AR SMR2

Born August 13, 1927, in Forrest City, Arkansas, Reverend Dr. Herman Lee Lewellen passed away May 16, 2011, and served as pastor of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro from 1961 until his retirement in 1996.

Served as President of the Consolidated White River District Congress of Christian Education for 23 years, member of Arkansas Baptist Convention for 49 years, and member of National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., for 47 years.

Held leadership positions with Arkansas Baptist College Board of Trustees, NAACP Jonesboro branch, Jonesboro Ministerial Alliance, and founded Rights in Education for Students/Parents (RESP, Inc.).

Received numerous awards including 1984 Citizen's Award from Governor Bill Clinton, Martin Luther King Jr. Award in 1988, Honorary Doctor of Divinity from Arkansas Baptist College in 1998, and Distinguished Citizen's Award from RESP, Inc. in 2001, 2006, and 2007.

The Senate acknowledges and memorializes Reverend Lewellen's contributions to the State of Arkansas and his community, with a copy of the resolution to be presented to his family by the Secretary of the Senate.