JAMES VERNAN BOBO JR

James Vernan Bobo Jr., affectionately known as "Doll" was born January 16, 1934, in Marvell, Arkansas to his loving parents Ellen (Mathews) Bobo and James Vernan Bobo Sr. James was the youngest of five children. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Harry, Odessia, Josie, and Lenoris. In addition, his wife Ruby, his son Marcel Reed, grandson Cedric Hunter, and bonus son Bryant Kirby also preceded him in death.

James worked for Tel-A-Type Company for many years in Chicago, IL, building a solid reputation through his dedication and expertise. In 1969, following the passing of his father, James moved his family back to Arkansas to be closer to his mother. He found joy in seeing his children enjoy the freedom of the country, running and playing outdoors rather than being confined indoors in the city. After transferring his job to Little Rock, AR, he continued his commitment to the company even after it was renamed AT&T. He eventually retired in 1989 as a Journeyman.

James was a devoted church member. He first served as a Deacon at Mt. Shelby Church for many years before transferring his membership to Mt. Zion Church where he continued to serve as a Deacon. He eventually found a spiritual home at Mt. Moriah Church, where he continued to serve faithfully as a Deacon until his transition. Mt. Moriah Church became like family to him. He initiated the tradition of the Fifth Sunday Breakfast, and he cherished the fellowship of the Fifth Sunday District Sunday School.

In addition, James dedicated many years to serving as President of Israel Chapel Cemetery, where he worked tirelessly to ensure its upkeep and to honor those that were laid to rest there. He continued this service with unwavering commitment until his health no longer permitted him to do so. His leadership and commitment left a lasting impact on both his church and community.

James was a proud Prince Hall mason with memberships in:

Shamrock Trinity Lodge #35 in Little Rock, AR.

Shamrock Trinity Star Chapter #425

Honorary Past Potentate of Mohammed Temple #34 in the Shriners and

32-degree mason in JLH Smith Consistory #76.

James looked forward to taking a vacation every year to Chicago with his girls Pat, Sheila, and Veronica (Pookie). Each trip became a cherished tradition and was a special time for them to bond and create lasting memories together. He would carefully pack everything they would need for the journey, making sure every detail was taken care of. He would install the camper on the back of the truck and their preparation for the trip was not complete without the bedding, a bag of candy and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken.

While on the road, the girls looked forward to meddling with the truck drivers to get them to blow their horns. Upon arrival in Chicago, they would spend time with their cousins at Uncle June's house, but the highlight of the trip was visiting with their cousins Lisa, Bernard, Monique and Demetrius. They lived a block away from the beach.

James always had a way of making every little moment special. Whether it was buying their favorite treats or that bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken, he created memories with his children that they will always cherish. His vacation was for his girls. Those were the good ole days.

James was extremely family oriented. He always made time for each one of his girls. He taught them how to cook and drive. He wanted the best for all his family. There was never a moment when he didn't encourage and remind them of their true potential. He left his mark on the world. He will forever be remembered and loved.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his three children: Patricia (Earl) Hunter, Shelia Bobo Alexander, and Veronica Bobo Morris of Little Rock, AR; his step children: Bonita Stephens of Milwaukee, WI, Frederick Stephens of Little Rock, AR; his grandchildren: Breanna (Jaylon) James of Cabot, AR; Tarnisha Hunter of Chicago, IL; Andrew and Matthew Reed and daughter-in-law Angelita Covington of Atlanta, GA; his great-grandchildren: Theodore James of Cabot, AR; Savon Hunter and Imani Taylor of Chicago, IL and a host of nieces, nephews' cousins and friends.

ORDER OF SERVICE

Processional Pastor Rickie Hulbert and Family

Selection Mt. Moriah Choir

Opening Prayer Rev. James Alexander

Associate Minister

Scripture Reading – Old Testament Rev. James Alexander

Psalm 23

Scripture Reading – New Testament Rev. James Alexander

2 Timothy 4: 6-8

Ministry in Song Elect-Lady Elizabeth Hulbert

I Shall Wear a Crown (Soon as I Get Home)

Resolutions & Acknowledgments Sister Jerlene Prowell

Reflections by Family & Friends Deacon Earnest Cox

2 minutes PLEASE Monica Jones

Lisa Farr

Obituary Reading Lisa Farr

Ministry in Song John Farr

I Am Going Home to Jesus

Words of Comfort Pastor Rickie Hulbert

Recessional Stephens Funeral Home In Charge

TRIBUTES

Dearest Dad,

With love, I thought of you today. I thought about you yesterday as I have so many times before. Dad, your kindness, wisdom, patience, and understanding meant everything to me. You were there for me when I needed you the most. Daddy, you will never be forgotten.

