Melanie Banks Salley

Melanie Banks Salley, lovingly known as Mel, passed away April 1, 2024. She was born June 29, 1955 in Cotton Plant to Gale and Viola Vincent Banks.

She graduated from Brinkley High School and continued her education at East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City. She touched the lives of many with her kindness and professionalism throughout her career at both Synergy Gas and Southern Paramedics in Brinkley.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Cotton Plant, where she and her sisters grew up and maintained strong ties to the community throughout her life. Mel’s greatest passion was her family, especially her grandchildren. She found immense joy in being a part of their lives and supporting them in all their activities and events. She was the best Nana and loved them with all she had. She had many lifelong friends and a close extended family. She looked forward to “Cousin’s Weekend” every year and loved their time together. Her selflessness, generosity, and unwavering love will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Survivors are her daughter, Tobi Bethell Taylor (Scott), of Conway; her son, Josh Salley (Leslie), of Greers Ferry; her partner, Larry Gross; her sisters, Cindy Langley (Bo), of Vilonia, and Honey Allwhite (Chester), of Wynne; and her beloved grandchildren, Ali Taylor (Josh), Keaton Taylor, Sheridyn Salley, Turner Salley, Gentry Salley; and Larry’s family, who she considered her own, Doug Gross (Terri), Rebecca Bell and Faith Gross.

Mel’s life will be celebrated with a Graveside Memorial Service at 11 a.m. April 19 in Cotton Plant Cemetery with Pastor David Johnson officiating. Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home has charge of services. Friends and family will gather to honor and remember the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.