Mrs. Mary Jane "Jayni" Blackburn, 64, of Jonesboro passed peacefully from this life surrounded by her family on Friday, April 12, 2013. Jayni was born on July 16, 1948 in New Hampton, Iowa to Evelyn and Willis Riley. She was raised in Elma, IA. She graduated from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids with a bachelor's degree in social work. She was named "Outstanding Graduating Senior" in 1970. Jayni began her professional career as an adolescent counselor at Orchard Place, a residential treatment facility in Des Moines, IA from 1970-72 then later at Iowa State Rehabilitation Center as a graphic arts evaluator until 1977. In 1977, Jayni married Ron Blackburn and moved to Jonesboro. They became the parents of two daughters, Gretchen and Allison. Jayni joined the staff of George W. Jackson mental health center in 1977 where she worked as an inpatient social worker until 1982 when she moved into the position of Director of Education and Marketing. Throughout her years of employment, she developed and presented numerous motivational speeches and workshops throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. She was a presenter at the State Mental Health Institute conference for over twenty years. She retired from Mid-South Health Systems in 2009 after 32 years of service. Jayni served on numerous boards including Crowley's Ridge Development Council, Share a Home, St. Bernard's Home Health, State Mental Helath Institute, HUD Housing, Jonesboro Vocational Technical School, Jonesboro Practical Nurses Board. She was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church, serving as Parish Council, PTA president, as well as dinner chair for the Fall Festival. She was an active member of the Jonesboro University Rotary Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris award. Friends knew Jayni as a confidant, optimist, organizer and motivator. She loved spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling, volunteering, and socializing. Some of her favorite travels included Ireland, France, Italy, Costa Rica, and numerous cruises. Jayni is survived by her husband, Ron Blackburn, daughter Gretchen Marlin and her husband T.J., daughter Allison Russell and her husband Eric, all of Jonesboro; sisters Kathleen Riley and Carrol Roy of Cedar Rapids, IA; brother Charles Riley of Elma, IA; four grandchildren, Cameron, Will, Sam, and Cate; and ten nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Monday, April 15th at the Gregg Langford-Bookout Funeral Home with Rosary to begin at 5:00 p.m. and visitation 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday at Blessed Sacrament at 10 a.m. with Father Jack Vu officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Eric Russell, T.J. Marlin, Dave Riley, Will Riley, Greg Black and Jeff Black. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Puryear, Bobby Hogue, Sid JHohnson, Steve Johnson, Rondy Roy, Jerry Conway and Pete Palmersheim. The family would like to give a special thanks to Jayni's care team, especially Dr. Jeff Cohen and St. Bernard's Home Health. Memorials may be sent to Blessed Sacrament School Endowment Fund, 614 S. Church St., Jonesboro, AR 72401; and The ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road Suite 250, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.