Her Story

That smile. "Hey, Baby." "Love Ya." "Oh, Jesus." "Love Ya More."

These were more than greetings; they were gifts from Elaine Jones, spoken in her unmistakable deep Southern Louisiana voice. A voice that was both unassuming and unforgettable. When Elaine greeted you, she had a way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room. Her warmth, kindness, and genuine love for others left a lasting impression on everyone who was fortunate enough to know her.

Elaine Marie Davis-Jones was born on June 12, 1945, in Jennings, Louisiana, to the late Preston and Earline Luke Davis. As the eldest of three siblings, her early years were filled with the love of grandparents, cousins, neighbors, and community. Growing up in a small town with big dreams, she longed for new beginnings and greater opportunities.

After graduating from high school, Elaine moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she would emerge from her cocoon into a beautiful butterfly, becoming one of the city's most beloved leaders and servants.

Elaine began her life in Hot Springs, working in several restaurants along Malvern Avenue, known for their delicious soul food. A phenomenal cook in her own right, she became famous among family and friends for her pound cakes, pies, gumbo, casseroles, and countless other dishes prepared with love. Over the years, she worked at Timex, National Rejectors, Levi, and Piggly Wiggly before finding her professional home at Kroger.

For 42 years, Elaine faithfully served the Hot Springs community through various departments at Kroger. To many residents, the store on Central Avenue simply became known as "Elaine's Kroger." A trip to the grocery store often became an opportunity for fellowship, encouragement, and friendship because Elaine made everyone feel welcome.

On June 22, 1973, Elaine married the love of her life, Chester Jones. Together they shared 44 years of marriage until his passing on March 15, 2017. Though no children were born to their union, Elaine lovingly embraced her role as stepmother to Debbie and Champ.

Her life was defined by faith, family, service, and community.

For 45 years, Elaine was a devoted member of Historic Eureka Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as Church Clerk, Church Treasurer, Trustee, and Sunday School teacher. There was nothing she would not do to uplift and support her church. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when church doors were closed, Elaine created "Drive-In Sunday School," allowing members to gather safely in their cars with windows down to continue studying God's Word together. This ministry continued for nearly a year, reflecting her determination that faith should never be interrupted.

When health challenges later prevented her from attending services in person, she faithfully worshiped through A Walk of Faith Ministries. She was deeply proud of the ministry developed by Reverend Willie and Reverend Lisa Regina Wade, whose visits, prayers, and support brought her great comfort.

Elaine's heart for service extended far beyond the church walls. She was a cherished member of the Entre Nous Club, one of the oldest African American women's social clubs in the community. She treasured her club sisters and their fellowship and service. She also dedicated herself to the Gateway Neighborhood Association, formerly Pleasant St. Neighborhood Association, NAACP, Difference Makers of Hot Springs, Emma Elease Webb Community Center Board of Directors, and numerous other organizations. Wherever there was a need, Elaine was there—with a phone call, a handwritten card, a thoughtful gesture, or a heartfelt prayer.

On January 1, 1999, history was made when Elaine Jones became the first African American woman elected to serve as City Director for District 2 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She faithfully held that office for 24 years, serving the East End and the Gateway corridor with unwavering dedication and vision.

Under her leadership, District 2 experienced remarkable growth, revitalization, and development. Her efforts contributed to projects including the relocation of Ambrosia Bakery to Broadway, the establishment of Lox Salon, the opening of 501 Prime Restaurant and its partnership with the Gateway Neighborhood Association, the rebuilding of Dodge Chicken and Convenience Store, and the development of the Superior Bathhouse Brewery Distribution Center, and so many more.

Her commitment to preserving history and strengthening neighborhoods was evident in projects such as the Rev. Rice Pocket Park, restoration of the historic John L. Webb House, construction of new homes in the Pleasant Street Historic District through Garland County Habitat for Humanity, and support of the Hot Springs Housing Authority's multi-million-dollar neighborhood revitalization initiative.

Elaine also served on the Hot Springs Advertising and Promotion Commission, where she championed tourism, downtown development, and the revitalization of the Malvern Avenue corridor. Throughout her public service, she remained steadfast in advocating for the people of District 2, always placing the needs of the community above her own.

Her leadership was never about position—it was about service.

Elaine leaves behind a legacy woven into the streets of Hot Springs, the pews of her church, the neighborhoods she strengthened, and the countless lives she touched. Her laughter, generosity, wisdom, and servant's heart will continue to inspire generations to come.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Preston and Earline Luke Davis, and her beloved husband, Chester Jones.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sisters, Inez Henry of Jennings, Louisiana, Bernadette Davis of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Betty West of Hot Springs, Arkansas; her brother, Paul Davis of Fort Worth, Texas; her stepchildren, Debbie (Raymond) Thompson of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Chester "Champ" Mitchell of Des Moines, Iowa; her sisters-in-law, Rosemary Green of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Josephine Walker of Little Rock, Arkansas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friends, and a grateful community.

Her life was a testimony of faith in action, leadership through service, and love without limits.

And if she could speak to us one more time, perhaps we would hear her familiar voice say, "Love Ya."

And our hearts would answer, "Love Ya More."

The Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at Noon, with the Visitation starting at 10:00 am, both at Hot Springs Convention Center - Horner Hall, 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 71901. The Burial will follow at Hollywood Cemetery, 303 Hollywood Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.

Rest peacefully, Ms. Elaine. Your work here is done; your race has been run.

You may sign the guest registry at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.