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Kelly Smith Funeral & Cremation Services, 8424 KANIS Road, Little Rock, AR (2025)

11/27/2025

“Today, we’re grateful for another day with family, friends, and all the beautiful moments we share. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and a feast that warms your heart from your KSFC Family.”

11/26/2025

With deep love and profound sadness, the family of Albert Michael Thomas announces his peaceful transition from this life on November 12, 2025. A devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, Albert lived a life marked by quiet strength, steady faith, and unwavering love for his family.
Albert was a man whose presence brought comfort, wisdom, and joy to all who knew him. His laughter, his work ethic, and his dedication to those he loved will remain cherished forever.
He leaves to celebrate his life and honor his memory his beloved daughters: Yolanda Wallace (husband Eugene Wallace), Brandy Thomas, and Nichole Short (husband Caleb Short). Albert’s legacy continues through his seven adored grandchildren: Darius Wallace, Chauncey Wallace, Ashley Wallace, Amber Thomas, Brandon Thomas, Jaiden Thomas, and Saint Short—each of whom brought him immense joy.
He is also survived by his loving sister, Joyce Anne Buford-Harvey, his brother, William “Dub” Buford, and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends whose lives were better because of him.
Albert will be remembered for his kindness, his gentle spirit, and the countless ways he supported and stood by his family. His memory will forever remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family is grateful for every prayer, every expression of love, and every moment shared in honoring Albert’s remarkable life.
May he rest in eternal peace. May his legacy live on in the hearts of those he loved.

Poem
"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"��When Tomorrow Starts without me�Please Try to understand�That an angel came and called my name�And took me by the hand�The angel said my place was ready�In Heaven far above�And That I would have to leave behind�All those I Dearly Love�But When I walked through�Heaven’s Gates�I felt so much at home�When God looked down and�Smiled at me, and told me�“Welcome Home.”�So when Tomorrow starts without me,�Don’t think we’re far apart,�For every time you think of me,�I’m right there in your heart.

11/20/2025

Jesse Wade Hamilton “J Rock”, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on November 11, 1966 to the late Jessie and Norma Lee Hamilton.
Jesse grew up in the South end of Little Rock, where he was a regular fixture at the South Little Rock Recreation Center on Main Street.
He attended Booker T. Washington Elementary, Dunbar Jr. High and Parkview High School, where he was a member of the boys basketball team. He graduated From Parkview High School in the Class of 1985.
Jesse loved basketball, The Arkansas Razorbacks and the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved to eat a good meal! He had a great sense of humor and kept his friends and family laughing!
His favorite song was “I want to be your Man” by ZAPP. His favorite tv show was “Law & Order.”
He was preceded in his journey by his parents, his oldest sister Denna, and his youngest sister Bridgette.
He is survived by spouse, Tina; siblings, Kenneth, Jessica, Tona, Norma, Jeanetta, Chrystal, and Christopher (Carol); children, Tamala, Michael, Tremel, Destynie; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Donna and Bridgette (Bridgette’s Memorial Page still active on our website) Kelly Smith Funeral & Cremation Services, 8424 Kanis Road, will be serving the Hamilton families. For more information, sign online guest register, plant a “Living Memorial Tree”, send flowers/cards/condolences/photos and light an “In Loving Memory Of” candle: www.kellysmithfunerals.com. ** 501-612-5607.

11/11/2025

Today, we honor and celebrate the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifices, and dedication make our freedom possible.

Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to these heroes—past and present. Thank you for your service for your KSFC Family!!!

