Obituaries

Latoya Lashay Dukes Banks was born June 7, 1978 to Willie Clark and Jo Ann Dukes at Taborian Hospital in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. She transitioned from this earthly life May 26, 2025 at Baptist Health Medical Center, North Little Rock Arkansas surrounded by her family.

Latoya accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age under the leadership of the late Bishop Alex J. Smith at Greater Power House, West Helena Arkansas. She also was a member of the Order of Eastern Star #374 Chapter, located in West Helena, Arkansas.

Latoya received her formal education within the Helena – West Helena School District.

Latoya had a passion for working with children. For many years she was instrumental in shaping the minds of impressionable babies at Dream Infant and Toddler Developmental Center in Sherwood, Arkansas.

Latoya was fashionable. She loved to dress in the latest, to include three to four-inch heels. Her style and her personality led to her being referred to as “Diva.” A title to fit the Queen she was.

Affectionately known as “Peaches,” she looked forward to the grandchildren and nieces facing timing her at various times of the day. She enjoyed music and loved to go to church fellowship.

Latoya is preceded in death by her grandparents and great grandparents; Cloate Williams, George Johnson, Palmer Lee, Pearlie Mae Clark, Rubye Dukes, James Dukes, aunt; Doristin Marshall, uncles; Gleen Marshall, Chester Dukes, Tracy Marshall, and a great uncle; Archie Dukes.

Latoya leaves to cherish her memories five children; Anquon Ellebb, Jr. of Columbia MO, Knikah Banks, Jr. of North Little Rock AR, Quanvarius Miller of West Helena AR, Latavia Byrd of Sherwood AR, Daviunia Jones of West Helena AR, her parents;  Willie (Gladys) Clark of Atlanta GA, Jo Ann Dukes of West Helena AR, siblings; Elisha Darren, Lysander Clark, Lamar Clark all of Atlanta GA, Traius Dukes of Little Rock AR, uncles; O.L. Clark, Melvin Marshall, Donald Lee Marshall, Curtis Marshall, aunts; Georgia Clark, Arletha Clark, Beverly Clark, great uncle; Percy (Dorothy) Elize, great aunt; Bobbie Robinson, Renae Mae Moore, grandchildren; Quanvarius Miller, Jr., of Memphis TN, Ka’Braylon Ellebb, Gensis Miller, Khiarri Ellebb, Mari all of Jonesboro AR, nieces; Ava Darren of Atlanta GA, Angel Dukes of Little Rock AR, Kierra Williams of West Helena AR, great nephew; Ja’Ceon Ewing, great nieces; Nyairi Ewing, Madison Ewing, and a host relatives, and friends.