Janis Goldsmith Pickle

Janis Goldsmith Pickle, 81, of Jonesboro, passed from this life on May 4, 2024, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital. She was born November 25, 1942, in Kennet, MO, to J.N. and Sara Goldsmith.  She was the second of two children and had a special relationship with her sister, who she lovingly referred to as “Sissy”.  She attended Kennet High School, where she met and fell in love with her soulmate of 66 years, Phillip Winfred Pickle.

Janis attended and graduated from Arkansas State University with a Masters degree in Special Education.

Janis and Phil married on June 27, 1964, in Jonesboro. They welcomed two sons, Gregory Allen and Sydney Lynn Pickle, into their lives.  Janis was more of a cautious, reserved type, but she became a daredevil to be an example to her boys.  This included riding motorcycles, camping, skiing, flying, and lazy afternoons on the pontoon at Lake Norfork.

Janis taught for over 40 years at several local schools, including Valley View, Bay, Nettleton, the Jonesboro public school system, and the Learning Center. Her attention to detail and patience for children with special needs earned her tremendous respect in the industry.

As the family grew, she became known as Neena to her grandchildren. She loved to take the grands shopping and spoil them with candy and special gifts.  Creative games were always a hit at Neena & Papa’s during Christmas time, with special prizes for the winners.

Janis was preceded in death by her parents, J.N. and Sara Goldsmith; sister, Jeris Goldsmith Castro; and great-grandson, Daniel Joseph Jones.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Phil Pickle; sons, Greg Pickle (Dena) of Little Rock, AR, Sid Pickle (Suzette) of Jonesboro; 4 Grandchildren, Grace Jones (Josh) of Little Rock, AR; Grant (Shelby) Pickle of Springdale, AR; Sydney Blair Pickle of Baton Rouge, LA; Savanah Pickle of Jonesboro. Three great-grandchildren: Elizabeth Jones, Elijah Jones, and Susie Pickle.

Services will be at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro on Wednesday, May 8. Visitation will be at 1:00, with a funeral service starting at 2:00.

Pallbearers include Sam Jackson, Chad Puryear, Grant Pickle, Josh Jones, Keith Nichols, and Bobby Gibson. Honorary Pallbearers include Bob Gibson, Buddy Hosman, and David Lamberth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society.