Eugenia Youngblood

Eugenia "Jean" Merritt Youngblood passed away peacefully at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 29, 2024. Born on September 2, 1924, in Wattensaw to Alma Baldwin Merritt and Edward Canon Merritt, Jean was raised with a sense of tenacity and determination that kept her going right up to the edge of 100 years old. The family hopes she still has a friend or two out there somewhere who remembers her as Jean, but for most of us, she was our Memaw.

Jean was the devoted wife of the late Chester Clyde Youngblood. They married on March 6, 1943, while he was on furlough from the military, selling their sugar ration cards to buy rings. Theirs was not a lifetime of grand romantic gestures, but rather one of unwavering commitment and mutual devotion. Together, they weathered life's storms, standing side by side through thick and thin, until Chester’s passing in 1998. She was also predeceased by her son Butch Youngblood in 1993.

Jean was survived by her two daughters, Donna (and husband Tony) Victor and Becky Morris of Little Rock, as well as her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for her family ran deep, and for her entire life, at least a few Sundays a month were for “going to Memaw’s house.” 

Jean's legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her later years. Her grandchildren: Tammy Farriester (husband Brian), Mat Thompson (wife Lorraine), Sara Hampton, John Youngblood (wife Brandie), Jake Morris (wife Liz), Chris Victor (wife Lindsay), and David Victor (wife Merry) each hold a piece of her legacy, carrying on her values of hard work and perseverance, as do her great-grandchildren: Sloan and Kinley Farriester, Luna Youngblood, Mickey and Maya Morris, Jin Victor, and Ivy and Sean Victor.

Memaw was known for her talent for being both affectionate and critical in the same breath, but her love for her family was sincere, unwavering, and never in doubt. She will be remembered for her strength, her resilience, and her steadfast commitment to those she held dear.

A visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home in North Little Rock on Thursday, April 4th, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, April 5th, at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.