Clara Dean Jenkins

December 13, 1935 - May 24, 2019

Clara Dean Jenkins, age 83 of Hot Springs, Arkansas left this world surrounded by her children and their families on Friday, May 24th 2019. Biggie, as she was affectionately known by a host of loved ones, was a retired nurse by trade and a friend to everyone she met. Clara was saved by grace through faith, and a member of Vista Heights Baptist Church. The firstborn of eight children, Clara was born to Carl and Edith Howell on December 13th, 1935 in Hot Springs. She played mother hen to her little sister and six younger brothers, and continued to care for each of them until she drew her last breath. Clara was preceded in death by her parents. Also waiting to meet her at the gates of heaven were Greg Howell, brother of Hot Springs, Lonnie Howell, brother of Hot Springs, Carlene Taylor, sister of Hot Springs and Bruce Howell, brother of Hot Springs. Biggie was the glue that held the family together, and a fixture at any family event. Thanksgiving will never be the same without her famous dressing, and when we hear Blue Christmas by Elvis, our thoughts will always turn to her. Biggie leaves four children and their families that all love her dearly. Barbara Jackson of Hot Springs, Shirley and Bobby Higgins of Hot Springs, Robyn and Bill Couch of Hot Springs and James and Karen Kendig of Pearcy. As her family grew, so did Clara's love for them. She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren one great great grandchild and another on the way. Survivors also include three brothers that she loved dearly. Lynn "Buddy Howell of Hot Springs, Ronnie Howell of Hot Springs and Donnie Howell of Lockhart, Texas. Clara was a true friend, and always made friends seem like family. You could always count on a fresh pot of coffee and all the latest gossip when at Clara's table. Many of her dearest friends are with her now in heaven, but she leaves some very special ones behind including: Levon Howell, Corita Meredith and Carmen Herron. Funeral arrangements are being taken care of by Hot Springs funeral home, with visitation set for 1:00 Tuesday, May 28 at Vista Heights Baptist Church. Funeral to follow at 2:00. Officiating the service will be her pastor, Bro. Wayne Murphree. Final internment will be at Morning Star Cemetery where Clara will once again rejoin the love of her life, Wallace “Pa Paw Wally” Jenkins. Serving as pallbearers will be Brad Higgins, Brett Kendig, Billy Woods, Tess Millward, Harley Woods, and Wayne Hrdlicka. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of CHI St.Vincent emergency room, respiratory department, intensive care unit and Arkansas Hospice for the exceptional care given to our mother as well as our entire family during her final days.