Jonnie Kay “Jupie” Tolbert Westbrook

Jonnie Kay “Jupie” Tolbert Westbrook of Little Rock died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on June 4, 2025.

She was born on March 11, 1941, to Horace Jonathan and Georgia Mae Tolbert in Clarksville, Arkansas. She was the third girl in a family who wanted a son, so she was named Jonnie, after her father. She fought a very gracious battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Her two sisters, Sue Bennett and Mary Jo Hurley, were several years older and treated her
like a baby doll. Her husband, Kent, referred to her as “an only child with sisters.” Her family
were peach farmers, and her great-uncle brought the Elberta Peach from Georgia to Arkansas. They grew peaches for over 100 years.

Jonnie was introduced to all sports at an early age by her father and remained a lifelong fan
of football, basketball, track, gymnastics—anything RAZORBACK! Jonnie played basketball
in high school and tennis into her 70s. She absolutely loved team tennis and went to several
regional and national tournaments. These tennis teammates were friends for life.

She was a lifelong cheerleader, starting in grade school and continuing through college. One
of the highlights of her sports fandom was attending the 1994 NCAA Final Four in Charlotte,
NC with dear friend, Linda Thompson, where the Razorbacks defeated Duke 76–72 for the
National Championship. When Kent was asked why he didn’t go, he said, “We could only
afford one ticket, and Jonnie wanted it more.”
Jonnie Kay and Kent, her husband of 64 years, first started dating in high school. Jonnie was
a star in high school—Homecoming Queen, “Miss Personality,” and Salutatorian. She
attended the College of the Ozarks and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Jonnie and
Kent “went steady” for over five years before marrying in 1961. Kent never dated anyone
else. When asked why, he replied, “Jonnie was the prettiest, smartest, and richest girl in
school.”

After they married, Kent began medical school immediately, and Jonnie quickly became part
of the UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) family. She became a very young
mother, welcoming September and Fara during the medical school years. Coleman joined
the family during residency. She was a young, hip mother and grandmother. Jupie stayed up
to date on current events, was always fashionable, and knew the words to all the popular songs. Her favorite was “Kiss” by Prince. She was definitely a “Jupie,” not a “grandma.”

For over 60 years, Jonnie was active in all aspects of UAMS life. Her greatest contribution
was as a volunteer at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, where she served patients throughout the center with coffee, candy, and treats. She also supported the staff in the Surgical Recovery Room in various ways. She was known as a “ray of sunshine” to patients in need. Every Christmas, for over 40 years, she delivered boxes of homemade goodies to many areas of the hospital—hospital staff and neighbors eagerly awaited her delicious treats each year. Jonnie was also a sponsor and top seller for the annual “Partners Card” event.

She and Kent have sponsored and attended every Cancer Center Gala since its inception. Together, they shared a wonderful life as members of the UAMS community, participating in numerous activities and fondly regarded as “UAMS Royalty.”

Family was the most important thing in Jupie’s life. Every single birthday, holiday, and special event was an opportunity for her to bring everyone together. She meticulously kept
track of all family happenings and worked hard to ensure everyone could attend each gathering. She even continued giving Easter baskets to her grandchildren well into their 20s. Jupie was their biggest cheerleader—whether it was football, soccer, basketball, band, or quiz bowl—and she continued cheering them on through every stage of their lives.

Jonnie and Kent were founding members of the Chenal Valley Church, an open and welcoming fellowship. Jonnie was very active in the church and especially loved working in the nursery. She was delighted to see “her babies” grow into adults and celebrated each of their milestones along the way. The flowers surrounding the church always looked spectacular thanks to her special touch. Yes, in a way, “Jupie” is gone. But in another, she will never truly leave us. She leaves behind many relatives and friends.

Her spirit lives on in her husband, Kent, and in her children: September Crabtree (John), Fara Dobbins (Jeff), Coleman Westbrook (Sarah), and her sister, Sue Bennett. Her grandchildren—Haven Crabtree, Bronson Crabtree (Sydney), Gunner Dobbins, Joli Dobbins, Cole Westbrook (Ashley), Camden Westbrook, and Cooper
Westbrook (Claire)—will carry her values forward in their lives. Her memory will also be shared with her new great-granddaughter, June Crabtree.

Many heartfelt thanks to her precious caregivers: Veronica, Debbie, Monica, Alice, Mary, Marla, Yowanda Hannah and Emma and director, Joanna, of First Choice Senior Care. Words
cannot express the depth of our gratitude and love.

We would also like to thank Hospice
Home Care for their excellent care during her final days, with special thanks to Chaney.

Visitation and Service Details:
Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
Location: Chenal Valley Church
16025 Taylor Loop Road
Little Rock, AR 72223
Time: 11:00 am Visitation
12:00 pm Service
1:00 pm Reception

In lieu of flowers, express your love to those around you and if you choose, you may donate
to the following:

Chenal Valley Church
16025 Taylor Loop Road

Little Rock, AR 72223
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
Attention: Cancer Institute Volunteer Services; Auxiliary Office
4301 W Markham, Slot 721-1
Little Rock, AR 72205

Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Link

Please remember to “CALL THE HOGS!”