Pastor William Easter Obituary

honoring the life and legacy of
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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 BaptistState 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, AR; six siblings; Billy Ray
Rindle (Alma) Oklahoma City, Myrtis (Linda), John (Betty) of Little
Rock, AR, Johnnie Barnes of Eudora, AR, Mary Forte and Robert Easter
of Texarkana, AR and a host of aunts, uncles, relatives and friends.