Paradise Funeral Home Of Arkansas

18/06/2025

Reverend Jay Willis Steward was born October 28, 1948 in the Salem Community to the late Reverend & Mrs. Percy G. Steward. During his early years he accepted Christ and became a member of Salem Baptist Church. He attended and graduated from Rosenwald Schools, Junction City, AR. He worked at Great Lakes Chemical until his retirement.

Reverend Jay Willis Steward was called into the gospel ministry in 1987. He was honored to be the proud pastor of Union Arc Baptist Church, Greenville Baptist Church, Damascus Baptist Church, and recently Morning Star Baptist Church # 1, until God called him home.

Later in life he betrothed the love of his life, Janice Rene’e, and into this union two beautiful children were born Jay II and Shaconna.

Reverend Jay Willis Steward enjoyed living his life by fishing, cooking, shopping, traveling, spending time with family, and, the star of his eye, his granddaughter Jadis.

Reverend Jay Willis Steward departed this life on June 13, 2025 at St. Vincent, in Little Rock, AR. He was preceded in death by his wife Janice Steward of 18 years of marriage, his parents Reverend and Mrs. Percy G. Steward, and his brother Matt Steward.

He leaves to cherish his memories two sons, Jay (Vanessa) Steward of Little Rock, AR and Joseph (Bernadette) of Three Rivers, MI, and one daughter Shaconna Steward of Little Rock, AR. Four grandchildren Julius Steward, Brandon Steward, Anyna Williams, and Jadis Steward. And also six great-grandchildren. He also leaves seven brothers, John (Brenda) Steward, Lee (Regina) Steward, Robert Steward, and Winston Steward of El Dorado, AR, Percy (Tonia) Steward and Walter (Madeline) Steward of Sherman, TX, and Charlie Lee (Judith) Steward of Denison, TX, and five sisters Linda (John) Cox and Lessie Harris of Denison, TX, Lizzie (Eddie) of Lorain, OH, Betsy (Rodney) Reed and Mildred (Donald) Frazier of Colorado Springs, CO. And a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Also a special friend, Theresa Jones.

Service:
Saturday June 21, 2025
Mount Calvary Baptist Church
11:00 a.m.
1807 Southwest Avenue
El Dorado, Arkansas 71730
Rev. Donald Frazier Officiant

05/03/2025

Paradise Funeral Home of Little Rock extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Laryan Rice. Please join us in honoring and celebrating their life.

Funeral Service Details:
Date: Saturday, March 8th
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Paradise Funeral Home Chapel, Little Rock

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. May the love and support of those around you provide comfort and strength.

14/02/2025

With Deepest Sympathy – Remembering Mrs. Kerri Ireland Murrain

Paradise Funeral Home of Little Rock extends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Mrs. Kerri Ireland Murrain. We ask that you keep them in your prayers as they navigate this time of loss.

Kerri Vonne Ireland was born May 31, 1954, to the late James David and Eddie Mae Ireland in Tillar, Arkansas. She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, mentor, and friend. She peacefully transitioned from this life on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

Kerri professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at an early age at Bellfield Church of Christ in McGehee, AR. She impacted and inspired many through her testimony and commitment to Christ. Even as her health declined, her dedication to her faith never wavered. When she could no longer be physically present in church, she remained a faithful and dedicated servant through online services.

Affectionately known as KStar, Kerri was a 1972 graduate of Desha Central High School and later attended the University of Arkansas at Monticello. She married her long-time friend Arthur Lee Poe of Reed, AR, and from this union, two sons were born: Arvell and Kevin Poe. Kerri spent several years in Dallas, TX, before moving to Atlanta, GA, to be near her mother as her health declined. While in Atlanta, she met and married Fernando Murrain.

Kerri worked in finance as an account manager until her retirement. After retiring, she continued her ministry through mentoring women in recovery at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta. Her efforts positively changed many lives, and she was honored by those she helped at a special banquet last summer.

Whether cruising or on a road trip, Kerri loved traveling and gathering with family and friends. She was a generous and compassionate person who had a special heart for the homeless and the downtrodden. Like many of her siblings, she was an artist at heart, expressing her creativity through writing stories, poetry, and drawing Norman Rockwell-like sketches.

A few years ago, Kerri returned to Arkansas, settling in Jacksonville, where she became a faithful member of Martin Street Church of Christ until her transition.