11/11/2025

Dr. Gwendolyn Marie (Brown) Twillie, Ph.D.—a gifted educator, scholar, dancer, choreographer, and storyteller whose life was devoted to faith, family, and the arts—entered her eternal rest on October 19, 2025, in Oberlin, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family. She was 84�years old.
Born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Gwendolyn was the beloved daughter of Eddie David Brown and Earline (Black) Brown, and the cherished sister of William Kenneth Brown. She graduated from White County Training School in Searcy in just three years, where her early�curiosity and love for learning became evident.
Gwendolyn continued her academic journey at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, AR, earning her bachelor’s degree—again in only three years—before completing a master’s degree in education at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, AR. Later, while married and raising three small children, she pursued her doctoral studies at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX, culminating in a Doctor of Philosophy in Dance and Related Arts. Her degree reflected her lifelong belief that movement and creativity are essential forms of expression and learning. In an era when women’s accomplishments were too often overlooked, Dr. Twillie taught her children that intellectual and family life could thrive together—and that a mother’s success was a family’s success.
She began her professional career as a teacher in the Little Rock School District, where she taught at historic institutions such as Horace Mann High School and Little Rock Central High School during a transformative period in Arkansas education. Later, she joined the faculty of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), where she served with distinction for more than two decades, ultimately becoming Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. In that role, Dr. Twillie mentored generations of students, developed new curricula, and�championed the role of the arts in education. Her colleagues remember her for her elegance, her insistence on excellence, and her quiet ability to inspire confidence and creativity in others.
After retiring from UALR, Dr. Twillie turned her full attention to her passion for storytelling— an art she considered both ministry and calling. As a professional storyteller and artist-in- residence on the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arts on Tour roster, she shared tales drawn from her travels to all seven continents. Her performances—woven with stories, song, and movement— brought joy to audiences of every age and celebrated the beauty of world cultures. Through her storytelling, she continued her life’s mission: to educate, to uplift, and to connect hearts through shared experience.
A woman of deep and abiding faith, Dr. Twillie was a longtime member of Bullock Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Little Rock, where she served alongside her husband, the late Manuel Arnil Twillie, Sr., who passed away in 2022. Together, they lived out�their Christian principles through service, teaching, generosity, and a shared commitment to education. Their 62-year marriage was one of mutual respect and partnership. After retiring, they traveled the world together—fulfilling a dream to visit every continent, including Antarctica.
Dr. Twillie’s legacy continues through her three devoted children: Dr. David Allen Twillie, M.D. (Joy) of Goodlettsville, Tennessee; President Carmen Marie Twillie Ambar, J.D., of Oberlin, Ohio; and Manuel Arnil Twillie, Jr., M.S., of Chicago, Illinois; and by Kwasi�Quansah of Accra, Ghana (a beloved exchange son who became family in every way). She was the proud grandmother of Marisha Kayla Twillie, Joshua Alexander Twillie, Alassane Twillie, Gabrielle Marie Ambar, Luke Manuel Ambar, and Daniel Ellis Ambar. Her love for�family was boundless, and she delighted in each generation’s accomplishments and laughter.
Dr. Twillie’s life was a testament to grace, intellect, and faith. She lived by the conviction that art, education, and faith are inseparable expressions of God’s creativity within us. Those who knew her will remember her poise, sense of humor, devotion to excellence, and her gift for bringing people together through words and wisdom.
A memorial service will be held on November 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Bullock Temple C.M.E. Church, 1513 S. Park St., Little Rock, AR. The repass will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the lower level of Historic Union Station, 1400 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR. In lieu of�flowers, memorials may be made to Bullock Temple CME Church or to educational and arts organizations that support youth in the performing arts.
“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” — Proverbs 31:26 (KJV)
www.kellysmithfunerals.com

11/11/2025

Ahbrae Rynell Jones, 64, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on October 2, 2025, with his wife and youngest sister at his bedside at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He died after a valiant and unrelenting fight against severe medical injuries. Born on November 23, 1960, in Waukegan, Illinois, Ahbrae was the firstborn son of Armand Cross (formerly Rubin L. Jones) and SaVannah McGee Jones.
He graduated from Waukegan East High School in 1978 and went on to serve in the United States Air Force as a Military Police Officer. Ahbrae later received an Engineering Certification from an Arkansas technical school, graduating top of his class with a 4.0 GPA. He was also an incredibly talented cook for many years and successfully operated his own local Landscaping & Lawn Care business.
Ahbrae was known for his dapper style, intellect, love for music and fine arts, infectious laugh, good sense of humor, kindness, generosity, and passion for entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency. He could often be found reading, cooking, educating himself, planning, and working on creative projects. He touched many lives with his wisdom and capacity for understanding, striving�always for the triumph of his people and always encouraging faith in the underdog.
Ahbrae was honorable in his life efforts to constantly grow, evolve, and forgive others, while holding a deep appreciation for his relationship with the Creator. He genuinely loved his family and friends—those who were honest and wholesome in spirit, and even those who struggled in despair.
Those who shared the honor of his friendship, the joy of his company, and the occasion of his favor will surely miss him, as he will be deeply cherished by all who had the pleasure to know him; friend or foe.
Ahbrae is survived by his beautiful wife of 37 years, Ameria Bay Caruthers Jones; his two children, son DeShaude LaKeith Jones, and daughter Aisha Nandi Jones; his three grandchildren, granddaughter De’Shauvione Jones (20), grandsons Micheal Lee Anthony Kelley, Jr. (5) and Bryson RaShaun Kelly (10 months); his siblings, brother Rubin Jones, and sister Shyida Durr Jones; Two nephews, Richard Goggins III. and Baraka Jones, two nieces, Savannah Jones, TaNia Louise Goggins, a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Armand Cross (formerly Rubin LeRoy Jones); his mother, SaVannah McGee Jones; his sister, Gina Louise Goggins; his paternal grandparents, Oswald and Mary Louise Jones, maternal grandparents Clarence and Addie McGee; His Uncles, Oswald Jones, David Durr, Kelvin McGee and Dana McGee, and his Aunt Carol McGee.
Ahbrae was cremated, and a small private Celebration of Life and Scattering of Ashes will be held on November 22, 2025, in Little Rock, Arkansas. (time: TBA) No further details will be made public. www.kellysmithfunerals.com

