Jerelene Elizabeth Scaife's Obituary
JERELENE ELIZABETH SCAIFE was born April 6, 1930 in Marvell,
Arkansas to the parents of the late Pinkie Ann and Ester Jarrett. Jerelene was the
third of five children. She confessed a hope in Christ at an early age at the New
Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Coffee Creek, Marvell, Arkansas. She departed
this life May 29, 2025 in Granite City, Illinois.
Jerelene attended M.M. Tate Elementary and secondary schools in Marvell.
Jerelene was united in holy matrimony to John Bluff (JB) Scaife, Sr. April 7, 1949.
To this union four children were born.
Jerelene was well known in her area for being an excellent seamstress, always
sewing for her family as well as both mending and making clothes for many in her
community. Sewing was one of many outlets for her creative flair. She was also
known as a superb baker of delicious cakes and other special treats. Any visitor to
her home could expect to be offered a slice of cake any day of the week. She was
an avid gardener spending many hours in the growing seasons caring for her
cherished flowers and vegetables.
Jerelene was a devoted worker at Mt. Olive M.B. Church for most of her adult
life. She loved singing in the choir; she was a tireless worker on the mission board,
in Sunday School, BTU, vacation bible school and anywhere she was needed. Her
work and participation extended beyond Mt. Olive to other local churches where
she was often happily involved in their special programs as well.
Jerelene was a loving and committed wife, mother, and grandmother. She
supported her four children in all their endeavors and, most importantly, raised
them in the ways of the Lord, making sure they were in Sunday School every
Sunday and insisting that they not only attended, but also worked and participated
in church activities. Jerelene and JB helped to raise two of their grandchildren,
LaTonya and Henri, and every summer Jerelene enjoyed having numerous grandchildren staying in her home where they could enjoy the country life and she
would take them to Sunday School and vacation bible school as she had done with
her children.
Jerelene was a member of the Order of the Eastern Stars, Precious Jewel/
Electa-Ruth #108.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Pinkie Ann and Ester Jarrett; her
husband, John Bluff Scaife, Sr.; her siblings, Willis Jarrett, Nancy Lane, Freddie
Jarrett, and Delaion McGhee; a beloved grandson, John Bluff Scaife III; a devoted
daughter-in-law, Linda Scaife; and a cherished son-in-law, Barry Southall.
Jerelene leaves to cherish her memory: four children ~ Verdene Walls of Granite
City, IL, Anthony Scaife (Lola) of Odessa, TX, John Scaife, Jr. (Verna) of Marion,
AR, and Rosalind Southall of Duluth, GA; ten grandchildren ~ Paris Berry,
LaTonya Stewart, Tonisha Scaife, Candice Blakely (Charles), Henri Jones
(Tikishia), Annette Gains (Earnest), Naomi Walls, L. C. Walls, Jr., Lydia Stewart
(Jonathan), and Ashley Scaife; nineteen great-grandchildren; three great-greatgrandchildren; five sisters-in law ~ Ozella Scaife, Severta Middleton, Gwelyne
Robinson, Louise Scaife and Fannie Scaife; a special friend and neighbor ~ Dorsey
B. Robinson; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Jerelene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jerelene?
Share a story where Jerelene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jerelene you’ll never forget.
How did Jerelene make you smile?
