Zona Lee McKnight Ellis

Mrs. Zona Lee McKnight Ellis, 75, of Wynne, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Zona was born on January 30, 1950, in Brookland, Arkansas. Zona made many friends over the years while working at Halstead, Sanyo, the Fish Net in Wynne, Grecian Steak House and retiring from Wynne Primary School Cafeteria, where she took great joy in cooking and serving meals to countless children each day. She loved collecting cookbooks and preparing special meals. It was important to her to pass this passion on to her children and grandchildren. Zona also enjoyed dancing and listening to music, particularly oldies and Elvis Presley. She had a deep love for her family, a devoted wife to her husband Carl whom she cherished spending time with whether it be hunting deer, rabbits, squirrels or simply just being together over the past 34 years. She was blessed to have 5 children, 9 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and many foster children that she and Carl cared for over the years. Zona found joy in nurturing and supporting every child who came through her life. She dedicated her life to serving others with love and compassion, more than anything, she shared her love of the Lord and Christian faith with everyone she met. She is survived by her husband, Carl Ellis of the home, children, Tracy (Johnny) McKnight Duvall of Quitman, Kim (Kevin) McKnight Baskins of Wynne, Chris McKnight of Wynne, Greg (Londa) McKnight of Tumbling Shoals, Carla (Rodney) Ellis-Eldrige of Wynne, and brother, Ken (Dustye) Rose of Monroe, Louisiana. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, and seven great- grandchildren. Zona was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry McKnight, son, Wallace McKnight, Jr., age 11, parents, James Rose and Cora Lee Cooper Rose Catlett, stepfather, Barnes Catlett, sister, Sharon Taylor, Retha Harris, niece, Renae Dampf, grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Ollie Cooper, and Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Rose. On behalf of the entire Ellis family, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the compassionate care, support, and kindness the Gentiva Hospice team in Forrest City gave to our precious Zona, and family during such a difficult time, especially Whitney, Hannah, Katie, Renee, Tyneshia, Christy, Darlene, Shelly, Velashia and anyone else on her care team. Visitation will be held at Fair Oaks Assembly of God on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 10 AM until 11 AM. Funeral services will follow with Rev. Rodney Eldridge officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Wynne. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com.

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Zona Lee McKnight Ellis

January 30, 1950 - June 29, 2025