Thelma Ross-Webb

“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

On Wednesday, September 24, 1947, Thelma Jean Ross Webb began her earthly journey. She is the daughter of Charlie Ross and Mary Maxine (James C.) Buckley. She was a 1965 graduate of the historic Peake High School in Arkadelphia, AR. This facility was one of the 5300 school buildings were constructed in African American communities throughout 15 southern states. These contributions came from the Chicago philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, CEO of Sears, Roebuck and Company. 

After graduation and returning from Europe, Thelma Jean continued life in Diamond Bar, California. She married and with this union brought one child. In 1998, she returned home to Arkadelphia, Arkansas and joined Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Charles Hood. She was an active member of the adult choir, Adult Women Sunday School Teacher, Certified Course Instructor for the Southwest District Association, Vacation Bible School Teacher/Volunteer and formal member of the Woman’s Missionary Union until her health began to decline. Thelma Jean was truly dedicated to doing the Lord’s work.

On, May 3, 2020, Thelma peacefully passed into the Lord’s embrace. She was preceded in death by her father, Charlie Ross; mother, Mary Maxine Buckley (2003), her bonus father, James C. Buckley (2014); an infant sister, Georgia Denson and two brothers, SGT. Floyd C. Denson (1966) and Bobby Floyd Buckley (2017); a nephew, Stefone O. Buckley (2018).

Her memories will live on in the hearts of her son, Leslie (LaToria) Webb; three grandchildren King Cartel, Messiah Cartel and Sarauniya Cartel all of Arkadelphia; sisters, Mary L. Buckley Arkadelphia, Mary K. Hunter of El Centro, CA, Clementine (Artist) Dyer of Ontario, CA, Janie B. Jones of Arkadelphia, Denita Morris and Sharon Ross of Little Rock; brothers, James M. Buckley of Arkadelphia, Sylvester “Toni” Buckley of Compton, CA, Renski (Ashley) Davis-Buckley of Atlanta, GA, Lawrence Ross and Terry Ross of Little Rock; aunts, Maude S. Hill of Malvern, Dessie M. Buckley and Mae Ella Dyer of Flint, MI, Cordelia Summerville and Cornelius Ross of Arkadelphia; uncles, Hezy Lee Barton of Okolona, and Herbert (Elizabeth) Ross of Arkadelphia; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special thanks to Mrs. Myrtle Smith and niece Felicia J. Crawford-Slay.

Walk through visitation will be shared from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2020 at Williams Funeral Home. Due to the COVID-19 virus and the nature of the death, we must insist that no lingering will be allowed after you have paid your respect to the family, we ask that you leave so others may have the chance to enter the funeral home. A memorial service will be at 12 noon on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Gennesaret Baptist Church. 

Friends, thank you for grieving with us during this time. As you do, take a moment also to both celebrate a life well lived and a death worth dying. We will miss her, but we are so glad that she woke up in Heaven. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Thank you, Leslie and the family.