Letitia Reneé Willbanks King, age 70, died peacefully in her home surrounded by family on October 5, 2024. Letitia was born in Rogers, AR, in 1954 to Geneva Rush Jackson and William R. “Doc” Jackson, DVM. Preceded in death by her father, Letitia was raised by her mother and loving stepfather, Neil Willbanks. She graduated from Rogers High School in 1972 and continued on to the State College of Arkansas, where she studied Elementary Education.

Letitia joined the North Little Rock School District as an elementary teacher in 1975. She earned a Masters Degree in Gifted and Talented Education in 1985 and went on to become the district’s first Technology Coordinator, overseeing the installation of the first computer labs throughout the district. After a 35 year career, Letitia retired from NLRSD as the Director of Federal Programs in 2011. Letitia was exceptionally hardworking and pursued with diligence and passion her belief that every student deserves opportunities and access to an exceptional education.

Letitia loved life and loved the Lord. She was a woman of unwavering faith and a prayer warrior. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, spending time outdoors, bicycling, craftwork and supporting the arts. Letitia was a tribal member of the Osage Nation. She was a Master Gardener and a member of the Committee of One Hundred for the Ozark Fold Center and Evening Lions Club of Hope. 

Letitia was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and Rinky for her beautifully blended family. She is survived by her husband John King; daughters Jennifer Martin (Michael) Ballard, Sarah Martin, and Lena Ross; son Chris (Karen) King; sisters-in-law Dora Ann (Don) Purdy and Peggy (Danny) Bobbitt; nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many loved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, and sisters, Sheila Eversole and Marcia Neal.

Services will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home in Hope, Arkansas. Visitation for friends and family at 1 pm and a celebration of life at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to CurePSP (https://www.psp.org) to support research for Corticobasal Degeneration and related diseases.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of  Brazzel/Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope. Online condolences: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com