Obituaries

DEATHS FOR TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2009

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 12:33 AM CDT

James Banks

James Arthur Banks of Pine Bluff, Ark., was born Oct. 11, 1935, in Marion, Ark.

His work history in education spanned more than 48 years. He taught mathematics, algebra and geometry in several school districts in Arkansas including Vick-Johnsville, Lake Village, Monticello, Conway, Warren, Crossett, Earle, Wabbaseka and Dollarway.

Thursday, April 30, 2009, he rested in the arms of the Lord. Those who will cherish his memory include his wife, Shirley White Banks; children, Rev. Kenneth L. Banks (Marilyn), R. Dewayne Banks, Rhonda E. Crenshaw (Rodney); a stepdaughter, Carol S. Jackson (Herman); two brothers, Jesse Williams (Arlette) and Richard Banks (Teretha); mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruth White; special brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Evelyn Howell, Alvin and Benita White, and Alonzo “BaBa” White; two precious nieces that he loved like daughters, Marrian “Cole” Howell and Rani Hardaway; a nephew he helped raise, Chad Howell; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Services will be held Wednesday, May 6, 1 p.m., Star Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, 110 Paw Paw St., Wabbaseka, Ark.

Visitation: Today from 5-7 p.m. at P.K. Miller Mortuary, 204-208 E. Second Ave., Pine Bluff, Ark.

Edward Kelley Jr.

Edward D. Kelley, Jr., age 62, of Pine Bluff, died Monday, May 4, 2009, at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock.

Mr. Kelley was born Dec. 29, 1946, in Pine Bluff, a son of the late Edward D. “Jack” Kelley, Sr. and Gladys “Tudy” Kohfeld Kelley.

Mr. Kelley was reared and educated in Pine Bluff, where he graduated from Pine Bluff High School. He also was a graduate of Arkansas A&M College (now the University of Arkansas at Monticello) with both a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing.

He was a member of Watson Chapel Baptist Church and a U.S. Navy veteran having served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga.

He had worked for Safeway, then Harvest Foods and now Brookshire’s as the assistant produce manager.

Mr. Kelley was an avid pool player and movie goer. He also loved sports and playing chess.

Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald L. “Ronnie” Kelley.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne M. Mock Kelley, whom he married Feb. 16, 1994, in Pine Bluff; two sons, Michael Brian Kelley of Little Rock and Gregory Vincent Kelley of Austin, Texas; daughter, Lauren Dannielle Kelley of Pine Bluff; brother, Charles S. “Steve” Kelley of Pine Bluff; sister, Debbie Kelley Barbre of Grapevine and numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at 2 p.m. at Watson Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Howard officiating. Burial will be in Davis Cemetery at Grapevine by Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors.

The family will receive friends at Robinson’s Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

Floy Phillips

Floy Virginia Phillips, 69, a resident of Pine Bluff, died Sunday, May 3, 2009, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.

Born Feb. 18, 1940, in Marvell, Ark., she was a daughter of Vernon Augusta and Rosalee Davis McClain.

Mrs. Phillips was reared and received her early education in Marvell. Mrs. Phillips was a secretary in the Circulation Department of the Pine Bluff Commercial for over 18 years, retiring in 1998. Floy Virginia McClain Bush married Larry Phillips in Pine Bluff on Aug. 13, 1983. After retiring from the Pine Bluff Commercial she would often help her husband run his business, Monroe Auto Electric. She also loved to go and watch her husband bowl.

Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, James McClain, Pete McClain, Glen McClain, and Benny McClain; two sisters, Joyce Strawn, and Carmen Carroll.

Survivors include her husband, Larry Phillips of Pine Bluff; two daughters, Pam Hendricks of Pine Bluff and Michelle Maher of Benton; three sons, Tommy Bush Jr. and David Bush, both of Pine Bluff, and Larry Phillips ll of Sheridan; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Joe McClain of Pine Bluff.

The visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today, May 5, 2009, at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Directors.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2009, in Graceland Cemetery with Rev. Wayne Blue officiating and under the direction of Ralph Robinson & Son.

Online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.

