Mary Frances Van Cleve

Mary Frances Rutherford Little Van Cleve, 96, of Jonesboro passed away from this life to her heavenly home on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at the Flo & Phil Jones Hospice House. She was born on July 7, 1926 to Sherman and Ida Rutherford in Batesville, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband and father of her children, Summers Little, her second husband, D. L. Van Cleve, and her youngest son, Doug Little, three sisters and two brothers.

She is survived by her son, Joe Little (Pam) of Jonesboro; daughter-in-law Louise Little of Carlisle; two grandsons, Jay Little, and Keith Little (Liz); three granddaughters, Christy Walls (Steve), Lindsey Little, and Beth Baker (Aaron), eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

The Little family were active members of First Baptist in Brinkley, AR where Mary Frances enjoyed the choir with many of her friends. Eventually Summers and Mary Frances helped as First Baptist started Broadmoor Baptist Mission in Brinkley. After retirement in 1979, the Littles moved to Jonesboro to be closer to their family. Central Baptist Church became their new church home where they served alongside friends and family. After Summer’s death, Mary Frances loved participating in Central Baptist Caleb Mountain Climber events where she later met and married D.L. Van Cleve. She will be remembered for her quick wit, her laugh, and her story telling. She was lovingly called G-mom by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many of her caregivers later in life.

A visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home (Jonesboro, AR) on Thursday, October 6 from 10-11 am, with a graveside service to follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask you consider donations to Central Baptist Church or the Flo &Phil Jones Hospice House of Jonesboro.