Jan Bankston-Crain

Jan Bankston-Crain, 61, of Crossett, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Jan was born in Monticello and was a resident of Crossett for most of her life. She graduated in 1980 from Fountain Hill High School, where she made many lifelong friends. For many years, Jan was a devoted stay-at-home mom, and later in her life, she achieved her dream of becoming a nurse and poured her heart into caring for her beloved patients. Jan attended church with her family at Grace Christian Fellowship. She was known and loved for her bright smile, warm hugs, and infectious laughter. Jan was gifted with genuine compassion and empathy, which made her a wonderful encourager and friend. Of all the roles she had in life, being Big Mama was what she loved most.

She is preceded in death by her father, Curtis Graves; a sister, Ruth McDougald; two nephews, Russell Kelley and Steve Stephenson; a brother-in-law, Ralph Jackson and her late husband, Michael Bankston.

She is survived by her husband of two years, Bill Crain; three daughters, Hannah Mondragon and husband, Octaviano, Sara Pearcy and husband, Jonathan, all of Crossett and Kim Bankston of Humble, Texas; her mother, Sybil Turner Graves of Crossett; two brothers, Joe Dean Graves and wife, Jane, of Mountain Home and Terry Graves and wife, Sheila, of El Dorado; three sisters, Brenda Jackson of Crossett, Betty Adams and husband, Dale, of Hamburg and Judy Jackson and husband, Byron, of Crossett; five grandchildren, Emma, Eli, Tucker, Andee, and Sunnie; two honorary granddaughters, Annagia and Kayla; three step-children, Lauren Staton and husband, Tylar, of White Hall, Dalton Crain and Lee Crain, both of Star City; her lifelong friend, Connie Clark and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Grace Christian Fellowship with Bro. Jeremy Mills officiating. A private burial will be in the Westview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Grace Christian Fellowship, PO Box 716, Crossett, AR 71635. 

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