Jakeeli Kimberly Caldwell Kersey – Updated

Jakeeli Kimberly Caldwell Kersey, age 67, of Hope, Arkansas passed away peacefully at home on February 16, 2026, surrounded by love.

Mrs. Kersey was born on February 2, 1959, in Harriman, Tennessee to her parents, Schuyler Arnold and Mary Young. She spent her early childhood in Tennessee before moving to Arkansas. She was saved at the age of 13 and baptized at First Baptist Church in Hope, a faith that remained an anchor throughout her life.

Jakeeli’s life was a testament to resilience, determination, and brilliance. She became a mother at a young age and only having an 8th grade education at the time. She met life’s challenges with courage and resolve. While raising her children, she pursued her calling in nursing, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse credentials in 1984. She then went on to become a Registered Nurse in 1992 after graduating from Texarkana Community College. Later she earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University in 1998, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, and became a Family Nurse Practitioner.

She was known not only for her sharp mind but for her contagious, unending laugh. Her warmth, strength, and humor filled every room she entered.

She endured immense pain over the past two years with quiet bravery. In her final act of strength and wisdom, she chose hospice care, prioritizing comfort and dignity.

She is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Carl Young; brother, Gary Arnold; and sister, Renda Houston.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Rick Kersey; daughter Candie West(Matt), John Caldwell (Linde); four bonus children; five grandchildren, TJ Landes (Sarah), Carley Helmick (Caydon), Jacob West, Taylor Caldwell, Presley Caldwell; seven bonus grandchildren; four great-grandchildren, James Landes, Cooper Landes, Jack Landes, and Keaton Helmick; along with numerous other family and friends.

Visitation will be held at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church.

Funeral services will follow immediately after at 1:15 with Bro. Daniel Bramlett officiating. Burial will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the UAHT Foundation for the Carolyn Thornton Nursing Scholarship.