Jean Baldwin

Neta-Jean was born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 1939, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wayne and Grace Garrett. Her birth announcement appeared on the front page of the Kansas City Times as a baby girl born on Mother’s Day that year.

She attended Seven Oaks Elementary School in Kansas City before moving with her family to Flagler, Colorado in 1946. She later earned her GED in Arkansas and was recognized as a member of the Flagler High School Class of 1957.

On June 23, 1956, she married Jimmy “Jim” Baldwin. They shared more than 60 years of marriage together while raising their family and building a life centered around hard work, home, and family.

Neta “Jean” was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Later in life, her faith became an important part of her life and a source of comfort to her and her family.

She enjoyed cooking, caring for her family, researching genealogy, restoring antique furniture, and spending time with family and friends. She and Jim were active in the Antique Auto Club of Fort Smith and owned several antique automobiles through the years.

She is survived by her children, Gary Baldwin and wife Lisa of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Greg Baldwin and wife Natali of Newton, Iowa, Kathy Beasley and husband Dave of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Kevin Baldwin and wife Robbi of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Sandie Branham of Alma, Arkansas.

She is also survived by her sister, Annette Shaver of Kansas City, Missouri; an aunt, Dorthy Jones of Columbia, Missouri; eleven grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy “Jim” Baldwin; her parents, Wayne and Grace (Jones) Garrett; her infant sister, Beverly Garrett; granddaughter, Jessica Bridger; and brother-in-law, Charles Shaver.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Gary Baldwin, Greg Baldwin, Kevin Baldwin, Daniel Porter, Andrew Baldwin, and Landon Branham.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.

She will be greatly missed, but we take comfort in knowing that she is in the arms of Jesus and reunited with her husband, Jim.