In 1967 she and her husband, Don, moved to Monticello after Dr. Holley accepted a position in the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department at what was then known as Arkansas A&M College. Mrs. Holley accepted a position directing the choir at Drew Central, and shortly thereafter began her tenure building the band program at the Monticello School District. Mrs. Holley taught both junior and senior high bands, and throughout her time the bands received accolades and awards in a number of areas. In addition, Mrs. Holley was incredibly well respected and a mentor to band directors throughout the state and beyond, but especially to young female directors.
In addition to teaching several generations of students, Mrs. Holley was an active member in several band and music organizations throughout the state and country. She also served as President of the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association.
Prior to her husband's passing, Bankie and Don had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her son, Stephen, and his wife, Kelly, of Centennial, CO; her daughter, Helen, of Little Rock; her brothers, Leslie, of Minden, LA, and John, of Memphis, TN; and three grandchildren, Bailey Holley of Little Rock, and Nathaniel and Benjamin Holley of Centennial, CO; and a host of relatives, friends, and grateful students.
In lieu of flowers, the Arkansas Women Band Directors Association has named a scholarship in her name, the Bankie Holley Memorial Scholarship, which will help fund the college education of a new generation of Arkansas band directors. To her former students who no longer play, Bankie's family asks that you donate your lightly used instrument to Play it Again Arkansas in her memory, so that that new generation of musicians might benefit from her legacy. Please email commentry66@gmail.com for more information.
Condolences(30)
Bob and Beverly Freeman
Lubbock, TX Monday, September 1, 2014 Although it has been many years since seeing Bankie, we can still see that sweet, friendly smile in her picture.Praying for the family and friends at this difficult time.
Nelda Culpepper Dunman
, TX Sunday, August 31, 2014 My condolences to the family of my sweet classmate at Ruston High School.Melanie (Morrison) Arthur
The Woodlands, TX Monday, August 25, 2014 All of my fondest junior and senior high school memories involve band and Mrs. Holley. She was a wonderful musician, educator and mentor. I will keep her family in my prayers.Talia Lambert
Monticello, AR Friday, August 22, 2014 Rest in Love, Mrs. Holley. You were the greatest band leader!! You taught me so much when I was in school. May your soul and memory carry on. I know you're in heaven leading the Lord's band.Marilyn & Melissa Weih
Monticello, AR Friday, August 15, 2014 Mrs. Holley gave my daughter Melissa the very best foundation in music possible the very last year she taught at MHS. Because of this background in 6th grade, my daughter was able to make All Region every year thereafter. Even though she only taught Melissa for one year, Mrs. Holley remembered her and always asked after her whenever we ran into each other. She was a great teacher and a wonderful, giving woman. We are so sorry for your loss and will remember her in our prayers.Mandy Tropf
Little Rock, AR Thursday, August 14, 2014 Everytime I hear or think "Roll Your Feet" I think of you. You'll be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family! Much Love- MnadyLakeisha suber
Monticello, AR Wednesday, August 13, 2014 RIP Mrs. Holley. You will be missed. She was an excellent band teacher that cared about all of her students. She used to fuss at me for being tardy all the time to band! lolVanessa Gauthier
stuttgart, AR Tuesday, August 12, 2014 Loved this woman oh so much. Wouldn't have made it through without her guidance. You will be truly missed and will always carry you with me!Ashley Price
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 12, 2014 I loved Mrs. Holley so much and have such great memories of her from band. She had such wit and how she managed all of us unruly kids is a true testament to how she had a calling to teach. My heartfelt sympathy goes to Helen, Stephen and all the family. I know how much she will be missed.Carol Eiseman
Little Rock, AR Monday, August 11, 2014 Although I had never met her family, Bankie Holley was a good friend from the Little Rock Duplicate Bridge Club. We took bridge classes together and were usually opponents at the table. Bookie and I both had our hair done at Alexander's Beauty Salon in North Little Rock and admired Alex's hair cuts. Bookie was truly a sweet and gentle lady, who will be missed by all of us. I didn't realize her musical talents, as she never bragged on herself; but I admire her even more. I am glad that she got to celebrate her 50th wedding anniversary. May she rest in peace.Don &Freda Council
Little Rock, AR Monday, August 11, 2014 Our sympathy to you.;Bankie was a joy and a goodfriend.
Ramona Jackson
Southaven, MS Monday, August 11, 2014 She was my beloved teacher. So many learned so much music and love from her through the years. I am honored to have been one of those.Tommy/Pat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Monday, August 11, 2014 Stephen & Helen,Bankie was the heart of the Monticello band program when Bynum & Ann were in band. She spent many extra hours helping Ann with her flute performances. She was a real treasure & we appreciate her very much.