11/03/2025

Kenneth Burns was born March 3, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois. He is the son of Merida Garrett-Washington and the late Johnny Burns. Kenneth accepted Christ into his life at an early age. Despite being nonverbal and autistic, Kenneth had a profound love for music.
Kenneth attended Misericordia, Arkansas Development Center, Pathfinders, and Arkansas Center for Independence, all centers for individuals with autism, where he consistently demonstrated exceptional behavior while learning real-life work skills until his passing. Among his favorite pastimes were riding in the car and dining out. Kenneth was full of life and loved by many.
He leaves to cherish his memories: mother, Merida Washington, and stepfather. Elihue Washington; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
KELLY SMITH FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, 8424 Kanis Road, Little Rock, will be serving the Garrett and Washington families. Visitation 3-5 p.m. Friday, October 31st, at the funeral home’s O.T. Smith & Sons Memorial Chapel, 11 a.m. Funeral Saturday, November 1st, at Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church, 421 W. 22nd Street, North Little Rock. For more information, plant a “Living Memorial” Tree, sign online guest register, send flowers, cards, condolences, photos, gifts and light an “In Loving Memory Of” candle www.kellysmithfunerals.com * 501-612-5607. * The family would love to hear from you.

09/26/2025

Sequoia Aunyai Collins was born May 6, 1995, In Springfield, Illinois to her parents Kendra Bailey and James Collins. Sequoia was a 2013 graduate of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. After high school she obtained her Associate of Medical Laboratory Technology from Arkansas State University. Sequoia furthered her learning and obtained her Master of Education from the University of Central Arkansas in 2022.
Sequoia was an excellent elementary teacher at Esteem and Brady Elementary School. Outside of instructing students Sequoia was also a part of “Lil Readers” after school and summer Tutoring Program.
Sequoia, known by family as “Mighty Mouse” and “Sissy Pop” was a kind and loving person. She enjoyed watching movies and two of her favorite movies were “The Grinch”, and “Rush Hour”. Sequoia cherished family time and loved cooking. Her favorite meal to prepare and eat was Fish, Spaghetti, Salad and Garlic Bread. She favored two holidays in particular: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her signature holiday dish was Greens and Mac & Cheese. Sequoia loved shopping and spending time with “Pinky” and her dog “Benji”.
Sequoia gained her wings on Monday, September 8,2025 in Little Rock, Arkansas where she lived. Sequoia was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother Catherine Collins. Sequoia was loved by her family and friends; we will miss her dearly.
Preceded her in death are Grandmother; Catherine Collins, Great-Grandparents; Charles and Cleo Walker, Special Aunt; Regina Thomas, and Family Pet (Dog); Chyenne Gardner.
Sequoia leaves to cherish her beautiful memories: Parents Kendra Bailey and James Collins of Springfield, Illinois. Two Brothers: Montez Gardner and Donterrius Collins of Springfield, Illinois. One Sister: Dionvieon “Pinky” Morgan of Little Rock, Arkansas. Grandparents Daphne Walker of Little Rock, Arkansas. Ernest Bailey and Henry Joiner�of Springfield, Illinois along with Benji, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Poem
"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"��When Tomorrow Starts without me�Please Try to understand�That an angel came and called my name�And took me by the hand�The angel said my place was ready�In Heaven far above�And That I would have to leave behind�All those I Dearly Love�But When I walked through�Heaven’s Gates�I felt so much at home�When God looked down and�Smiled at me, and told me�“Welcome Home.”�So when Tomorrow starts without me,�Don’t think we’re far apart,�For every time you think of me,�I’m right there in your heart.

09/21/2025

Happy 114th Church Anniversary, Lee Chapel! “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9. Thank you for celebrating God’s faithfulness over 114 years from your KSFC Family.