Adam Tomboli

Adam Tomboli, age 86, of Pine Bluff, died Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Born June 20, 1922, at Greenwood, Miss., he was a son of the late Guiseppe Tomboli and Teresa Tinti Tomboli. He grew up in Pine Bluff and attended Dollarway Schools. He was a self-employed farmer for many years and retired in 1993.

During World War II, he served in the United States Army, 4th Infantry Division, 22 Infantry Regiment, Company A, and was a Prisoner of War. He was very proud to have served his country as he spoke of it often. He received the following decorations and citations: EAME Theater Ribbon with Five Bronze Service Stars with Bronze Arrow attached; Distinguished Unit Citation; and Good Conduct Medal. A devout Catholic, he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an usher.

He was also predeceased by brothers, Albert Tomboli, Charlie Tomboli, Ned Tomboli, Floyd Tomboli; and a sister, Geselda Albonetti.

A very loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren play baseball and softball, and was their “number one” fan.

Survivors include his wife, Marie Magnini Tomboli, whom he married on Feb. 17, 1947, at Pine Bluff; daughters, Teresa Falls and husband David, Shirley Brock and husband Wesley, and Vickie Huggins and husband Clayton D.; sister, Mary Massanelli; grandsons, Bryan Brock and wife Casey, Dustin Huggins, Caleb Huggins and wife Sarah, and granddaughter Tracy Brock; great-grandchildren, Carson Brock and Caden Huggins; 16 nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral mass will be today, 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Warren Harvey officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery by Fuller Hale-South Funeral Services.

Pallbearers include Larry Massanelli, Victor Massanelli, Vincent Massanelli, Ronnie Massanelli, Gene Tomboli, Floyd Tomboli, Jr., Freddy Magnini, and Jerry Tomboli. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Tomboli's grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601.

Online condolences: www.FullerFunerals.com

Wanda Wilson

DEWITT — Wanda Jean Mayall Wilson, age 70, died Sunday, May 3, 2009.

She was a loving mother and a homemaker. She was a member of the Church of the First Born.

Wanda was born April 1, 1939, in Almyra, Ark., to Curtis Mayall and Ruby Ward Mayall.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Wilson, and two brothers, Curtis (Jr.) Mayall and Pat Mayall.

Survivors include her children, Vickie (Jim-Taco) Crossno of Malvern, Linda Kidd of Ethel, Darrell (Gail) Wilson of Church Point, La., Jerry (Tonya) Kelnhofer of Redfield, and Brian (Lee-Ann Lambert) Kelnhofer of Gillett. There are 15 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy Watkins Gladden of Pine Bluff, Virlene Mayall; and one brother, Lydon “L.C.” Mayall of Almyra. A host of nieces, nephews and beloved friends also mourn her loss.

Visitation was 6-8 p.m. Monday at Essex Funeral Home.

Funeral services are 10 a.m. today, May 5, 2009 at Essex Funeral Home Chapel, Dewitt, Ark. Burial will be in Forks LaGrue Cemetery.

Jody Stokes

DUMAS — Jody Stokes, 56, of Dumas, Ark., was born Oct. 18, 1952, in Sumrall, Miss.

Mr. Stokes was a truck driver and attended Abundant Life Church.

He died May 2, 2009.

Survivors: wife, Debbie Stokes; mother, Betty Stokes; stepmother, Ruth McNight; three daughters, Shelly (Doyle) Irons, Tamara (Wayne) White, and Debra Stokes; five brothers; three sisters; grandchildren, Taylor Irons, Dylan and Joshua White, and Gregory Snyder.

Services today, May 5, at 10 a.m., Abundant Life Church, followed by burial in Walnut Lake Cemetery.

Visitation was Monday.

Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home of Dumas.

Jonnie Maynard

ENGLAND — Jonnie Grace Maynard, of England, went to be with her Saviour, Sunday May 3, 2009.

She was born Nov. 11, 1921, in Ouachita, Ark., to John N. Grace and Rosalie Everitt Grace.

Mrs. Maynard was a homemaker and managed Maynard’s General Merchandise for 12 years. She was also secretary for Plum Bayou Schools and a member of Plum Bayou Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, J.P. Maynard; an infant daughter, Janice Marilyn Maynard; three brothers, Arliss, J.T. and Edwin Grace; and one sister, Irene Northum.