Tommy & Pat Matthews
Jo Langston
Beebe, AR Monday, August 11, 2014 Ms. Holley will be greatly missed. She was always kind and brought a smile to those around her. Everyone at Curves (Little Rock) was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. My your memories give you comfort.John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Monday, August 11, 2014 Helen, Stephen, & Family -You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the difficult days ahead. Mrs. Bankie was a sweet & compassionate lady & will be missed by many.
Love, John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake, & Jared
Lee Clark
North Little Rock, AR Monday, August 11, 2014 I wish to offer my sincere sympathy to Bankie's family. She was a very talented teacher and musician. I was fortunate to have Bankie as a mentor for being the president of Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association.Charles Law
Stuttgart, AR Sunday, August 10, 2014 I had the honor of knowing her and team teaching the band at UAM for one year together. She will be missed greatly. I learned alot that year watching and listening.Robert Fellows
Benton, AR Sunday, August 10, 2014 Thank you, Bankie, for your friendship and for what you meant and continue to mean to our profession.Chris Tate
Forrest City, AR Sunday, August 10, 2014 Bankie was an incredible woman. She was my mentor when I needed guidance as a young director. She was like a second mother to me and saw me through the loss of both my parents. Most of all, she was my friend. Bankie, I'll miss you but I'll never forget you. Thank you for everything.Beverly Lobitz
, TX Sunday, August 10, 2014 Blessings to you during this time of grief. Love, Mrs. LobitzMary Jane shûe
England, AR Saturday, August 9, 2014 What great fun we have had over the years! I will miss you terribly but you will have lots to keep you busy. You were the most loyal friend I ever had. Thank you for giving me the wonderful gift of friendship. I love you, always.Stephanie Harper
Star City, AR Saturday, August 9, 2014 Mrs Holley, you will be greatly missed. You were such a wonderful band director and mentor to many students including myself . May you rest in peace now making lots of music with angels. You were a blessing to know and be around.Carole Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Saturday, August 9, 2014 Steve, I am so saddened to hear of your Mom's passing. Know you are in my heart and prayers. May God grant you and your family the peace and comfort that only he can at this difficult time.Love, Aunt Carole
Sheilla Lampkin
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 9, 2014 Stephen, Helen, grandchildren and family,I can't explain the anguish I felt when I heard about your beautiful mothewr. Bankie (and Don) became two special people in my life (as they were in so many others). They are sorely missed. I share in your grief and will keep you all in my prayers. I couldn't hewlp but think they are togethwre again. God bless you all.
It is with deep regret that I say I will miss the service because duty calls me to the Education Committee meeting. I think they would understand.
I truly am SO sorry for your loss.
Ms Sheilla
Maxann Wigley Mizell
Monticello, AR Saturday, August 9, 2014 Mrs.Bankie Holley was my band teacher in junior high and high school.....To the family of Mrs.Holley she will be missed dearly......She was an amazing person as well as a awesome Band Teacher.....I will cherish those memories.....God gained another angel.....My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Holley thru the next difficult days.....sending my love to the family....Mrs. Holley would you would be so proud that my 2 girls are in band thanks to the great experience I had. I encourage them to do it as we'll and they love it.....My youngest daughter made the majorette line this school year......yes I am one proud momma.....I tried out for flag line a few times but wasn't for me.....just thought you might like to know as well as others how you have made such an awesome impressions on your former band students.....Class of 1997.....Monticello Jr. & Sr. High Band.....Judy Selig
Monticello, AR Friday, August 8, 2014 How sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful person. So many were better off from having known Bankie, and she will be greatly missed. Prayers go out for all the family.Janice Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, August 8, 2014 It is with great sadness to know I've lost a very dear friend and music colleague. Bankie was such a precious and beautiful lady. We shared a love for music, worked together and she was an excellent and caring teacher for my children. My prayers are that God will surround you with his loving arms, give you comfort and peace in your sadness. Cherish all the great memories with your dear mother, grandmother and friend. With heart grieves with you. With love & sympathy,Janice Gladden Wiggam
Pat Savage Montgomery
Monticello, AR Friday, August 8, 2014 So very sorry to hear. Thoughts and prayers for her family.Kimberly Williams
Monticello, AR Thursday, August 7, 2014 I would like to send my condolences to the family during this time. Mrs. Holley was one of the best teachers in music. She will be greatly missedJames & Mary Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Thursday, August 7, 2014 Steve, We are so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She was a great lady and will be greatly missed.. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do to help you please give us a call.