Biography: Jeanne Brown Lancaster died on October 16, 2024, joining her son Bennett, husband Lanc, brother Martin, parents Dolores and Martin, and others who have gone before her. A lifelong resident of Little Rock, Jeanne graduated from Little Rock High School before attending the University of Alabama. She was called home during World War II to help in the family bakery. She spent many years working in the Arkansas State Legislature. After starting their families, she and her lifetime friend Adrienne Cockrill opened Mary Anne Bennett, an antique store in the Heights. She later worked as an antique appraiser and in interior design stores. Her love of antiques was reflected in her home, and in the homes of friends who she happily advised on procuring just the right items to perfect the look of their homes.
Jeanne lived for almost 60 years in her beloved Max Mayer stone home in the Heights. Many good times were had gathered around her large wooden dining table enjoying food and drink, and great conversation. She had a wealth of knowledge about local history and Little Rock families, and told great tales about her travels and life experiences.
Jeanne’s spirit, humor, and zest for life will not be forgotten by her friends and family, many of whom had a joyful celebration with Jeanne to mark an amazing 100 years of life in January 2024.
The family would like to acknowledge Karen Kozlowski whose loving friendship, care, and attention were so essential to Jeanne’s happiness and ability to reside in her home into her 101st year of life. We would also like to thank Arkansas Hospice for providing amazing care with loving kindness, compassion and tenderness in the last weeks of her life. Donations in Jeanne’s name can be made to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116. There will be a private interment in Oakland Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
As a child, in the 1920s she tap danced for confederate soldiers, living by then in the "old folks home". She drove the bakery truck wearing sunglasses and wore a scarf over her head so as not to be seen. Her sofa had belonged to Eloise Murphy and there in her beautiful living room, I read the biography of Nancy Lancaster while our house was being finished. We helped her with summer slip covers and rolling up rugs every spring that we lived in Little Rock. Much time was spent with Jeanne laughing, eating, discussing and enjoying all of the best things in life! We will remember and love her forever. -RG