Jonnilee Singleton Furnish

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jonnilee Singleton Furnish, born on January 22, 1925. An inspiration of love and kindness, she passed away on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the age of 101.

She spent her life showering love to all those around her. She didn’t just give her time; she gave her heart. Her home was a place of warmth, where love was freely given, and her unwavering faith was quietly lived out through her actions. She found joy in serving others, whether through her church, her friendships, or her family. Her words carried encouragement, and her presence brought peace. She is lovingly remembered through her deep trust placed in God’s plan. Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.

She was a charter member of Parkview Baptist Church and spent many years teaching Sunday School and faithfully serving in other capacities. She was a graduate of Seventh Ward High School (now Woodlawn), where she was valedictorian of the 1942 class.

She is survived by her three daughters, whom she fondly referred to as her “three precious jewels”; Beverly Cooper (Larry), Mary Ann McCoy, and Sherry Furnish (Mickey). She is also survived by six grandchildren; Christy Talbot (Russell), Larry Cooper Jr. (Casey), Shelley Nettles (Ray), Clint Earnhart, Lance Dardis (Kendle), Kurt Dardis (April): thirteen great-grandchildren, Clayton and Corinne Talbot; Blake, Leslie, and Charlie Dardis; Claire and Faith Nettles; Phillip Earnhart; Bradley Cooper; Aaron, Ashley, Alyssa, and Austin Carter; and four great-great-grandchildren; Aliyah, Jet, Alana, and Reid.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Arthur W. Furnish, and her parents, Mary Maude Strain Singleton and Robert Green Singleton, also four siblings, Stella Diez, Dorothy Harrell, Glen Singleton, and James Singleton.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons, Larry Cooper Jr., Russell Talbot, Lance Dardis, Kurt Dardis, Clayton Talbot, and Phillip Earnhart. Honorary pallbearer will be Clint Earnhart. Special thanks to caregivers, Debra, Karonda, and Polly, Harvest Manor Health and Rehab and Life Source Hospice for their loving care and compassion.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., the service at 2:00 p.m. and burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkview Baptist Church, mailing address 14241 Coursey Boulevard Suite A-12#225, Baton Rouge, LA 70817, or Parkview Baptist Church of Baton Rouge.