1935-2026
Celesta Massanelli Gurnsey, age 91, of Pine Bluff, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026.
A lifelong resident of Pine Bluff, she was born on April 3, 1935, and was the daughter of the late Henry Massanelli and Theresa Magnini Massanelli. She graduated from Pine Bluff High School. She retired in 1997 as branch manager for the National Bank of Commerce (later Bank of America) in Broadmoor after 30 years of service.
Mrs. Gurnsey was a member of Greenlee Baptist Church where she loved the Golden Agers group. She also enjoyed fishing, camping, bowling, traveling and going to casinos.
She married Herman Gurnsey on February 2, 1963 in North Little Rock. He preceded her in death on August 14, 2012. Also predeceasing her are four sisters, Frankie Owens, Mary Rhoden, Laura Aureli, and Dolly Bogy; a brother, Henry Massanelli; and a special niece, Luciann Owens.
Survivors include her companion, BW Herring; many loving nieces and nephews, including Debbie Barrow; and a stepdaughter, Anne Russell.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 21, 2026, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son. Her funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Brother James Watson and Brother Matthew Watson officiating. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Greenlee Baptist Church, 4901 Old Warren Road, Pine Bluff, AR 71603.
