OBITUARY
Jeffrey K. Lewellen
July 14, 1957 – November 21, 2019
Jeffrey K. Lewellen, 62, of Little Rock, died November 21, 2019. Born July 14, 1957 in Little Rock, he was the son of Edward ‘Gene’ Lewellen, Sr. and Mae Belle Moreland Lewellen. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College (1979) where he was also a program director at KHDX 93.1 and his Master of Arts in Public History from UALR (1986). He was Archivist for the Arkansas History Commission until he retired in 2017.
Jeff was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. He loved music, history, writing, and theater. You could often find him at The Weekend Theater acting. Preceded in death by his father, Edward ‘Gene’ Lewellen, Sr. and his brother, Edward ‘Ed’ Lewellen, Jr. He is survived by his mother, Mae Belle Moreland Lewellen of Little Rock; and two nieces, Patience Petersen, of North Little Rock, and Kendall Lewellen, of Fort Smith.
Memorial Services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in the chapel of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205 with Rev. Jay Clark, officiating. Interment will be private at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers the family asks you consider donating to The Weekend Theater in Little Rock, AR. To sign the online guestbook, click “Add A Memory” at: www.pinecrestmemorialpark.com
Services
- Memorial Service Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Memories
Jeffrey K. Lewellen
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCindi Thomas
December 3, 2019
A kind and gentle soul
has left this earth too soon.
Rosemary Henenberg
December 3, 2019
When I taught theatre arts at Hendrix College, Jeff was and continued to be a leading light. He was a good actor, a loyal supporter, and a great wit. We'll miss him.
Rosemary Henenberg
Holly Hope
December 3, 2019
I worked in the history field with Jeffery and I always enjoyed seeing him at the Archives. He was part of our "history-nerd" family and he knew his stuff. I was impressed with his acting abilities. I hated to hear of his untimely death and I send my thoughts of sympathy to his family and friends.
Teresa Preston
November 29, 2019
I and many other friends lost a wonderful, loving pal last week. As Archivist for the Arkansas History Commission, Jeffrey wasn't just any terrific historian, but he also was an awesome music historian as well. Jeff also was a weekend actor and in retirement, a playwright author, often acting in historical era stories. He made a great contribution to the Little Rock community and to the state of Arkansas. He will be sorely missed! As usual, he sent me off in style on my move to Alabama with a CD of hits recorded over time in Muscle Shoals! We will miss your kindness, your talent, and your wit, Jeffrey Lewellen.
Anne Armstrong Holcomb
November 26, 2019
Jeff was a one-of-a-kind friend. Kind. Talented. Funny. Understated. Sharp as a tack. I'm sad to hear of his passing, and I will miss him. My heart goes out to his other friends and family.
Melissa Nesbitt
November 26, 2019
As one of the Arkansas State Archives branch employees, I didn't get to work closely with Jeff, but what time I got to be around him was a pleasure. I'll remember him as a kindhearted soul who always had a word of encouragement, a wonderful sense of humor, and a great passion for Arkansas history. Jeff, you are missed very much.
Julienne Crawford
November 25, 2019
I had the pleasure of working with Jeff for many years. He had an amazing knowledge of music and history. He would share his love of music with custom CD mixes that are treasured by many. I loved talking with him about musicians, theater and history. Today as I held paperwork he completed years ago my heart sank as I recognized his handwriting. He has left his mark throughout many of the collections at the State Archives that he helped preserve during his long career as an archivist. Jeff will be remembered by many for his kind soul. As the curtain closes on this act, may he find peace and joy in the next act. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
Crystal Shurley
November 25, 2019
I worked with Jeff at the Arkansas State Archives for six years. I had no knowledge of Arkansas’ Music History when I started working at the ASA. Jeff loved teaching me about the music and musicians he loved. I will miss our talks and his passion for history. He was my friend.
Tatyana Oyinloye
November 25, 2019
I worked with Jeff over 15 years at the Archives it was a joy and pleasure working with him, our last conversation was about music which was apart of his life legacy. Jeff will be truly missed prayers for his family in this time of sorrow.
Russell Baker
November 25, 2019
I am so sad to hear of Jeff's passing. He was a great guy and a good professional to work with. God bless his family.
Jeffrey Jones
November 24, 2019
One of the best friends I ever had in my life.
Carla Coleman
November 24, 2019
🎼Jeff was a kind and quite man but he loved his music. He would perk up, smile and talk all day when it came to his love for Arkansas history and all kinds of music. You will be be missed my friend.
My you have rest in musical heaven 🎻🌹🙏🏽❤️.
Myron Porter
November 23, 2019
Jeff (affectionately, Fejj) was my roommate at Hendrix. I learned an incredible amount about obscure music and history from Jeff. More importantly, I learned a lot about modesty, kindness, and joy in living from Jeff. I treasure knowing Jeff. He was a true friend.
Lisa Speer
November 23, 2019
When I joined the staff of the State Archives in 2013, Jeff welcomed me with a CD of his favorite Arkansas songs. Jeff lit up when he talked about music or the theater. I was so honored to be with him at Weekend Theater at the reading of his first play. He was a gifted writer. Most importantly, Jeff was a kind and thoughtful person. He will be missed.
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
IN THE CARE OF