Carolyn Ann (nee Knight) Wilbanks

Carolyn Ann (nee Knight) Wilbanks, a great woman with a big heart went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2012. Carolyn was a long-term resident of Benton, Arkansas where she raised an extended family. She was born in Sunflower, Miss. on January 10, 1941 to Jewell and Burton Knight. Carolyn was the sister of Mary Jane Keller of Starkville, Miss., Marilyn Rogers of Becker, Miss., Bruce Knight and Ronnie Knight of Pontotoc, Miss., and Douglas "Shorty" Knight of Tupelo, Miss. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Burton "Burt T" Knight. She is survived by her husband, Johnny T. Wilbanks of Springdale, Ark. (previously of Benton, Ark.). Carolyn has six children: Vanessa (nee Egger) and husband, Dusty Whitley of Haskell, Ark., Sherry (nee Egger) and husband, John Cronin of Westfield, N.J., Robin (nee Wilbanks) and Chuck Myers of Fayetteville, Ark., April Wilbanks of Benton, Ark., John Burton and wife, Ashley Wilbanks of Springdale, Ark. and Bradley and wife, Jeannie of Springdale, Ark. Carolyn was proud of her many grandchildren: Vanessa's son, Cody Sparks and wife, Kayla of Haskell, Ark., Sherry's children: Daniel and Evan Cronin, Robin's children: Chelsie Chambers of Springdale, Ark., Kayla Chambers of Fayetteville, Ark., Kyle Myers, Charlie Myers and Chris Myers of Springdale, Ark. April's children: Trevor Magby, Randi Hattabaugh of Benton, Ark., and another coming soon. Bradley's children: Alyssa and Matthew Rosson of Springdale, Ark. Carolyn also was the proud great grandmother to: Khloe Sparks, Katie and Olivia Chambers, Caiden Tafoyo, Sunday Grace Chambers, Damon Myers, Alyssa Myers, Dillon Myers and Brett Myers, with another great-grandchild expected soon. Carolyn worked for Rose Care facility in Benton, Ark. for 15 years never missing a day of work. She also worked for Timex and Curtis Mathis. Carolyn was probably best known for her hard work, unselfishness, and big heart. She took in many children and animals into her home and cared for them over the years. She enjoyed gospel music, bingo playing and being with her friends. She was strong willed and a very giving soul. She will be greatly missed. A memorial service is being planned by the family in Benton, Ark. for a later date.