Doris Hanako Amrine

Doris Hanako Amrine, 96, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on February 16, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Uichi and Kimiyo Wakamoto; her sister, Ethel Yamada; her brothers, George, Tony, Herbert and Mitsu Wakamoto; and her husband, Mel Amrine.

Doris is survived by her son, John Amrine (Elizabeth); daughters, Laurie Lee, Cherith Beck, and Valerie Stearns (Charles); and six grandchildren, Barrett Stearns, Melia Stearns, Madi Stearns, Kyle Lee, Katherine Amrine, and Mary Beth Chiafair.

Doris was born in Kalaheo, Kauai on March 5,1928. She grew up in a Buddhist family and met Jesus through a girlfriend who invited her to church when she was attending the University of Hawaii.

Shortly thereafter, Doris moved to Chicago to attend the Michael Reece Hospital, School of Nursing, the University of Illinois and later, Moody Bible Institute.

It was at the University of Illinois, Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship where she met Mel Amrine. Both new Christians, Mel and Doris became friends and co-leaders of their Inter-varsity Christian Fellowship group.

Soon after graduation Mel and Doris were engaged. A year later they married in Chicago on June 25, 1955.

After a short time in the U.S. Air Force, Mel was discharged and began training for the ministry at Grace Gospel Church in Waco, Texas. After completion of training, Mel and Doris traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to start Grace Bible Church. They pastored in the islands and raised a family during this time.

In 1966, Mel and Doris moved to Little Rock, Arkansas to start Bethel Chapel and later, Grace Gospel Church. They were also a part of helping New Life Church for many years.

Doris was an intercessor and met with a faithful group of women prayer warriors on Saturdays in her home for over 40 years as part of the Lydia’s prayer ministry. Doris also held Bible studies and served as a mentor to many women.

Doris loved her children and nurtured them in the ways of the Lord. Her life was a living example which they would follow for the rest of their lives. She was always there to help them throughout life’s journey

Doris resumed her work as a nurse after her children were older and taught many nursing students as a part of the nursing faculty at UCA.

When she retired from teaching she worked as an Emergency Room nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital. She also worked as a volunteer hospice nurse for Baptist Hospice.

Doris also spent many years taking care of her grandchildren. She always encouraged them in their educational work, to put God first and to do their very best in life.

Doris’ family would like to express their gratitude for the love, care and support they have received from their families and friends over the years. They are especially grateful for the pastors, staff and church family at New Life Church who have provided such loving support and care for Mel and Doris during their lifetimes. They would also like to share their gratitude for all the incredible love and care Doris received from her friends at Magnolia Landing in Greenbrier, Arkansas.

Visitation will be held at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home on Monday, February 24th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at New Life Church. Date and time will be shared on the funeral home website in the near future.

Memorials may be made to New Life Church, 633 South Country Club Road, Conway, Arkansas 72034.