Al Poston

Al Poston, 87, of Jonesboro, went to his Heavenly home on Monday, January 19, 2026, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center. He had lived in Jonesboro since 1960, moving here upon completion of his bachelor’s degree in music education from Memphis State University. He was born on December 9, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Eugene and Nellie Poston. Al loved his family, friends and his community. He was always everywhere, making humor, music, and camaraderie with everyone he saw. He received his master’s degree in music from Arkansas State University and was the band director at Jonesboro High School for over 20 years. While at JHS, he motivated and mentored many students who became better citizens and band directors throughout the country. He worked at Hytrol Conveyor Company Incorporated for 22 years retiring as Executive Vice-President. His community involvement was vast, he was a member and past chair of the Jonesboro Church Health Center, member and past chair of the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce, past president of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Men’s Club, life member of the Jonesboro Rotary Club, board member of the Salvation Army, past member of the Jonesboro School Board. Al was the first director for the Jonesboro Community Band. He was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, serving as a Vestry member, Usher Chair, Acolyte Sponsor,  Pancake day chair, and 5th Sunday Breakfast Chair. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Cherrye Lynn Davenport.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Aylia Poston, of the home; son, Phillip Poston and wife Lori of Jonesboro; stepson, Hudson Chronister and wife Christina of Gentry, Arkansas; brother, Joe Poston, of Southaven, Mississippi; grandsons, Cameron Poston and Landon Chronister.

A Eucharist service will be held at 10:00 AM Friday morning, January 23, 2026, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with Reverend Carey Stone officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements with burial to follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery.  David Joe Deaton, Dr. Terry Barnett, Chase Jenkins, J.R. Blackburn, Hudson Chronister, Joe Poston, Jamie Caradine and Al Brodell will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Jonesboro Rotary Club, St. Mark’s Men’s Club and the Salvation Army Board. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Thursday night, January 22, 2026, at the Emerson Memorial Chapel. Immediately following the visitation, a Celebration of Life Service honoring Al will be held with Cameron Poston and Phillip Poston officiating and musical selections in honor of his friendship and dedication to music.

For lasting memorials, please consider St. Mark’s Church, 531 W. College, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401; or the Salvation Army, 800 Cate Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401; To sign an online guestbook, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.