09/01/2025

“Happy Labor Day from your KSFC Family! Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of workers across the nation. Take a well-deserved break, enjoy the day, and remember to honor and appreciate the contributions of those who make our society thrive.”

08/19/2025

Pearl was born in Moscow, Arkansas, on August 26, 1932. She was a twin and the firstborn of eight children to the late Gladys Smith and the late Felix Brown Sr. She was preceded in death�by her siblings Dorothy Brown (Forrest), Versie Spriggs (Wesley), Felix Brown Jr., Louis Brown, and James Brown (Barbara).
At the age of seven, Pearl’s family relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas. She often reminisced about those years, recalling how everyone had chores. Hers included sewing and styling�her siblings’ hair—tasks she much preferred over cooking, which she openly admitted she did not enjoy. Pearl excelled in school and showed an early flair for creativity and precision. She worked in her father’s cleaning business and later as a seamstress for the Oppenheimer Garment Factory. Known for her impeccable style and eye for design, Pearl was the go-to person for custom-made clothing, curtains, and drapes.
At just 4’11”, she tailored all her own clothes. Pearl accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Miles Memorial C.M.E. Church. Throughout her life, her faith deepened, guiding her through trials and triumphs. She spread the Word of God by sharing scriptures, inspirational poems, and uplifting stories with everyone she met.
Pearl married Mr. Cleo, and to that union, they had a son who tragically passed away in infancy. She later married Paul Sims, and together they had their only child, Dwight Sims. Pearl would go on to marry Henry Daniels and, lastly, James January. Pearl cherished her siblings, especially the close bond she shared with her sisters. After their mother’s passing, she helped raise her youngest brother, Clyde, whom he lovingly referred to as his “Sister-Moma.”
Determined to further her education, Pearl attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she earned her degree as a Registered Nurse. Balancing work and school was no easy feat, but Pearl persevered. She began her career at St. Vincent Hospital as an LPN before completing her RN program. While there, she purchased her first new car, a 1967 Camaro, thanks to a personal recommendation from the Head Sister (Nun) to the dealership. Pearl was among the few Black nurses who integrated St. Vincent during the era of desegregation brought about by the Civil Rights Act.
She later worked at the VA Hospital in Little Rock until the age of 41, when she transferred to the VA Hospital in Washington, D.C., where she lived for about ten years. Pearl then moved to�Memphis, Tennessee, and worked at Shelby County Hospital until her retirement. Even after retiring, she continued her calling as a live-in caregiver for several years before fully stepping away from nursing.
In 2002, Pearl moved into Poston Senior Apartments, where she lived for 14 years. As President of the Senior Organization, she was instrumental in creating programs such as “Senior Crime Stoppers” and organizing community events. She also began a monthly birthday celebration for all residents, lifting morale and building a sense of community.
Pearl’s greatest joy in life was her son, Dwight, for whom she prayed daily. In 2016, she moved to Detroit, Michigan, to live with him. There, she assisted in his group homes, mentoring staff, supporting clients, and continuing to inspire those around her through her unwavering faith. She was a shining example of perseverance for her granddaughters, and she found great pride in seeing Dwight’s growth and maturity.
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 1:30 a.m. at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan, Pearl made her transition. To say she will be deeply missed is an understatement. She was the matriarch of our Michigan family, a pillar of love, wisdom, and faith.
Pearl leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved son, Dwight Sims Rashad (Nancy); her granddaughters, Kelli Horton, Sameerah Rashad (Brandon), and Ameena Rashad; great-grandchildren, Darmar’yon, Datavi’yon, Dai’yona, Jerome, DeTwane Jr., and Dior; great-great-granddaughter, DemiRose; her twin brother, Earl Brown (Sandra); and her youngest brother, Clyde Brown. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

To watch the funeral live, Click the link below:

Topic: Homegoing Celebration for Pearl Brown-January�

Time: Aug 23, 2025 10:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)�

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07/28/2025

CARMELITA JONES, 82, of North Little, transitioned on July 23. Services are scheduled for August 9th. Kelly Smith Funeral & Cremation Services will be serving the Jones families. More information will be posted at a later date. She leaves to cherish her love: her children, David (Lisa), Candia (Matt), Tillie (Anthony), Tamie, Darlita, Billie; and a host of other relatives and friends. For more information, sign guest register book, plant a “Living Memorial Tree,” send flowers/cards/condolences/photos and light an “In Loving Memory Of” candle: www.kellysmithfunerals.com. 501-612-5607.

Kelly Smith Funeral & Cremation Services

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