Her Life's Story

"If anyone should ever write my life's story, for whatever reason there might be, between each line of fame and glory , let the record show that Jesus is the BEST thing that ever happened to me."

Iris Jean Dobbins Foxworth gained her own angel wings in her 66 ^th season of life and took flight on Monday, May 21, 2018 at National Park Medical Center.  Her life's story began August 16, 1951 in Pine Bluff, AR when she was born to the late Everline and Mable King Dobbins.  They preceded her in death as well as her brother-in-law, Billy Williams.

Jean, as she was known to most, grew up in Camden, AR and was a 1969 graduate of Lafayette High School. Her religious foundation began in the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Camden, AR.  Jean moved to Hot Springs and attended nursing school at St. Gabriel Adult Learning Center.  She also attended National Park Community College.

Jean began her nursing career at Ouachita Memorial Hospital. She moved to the new hospital and worked at AMI (now National Park Medical Center).  During her work career she worked for the Ouachita Job Corps and St. Joseph Hospital.  In many cases she was there when a patient took their first breath and many times when they took their last breath.  If you were ever a patient of Jean's, you knew that she was much more than a Registered Nurse. If other nurses had problems starting an IV, she would go to the hospital at any time of the day or night to ensure the patient wasn't injected too many times.  She went above and beyond to ensure that each patient received special attention.  Whether you needed medicine or a shot for your body, you received it.  If you needed a word of encouragement, a hug, a smile or even a prayer for your soul, you received it.  Not only at the hospital but also in her everyday walk of life, she was always willing to help those in need.

Jean was a long-time member of St. Mark Baptist Church.  If one word was used to write her life's story, it would be servant.  She exhibited her faith by serving as Trustee, Choir President, Culinary Ministry, Matrons, Pastors' Aide Ministry, Health Ministry, Women's Ministry, Sunday School Ministry and wherever she saw a need.

Her hobbies included, reading, going to church, making flowers and crafts, and traveling. Most of all she loved helping and doing for others.  She loved her biological family, her church family and the Doctors and staff of NPMC. Jean had a special bond and love for her Pastor and his family.  She also loved you.  She loved collecting angels and crosses and believed in Psalms 91:11 "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all your ways." She loved listening to gospel music and praying on the prayer line.  She was an active volunteer with Relay for Life and for the Charitable Clinic.

She was married to Jessie Foxworth.

Those left to continue her legacy and to forever cherish her memories include her daughter, Jessica Foxworth of  Lorman, MS; her son, Khary Foxworth of  Hot Springs. Jean was the eldest of seven siblings those that remain will hold her dear to their heart, Sharon Glenn Dobbins and Joseph Henry (Cynthia) Dobbins all of Hot Springs, Leon Dobbins of Sacramento, CA, Queen Ella Williams, Delois (Scott) Sams both of Camden and Gregory Bernard (Shateta) Young of Davenport, FL; her bonus children, Tawana Foxworth and Andrey Jones of Hot Springs; Tremekia (Marlon) Biggs of White Hall, AR; Clymesa Applewhite and Arvella (Reginald) Conley of Memphis, TN; godson, Lewis Taylor and  god-granddaughter, Madison Conley; two aunts, Earlene Anderson and Julia Porchia both of Camden; a host of special nieces, nephews and extended family.  Jean never met a stranger, and if you were in her presence for any length of time, you were her friend.  She was blessed with many special friends whom she considered as her sisters including but not limit to, Ruby Peppers, Mary Dream Young, Wanice Pitts, Dorothy Taylor and Ruby Heard.

A precious one from us is gone, a voice we loved is stilled.  A place in our home is vacant which will never be filled. After a lifetime of love and joy. God left us with wonderful memories of Iris Jean Dobbins Foxworth.

A celebration of a well-lived life will take place at 10:00 AM Saturday, May 26, 2018 at Visitor's Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 319 Church Street, Hot Springs, AR. Burial will follow in Crestview Cemetery.  Visitation with moments of reflection will be from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday, May 25, 2018 at St. Mark Baptist Church, 542 Crescent Street, Hot Springs.

The family will be at 125 Darlene Court.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services 336 East Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901.