Janet D'Andrea Jones

On Saturday, February 5, 2022, a prodigious clan and its community at large lost one of its brightest and best. Janet D’Andrea "Dee Dee" Marbray Jones, succumbed to her brief bout with cancer surrounded by the love, well wishes, and energy of family, friends, and colleagues near and far.

Janet was born January 30, 1971, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to Janice Marbray Meeks and Delton Ray Marbray. The eldest of four children, she was a nurturer, advocate, and protector from an early age. Though outwardly quiet and unassuming, Janet was discerning and astute. She listened more than she spoke. Her resourcefulness and resilience propelled her to dream lofty dreams—even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds-she was resolute to attain them.

One of Janet's dreams was to have a successful career in healthcare. After graduating with the El Dorado High School Class of 1989, she worked various entry-level jobs, including Certified Nursing Assistant, a position that ultimately led to her foray into nursing. To pursue her passion, Janet worked diligently to gain the formal education and practical experience necessary to advance in her field. She earned several nursing credentials: a Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing, an Associate of Applied Science in Registered Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Health Administration. While fulfilling these program requirements, Janet progressed steadily along her career path from clinical to managerial to administrative positions, and she was on track to become a certified Nurse Practitioner. Janet aspired to use her extensive knowledge and her standing in the medical community to improve health outcomes for marginalized and underserved populations.

Janet was baptized in the Christian faith tradition at St. James Baptist Church in El Dorado, where she attended regularly from a very young age. As an adult, she united with the Morning Star Baptist Church. She was a selfless and generous individual who demonstrated unconditional love and unwavering support for her family and friends. She always had her family's best interest at heart, especially her children's.

Janet was preceded in death by her father, her sister, Angela Marbray; her paternal grandparents, Ernest and Daisy Marbray; and maternal grandparents, Tommy and Trudie Thigpen. She is survived by her parents, Eddie and Janice Meeks; sons, Dominique Jones, Emonte Jones, and Janelius Dixon; daughter, Desirée Ford; brothers, Eugene Archie , Delton Marbray (Linda); Delvis Marbray, and D'Maekeo Williams; grandchildren, Ava Jones, and Ryan and Logan Ford; special nephews, whom she reared as her own, LaDedrick Marbray, Kadeem Marbray, and Corey Charles; special friend and caregiver, Karletha Williams; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.