Rosalie Evon Jennings

Mrs. Rosalie Evon Jennings, 80, stepped into Heaven September 17, 2018 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, Arkansas. Born in Neosho, Missouri to Lloyd and Viola Jeffers, she was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Bruce, Edward, Jerry and Bobby Jeffers and Dorothy Allen. Rosalie's enduring love of music started early in her life, beginning with a Christmas performance at age 5 in the Municipal Auditorium in Neosho with her sister, Janice, to welcome soldiers returning from the war to Camp Crowder. Later in life, she worked as a nurse's aide at St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers, always comforting and caring for her co-workers, as well as her patients. While working full-time, she still managed to write, produce, record, and perform her music all over the country, including the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. One of her songs, "Big Girls Don't Cry" went to #2 on the Country Music Charts and Billboard Magazine, promoted by Higgins Music Group from Nashville. She rubbed elbows with industry professionals, including Mickey Moody and The Gaithers. She and husband, Gary, managed property for Lindsey Properties, Inc. all over northwest Arkansas, including Brentwood apartments, Moberly Manor, Park apartments, and The Links in Lowell, retiring in 2003, which allowed for more time to concentrate on her music. They traveled to nursing homes, state fairs, and churches in more than 40 states to lead Bible conferences, healing services, and revivals in partnership with some of their dearest friends in ministry. Survivors include her husband, Gary, of Centerton, sisters Lloydene Hulsey and Virginia Putman of Neosho and Janice Mitchell, of Anderson, Missouri. Surviving children are Eldon (Pam) Long of Lowell, Dennis (Twila) Long of Decatur, Tim Long of Highfill, and Tina Long, also of Highfill. Also included are eight grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Graveside service for Mrs. Jennings will be held 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery with Pastor Vincent Xavier officiating. In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Legacy Village Parkway, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.