Barbara A. Hope

Barbara Ann Hope, 84, of Jonesboro passed away on Easter morning, March 31, 2024. She was born on October 20, 1939, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the only child of Charles Arthur and Reta Cutrell Chalfant.

Barbara was deeply loved by all who knew her. Her most beloved role and accomplishment in life were her children and family. She dedicated herself to serving her community and her faith. Barbara was instrumental in the founding of two Emmaus Communities in Arkansas and one in Puerto Rico. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Kairos Prison Ministry in Arkansas, serving actively in that ministry for 23 years. Barbara also served as a Certified Religious Assistant (CRA) in the McPherson Unit of the Arkansas Department of Corrections at Newport for 15 years.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Perry Dewitt Hope, and one son, Perry D. Hope, Jr.

Barbara is survived by two daughters, Lesli Anne (Steve) Penny of Jonesboro and Melissa Lynne (Mike) Capshaw of Hot Springs Village; one son, Charles A. “Chuck” (Steffi) Hope of Moseley, Virginia; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

She was a lifelong Methodist and a dedicated member of the First Methodist Church.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 pm on Friday, April 5, 2024, at Emerson Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will follow conducted by Rev. John Miles II. A private burial for the family will take place at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be given in her honor to either the First Methodist Church Pastors Fund or KAIROS of Arkansas Women’s Prison Ministry.