Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Mary Rose Robinson-Jarrett, age 72

Obituary “The Life of Mary Rose”

Mary Rose Robinson-Jarrett was born in Marvell, AR to the late Clemmie Lee Carruth and the late Leon Robinson on July 25, 1947 and was called to eternal rest on June 19, 2020.  She was preceded in death by three sisters Edna Earl, Estella, and Laura Lee, and by one brother Darnell.

She was married for 33 years to the Late Nathaniel “Bud” Jarrett.

Mary accepted her life’s walk with Christ at an early age and joined the Asbury Missionary Baptist Church.  When she came to college in 1965 at Arkansas Baptist, she later joined Gospel Temple Baptist Church; where until her life ended worked dutifully in various church positions.  She sang melodiously in the Inspiration Choir often being the narrator for many songs, Sunday School Teacher, Missionary President, Trustee Board Member, Mother Board, Resolution Writer and proudly presented many poems and dramatizations.

Mary enjoyed helping people, no matter what she could do, whether it be with encouraging words or directions on where to go for help, she was glad to do it.  She had a big heart whereas she enjoyed laughing with many friends and students.  She fancied herself as a baker, she often baked her famous caramel cakes and vanilla cream cakes for many. She was always reading and researching, that was her hobby as well as her life, always attaining knowledge to help someone, should they ask.

She was an Educator, known by the greater community as a laborer in Higher Education and Administration at Arkansas Baptist College, she devoted 40 years to this one institution, she served on many Boards in the City, she held many positions at the ABC, Vice President Academic Affairs, Dean of the College, and  first  female to be Interim President of the college. Appointed by President Clinton in 1988 to serve on the Minority Teachers Advisory Council. After many years in Education she retired and set up a motivational speaker website called “Jarrett Speaks”.  Her speeches resonated with individuals and her Voice will be missed.

She leaves to celebrate her homegoing: 4 brothers Wardell (Betty)Robinson Little Rock AR, Robert Owens, Pine Bluff AR, Frederick Owens, West Helena AR, Victor (Catherine)Owens, Marvell AR; 9 sisters Marilyn (Chris)Newsome Jonesboro AR, Carolyn (Jimmy) Baldwin Jacksonville AR, Shirlene Atkinson (St. Louis MO), Carolyn (Wardell) Givens, Chicago, IL, Janet (Martin)Woods, Chicago, IL, Vanessa (Walter) Towne, Jonesboro AR, Arnedia Robinson, Richmond, VA, Pamela (Derrick) Handy, Little Rock AR and Angela (James) McCoy, Allen, TX; one Aunt, Marty Lee McKissic, Marvell AR, a host of nieces, nephews, all her cousins, other relatives and special friends.

Visitation 10-11:30 AM with services at 11:30 on Saturday June 27, 2020 at Holy Cross Baptist Church, 4800 W. 12th Little Rock, Arkansas.

 Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas.  501-982-3400

23 Comments

  • Forrestine Caldwell Posted June 25, 2020 6:43 PM

    Our prayers and condolences are being extended to the family members of Dean Mary Rose Robinson-Jarrett. “Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen and keep you, He is willing to aid you, He will carry you through.”

  • Linda Jones Posted June 25, 2020 9:48 PM

    To the beloved family of Sister Rose 🌹, You all have my deepest condolences. I certainly remember the first time that I heard her deliver a speech, it was so profound and left a lasting impression about her gifted oratory skills. Psalms 112 says a righteous person will never be forgotten and I pray that her legacy as a great educator and servant of God will live on throughout times.🙏🏽🙏🏽🌹🌹

  • Deltis Chapple Posted June 26, 2020 8:37 AM

    Peace be with the family

  • April Owens Posted June 26, 2020 9:14 AM

    You will be so truly missed aunt Mary, love you always and forever 🙌🏽🙌🏽

  • Evelyn E Hughes-Bass Posted June 26, 2020 11:57 AM

    Praying God Keep and strengthen the family.

