Jerry Ankton

Jerry “Cush” Ankton was born into this life January 16, 1948 in Dalark, Arkansas, a small close-knit community on the outskirts of Arkadelphia. He was the son of Roosevelt “Tip” Ankton and Bessie Carr. He accepted Christ at a young age and was a life-long member of Mt. Olive AME Church. “Cush” played baseball with the Dalark Baseball team and would brag about there many wins. 

Jerry was a 1966 graduate of Sparkman Training School. On February 18, 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army at Ft. Polk in Louisiana and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was honorably discharged on February 18, 1974.

While on active duty he met Mary Jean Henry, and they were married in 1969. They made their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where he worked and later retired from ABF Freight System, Inc.

Jerry enjoyed the simple pleasures that life offered, like fishing and quiet time relaxing in the yard. Jerry loved family get-togethers where he was the designated “fish-fryer”. He especially loved family reunions which allowed him to catch with out-of-state family members, share laughs and take pictures. He was always there to collect the offering at the Mt. Olive Dalark Home Coming.

Jerry passed from this life on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the John McClelland Veterans Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Henry L. Ankton.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife of 55 years, Mary Ankton of Little Rock, AR, one son, Carlos D. Ankton of Little Rock, AR; two grandchildren, Taylor Ankton and Austin Jones both of Little Rock, AR; and a great grandson, Tristin McLaurin; two sisters, Diann (Michael) Epps of Little Rock, AR, and Wanda Faye Browning of Arkadelphia, AR; Rena Mae Burroughs of Ypsilanit, MI and Glennie Neal, both special cousins whom he loved like sisters; four brothers, Samuel Ankton of Ypsilanti, MI, Randy (Marshall) Quarles of Arkadelphia, AR, Louis Ankton of Arkadelphia, AR and Vernon (Finas) Ankton of Benicia, CA; and a sister-in-law, Minnie Ankton of Sparkman, AR. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.