Her survivors are a son, Danny Maynard and his wife, JoAnn of England, Ark.; one daughter, Sandy Maynard of Little Rock, Ark.; two grandchildren, Danny Maynard Jr. and wife, Shelley and Dana Bowie and her husband Buddy, all of England, Ark.; seven great-grandchildren, Jarod Maynard and his wife, Kristi of Lonoke, Ark., Jonathan Maynard of Fayetteville, Ark., Jonah Maynard, Anna, Cole and Layne Bowie, all of England, and Chad Bowie of Little Rock, Ark.; one great-great-granddaughter, Catie Bowie of Little Rock, Ark.; one sister, Dorothy Williams of Pine Bluff, Ark.

Visitation was held Monday, May 4, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held today, May 5, 2009 at 2 p.m., all at Roller-England Funeral Home (501-842-3939). Burial will follow in Mulberry Cemetery, England, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 3022 Hwy., 367 S. Cabot, Ark., 72023.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Chris Hunter

LITTLE ROCK — Chris Bradley Hunter of Little Rock, Ark., was born June 20, 1954 in Sheridan, Ark., the son of Elmer Dean and Mary Lou Esparza Hunter.

He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and treasurer of G &H Hunting Club. He was a truck driver for Clark Machinery.

Mr. Hunter died May 2, 2009, at Heber Springs Baptist Hospital in Heber Springs at the age of 54.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Laura Grace Hunter; and both sets of grandparents.

Survivors: son, Chance Hunter of Little Rock; daughter, Christy and husband, R.J. Eagon of Little Rock; parents, Elmer and Mary Hunter of Sheridan; brother, Anthony Hunter of Sheridan; sisters, Jennie Hammock and husband, J.D. of Bryant, Carolyn Hunter of Benton, Yolanda Miller of Pine Bluff, Cynthia Sturch of Sheridan; mother of his children, Cynthia Graves of Little Rock; grandchildren, Laura Ann Grace and Cameron Eagon of Little Rock; 14 nieces and nephews; and 15 great-nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be noon, Wednesday, May 6, 2009, at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan with Bro. Jason King officiating. Burial will follow at Bethel South Cemetery near Sheridan.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan (870)942-1306.

To sign the online guestbook www.memorialgardenssheridan.com

Emma Allen

MONTICELLO — Emma Laverne Allen, 81, of Monticello died Sunday at Golden Living Center.

She was born Sept. 28, 1927, a daughter of the late J.W. Allen and Ada Bell Wininger Allen.

She retired from Burlington Industries and was a member of First Assembly of God Church.

Survivors include one sister, Myrtle Gober of Monticello.

Graveside services will be at 4:30 p.m. today in Campground Cemetery with the Rev. Al Womack officiating. Arrangements are by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello.

John Kling

MONTICELLO — John Thomas Kling, 85, of Monticello, passed away Friday, May 1, 2009, at Drew Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 27, 1923, in Vimey Ridge, Ark.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Jerri Hoover Kling of Monticello; three sons, Larry Kling and wife Ann, Randy Kling and wife Debbie, and Rusty Kling, all of Monticello; one daughter, Kathy Ward of Monticello; two brothers, Jimmy Kling of Monticello and Lewis Kling of Batesville; three sisters, Anita Faye Harris of Rogers, Ruby Beggs and Lavada Gambill, both of Mabelvale; 10 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. today at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial in Manees Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation was Monday at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman.

Thomas Ross

MONTICELLO — Thomas Lamar Ross, 98, of Monticello, passed away Sunday May 3, 2009.

He was born April 22, 1911, in Drew County, the son of the late Walker Clay Ross and Ethel Thomas.

He was a business owner of Ross Service Station, a cattle rancher and member of the Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irma Blythe Ross; two sisters, Mariee Saggs and Helen Stuckey; a brother, Morris Clay Ross; and an infant daughter.

Survivors include two sons, Walker Ross of Monroe, La., and Wayne Ross of Arizona; one daughter, Wrenetta Carr of Monticello; eight grandchildren; and 11 grandchildren; a brother, William Faye Ross of Oklahoma City.

