Illa Crain Jones

Illa Crain Jones, 81, died September 2, 2014 in Shreveport, Louisiana after a lengthy illness. She was escorted into the arms of Jesus by her mother Rheba, whom she lost when she was still a young girl. Illa was the last survivor of a large family from London, along the Arkansas River, the second child of John and Rheba Vinson Crain. She was proud of her "hillfolks" heritage, the Shinn, Martin, and Vinson families of Pope County. From age 13, she helped to raise her sisters and brother, all of whom predeceased her: Laura Perkins of Little Rock; Iva Doran of Dallas, Texas; Mattie Barton of Knoxville; Pattie McDermott of Malvern; Macie Hare of South Carolina; and Johnny Crain of Wichita, Kansas. Illa was a 1951 graduate of Arkadelphia High School, as her family had moved to the campus of Ouachita Baptist College where her father worked. After marrying, in 1952, the love of her life, James E. Jones, a soldier and teacher, she would spend many more years living on a school campus, at Union School in south Arkansas, where she raised her own children. She later served as a substitute teacher, and worked at a plant nursery, learning about all of the flowers she loved. Illa believed in the dignity of all people, and had a special place in her heart for the elderly, and those disrespected or unloved by others. Devoted to her family, she could not rest until everyone was well fed (a fine southern cook) and ok. For years she did without, and budgeted carefully so that her children could have all the things she never had, growing up so needy. But she was optimistic, forgiving, hospitable, loved a good funny story, and had a sweet singing voice, always in tune up to the end. She was beautiful. Besides her husband, James E. Jones, she is survived by her children: Jim and Wendy Jones of Hot Springs; Diane and Greg Bell of Sheridan; David Jones of Hot Springs; Mary Beth and Eric Smith of Bossier City, Louisiana; and Chris and Melissa Jones of Russellville; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; and a much-loved brother-in-law, Jerry Barton of Knoxville. Arrangements by Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Visitation will be Friday, 6–8 p.m. with a program of Remembrance at 7 p.m. hosted by Illa's niece Debra McDermott Shepherd. A service of Christian Burial will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Gilchrist Cemetery in Friendship, Arkansas. Brother John Payne of Bismarck, where Illa and James lived in retirement for 15 years, will officiate. Pallbearers are Greg Bell, Eric Smith, Mark Barton, Alan Barton, Ryan Cox, and Josh Smith. All who ever knew and loved Illa are welcome. Much love and appreciation to Cindy Ezernack and the staff of Montclair Park in Shreveport, who loved Illa like family, and treated her with the utmost dignity and respect that she deserved. Our hearts are also grateful for Essie Rye (her Sugar Baby), and Bessie White, her personal caregivers. Mama, you are our Sunshine. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.