Shirley Jean Frazier

Shirley Jean Jones Frazier, affectionately known as “Mimi”, 85, of Fordyce entered her Heavenly home Wednesday September 16, 2026. Born February 23, 1941 at Warren, she was the daughter of the late James and Helen Jones.

She married her sweetheart, Charles Frazier, on May 27, 1961 at Ramsey before beginning their lives together in Marianna. In 1983, Jean and Charles returned to Fordyce where they continued raising their family. They were life-long sweethearts, married for 64 years before Charles passed away in 2025.

Jean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend. She is survived by her children, Alan Frazier (Frances) of Pine Bluff and Melanie Kauffman (Kevin) of Fordyce; five grandchildren, Daniel Frazier of Little Rock, Sanders Frazier (Brittanie) of Altheimer, Aaron Frazier of Little Rock, Ryan Tutor (Shelby) of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Anna Claire Tutor of Conway; four great-grandchildren, Paityn, Trevor, Charlie, and Hattie Mae; brother, Jimmy (Donna) Jones of Ramsey; special caregivers, Shirley Beaver and Freddie Amos; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved. Other than her parents and her husband, Charles, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Steve Jones and her sister, Jane Green.

Jean graduated from Princeton High School in 1959 then attended Henderson State Teachers College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education. In 1961, she began her teaching career at Aubrey School District before moving onto four other school systems including Marianna Public Schools, Lee Academy in Marianna, Kingland Public Schools and finally Fordyce School District. After 42 years in the classroom, Jean retired in 2004.

Teaching was more than a career to Jean; it was truly a calling. Over the course of four plus decades, she impacted thousands of students’ lives. She is remembered for her motto, “Children aren’t to be molded, but people to be unfolded,” which beautifully expresses her teaching philosophy. After retirement, she especially enjoyed seeing her former students’ accomplishments on Facebook. She loved and believed in her students, which will be a significant part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Jean enjoyed decorating her home, sewing and embroidering, working in the garden, and making chocolate pies for her family and friends. Friends and even family may be surprised to learn she had a special gift for music which she only rarely showed, never taking the show from the comfort and familiarity of the piano in her living room. She had many hobbies and interests, but most of all, she loved her family—and she loved them extremely well. Being “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grands was her greatest joy.

Jean was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Fordyce, where she was active in the Keenagers group. Additionally, she faithfully served on the Bereavement Committee and Kitchen Committee for many years. She was an active member of the Fordyce Sesame Club and the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association.

Jean’s family extends their deepest gratitude to JRMC; Dr. Charlie Kincaid and Dr. Michael Luna and the staff at UAMS; Jenna Bryant, APRN; Christal Martindale, APRN; the entire nursing staff on B-Wing, and the therapy staff at Dallas County Medical Center. Each person provided tender, compassionate care to our Mimi during her final days, and the family will always be grateful for the kindness shown to her.

The family will receive friends Saturday September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary of Fordyce First Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Michael Ivy and Rev. Jacob Ricker officiating. Burial will be private at Tanyard Cemetery at a later date.

Because of Jean’s love for children, the family requests memorials be made to the Children’s Ministry of First Baptist Church of Fordyce, 501 N. Main Street, Fordyce, AR 71742 in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.