Jean Ellen McPherson

Jean Ellen McPherson passed away on October 1st, 2024 at the age of 83.

She was born to James and Pauline Shelby on July 8, 1941, in Little Rock, AR. Jean was a beloved sister to her two brothers Jim Wayne (Brenda) Shelby, the late Paul David (Phyllis) Shelby, and three sisters the late Jeanette (Lewis) Myers, Joan (David) Hobson, and Elaine (Rick) Graves. 

On May 10, 1958, Jean married the love of her life, Harold Ray McPherson. They raised their three sons, Randall, Timothy (KC), and Jay, in the greater Little Rock area of Arkansas. Jean and Ray were married for almost 48 years before he was called home to his Heavenly Father in 2006.

A graduate of Arkansas Barber College, Jean became a successful barber. A career that she enjoyed for many years. She would often tell of some of her well-known clients, but she was honored to cut hair for her family and church family. 

Jean grew up as part of the First Pentecostal Church of North Little Rock. She received the Holy Ghost as a young child. She loved The Lord Jesus Christ and she loved her church. She was a faithful prayer warrior and could be found many mornings at the church praying for her family and friends.

Jean loved, and was so proud of her grandchildren, Lyndie (Tanner) Whitt, Talor (Kyle) Shinn, Tylor (Meagan) McPherson, Emily McPherson, and Gianna McPherson. She had seven great grandchildren, Asher McPherson; Finley and Kayden Whitt; Elliott, London and Lane McPherson, and Arlo Shinn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents James Underwood Shelby, and E. Pauline Clifton Shelby, her beloved husband, Harold Ray McPherson, her sister Jeanette Myers, and her brother Paul David Shelby.

Jean’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by her children, grandchildren, brother, sisters, and her church that were all blessed by her life. ‍

Services to honor and celebrate the life of Jean Ellen will be held  at First Pentecostal Church, 1401 Calvary Road, North Little Rock. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral at 3:00 p.m.. Friday, October 4, 2024.  Following the service, Jean will be laid to rest at the Mayflower Cemetery. 

‍Pallbearers: Jay Fraley, Mike Holmes, David Weaver, Roger Cypert, Sammy Cypert, Shaun Fraley

Honorary Pallbearers: Richard Smith, Louis Myers, and Norman Clifton.

Speakers: Pastor Holmes, Bishop Holmes

Jean Ellen McPherson will be missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Memorials may be made to First Pentecostal Church, North Little Rock. Funeral Arrangements by Smith Funeral Home of North Little Rock. AR

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.