Rebecca Jean Urton

Rebecca Jean Urton, 77, of Jonesboro, died Saturday, Dec. 21, at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. Becky was born and raised in Jonesboro, the daughter of Dr. Owen and Martha Hudgins. She grew up in a home filled with learning — thanks to her father, a dentist and avid reader — and music — thanks to her mother and maternal grandparents, all avid and devout church musicians. Becky wove both into her life. From New York and Florida to Massachusetts and Illinois, Becky filled every home she lived in with books and music, one way or another.

By nature, Becky was observant, accommodating, conscientious and quietly whimsical. When she was four years old, she danced with her beloved grandfather on hearing that she had a baby sister. But to Becky, there was no surprise to this news. After all, she had asked for one! When she charged the neighborhood boys one nickel apiece to view baby Carolyn, her lifelong best friend, Becky couldn’t understand why her mother made her return each coin. After all, it was a good idea! Becky’s first and favorite role in life was a protective one — as a big sister to Carolyn. Their many misadventures were her lifelong joy.

Growing up, Becky bore the contradictions of life by forging a larger faith that people — more often than not — want to do right. She kept at the ready examples of her maternal grandparents, Edgar and Maude Booker. When hungry drifters wandered through Jonesboro, her grandmother fed them. Her grandfather surprised Becky by paying for her first semester at Arkansas State because he had left school after third grade and wanted her to have the opportunities he didn’t.

In line with her temperament and commitment to education, Becky embarked on careers of service. She worked first in banking and finance, then as a paralegal, and finally — and longest — in college admissions. Becky always worked in the background, with diligence and dedication. Whether she was procuring a halal butcher for Saudi visitors to Jonesboro or helping Illinois high schoolers realize their dreams of a college education, if Becky felt that her efforts mattered to others, that was sufficient.

In college, she married Dan Urton and they had two children. Becky delighted in motherhood. The whimsy of her offspring never ceased to amuse and bemuse her, be it her daughter catching a live garter snake and bringing it into the house, or her son deciding to play the double bass, which kept her in the market for big cars for over a decade. Becky supported and invested in every interest they had and encouraged their curiosity. Her faith that people want to do right led her to set high expectations for her children. When her daughter achieved tenure as a university faculty member, Becky flashed her trademark smirk and said, “Well, I’m not surprised.”

Her faith in her fellow man informed her faith and civic service. Becky loved volunteering as a reading aide, helping children discover her favorite hobby and helping many of their immigrant parents feel welcome in their new home. She also served as a Presbyterian Elder, a poll volunteer on Election Day and an enthusiastic supporter of any performing arts organization she encountered.

Becky was predeceased by her parents; her stepmother, Gladys McPike Hudgins; her stepfather, Frank Barnett; and her stepbrother, Cecil Barnett. In addition to her beloved sister, Carolyn Hudgins, Becky is survived by her daughter, Ellen Urton, of Fayetteville, AR; son James Urton of Oak Park, IL;  brother Dr. Stan McPike (Kathy) of Jonesboro; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, Becky was interred in Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro in a private service. A visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro (1629 E. Nettleton Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401) at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m.

Lasting memorials may be made to the Jonesboro Public Library (315 West Oak Ave., Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401) and the St. Bernards Foundation, Ben Owens Cancer Center (400 East Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401).

Becky’s family extends a special thanks to the health care professionals and staff the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House of Jonesboro, St. Bernards Regional Medical Center, the Ben Owens Cancer Center at St. Bernards, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences for their exceptional care and compassion. They wish in particular to express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Corey Diamond of the Clopton Clinic, Dr. Mazen Khalil of the Ben Owens Cancer Center, and Dr. Mohamed Kamel, formerly of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, now of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.