Jewell Mainard Murphy

Our wonderful Mother, Grandma, and Great-Granmama Jewell Mainard Murphy , 95, of Little Rock, passed away on October 26, 2019. Born in Inspiraton, Arizona on September 2, 1924 to Martin Wright and Hannah P. (Anderson) Wright, Jewell lived her early life on a ranch in Skull Valley, Ariz. and graduated as the high school valedictorian in Alpena, Ark. She was a nursing student at St. Vincent Infirmary when she found and married Gail Edward Mainard and had two fine boys, Gail and David. She worked as a registered nurse at St. Vincent Infirmary before her career as a visiting nurse in Pulaski County and nurse for the School for the Deaf. She became the Director of Nursing for Children's Hospital in Little Rock. One of her proudest accomplishments was recruiting excellent talent to build the world-class nursing program and made many close friends. She retired from ACH in 1984 and enjoyed life with Gail until his passing in 1989. In her grief, she met Dr. Randolph Murphy and they were blessed with love a second time and married for another 21 years. She was a longtime member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church, where she served as a Stephen Minister and congregational leader. She is survived by her children, Gail Mainard (Kathy) of Cabot and David Mainard (Kara) of Little Rock; grandchildren, Reverend Marie Mainard O'Connell (James) of Little Rock, Gail Mainard, III (Laura) of Carrolton, Texas, Jamie Mainard of Lewisville, Texas, Wes Mainard, Hannah and Daniel Mainard all of Little Rock; five great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews along with other family members. Jewell was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gail Mainard, brother, Orville Wright, and second husband, Dr. Randolph Murphy. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 2nd at Highland Valley United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Ark. Visitation will be from 5–7 p.m. on Friday, November 1st at Little Rock Funeral Home. Donations may be made to Highland Valley United Methodist Church, Heifer International or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Jewell's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.