving husband George; children, Rebecca Word Burkman (husband Blake), Elizabeth Ashley Word and James McCray Word; sisters, Dianna Sharp and Vicki Clements; and brother, J. Michael Jackson. A celebration of Connie's life will be held on Saturday August 29th at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd. in North Little Rock (501-791-7400). A visitation will begin at 1 p.m., immediately followed by a 2 p.m. service. There will be a private burial at Nooner Cemetery in Perry County. The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Arkansas Health Center (Willow Court) and the congregation of First United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association or The Fallen Heroes Fund. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.