Mary Jean “Jeannie” Treat Qualls passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 4th, 2026.

Jeannie grew up in Bryant, Arkansas, and could usually be found at her father Coach Joe Treat's side in Hornet Gym. Jeannie was a fiercely loyal sister to her younger brothers Tim and Chris; she was always willing to let them tag along even when they got on her nerves. Full of life and joy, Jeannie built lifelong friendships in Bryant. Even today, around some margaritas with those same friends, the stories of her shenanigans can still be heard. Jeannie was a stellar basketball player and earned a scholarship to Phillips County Community College and then Arkansas Tech University. There she played for Coach Joe Foley who became a lifelong mentor and friend. Jeannie not only inherited her parents’ charisma but also their passion for teaching, launching what would be a dedicated career as a teacher and coach. In 1992 she met fellow coach Hal Qualls, and they were married in the summer of 1993.

Jeannie and Hal cultivated the abilities of many young athletes but those they were most proud of were their sons, Joshua, Jacob, and Judson. Wherever Jeannie and Hal were drawn to coach, the Qualls family went, frequently moving from town to town and school to school. Like Jeannie, her boys grew up first on the sidelines, then found themselves on the football and baseball field. It’s no coincidence that all three boys are now following in their family tradition, building coaching careers of their own.

In 2014 Jeannie was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, and with the same fearlessness and grace that marked her coaching, she faced her illness. The disease took its toll on her body, but her spirit never diminished–neither her smile nor her look of determination ever faded.

As so many of her students and players over the years can attest, even though their time with her was limited, Jeannie left an indelible mark. The same can be said for anyone lucky enough to have entered her orbit and experienced her energy, her humor, and her warm, welcoming charisma. Though her time was brief, the memory of her will be anything but, and the love she leaves behind will radiate always in the hearts and memories of those who knew her.

Jeannie is preceded in death by her husband, Hal Qualls; and her parents; Joe and Cathleen Treat. She is survived by her three sons, Joshua, Jacob, and Judson Qualls; by her two brothers, Tim (Kim) and Chris (Jana) Treat; by her beloved cousin, Greg (Teresa) Treat; as well as five nephews and nieces.

Memorial service will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 A.M with visitation one hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.