Obituaries

On June 14, 1945, in Elaine, Arkansas, the first of eight children, a baby boy was born to the late Cottril Bobo and Mattie Lee Bobo.  They named their son, Troy Lee Bobo – not knowing the impact that he would have on so many people’s lives.

Troy Lee accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age at St. Peter’s Missionary Baptist Church in Elaine, Arkansas.  He began his love for music at an early age as well and relentlessly practiced at First Baptist Church of Elaine which was across from his family home.

Troy was a 1964 graduate of Lakeview High School in Lakeview, Arkansas.  He played basketball while in high school for the Lakeview Dragons.  After graduation, he moved to Chicago and in November 1965, Troy enlisted in the United States Army.  He served in the Vietnam War.  During his service, he received the following medals; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign with Device; Safe Drivers’s badge and Expert Rifle badge.  He was honorably discharged in November 1967. After his end of duty, he served as a driver for the United States, States Department at the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.

Troy married the love of his life, Carrie Maxey Jones, on April 26, 1986.  Together they blended their families and raised a loving family together.  The love they shared will never end.

Troy was a member of New Haven in the origin of the church.  All the piano practicing when he was younger paid off, because Troy became a musician at the church as well as singing in the choir.  He was a faithful member of New Haven until death.  He loved to sing and his melodious voice filled the church on many Sundays.  Troy served in many positions at the church over the years; the Chairman of the Deacon Board, a Church Trustee, President of the church’s 501C-3 (FYEN), Sunday School Teacher, Choir President and the pastor’s right-hand man!!!  He always helped wherever needed, whatever was going on at the church, he was right there assisting.

Over the years, Troy was employed by Centenio’s Distributing Company, and he retired after 20 plus years from Fresenius Kidney Care.  He served his community over the years as a member of the Helena-West Helena School Board.

Being an obedient, kind, humble and knowledgeable person who worked well with others, Troy joined the Masonic Lodge.  Illustrious Troy Bobo 32^nd degree was a member in good standing Local Lodge King Solomon 331 as Grand Treasurer, Sr. Ward St. Joseph Grand Lodge of Arkansas as Grand Treasurer, Stars of Mary Grand Chapter as Past Grand Worthy Patron, Unity Chapter #1 as Junior Warden, St. Joseph Lodge of Perfection as Thrice Puissant Grand Master, Amaranth of Arkansas as Royal Patron, St. Joseph Knights Templar as Treasurer, Eureka Temple #1 (Shriner) as Treasurer, a member of St. Joseph Consistory #1,  Worthy Patron, New Bethel Chapter 324. Illustrious Troy Bobo 32^nd degree was also a member of the Universal Supreme Grand Masonic Council, Los Angeles, California.

Everyone knows that Troy Lee loved gardening, he was an avid gardener.  He was proud of his garden in the backyard, he grew cabbage, greens, tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, squash and other vegetables.  He shared them with many friends and neighbors.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Cottril and Mattie Lee Bobo, siblings; Bertha Bobo-McDowell, Lloyd Bobo, Louis Bobo, Vernell Bobo, Willie Lee Bobo, daughter; Taketia Mangrum-Thompson, mother-in-law; Lucille Maxey, father-in-law; Arlandus Maxey, and brother-in-law; James “Rag Mop” Maxey.

Troy leaves his legacy and love of 40 years; Carrie Page Maxey Bobo, children; Troy Bobo, Jr. (Stephanie), Tiras Bobo (Shay), Natasha Johnson, Nakawa Jones (Duanita), Earlene Taylor, Tonia Davis, twenty-three grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, siblings; Loretta Bobo Love, Cecil Bobo, sisters-in-law; Beatrice Maxey, Sherrye Bobo, brothers-in-law; Reverend Steve Cooks, Allan Williams, Donald Williams (Ann), and a host of cousins, other relatives, special friend/sister; Ozzie Washington, Vivian Bradford, a special friend/brother; Marvin Jarrett, and his New Haven Church family.