of Benton, AR

August 18, 1917 - February 2, 2021

Olive White Mobley, 103, of Benton, passed into the loving arms of her Savior on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. She was born in Dallas County, Missouri on August 18, 1917, to Ralph White and Edna Morton.

Olive was truly a remarkable and unforgettable woman. Through her 103-year long life, she experienced many changes not only throughout her life, but in the world. She had the privilege and insight of a century's worth of events and changes that the majority of the world has no comprehension of. Olive was born in Missouri, more than likely at the farmhouse of her maternal grandparents. Her mother married Allen R. Cole when she was in 11th grade, and they moved from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Little Rock, where she graduated high school and began her life in Arkansas. After graduating high school in 1934 at Central High, ''Pa'' Cole enrolled her in Draughon's Business School, which she was hesitant to do, but quickly learned she was quite skilled in secretarial and bookkeeping work. She would go on to use those skills throughout the rest of her life by gaining employment through several life-changing jobs.

The first was a ''foundational job'' with Southwest Hotels in their audit office. She then accepted a job offer with Meyer's Bakeries, buying supplies for and keeping up with inventory for all five bread and cake plants. Mt. Sinai Hospital was her most favored position as their Community Relations Director, where she was in charge of their news publication, The Pulsebeat. After leaving Mt. Sinai, Olive met a real opportunity for growth when she accepted a position with IBM, earning the title of Executive Secretary. Through many moves around the United States, Olive was able to continue her education through Texas Western College in El Paso, Texas, and Oxnard College in Oxnard, California. Around 1950, she became aware of her need for spiritual sustenance and since, was always very active in whatever church she was a member of through her moves to different towns. She faithfully served in many capacities such as teaching Sunday School for young girls and women, women's ministries, prayer teams, editing newsletters, and Pastor Search Committees.

In 2001 when she and her husband, Floyd, moved to Benton, they joined First Baptist Church, where Olive attended the Ventures Sunday School Class. In the span of her life, Olive met many people along the way and acquired numerous stories about exciting adventures. Her socialite personality grew as she aged, making her easy to label as a friend. Her caring heart and virtuous nature made her the most outstanding wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She will be missed, but her memory will be cherished and her legacy will continue through those who loved and cared for her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, W.F. Mobley; sister, Nadine White, and grandson, Jeffrey Dale Jones.

Olive is survived by her daughter, Carol Mobley Ilten and her husband, James Bruce Ilten, of Casa Grande, Arizona; granddaughter, Janet Darlene Jones, of Dallas, Texas; great-granddaughter, Monica Lorraine Jones, of Austin, Texas; great-grandson, Bryan M. Jones, of Grand Prairie, Texas; cousins, Rex Morton, of Bakersfield, California, and LaDon Morton, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A Funeral Service will be Friday, February 5, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home, 6700 Alcoa Road, Benton, with Dr. Rick Grant and Frances Raley officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to service time, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be in Traskwood Cemetery in Traskwood.

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