  • Tracy Vault Posted June 26, 2020 1:18 PM

    Aunt Mary you will definitely be missed by so many people. Thank you for all that you did to encourage me after graduating college to further my education. Words can not express my love for you. Please give uncle Bud a hug for all of us. Rest peacefully and know that God picked a beautiful flower to grace his Heavenly garden. I will always love you. . 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

  • Marcella Winston Posted June 26, 2020 4:22 PM

    My deepest condolences extended. I remember working with her many years ago such an amazing gift. My prayers are with the family

  • Dr. Dorris R. Robinson-Gardner, ABC Graduate 1970 Posted June 26, 2020 9:10 PM

    Condolences and prayers to the family of Dean Mary Rose Robinson Jarrett. Mary was an excellent higher education administrator and faculty member. She was great in admitting, enrolling, teaching and graduating students. Sleep well until we meet again

  • Charles Posted June 26, 2020 11:13 PM

    Our prayers and condolences to the family. One of God’s flowers 💐 is going to God’s flower 🌸 garden. RIP 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

  • ARMA Hart Posted June 27, 2020 5:37 AM

    Mrs. Mary Jarrett will always be remembered fir her devotion to Arkansas Batist College and suport to her family! It was always a pleasure to work with her on the faculty. before she became ill! Thank God for the opportunity to her known her.. Condolences to the family!

  • Gwendolyn Bealer Posted June 27, 2020 1:22 PM

    I will miss Sister Jarrett so much. She was such an influence and inspiration to our Gospel Temple family. She was truly blessed by God and I am truly blessed to have spent time with her during her time here on earth.

  • Gwendolyn Bealer Posted June 27, 2020 1:22 PM

    I will miss Sister Jarrett so much. She was such an influence and inspiration to our Gospel Temple family. She was truly blessed by God and I am truly blessed to have spent time with her during her time here on earth.

  • Sherese Tippy Posted June 27, 2020 3:17 PM

    May sincere condolences to my close friend Meagan Jordan in the loss of her aunt. I pray for you and the entire family.

  • Sharon (the knee baby) Posted June 27, 2020 9:12 PM

    Cousins my heart and love goes out to you.. I hate that I could not get back to celebrate Mary Rose’s Homegoing with you. She was a living icon in her own rite, May God give you comfort and she rest in heaven..

  • Ida Barnes Posted June 28, 2020 12:30 AM

    My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends.

  • Pearl Dunn Posted June 28, 2020 1:00 AM

    Condolences and prayers to the families.

  • Macy Butler Posted June 28, 2020 9:22 AM

    Met her 1969 at ABC when my mother, Fannie L.Butler was Registrar under Dr.JC Oliver. When I began as a student 1972 going summers while still in the military until I graduated 1977, she was a steadfast friend. Later 1991 when I worked for Dr. Vertie Carter as assistant director Adult Education she renewed our friendship. A lifelong devoted student, educator and employee that ABC will never replaced is now in service in glory! Mary Rose is who I knew.

  • John R. & Linda M. Hammond Posted June 28, 2020 8:49 PM

    To the family of Mrs. Jarrett: Prayers and condolences. Mrs. Jarrett was certainly an inspiration to many. My husband and I are both graduates of Arkansas Baptist College! Mrs. Jarrett was Dean when my husband attended and Interim President my freshman year. She will truly be missed but never forgotten. God gave her family and many others a gift in Mrs. Jarrett.

  • Angelia Mack Posted July 1, 2020 4:40 AM

    Loved Dean Jarrett, Went to ABC in 90 and was warm and beautiful person. She helped a many of students to accomplish their educational goal in life. She was mentor and a great friend. She worked with my Aunt Evelyn for years. I’ll miss you Dean Jarrett.

  • Lula P. Brooks Posted July 2, 2020 12:41 PM

    Condolences and prayers to the family of Mary Rose.

  • Glen Phillips Posted July 10, 2020 11:14 AM

    She will be greatly missed. I used to love her talks to us at ABC Chapel. Most of the time she would end her talk with this phrase: “Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam…

  • Dr. Lynda Phillips Johnson Posted November 26, 2020 5:31 AM

    My friend, no more worrying now… you are always the Dean of Arkansas Baptist College. Rest In Peace.

  • kathy owens Posted January 9, 2021 1:09 PM

    kathy owens i miss u so much

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