Alien Ann Henson Jaco

Mrs. Alien Ann Henson Jaco of Manila passed from this life Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013, at her home. Born to Charlie and Bertha Stedman Henson in Light, Ark., she was a lifelong resident of Manila and retired from Brown Shoe Company of Leachville.

Alien was a woman of many talents and used them tenaciously for family, friends and church. Alien was a member of the First Baptist Church of Manila where her talents were put to use for her service to God. Alien was a dedicated Sunday school teacher for the Women's Bible Class and was in charge of preparing the baptismal robes when baptisms were scheduled at the church. Sewing and embroidery was one of the special talents she used for God. As the holidays would approach she would do costume designing for the various decorations, costumes and props for the special services they would perform.

Her ministries were not limited to a church building, for she would go every Monday for one hour, along with other dedicated Christians, to the Manila Nursing Home where they would talk, sing and bring a time of comfort and companionship to the residents there. She was part of the Coffee Ministry, a ministry that would stand at stop signs and give people a cup of coffee, Danish and packet from her church.

Her faith and love for God led her to help meet other needs. Alien was also a scan volunteer, a court appointed advocate for CASA and an emergency foster care mother for children in need. Aliens' special love for children caused her to be an advocate and protector for each one, to be their voice and know that no one would bring them harm. This love was recognized as she was honored as the Foster Mother of the Year, an honor she was very proud to receive.

She worked as a cook on a tow boat, where she met and married her husband, Thomas, who also worked on the boat. She was the first female inducted into the Manila Lions Club and was very active in all their events.

Above all else her life was her family who she loved and adored. Her life was a life of faith in God, devotion to friends and an eternal love for her family.

Aliens' parents, and brothers, Donnell Henson and Green Henson preceded her in death.

Alien is survived by her husband, Thomas Jaco of the home;

Her children, David and Joann Perkins of Austin, Texas, Gary and Shirley Perkins of Manila, Larry and Angie Perkins of Manila, Keith Perkins of Manila, Justin and Catie Jaco of Manila, Josh and Amy Jaco of Trumann, Jerry Jaco of Marmaduke, a special daughter, Dovie Sawyer and her husband, Bill, of Manila;

A brother, Paul and Alice Henson of Corpus Christi, Texas; and

Fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

A memorial service to honor the life of Alien Henson Jaco will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in the First Baptist Church of Manila with the Rev. Ferrel Duffel officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorials go to the Covenant House of New Orleans, 611 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, and 504-584-1111.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at the on line register at www.cobbfuneralhome.com