Jean Rhodes McCain was born on July 11, 1942, in Osceola, Arkansas, to Joseph “Joe” W. Rhodes and Corinne Sibley Rhodes. She departed this life on August 16, 2026, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House surrounded by her loving family.

Jean attended Osceola Public Schools until her marriage to her beloved, Doyle, in 1958. She then attended Luxora High School her junior year and then on to her senior year at Jonesboro High School when Doyle started school at Arkansas State College (now ASU). She was a member of the 1960 graduating class of Jonesboro High School. Having attended many high schools, she always loved reconnecting and keeping up with all her classmates at class reunions and through social media. She especially loved the JHS Breakfast Club visits with her 1960 classmates.

Jean and Doyle welcomed their daughter Constance Jean (Connie) a year after they married. They called Connie the “light of their lives” and she joined them to live in married housing in Indian Village, on the Arkansas State campus. Jean earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Arkansas State University (then College) and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development Education.

She proudly taught second grade at South School Elementary in the Jonesboro Public School District for 30 years, retiring in 1995, to care for elderly parents. She delighted in her students and often fondly reminisced about teaching so many beloved children throughout her career. Many students recall that Mrs. Jean McCain was their favorite teacher due to her kindness, caring, and sweet ways of motivation and encouragement. She was truly a master of her craft.

Her deep appreciation for her teaching profession led her to join the Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers’ Sorority in which she served as a devoted member for forty years. In her caring style, she would pick up her elderly ADK members to ensure they could attend the chapter meetings held at night. She was a truly lovingand caring person who showered it on others daily.

As a loving member of First United Methodist Church, Miss Jean always knew to treat her brothers and sisters in Christ with dignity and respect. So many church members felt a calming, loving spirit from Miss Jean. She genuinely made everyone feel as if they were the most important person in the room. She was devoted to her church for over 60 years. First as a member of the young couple’s class and then as a Sixth Grade Sunday School Teacher, co-teaching with the beloved Carl Heringer. She also served on the Altar Guild, until her health prevented her from serving, as well as various other groups throughout the years.

Above all, Jean found joy in her family. She spoke with family often, especially her two sisters, to keep updated on all their news. She had many friends who were like family to her whom she talked with to counsel, share, and laugh with, which all made her life richer. However, nothing thrilled Jean more than becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. She proudly embraced the title of “Mammommy” not only with her own grandchildren and greats, but also with the Dunham children who she considered bonus grandchildren. Jean, with Doyle by her side, hardly ever missed any of her grandsons’ events. Quiz Bowl competitions, plays, sports, concerts (band & choir), awards programs, scout meetings, on and on were always marked on her calendar. Then she continued her enthusiasm with her great-grandchildren's special activities to encourage and cheer them on. Her wisdom and love will be missed by so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe W. and Corinne Rhodes. She is survived by her loving husband, Doyle McCain, Jr.; her daughter, Connie McCain Cook (Danny); grandsons, Bryce Cook (Sara Beth) and Grant Cook (Jordon); and her four great grandchildren, Wyatt, Walker, Lily, and Kendall Jean; her sisters, Anne Rhodes Bowen (Dan Sr.); Mary Rhodes O’Neal-Smith (Jimmy); and many special nieces and nephews.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Bryce Cook, Grant Cook, Wyatt Cook, Joe Bowen, Dr. Trey O’Neal, and Dr. Andrew Dunham. Honorary pallbearers are the R.O.S.E.S. (Retirees of South Elementary School) and classmates of Jean and Doyle’s.

The visitation will be held from 5-7 pm n Friday, August 28, 2026 at Emerson Funeral Home. The service will be held at 10 am on Saturday with a private burial to follow.

Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro

(801 S. Main)

Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House

American Cancer Society