Larry Dejesus Mitchell

As we retrace the footprints of Larry Dejesus Mitchell we can only give thanks for the many lives he touched and enriched along life’s journey. A strong and self confident man, he was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a child, a brother, a father, and a trusted friend. Larry began his journey of life on July 2, 1948, in Little Rock, Arkansas as the son of Terry and Helen Brown Mitchell. He accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was a high school graduate and grew up to be a handsome and intelligent young man. While in Little Rock, Arkansas Larry was a volunteer for the Equal Opportunity Agency. He also campaigned for senators Pryor and Brannon, and was a Veterans Administration volunteer. In 1982 Larry found his way to Clark County and made a new home in Arkadelphia. He was know around town as “Larry D”. He often studied with Brother Joe Jones and attended the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness. For over forty years, he lived a faithful life with a commitment to serve his community. He embraced life by the teaching that ”a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” He once served as the Caddo Street block captain with the Main Street Arkadelphia project, the Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation Board and with the Chamber of Commerce. He was a retired employee of the Arkadelphia Human Development Center, he also worked as a driver for the South Central Arkansas Transit, a burial agent for Williams Funeral Home, and had his very own gospel music program on KVRC radio in Arkadelphia. He was a stalwart volunteer and an advocate for youth and the elderly. Some may remember Larry being an ever present body at the Riverwood Nursing Home. You could find him every week either volunteering helping the resident with ceramics, arts and crafts or presenting his gospel music program. On November 18, 1987, the Daily Siftings Heard did a spotlight on Larry D. and the last statement that he made in the interview was…….”I love people. Seeing them happy makes me happy. No pay is necessary for me to receive a reward. Just a thank you is enough.” Volunteering has been a way of life for Larry D and on Sunday, October 23, 2011, surely at the time when a gospel song or hymn was being played or listened to on someone’s radio, Larry D. slipped the surely bonds of this world and passed into the Lord’s embrace. When one is remembered they never die. Larry D. will live on in the hearts of his sons, Kenan (Tiffany) Mitchell of Dallas, TX, Cedrick F. Gray and Dedrick K. Gray both of Jacksonville, AR; one sister, Brenda Mitchell of Little Rock, AR; one aunt Velma Brown of Little Rock, AR; and numerous friends. Friends of Larry D. can sign the guest register and view the Images of Life DVD on Tuesday, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. A memorial service to commemorate his life will be held on Wednesday, October 26th at 2:00 p. m. in the J. L. Williams Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home. Bro. Marke Thoeny will give expressions of remembrance.