Jewel A. Skinner, of Sheridan, Arkansas was born March 26, 1940. She passed away on Thursday, September 6, 2012 at her home at the age of 72.
Preceded in death by her first husband, William F. Baker of Sheridan, AR and a son, Lt. Paul D. Baker of Turtle Creek Fire Department, Haskell, AR. Her parents, Henry Boyce Koon and Lillie Angeline Koon of Sheridan. Two sisters, Joyce Marie Koon Mayberry of Sheridan and Carolyn Ann Koon Wiggins Reese of Tampa, FL.
She is survived by her husband of 28 years James Truman Skinner. Six sons, William Socia, Mike Baker, both of Sheridan, Alex Skinner, Michael T. Skinner both of Lono, AR and Jason Skinner of Washington State, two daughters, Letha Baker Haymes of NLR and Karen Baker Baldwin of Sheridan. One brother, Harvey Wayne Koon of Sheridan. 31 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, with 2 more on the way.
At her request, her grandsons will be pallbearers, John Skinner, Zachary Skinner, Avery Skinner, Andy Baker, Eric Bryant, Chad Koon, Brooks Koon and Justin Koon. Honorary pallbearer will be Shane Davis.
Mrs. Skinner retired from the former Teletype Corporation in Little Rock. She was a homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. The joys of her life were all of her "babies" as she called them. Any time one of the little ones walked into the room her face would light up. Anticipating these visits, she kept more toys for the kids in her home than a Toys R US for each of them to enjoy. She remained a kid at heart and loved to decorate her home inside and out for the Holidays, especially Christmas and Halloween. Her Holiday decorations were very special to those who knew her. Neighbors and loved ones always made it a part of their Holiday tradition to enjoy this special gift by driving by to enjoy the lights and yard decor. The last Halloween she decorated for was attended by over 280 children who trick or treated in her home!
Her home was always open to her friends and family. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 10, 2012 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan with Rev. Joel Holmes and Rev. Alex Skinner officiating. Burial will follow at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. at the funeral home.