Kerri leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service, cherished by her family and friends. She is survived by her two sons, Arvell (Carmencita) Poe of Buford, GA, and Kevin Poe of Jacksonville, AR; five brothers, James (Annette) Ireland of Little Rock, AR, Ralph Ireland of Atlanta, GA, Michael (Francis) Ireland of Atlanta, GA, Daryl (Leslie) Ireland of Maumelle, AR, and Paul (Evelena) Ireland of Atlanta, GA; three sisters, Fay (Rouzier) Dorce of Atlanta, GA, Debbie Ireland of Little Rock, AR, and Sheila (Blain) Burke of Los Angeles, CA; two grandchildren, Jakobe Poe of Jacksonville, AR, and January Poe of Buford, GA; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and mentees.

Service Details:

Monday, February 17, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Martin Street Church of Christ
200 E. Martin Street
Jacksonville, AR 72076
Officiating: Bro. Jodie T. Carter

We honor the life and legacy of Mrs. Kerri Ireland Murrain and extend our deepest sympathies to her family. May the love, strength, and peace of God surround them in the days ahead.

Paradise Funeral Home of Little Rock

02/02/2025

Congratulations, Shayla S. Alexander!

On behalf of Paradise Funeral Home of Little Rock, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you for being recognized as the Heart & Hustle Funeral Service Professional of the Year. This prestigious honor is a testament to your unwavering dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence in serving families during their most difficult times.

Though you have not been in the industry for long, your impact has been profound and lasting. The care, professionalism, and empathy you bring to every family you serve have truly set you apart. We are incredibly grateful for your hard work and the difference you make in the lives of so many.

Thank you, Shayla, for all that you do. This recognition is well deserved, and we celebrate you today and always!

27/12/2024

Announcement of Funeral Services for Maria Sweet

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Sweet. Her life touched so many, and her memory will forever be cherished.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 11th, at 4:00 PM at St. Andrew Missionary Baptist Church, located at 5810 W Malcomb St, Pine Bluff, AR 71602.

Please join us as we honor and celebrate her life. For further inquiries, feel free to contact Paradise Funeral Home, Little Rock.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

17/12/2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Cledetra Kay Jackson Phillips, a remarkable woman whose legacy of love, kindness, and strength will forever inspire those who knew her.

Cledetra Kay Jackson Phillips, 70, of North Little Rock transitioned to her Heavenly home on December 11, 2024. Affectionately known as “Kay” to her family and friends, she was a proud graduate of Northeast Hight School’s Class of 1972 and furthered her education at Grambling State University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She worked as a Color Chemist for L’Oreal Maybelline for over 40 years and was a lifelong member of Bethel AME Church of North Little Rock.

She was preceded in death by her parents Cledic Franklin Jackson and Bettye Nelson Jackson.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters Claisian Phillips Jones (Calvin) and Cescily Kayuan Phillips, her brother Reginald Jackson and his daughter Regina Jackson, and her four grandchildren, Adedayo Naaze Yerokun, Tolulore Ellise Yerokun, Abiona Kay Yerokun, and Kendrix Jackson Jones. Funeral service will be held Saturday December 21, 2024 at 11:00AM at Bethel AME Church North Little Rock, 600 Cedar St, NLR AR 72114.

We extend our deepest condolences to all who mourn her loss and celebrate the beauty of her life. May her memory be a blessing.

10/12/2024

Paradise Funeral Home of Little Rock, Arkansas, humbly requests that you keep the family of Mr. Hosea Anderson Jr. in your thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow and bereavement.

Obituary of Mr. Hosea Anderson Jr.
Hosea Anderson Jr. was born on September 16, 1945, in Sherrill, Arkansas, to the late Hosea and Sallie Mae Anderson. He was united in marriage to Bobbie Smith on April 30, 1973, and to this union were born four sons: Fredrick, Tony, Hosea, and Derrick.
Hosea accepted Christ at an early age and lived a life of faith and hard work. For over 45 years, he dedicated himself to his craft as a skilled bricklayer, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hosea and Sallie Mae Anderson; his beloved son, Fredrick Anderson; and his brothers, Carl, Walter, Leotis, Isaac, and Ray Anderson.
Mr. Anderson was called to his eternal rest on December 4, 2024. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Bobbie Anderson; his sons, Tony Anderson, Hosea Anderson, and Derrick Anderson, all of Little Rock; his grandchildren, Steven Morris, Qrashawn Anderson, DeVeon Bowman, Darius Anderson, Nicole Davis, Breanna Rowe Anderson, and Caylin Anderson. He is also survived by his loving siblings: Sallie Mitchner of Michigan; Mary (Clinton) Smith, Dorothy (James) Smith, Rose Anderson, Cleo (Diane) Anderson, and Roy Anderson, all of Pine Bluff; and Elvis (Essie) Robertson of Altheimer, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of a man who will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
ANDERSON STRONG

Funeral Service Information
📅 Date: Friday, December 13th, 2024
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM
🏛️ Location: Second Baptist Church
1709 John Barrow Road, Little Rock, Arkansas

20/11/2024

Torey Abron was born June 9, 1982 to Vernetta Abron at Foster G. McGraw Hospital in Maywood, IL. At the age of five months, he was adopted by his great-aunt, Rosetta Thomas, who raised him to adulthood.

