Nettleton— Jewel Marie Ballard, 85, left this world on August 8, 2018, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Born on September 15, 1932 in Amory, she was a daughter of William Raymond and Esther Etta (Cantrell) Hood.
Jewel graduated from Nettleton High School. After working for many years as a seamstress and supervisor at Amory Garment, she went into an early retirement. Jewel was an accomplished seamstress and quilter, and was kind enough to pass along much of her knowledge to future generations, of which her family is very grateful. She was a longtime, faithful member of Nettleton Church of Christ.
In her free time, Jewel was an avid reader who especially loved her Westerns. She was a self-sufficient lady who fished and raised a garden, preserving much of it. Jewel was well loved and leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness for her family to remember for generations to come. She is now making her heavenly home.
Jewel is survived by her sons, Randy Tucker (Cathy), Amory, Terry Ballard (Crissie), Austin, TX; grandchildren, Carrie Hunt, Austin, TX, Jamie Arendt (Robert), Amory, Samantha Burt (Eric), Amory, Jordan Baxter (Mitchell), Amory, Colton Ballard (Crystal), Austin, TX; 9 great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way; special nephew and niece, Brad Crawley (Tiffany), Nettleton, MS, and Phyllis Wright (Greg), Birmingham, AL; several other nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Stafford; infant granddaughter, Jennifer Stafford; and sisters, Nell Green and Margaret Crawley.
A funeral service will be held at 11AM Saturday, August 11, 2018, at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory. Mr. Jimmy Bates and Mr. Steve Shappley will officiate the service. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery. Pallbearers include Eric Burt, Robert Arendt, Mitchell Baxter, Jay Mize, Tanner Crawley, and Bobby Prestage.
Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Friday, August 10, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory to Jewel to Nettleton Church of Christ, 108 Buchanon Ave, Nettleton, MS 38858.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com