Mona Pointer-Benson
1958 ~ 2020
Date of Death: January 13, 2020
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Benson family. Mona’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Ms. Mona Claire Pointer-Benson.
Sincerely,
Derrick Veasley ~ Director
Henry Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain
The sun rose on Mona Claire Pointer Benson on March 27, 1958 in the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Elaine and Olden Pointer and Barbara Pointer-Francis; all proceeding her in death. The sun set on January 13, 2020 in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Mona’s career in television spanned 33 years, beginning with her being the first African American news reporter in Fort Smith, Arkansas for channel KHBS 40/29. Mona’s career took her from Fort Smith, to Little Rock, to Oklahoma and encompassed five TV stations throughout the east coast. For 25 years Mona produced newscasts for WPVI-TV 6 ABC rated number one in Philadelphia.
Mona was a faithful member of Coleman Memorial United Methodist Church, serving on the Staff Pastor Parrish Relations Committee (SPPRC). She often developed and organized events such as annual women’s day and church anniversary celebrations. Mona also was a talented performer and is an alumnus of Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia.
Mona leaves to cherish her memory her loving and devoted son, Michael Paul Edwards of Wilmington, Delaware; her siblings; Fayanna Francis of Fort Smith, Arkansas, LaDonna K. Francis-Brown (Larry) of Wynne, Arkansas, Geraldine Williams (Eddie) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Brenda George (Marius) of Kathleen, Georgia, Moses Francis, Jr., of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Vervinia Francis of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Everett Francis (Yudelkis, De) of Brandywine, Maryland, Sonya Smith of Hawley, Texas, Rita Wells (Antonio) of Hinesville, Georgia, Tommy Francis, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Bettye Francis of Sherwood, Arkansas; a special niece and nephew, Cassandra Francis-Terry, Tasha and Marc George, and a great host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Public Viewing will be Friday, January 31, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Rowell-Parish Mortuary 611 North 9th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.
Celebration of life service will be held Saturday February 1, 2020 at 11 a.m. at First Church of God in Christ 2037 North 14th Street Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.
Committal service and final resting place will be at the Shady Grove Cemetery in Roland, Oklahoma.