Torey confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Pleasant Grove M.B. Church, Pine Bluff under the leadership of Pastor Marvin Wiley. He later answered his calling as a carrier of the Gospel of Jesus Christ under the leadership of Pastor Harold Shirlee. In September 2018, Torey moved his membership to New Hebron M.B. Church where he served as an associate minister under the leadership of his cousin, Pastor Rodney E. Smith, Sr.
Torey attended school in the Pine Bluff Public School District and was a 2001 graduate of Pine Bluff High School.

On August 31, 2018, Torey was united in marriage to Nakia Shajuan Mitchell Abron. They were affectionately known as "The A-Team." No children were born to this union. Torey was a jovial person and very intentional when it came to his relationships with family and friends. He always took the time to call to just say hello, tell a joke, or harass Dallas Cowboy fans. He never met a stranger as he made friends very easily. Torey was also a person whose heart was full of gratitude to God for the smallest to the largest of things. He valued the simple parts of life and fully embraced being a "country boy." Torey had a larger-than-life personality and walked through life unapologetically. He was a fierce protector of those he loved, especially his wife, Shajuan. Torey was one of a kind. There will never be another Torey Abron.

Torey was preceded in death by his birth mother, Vernetta Abron, his adoptive mother, Rosetta Thomas, and his grandmother Alice Abron. Cherished memories of Torey are left with his wife, Shajuan Abron, two sisters, Angela Lowden-Johnson and Kay Abron; four brothers, John (LaTonya) Lowden, Steve Abron, Mario Smith, Tyrenzo Abron, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

🗓 Family Hour: Friday, November 22, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Paradise Funeral Home
206 S. Cross Street, Little Rock, Arkansas

🗓 Funeral Service: Saturday, November 23, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: New Hebron M.B. Church
7615 Woodson Rd., Little Rock, AR 72209
Rev. Rodney E. Smith, Sr., Pastor & Eulogist

16/11/2024

We ask that you keep the family of Rev. Torey Abron in your prayers during this difficult time.

📅 Service Details:
🗓 Family & Community Hour: Friday, November 22, 2024
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Paradise Funeral Home
206 S. Cross Street, Little Rock, Arkansas

🗓 Funeral Service: Saturday, November 23, 2024
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Location: New Hebron M.B. Church
7615 Woodson Rd., Little Rock, AR 72209
Rev. Rodney E. Smith, Sr., Pastor & Eulogist

Additional information and the full obituary will be shared soon.

Thank you,
Paradise Funeral Home

28/08/2024

Experience Compassion and Excellence at Paradise Funeral Home

Paradise Funeral Home, we prioritize your comfort and convenience during life’s most challenging moments. Located centrally in the heart of Little Rock, our facility ensures that every detail of your loved one’s final journey is handled with grace and dignity.

Our Services Include:

• Personalized Funeral Services: Create a unique celebration of life tailored to your loved one’s memory.
• Flexible Funeral Packages: Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget without compromising quality.
• Engraved Casket Features: Add a personal touch with custom engravings.
• Cremation Services: Compassionate and respectful cremation options.
• Burial Insurance Accepted: We honor all burial insurance policies.

For support and service that honors your loved one, contact Paradise Funeral Home in Little Rock today.

📞 Call Us: 501-372-2200
🌐 Visit Us: www.paradisefhlittlerock.com
📍 Address: 206 S. Cross St, Little Rock, AR 72201

27/08/2024

🚨 Sale Alert! 🚨

We see yall getting those wings from across the street at Wing Express, but don’t forget—we’ve got a special deal over here at the funeral home too! 😉

Get your wings over there, but if you need to rest your soul afterward, you know where to find us! 😂💀

15/08/2024

During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Cedric’s family in your thoughts and prayers. Your support and kind words are greatly appreciated as they navigate through this period of loss.

Share memories & support the family