Jewell Dean Banks Wharton

Jewell Dean Banks Wharton, 75, of England, Arkansas passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family and special friends on November 10, 2026. She had been battling for 8 years with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Jewell was born on October 24, 1951, in Cutler, California to Norma Munn Connelly.

Mrs. Jewell was last employed at the Lonoke County Tax Collectors office, but she worked several different jobs around Lonoke. She spent 20 years in teaching and driving a school bus. She was often found volunteering her time reading to the little kids of The Lonoke School District. The children adored Mrs. Jewell. She worked nighttime visitations for Boyd Funeral Home for several years. She loved being around people and loved chit chatting with anyone who was willing.

She was a dedicated member of the Caney Creek Baptist Church for many years and also helped with keeping the records for Weedon Cemetery.

Jewell was preceded in death by her mother Norma Munn Connelly; her loving husband of 51 years, Charles Wharton; her precious son, Bill Wharton; brother, Terry Wayne Barker; Grandparents, Buster and Wilma Munn.

Left to cherish her memory, daughters, Melisa Chesney and husband Glenn of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jennifer Norwood of Springdale, Arkansas, Angie Nichols and her husband Ricky of Lonoke, Arkansas, Denise Clothier and her husband Greg of Wichita, Kansas; grandchildren, Drake Chesney (Elizabeth), Jasalyn Truelove, Charley Jo Chesney; Ryan Truelove (Tiffany), Kori Truelove, Kadan Norwood, Kiefer Norwood, Ricky Nichols (Tori) ; her two special friends, Felicia Swint and Audry Sheets; and a host of great grandchildren, extended family and friends. She will deeply missed by all that knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Boyd Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service will be 10:00am, Saturday November 14, 2026, at Steel Bridge Baptist Church, located at 1363 Hwy 31 S, Lonoke, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Weedon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alpha-1 Foundation at Alpha1.org, or the Lonoke Family Resource Services Inc. located 206 S Center Street, Lonoke, Arkansas. Arrangements entrusted to Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke.