A Celebration Of Life: Elijah "Sonny Boy" Bankston, Jr.

Elijah Bankston, Jr. was born on June 30, 1952, in Watson, Arkansas, to the late Elijah Bankston, Sr. and Emma Lee Bailey. He peacefully transitioned on October 30, 2025, at his home in Duncanville, Texas. After the passing of his mother, Emma, Elijah was lovingly taken in and raised by his stepfather, Rev. Louis Meadows, who also preceded him in death, along with his sisters Annie Lee, Violet, and Laverne.

Elijah proudly graduated from Watson High School as a member of the Class of 1971. During his school years, he became an all-star softball athlete under the guidance of the late Coach Willie Parker, forming lifelong friendships—especially with his dear friend James “Tony” Danzy, Sr.

Elijah accepted Christ at an early age and later rededicated his life as he grew to understand the true meaning of having a relationship with God. He was a faithful member of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Professionally, Elijah dedicated 20 years to Lockheed Martin in Fort Worth, Texas, where he worked as a painter for military aircraft. He took great pride in his work and retired in February 2025. Outside of his career, he enjoyed restoring old cars, watching sports, traveling back home to Arkansas to visit family, and sharing laughter and good conversation with those he loved.

Elijah was a proud and devoted father to four children: Kabias Bankston, Chansian Bankston, Taurean Bankston, and Staciah Bankston (Hamilton). His heart overflowed with joy for his

grandchildren—Kriston,  Charles, Elijah, Kameon, Jonathan, and Chrystiann—and for his precious great-granddaughter, Kay’lanii, who brought him endless smiles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Bankston, Sr. and Emma Lee Bailey; his stepfather, Rev. Louis Meadows; and his beloved sisters, Annie Lee, Violet, and Laverne.

Elijah leaves behind a legacy of love, endurance, and family. One that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his four devoted children: Kabias (Little Rock, Arkansas), Chansian Bankston (Lancaster, Texas), Taurean Bankston (Lancaster, Texas), and Staciah (Nathaniel) Hamilton (Grand Prairie, Texas); six cherished grandchildren: Kriston, Charles, Elijah, Kameon, Jonathan, and Chrystiann; and his beloved great-granddaughter, Kay’Lanii.

He is also survived by his five siblings, who shared in his journey through life: Frankie Beverly

(Monticello, Arkansas), Robert Meadows (Detroit, Michigan), Mary Jean Meadows (McGehee, Arkansas), Beverly Meadows Smith (Detroit, Michigan), and Sharon Greene (West Helena, Arkansas).

Services for Elijah Bankston, Jr. will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 11:00 am at McGehee Chapel MBC, 202 Church Street, McGehee, AR 71654, Rev. Leroy Hood, Sr.(Eulogist). Public viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.

Services entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, 101 Park Street, McGehee, AR 71654