of Little Rock, AR
April 2, 1951 - March 12, 2026
Jayne Veal Durham, age 74, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and their children on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Born on April 2nd, 1951, in Dublin, Georgia, Jayne was the second of four daughters born to Samuel Levi Veal, Jr. and Joyce Elaine Woodard. She was a 1969 graduate of Dublin High School where she was a great student, athlete and homecoming queen. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in education, she spent time teaching in Bogota, Colombia before returning to Dublin to teach kindergarteners.
Jayne married the love of her life, Paul Durham, on the 26th day of January in 1976 on the S.S. Emerald Seas. Together they embarked on a voyage of 50 years. That journey took them through Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, Georgia, Illinois and Arkansas. Most of the years were spent raising their children in Apple Valley, Minnesota where she poured herself into a community of friends, church, school and neighbors that she dearly loved.
While she enjoyed crafting, gardening and shopping, the great joy of her life was her family. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to her children, standing beside them through every stage of life. Her love was constant, her support unwavering and she took great pride in the lives they built.
''Grammy'' was adored by her grandchildren. She delighted in the simple moments of their childhood, hosting tea parties, baking and decorating cupcakes, reading books together, making pancakes and pulling out toys she had carefully saved from when their parents were young.
Jayne loved the Lord and brought her energy in service to congregations in many communities. Her home was often open for gatherings and celebrations with fellow church members, where her warmth and hospitality brought people together. She had a special gift for making people feel welcome and important, whether she had known them for years or had just met them.
She is survived by her loving husband, Paul Durham; her children, Paula Arnold (Will) of Little Rock, Kate McNabb (Connor) of Denver, Taylor Durham (Kimberly) of Memphis; her cherished grandchildren, Liam, Lucy, Eleanor, Arlo, Henry, Ada; her sisters, Elaine Rich (Mike), Sandra Garner (Lamar), Suzie Nesbit; her siblings-in-law, Ray Durham, Judy Smith, Tony Durham (Susan); and her many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Samuel Veal, Jr.; her mother, Joyce Woodard; and her parents-in-law, Horace and Nela Durham.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life on April 2nd, 2026, her 75th birthday, at 2:00pm at Roller Chenal Funeral Home Garden Room. Dress comfortably and colorfully to reflect her bright spirit.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations may be made in Jayne's memory to the Sjogren's Foundation (https://4agc.com/donate/jayne-sjogrens)
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13 Condolence(s)
John Wieschhaus
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Paul,
I wanted to extend my sympathies to you and your family. What a sad day for you but also filled with many memories that will make you smile. Your old friend from the ag world and advertising agencies.
Carol Anderson
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
So sorry for your loss.
Annette Bertelsen
Monday, March 16, 2026
So sorry for your loss, Paul. Thinking of you and your family.
Vicky Towns
Monday, March 16, 2026
Dear Jayne's family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am a classmate of Jayne's (Dublin High School, Class of '69). Jayne is so very fondly remembered. May peace🕊️abide with each of you.
Gary Kreckmann
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Prayers and condolences. So sorry for your loss. ❤️
Brenda Gibson Williams
Sunday, March 15, 2026
I'm so sorry for your loss, sounds like a beautiful lady and leaves her family with wonderful memories, prayers for each of you.
Jeff Gorman
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Jane was the epitome of elegance who exuded Christ in all circumstances. Always had a smile and a gentle touch. A remarkable woman whose life is a legacy whom we all can learn from. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to all the family in this hour of brokenness. Our love to all of you…Jeff and kelly Gorman
Joe Paul and Donna Townsend
Sunday, March 15, 2026
Paul, we are so sorry!!!Even though it has been years, we still remember that she was a ray of sunshine and a joy to be around!
Bud and Marian Pickett
Sunday, March 15, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss.
Josephine Nakayenga
Sunday, March 15, 2026
My prayers to the family.
Stephanie Aycock
Saturday, March 14, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. ~Aycock Family
Leslie Brown
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Paula, I am so sorry to hear of this great loss. You have always spoken of your love for your mom. Praying for you and your family.
Ray Durham