Johnnie Maule Segars

Johnnie Maule Segars, 95, of Jonesboro passed away Sunday September 29, 2013, at the Craighead Nursing Center. She was born on June 23, 1918, in Lambert, MS, to Charles and Daisy Clark Maule. Johnnie had lived in Jonesboro since 1955 and was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Johnnie Maule Segars loved, accepted, and was totally dedicated to others. Her life was one of service, whether as a Homeroom Mother, Girl Scout Leader, band parent, concession stand worker at JHS ball games, or chaperone for dances and band trips. As their three girls grew, she and husband, Jack, stayed up all night to finish hand-made gowns for their daughters, to create dance costumes for recitals, or to type last-minute versions of school reports for the girls.

Johnnie treated work the same way, always going the extra mile to help any student at ASU who happened to enter the Office of the VP of Finance. The student instantly became an important person, and she would take time from her desk to lead a confused incoming freshman through the maze that met him at school. As the Go-To person for students, faculty and staff, if you needed an answer that you could count on, ask Johnnie!

Duty at ASU did not end for her when most people went home. She oversaw from its beginnings the NEA Basketball Tournament at the old Fieldhouse and football games at old Kays Stadium, managing everything necessary for their smooth operation. She was always present – always efficient and pleasant. Her demeanor made her a natural for Dr. Carl Reng to challenge her and two other ASU staff to collect the first money for what is now ASU’s Liberty Bank Stadium. They collected nearly $80,000 from faculty and staff, amazing Dr. Reng.

At ASU’s Centennial Celebration of 2009, she was recognized as one of the “First 100 Distinguished Staff Members” during ASU’s first century. She rose from being a secretary in 1956 to becoming the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Finance, retiring in 1983. During much of her working life at ASU, its Board of Trustees would seldom meet unless she could attend.

During Arkansas State College’s battle to achieve University Status, she worked tirelessly for ASU administrators and legislators in Little Rock. On January 17, 1967, she saw success. We were ASU!

Johnnie left ASU in 1983 to care for her ailing husband until his death in 1986. She was always the glue that held the family together and was the very emblem of its strength. She modeled the strength and loyalty that define a cohesive, loving family.

Her faith was a very private matter to her, seldom vocalizing it, never boasting, but always radiating it from within. She always placed the needs of others above her own. A devoted wife and mother, she was tolerant and accepting of others. She was living proof that love knows no bounds, and she was instinctively aware that the more one gives love to others, the more love one has in reserve to give. We will miss and revere the memory of Grandmother – Always!

Johnnie was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband of 46 years, Jack Segars, Great Granddaughter Aleah Holcomb, three brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by three daughters: Julianne Holcomb (Larry) of Huntsville, AL, Mary Nell Masterson (John) and Jessica Foster (Ronal), both of Jonesboro.

Grandchildren: Candi Holcomb, Ralph (Mindy) Holcomb, Jack (Melissa) Holcomb, Tom (Missy) Holcomb, Elisa (David) White, Marissa (Mike) Sifford and Tracy (Randy) Bearce.

Great Grandchildren: Will Holcomb, Robin Holcomb, Avery Holcomb, Addison Holcomb, Sam Holcomb, Savannah Sifford, Sloan Sifford, Scarlett Sifford, Meridith Hamilton, Nicholas Bearce and Kaleb Bearce. Great-Great Grandchild: Isabella Hamilton.

Public Visitation will be from 1:30 until 2:30 PM on Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Emerson Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 6, 2013, at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. John Miles, Rev. Patty Soward and Rev. Debra Matthews officiating. Burial will follow immediately with Emerson Funeral Home in charge.

Active pallbearers will be Ralph Holcomb, Jack Holcomb, Tom Holcomb, David White, Mike Sifford and Nicholas Bearce.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Arkansas State University Birthday Girls.

The family of Johnnie Maule Segars personally thank Craighead Nursing Center for their love, kindness, care and support during her stay there.

The Family requests that those who wish to offer a lasting memorial should consider the Arkansas State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1990 State University, Arkansas 72467 or call (870) 972-3362.