Alma Jean Banks-Gulley
Alma Jean Banks-Gulley was born on December 1, 1937, in Prescott, Arkansas, to Arzo Jeff and Alberta Bozeman-Banks. On February 17, 2025, she peacefully fulfilled her earthly journey and was called home to be with the Lord at Heather Manor Nursing and Rehab in Hope, Arkansas.
Alma was a woman of deep faith, a devoted member of St. Mark Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Bobby Purifoy, and a proud member of the Eastern Star. She dedicated much of her life to service, both in her community and in the workforce, always wearing many hats with grace and purpose. One of her greatest joys was being part of the Foster Grandparent Program at OBU, where she found immense fulfillment in mentoring and nurturing young lives.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee Edward Gulley, her parents, Jeff and Alberta, her baby sister, Helen Harris, and her great-nephew, Mario and Duke.
Alma’s legacy of love, kindness, and strength lives on in her children: Yuarnell Vaughn (Raymond Sr.), Denise Dorrough, John Dorrough (Delicia), and Phyllis Adams-Yarbo (Lamin); her 12 grandchildren: Raymond Vaughn Jr. (Brittany), Thomas Vaughn, Anna Vaughn (Joseph Sterling), Camile Carter (LaRoy), Nickia Dorrough (Kwame Adu-Wusu), Alma Dorrough, Dionta Dorrough, Aryiah Dorrough, Jai’Yana Dorrough, Jon Dorrough, Jaidyn Dorrough, and Paulphielle D. Ross (Adrian); 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild expected in May/June. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Dorothy Fort; her bonus children, Edward Gulley and Gladies Gulley; 10 bonus grandchildren; five bonus great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Alma’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished in our hearts.
May she rest in eternal peace.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alma, please visit our floral store.
Events
Visitation
Saturday, March 1, 2025
2:30PM – 4:30PM
Hicks Funeral Home
407 N. Hazel Street
Hope, AR 71801