Forever in my heart. Love, your daughter Pat

To My Superhero,

who has been there for me from day one and continued to stand by my side, even in his last days. His kindness and guidance were a constant source of strength, shaping who I am and giving me the courage to face life's challenges. He was always ready to help, offering wisdom and comfort whenever I needed it most.

We stood by each other through everything. No matter what life brought our way, I knew I could count on him, and I hope he knew he could always count on me. Our bond was unbreakable, built on love, respect, and countless shared moments.

While he may have been ready to go, I truly wasn't ready to let him go. The pain of his absence is deep, and I will always miss him. I will especially miss him calling me on the phone from the other room. Those small moments now mean so much more, and I cherish every memory we shared together.

Though he is no longer physically here, his spirit and wisdom will remain with me. I will carry his lessons, his laughter and his love in my heart forever. Thank you, Daddy, for being my hero.

Love always your daughter Sheila

Dad – Dependable, Admirable, Devoted

Just a brief description of who you are with a great amount of love. My heart is broken because you're no longer here in the physical, but my heart is also steady knowing that you are in heavenly peace because I know our God never fails. Your life is and has been a shining light and strength and I am forever grateful that God chose you to be my Dad.

Whether I was old enough to drive or not you were the one who taught me how to drive. Later, as I got older and became a licensed driver it was just me and you off to Chicago. Whenever we stopped for gas or a restroom break you would let me drive. I surprised you when I continued to drive all the way. I just wanted to show you I could do it and that you could trust what you taught me.

While I am here now writing this during my first trip of the year, I was not expecting you to not be here when I returned. While on my flight, I thought about the first time I flew to California with you and a group of your lodge members. The flight was eight hours long. I wasn't expecting the flight to be so long. It really caught me off guard and most importantly I wasn't expecting turbulence while we were heading in the path of another plane. I must have known magic, judging by how effortlessly I released the seatbelt and jumped out of my seat. You said to me, "where are you going?" I don't know where I was going but I was ready to get off the plane. It is these memories and so many more that will be my driving force to know that I had you to teach me the things that I needed to know. Rest well and rest in peace Daddy. That smile you left behind at the end lets me know you are doing just that.

Love, Veronica (your baby girl Pookie)

TRIBUTES (continued)

Granddaddy,

Thank you for calling me on Christmas. Thank you for every conversation, every memory and every comfortable moment of silence spent in your presence. Thank you for being my real-life Superman. My only wish is that I could reset the clock just to treasure every moment a little bit more and to say, "thank you" and tell you that "I love you." Two monumental conversations that we had when I was a little girl that you never needed to hear the words because you believed and showed that the actions mattered more. Still, I thank you for the way you always showed up for me, for the Godly life you lived and the example you set. I love you Granddaddy. Next Christmas, I still got you on the deer steaks, Cornish hens, pineapple upside-down cake and a fresh pot of coffee, as promised.

Love Breanna

Granddaddy,

even though we didn't get to spend much time together from a distance, you left a mark. We will miss what could have been, but we will treasure what was.

Rest peacefully Granddaddy, you will never be forgotten.

Love, your grandchildren Tanisha, Savon and Imani

James Bobo,

was a wonderful man and the best stepfather. When my father passed, he said to me, "Don't walk around here thinking you don't have a Pa; I'm here" and he was. Not only to my brother and I but to my father's family. We are grateful for the love, kindness and strength he gave us.

Love, Bonita Stephens

Uncle Doll,

you were the patriarch of our family, and your honest and humorous spirit will be greatly missed. Enjoy the other side.

I love you, Joyce Burke

My Uncle Doll,

was the wealthiest man in the county, not because of monetary substance but because he was honored, loved and highly respected by so many.

Love, Verlon Cole

Uncle Doll,

was my favorite uncle. I honor him and respect him to the utmost. He was an honorable man. I loved his humor and personality, and he had a lot of wisdom. I just loved him for who he was.

Zella Washington

To my Great Uncle Doll,

of all the memories, your smile and laughter are ones I will miss the most.

Me: "I LOVE YOU."

You: "UH HUH."

Me: "YOU NOT GOING TO SAY YOU LOVE ME BACK?"

You: "YOU DON'T HAVE TO SAY IT AS LONG AS YOU SHOW IT."

I Love you, Monique (Mona) Farr

Active Pallbearers

Deacon Daryl Brown

Deacon Larry Morant

Deacon Marvin Covington

Michael Williams

Veodis Gist

Raymond Lee

Honorary Pallbearers

Wardell Bobo

Preston Bobo

Jewel Cook

Gerry McDade

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are truly grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time. Your heartfelt gestures have been a source of encouragement and comfort, reminding us that we are not alone. Thank you for standing with us and honoring the memory and legacy of James Vernan Bobo Jr. affectionally known as Doll.

We Shall Never Forget…….

The Bobo Family

REPAST

Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church

Fellowship Hall

17380 Highway 49

Marvell, AR 72366