Janet Jackson Machen

Janet Jackson Machen, born June 27, 1924, died in Little Rock, Ark. on November 13, 2015 at Hospice Home Care. She was the daughter of Thomas Leslie and Leckie Jeanne Jackson of Harrison, Arkansas. Janet grew up in Harrison and after high school attended the University of Arkansas for one year. Janet then moved to Washington, DC and took a job with the FBI. Later she moved to Memphis, Tennessee and worked at the air base there. In the fall of 1945, she met the love of her life, Bevie Lee Machen, who was a pilot. They married in February of 1946 and enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Bev preceded her in death in October, 2014. Janet and Bev had five children who will miss her sweet personality, funny sense of humor and great cooking! Surviving her are two daughters, Mary Machen Boyce and Janet Ann Machen of Little Rock; Jim (Linda) and Tom (Judy) Machen of Forrest City and Dr. John(Janelle) Machen of Kingsport, Tenn. She also leaves 11 grandchildren: Jon(Amy) Boyce, Robin(Ladd) Everitt, Matthew (Cameron) Machen, David(Elizabeth) Machen, Mark Machen, Steven Machen, Meredith(Steven)Yates, Morgan Machen and John Mallory Machen. Also there are six great-grandchildren: Jackson Boyce, Grace Everitt, Lawson Boyce, Marin Everitt, Kameron Machen, and Jack Machen. Her three sisters, Helen Spears, Mary Larson and Judith McAllister also survive along with along with eight nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Monday, November 16, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in Forrest City at 11 a.m. The family will greet friends at the church November 15, 2015 from 4 until 6 p.m. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Forrest City; the television ministry at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock or to Hospice Home Care, 2200 South Bowman Road, Little Rock, Ark. Under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.