Tona Elledge

Nellie Anthona (Tona) Elledge, 83, of Kensett, Arkansas entered Heaven’s gates on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Tona was born in Durham, North Carolina on April 19, 1941 to Travis Bonner and Edith Elliott Harrington. Raised in Birmingham, Alabama as an only child, her mother was a school teacher, and her father a decorated Army Master Sergeant fighting in World War l and ll. Tona was adored, and spoiled in the most loving way, as she was the brightest light in their lives. Tona met her soulmate, Cecil Wilbur Elledge Jr., in 1957 and was united in Holy Matrimony on December 29, 1958. They were married for 56 years.

Tona loved the Lord with all of her heart. She was a prayer warrior who prayed daily over her family and friends. She always stood in the gap and claimed His word over everyone she loved. She was a True Matriarch filled with humility, a gentle spirit, meekness, kindness and a wonderful tender heart. You could find her worshipping our Lord and Savior every Sunday as a regular attendee of Kensett First Baptist Church. The louder the music would go, the bigger her smile would grow. Tona’s pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. Nothing brought her more happiness than being surrounded by her family.

Tona is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Cecil Wilbur Elledge Jr., her father and mother Travis Bonner and Edith Elliott Harrington, her son Richard Travis Elledge, and her 3 granddaughters Mandy and Michelle Elledge, and Lauren McGinnis.

Tona is survived and missed deeply by her two daughters Angela Gainer and Patti Elledge, six grandchildren Richard Travis Elledge Jr. (Amy), Christopher McGinnis (Rosanna), Nicole Elledge Grier, Brittany Gainer Young, Shelby Gainer and Rachel Gainer, and her 13 great-grandchildren, Chloe, Brayden, and Addison Elledge; Morgan, Norah, Luke and Sam McGinnis; Caleb, Micah, and Luke Grier; William Goodman, Lilly Schaefer, and Elizabeth Young.

Tona was such a young soul at heart. She loved soul, gospel and jazz music. She loved to eat good food, dance, and play cards. She had the ability to genuinely forgive and understand every person that crossed her path. She loved to laugh, her laughter was deep, rich and healing. She had the greatest love for Christmas and decorating. Making her famous peanut butter fudge, cookies, and dressing. Each Saturday, she could be heard yelling for the Alabama football team. She had the most beautiful smile with Gods love shining through her. She loved having manicures, pedicures, and a good hair day. She was all glitz and glamour. 

Tona’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 308 W. Wilbur D. Mills Ave, Kensett, Arkansas.

Flowers can be sent to Cole Funeral Home at 111 W. Wilbur D. Mill Ave, Kensett, Arkansas 72082. Tona has requested Pink and White flowers. The family is requesting everyone to wear black and/or animal print accessories or clothing, as cheetah print was Tona’s favorite.