Jackie Sue Sanders

Jackie Sue Sanders, 69, a lifelong resident of Helena, departed this life, Friday, June 26, 2026, in Little Rock. She was born, June 23, 1957, in Helena, the daughter of Robert Jr and Alberta Eloise Jackson Sanders.

To her siblings her nickname was Fred, to her nieces and nephew she was Aunt Jack Jack. Jackie loved her nieces and nephew and then came along great nephews Ryce and River. She loved and was so proud of their careers and school accomplishments.

Jackie graduated from Marvel Academy in 1976. She began working in the Phillips County Assessor’s Office in 1999 and remained there until her retirement in 2018. After caring for her brother, she returned to work in the County Judge’s Office in October 2025, where she continued working until her passing.

Jackie enjoyed researching the history of Phillips County, watching Turner Classic Movies, attending estate sales, and spending time outdoors with her brother, JC. She loved going to the pond with him to fish, even though she did not like fish or hot weather. What mattered most to her was being with family, and she was always there when they gathered.

Estate sales were another favorite pastime. If there was one within 50 miles, Jackie was likely among the first to arrive. She was kind, caring, and good-hearted, with a deep love for her family, especially her nieces and nephew. If Jackie liked you, you had a loyal friend who would do anything in the world for you—and she could keep a secret better than anyone.

Jackie loved all of her siblings, but she and JC shared an especially close bond. When he passed away in September 2025, Jackie was never quite the same, and at the time the family did not know she was also ill. On Friday, June 26, at 2:15 a.m., she left this world. We take comfort in believing that she and JC are together again—no telling what those two are up to, but surely they are having fun.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents: Robert, Jr. and Alberta Sanders, two brothers: Robert A. “Bob” Sanders, and JC Sanders.

Survivors include her only sister: Melinda Bennett of Holly Grove, three nieces: Stacy Bennett, Tracy Bennett, Jennifer Cochran and only nephew: Shaun Bennett and his wife Katherine, two great nephews: Ryce & River and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family will hold a graveside service on Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m., in the Central Cemetery, Lexa, AR.

Cross County Funeral Service & Crematory is honored with handling the arrangements for the Sanders family. 870-587-0565 www.crosscountycremationsandfuneralservice.com

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