Gwendolyn Beatrice Jeffries

Gwendolyn Beatrice Jeffries, 82, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, February 9, 2026, at Jacob's Ladder in Springfield.

Gwen was born on July 29, 1944, in Springfield, Missouri, the cherished only child of Howard and Catherine (Smith) Hankins. She graduated from Parkview High School in 1962 and earned her bachelor's degree in education with an emphasis in Spanish and History from Southwest Missouri State University in 1966. Her commitment to education never ceased, and while teaching full-time and managing the responsibilities of home and family, she earned her master's degree in Media from Southwest Missouri State University.

Gwen began her teaching career in Liberty, Missouri, followed by positions at Jarrett Junior High and Parkview High School in Springfield. After taking time to focus on her growing family, she earned her library certification and discovered her calling as a school librarian. She served as librarian at Seymour Public Schools before spending the majority of her teaching career at Pleasant Hope Public Schools, where she touched countless young lives. She retired from Pleasant Hope in 2002 to devote her time to her beloved grandchildren.

Throughout her life, Gwen exemplified quiet, steadfast service. At the time of her passing, she was a faithful member of Sunshine Baptist Church. For many years, she served as the librarian at First Baptist Church in Springfield and taught 5th grade Sunday School. Together with her late husband, Tom, she was deeply involved in the bus ministry and special needs ministry at First Baptist Church, where they taught the special needs Sunday School class for many years. Her heart for "the least of these" was evident in everything she did.

Gwen was also a member of Friends of the Library, volunteering at library book sales. Those who knew her remember a woman who always served from behind the scenes, never seeking recognition but always offering help. She was a passionate advocate for students who needed extra support, ensuring that every child felt seen and valued.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Catherine (Smith) Hankins; her beloved husband, James Thomas Jeffries; and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen "Katie" Hawkins Jeffries.

Gwen is survived by her children, Jennifer Jeffries Stone and husband David Stone, and James Howard Jeffries; four grandchildren: Taylor Quinn Stone and wife Chanler Robbins Stone, James Andrew Jeffries, Tucker Liam Stone, and Anna Catherine Jeffries; and honorary adopted granddaughter, Annette Rhine.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Adam Stoddard will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenlawn North Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ARC of the Ozarks or Friends of the Library.