Wilma Jean McCleskey

Wilma Jean McCleskey, age 69, of Marion, died Monday, September 22, 2025, at her home in Marion. She had been in poor health for the past several years. Mrs. McCleskey was born November 7, 1955, in Tyronza, Arkansas, and was the daughter of Albert and Irene Bonee. She lived in Tyronza before moving to Marion, was a homemaker, and was a member of the Church of Christ. Wilma Jean loved nature. Butterflies were her favorite, followed closely by birds and rabbits. She always offered something to eat or drink when someone came to visit-true southern hospitality. She was a hard worker who would give anything she had to help others. Growing up she faced many challenges but persevered with strength and determination. She helped her parents care for her siblings and loved chopping cotton with her two sons. She also enjoyed searching for arrowheads and collecting old marbles. Though she sometimes got frustrated with her boys, her smile always returned quickly. Wilma Jean had many talents. She loved ceramics, sewing, making clothes, and cross-stitching pictures, often gifting her creations as heartfelt tokens of love. Her son Joseph kept her busy, often asking for rides to town to play with friends. Her son Chad kept her on her toes with bold ideas that didn’t always go as planned, along with a love for living fast on gravel roads. Through it all, Wilma Jean remained a strong, resilient woman who never gave up, no matter the circumstances. She will forever remain embedded in our hearts and souls as a hero in life. She leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, strength, and love. Mrs. McCleskey married Guy V. McCleskey III in 2001, and he survives her along with two sons; Chad Blanchard, and wife, Serey, of Marion, and Joseph Blanchard of Marion, one brother, Bobby T. Bonee of Faulkner, Mississippi, one sister; Donna Kay Watkins of Mississippi, and one step-grandson, John B. Landon IV, and several nieces and nephews. Services for Mrs. McCleskey will be held at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 3:00 P.M., Friday, with burial in Forrest Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, 2:00 P.M., until the time of the service. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the online registry.

Tributes

Wilma Jean McCleskey

November 7, 1955 - September 22, 2025