Jean L. Davidson

Jean LaNelle Phillips Davidson, 82, of Jonesboro, passed into eternal life on Sunday, May 14, 2017, at St. Bernards Medical Center.

Jean peacefully left this earth and was greeted by her Heavenly Father and was united with her fellow angels in the heavens above.

Jean was born on December 2, 1934, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Jackson Burnett Phillips and Mary Aileen Moore Phillips. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her only son, Billy Gene Davidson, her husband, Billy Sharon Davidson, and brothers: Donald Phillips, Charles Phillips and Bill Phillips.

Jean was a life-long Baptist and a 1952 graduate of Blytheville High School where she was an outstanding athlete. She was a graduate of Arkansas State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught girls' physical education at Jonesboro High School from 1966 until 1988 and was affectionately known as "Mrs. D." Jean's love for her student athletes as well as her competitive spirit and her desire to promote equity among female athletes made her an influential icon at Jonesboro High School. Her contributions and inspirations will forever live in her student athletes to whom she had the pleasure of knowing, teaching and coaching. In 1972, while at JHS, Mrs. D's cheerleading squad won the title of National Champions. In 1979, her volleyball squad was state champions. Again in 1981, JHS gymnastics team was state champions under her supervision. In 1983 Mrs. D was instrumental in establishing the first J-Team. Since 1986, Jonesboro High School has honored Mrs. Davidson's contributions and service to the Jonesboro School District by naming the most coveted and prestigious girls' athletic award in her name.

Of all her achievements and honors, Jean was most proud of her two children: Sharon and Billy Gene and all that she accomplished while being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Fondly referred to as MawMaw for 38 years, her memory and legacy will be carried on by her family and the countless number of people and students whose lives she touched. Jean was happiest nurturing her children and grandchildren while supporting their many endeavors. MawMaw rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on her grandchildren in all their academic and athletic events.Her love for her family knew no boundaries.

Mrs. Jean Davidson is survived by her daughter, Sharon LaNelle Davidson Konecny, daughter-in-law, Tina (Dr. Billy) Cook; grandchildren: David (Lanie) Konecny, Devin (Jae) Sneed, Danielle (Tommy) Duncan, Lindsay (Robbie) Dockins, Laura (Kevin) Brown, Austin (Crys) Cook, and Kyle Cook. She was loved and survived by her great grandchildren: Dylan Duncan, Dagan Duncan, Vivian Sneed, Asher Dockins, Tatum Brown, and Trey Brown. In addition, Jean is survived by 3 brothers: JB (Linda) Phillips, Tommy (Sue) Phillips, Ed (Mary Margaret) Moore; sister-in-law, Sue Phillips; and a plethora of nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday in Emerson Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to John 3:17 Ministries or St. Jude Childrens Hospital.