Funeral service is 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 6 at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home of Monticello, with burial in Oakland Cemetery.

Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Arrangements were made by Stephenson-Dearman.

Lola Loveless

SHERIDAN — Lola Mae Wingard Loveless, 75, of Sheridan died Sunday.

Survivors include her sons, Bobby Young and James Young, both of Pine Bluff, and Charles Loveless of Greenbrier; daughters, Becky SueAnn Pumphrey of Prattsville and Alma Hogue of Sheridan; brothers, Clinton Wingard of Hardy and Tommy Wingard of Sheridan; sister, Sylvia Newton of Leola; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 6 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel of Sheridan.

Friley Yancey

SHERIDAN — Friley D. Yancey, 68, of Sheridan died Sunday.

Survivors: wife, Sherry Yancey; son, John Simmons of Stuttgart; three daughters, Brenda Ward of Star City, Stacia L. Yancey of Jacksonville; Jamie L. Simmons of Stuttgart; three brothers, Truman Yancey of Fayetteville, Wayne Yancey of Irvin, Texas and Freddy Simpson of Turrell; three sisters, Lola Seamrer of Bryant, Estelle Yancey of San Diego and Suzanne Mixon of East End.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today in Bayou Meto Cemetery near Gillett. Arrangements are by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan.

James Jenkins

STAR CITY — James Junior Jenkins, 64, of Star City died Saturday at Pine Bluff.

He was born July 4, 1944, at Milan, Tenn., a son of the late James and Sarah McCartney Jenkins.

Survivors include his wife, Marcia Roberts Jenkins; son, Zachary Robert Jenkins; daughters, Sarah Jean Marlette and Brandy Jenkins; brother, John Jenkins; sister, Joyce Smith; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at United Pentecostal Church at Star City. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery at Yorktown.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service of Star City.

Larry Rawls

WARREN — Larry David Rawls, 63, of Warren died Saturday at Bradley County Medical Center.

He was born Feb. 15, 1946, in Bradley County, a son of the late Alfred Edgar Rawls and Oma Belle Dyer Rawls.

He was a retired logger and member of Trinity New Beginnings Church of God at Monticello.

Survivors include his wife, Wanda Sue Prowse Rawls; one son, Chris Rawls; one daughter, Angie Simmons; three stepsons, Rodney Hand, Mike Hand and John Hand; three brothers; three grandchildren; and seven step-grandchildren.

Funeral services: 2 p.m. today at Frazer’s Funeral Home at Warren. Burial: Union Cemetery at Rye.

Lela Johnson

WHITE HALL — Lela M. “Lena” Steel Johnson, 66, of White Hall, entered into eternal life Sunday, May 3, 2009, at her home.

She was born Aug. 13, 1942, at Montrose, Ark., to the late McDuffie and Ada Bell Moore Steel.

She was an employee of the White Hall School District for 27 years as cafeteria worker, custodian, custodian supervisor, and a school bus driver. She was a 35-year member of Lemonwood Baptist Church in White Hall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and one brother.

She is survived by her husband, Dallas Johnson, of 43 years (they were married March 4, 1966); daughters, Becky Spidahl of Lewisville, Texas, Karen Edney of Huntsville, Ala., and Patricia Herring of White Hall; four grandchildren, Brent Herring, Erica Spidahl, Brandon Edney and Brandi Herring; sisters, Elaine Brantley and Nancy Hardy of Dermott, Ark.; and sister-in-law, Marie Steel of Pine Bluff.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Cranford Funeral Home of White Hall with Revs. Steve Drye and Jim Coker officiating. Burial will be in White Hall Methodist Church Cemetery by Cranford Funeral Home of White Hall.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Angels, 3801 Camden Road, Chapel Village 1, suite 12, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603; and to Lemonwood Baptist Church, 920 Shepherd St., White Hall, Ark., 71602.

The family will be at their home.

CALUMET CITY, Ill. — Starlene Johnson, 61, of Calumet City, Ill., formerly of Pine Bluff, died Friday at St. Margaret Mercy Hospital at Hammond, Ind. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Richardson Funeral Home at Stuttgart, Ark.

Estella Farver, 89, of Pine Bluff died Sunday at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.

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