Rev. William S. Easter

REV. WILLIAM S. EASTER was born May 1, 1949 to the late Myrtis and Alberta Easter in Foreman, Arkansas. He had nine siblings, three preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Philander Smith College. He also attended the University of Central Arkansas for graduate studies and he received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Arkansas Baptist College. Pastor Easter worked at the Centers for Youth and Families for almost twenty years, worked security at Philander Smith College for twelve years, and served as a Deputy Sheriff for Pulaski County for ten years. Pastor Easter was united in Holy Matrimony to Lorene Pyles on August 26, 1972 and to this union four children were born. Rev. and Mrs. Easter united with New Hebron Baptist Church in August of 1972 under the leadership of Rev. I.V. McKenzie. He served as a Deacon, a Trustee, a Teacher and the Superintendent of Sunday School while under Pastor McKenzie's leadership. He was called into the ministry in 1979. After Pastor McKenzie accepted another church in Missouri, Rev. Easter was called to Pastor Holy Cross Missionary Baptist Church in 1984. Under Pastor Easter's extraordinary leadership, Holy Cross Baptist Church experienced tremendous growth and development. Pastor Easter led the church through several developments and the construction of the William S. Easter Educational Building. As a community organizer, he also led the church in the purchasing and development of housing for redevelopment for a helping hands food pantry and clothing closet and other properties for low income housing. Pastor Easter's passion for social and political issues allowed him to serve his community in several ways: serving on different boards and commissions playing a vital role in the redevelopment of the 12th Street Community. Rev. Easter served as an instructor in the Union Baptist Association, Vice-Moderator and eventually served as Moderator of Union District. While serving as Moderator, Union District was often recognized for its progressive programs and strategies. He served as Statistician and Vice-President for the Consolidated Missionary Baptist State Convention, Large Group Facilitator for the National Baptist Convention Sunday School Publishing Board Christian Education Conference, Treasurer of the E.C. Morris Institute and Little Rock Simultaneous Revival. He received numerous awards for outstanding service. He was a Spirit-led visionary and a humble servant to his congregation and his community. Rev. Dr. William S. Easter leaves to cherish his humble spirit, his unshakable faith in God, his resilience to his church, his strong work ethics, and his strong values as a husband, father, and grand-father, along with so many other memories: his loving wife, Lorene, four children; Derick (Keely), Craig (Kirestin), Gregg (Aundra), Kristian and twelve grand-children, all of Little Rock, Ark.; six siblings; Billy Ray Rindle (Alma) Oklahoma City, Myrtis (Linda), John (Betty) of Little Rock, Ark., Johnnie Barnes of Eudora, Ark., Mary Forte and Robert Easter of Texarkana, Ark., and a host of aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. Family Hour & Tribute Service: Friday, 6pm at Holy Cross Baptist Church; Pastor Cory Wiley. Funeral: Saturday, 24, 10am at St. John Baptist Church, Roosevelt & Main; Pastor C. Dennis Edwards. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr Drive, Little Rock. (501) 371-0111. Visit our website to sign online guest book at www.robinsonmortuary.com. "A Service You Can Trust."