Reverend Calvin Jamison

Reverend Calvin Jamison, affectionately known to many as “Big Honk”, “Granddad Little Rock”, and “PaPa”, was born on January 30, 1954, in West Memphis, Arkansas, to the late Mr. Freddie and Mrs. Mary Jamison. He was the fourth of nine children. On January 16, 2025, Calvin peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord at John L. McClellan VA Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, with his devoted wife by his side. Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Freddie Jamison, Sr.; one daughter, Keosha Jamison-Perkins; and two brothers, Curtis McCoy and Ralph Jamison.

Calvin graduated from Carver High School in Memphis, Tennessee, Class of 1972. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving 3 ½ years during the Vietnam Era. He lived in Memphis with his family for several years before relocating to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he worked for the Department of Veteran Affairs. Driven by his passion for helping others, Calvin earned certifications as a nursing assistant and mental health technician.

Calvin has encouraged and supported many people by sharing his testimony, showing that anyone can live a purposeful life through peer support. He found joy in working alongside his fellow veterans and coworkers. Full of life, laughter, and wisdom, Calvin cherished spending time with his family.

Calvin accepted Christ early in life and rededicated his life to Him at Saint Peter's Rock Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. J.E. Booker, Sr. Calvin faithfully served on the usher board, attended Sunday school, and served on the mission ministry. He devoted his time to visiting the sick, delivering food to shelters, distributing food during church events, and driving the church van for the youth department. In 2010, Calvin answered his calling to ministry and began preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Calvin pursued his theological education at the Missionary Baptist Seminary, attended ministerial classes through the Union District Baptist Association, and participated in Wednesday Noon Day Bible Study under the leadership of Reverend Gerald Parker, Sr. at Pilgrim Progress Baptist Church.

He is the co-founder of Loritta’s Healing Hands, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community by providing health education, drug and alcohol prevention, GED preparation, Christian education, and youth Christian ministry programs.

Calvin leaves behind a cherished legacy to be celebrated by his beloved wife of 18 years, Loritta Jamison, and his loving children: Catia Jamison, Chenise (Joseph) Thomas, Latoya (Derrick) Daniel, Kanyager Daniel, and Antrel (Beverlyn) Daniel, all of Memphis, TN, Darius (Shalina) Bowen, Sr. of Little Rock, AR, Cleophus Lee Barnes, Jr., and Corey (Latara) Barnes of North Little Rock, AR; six brothers, Russell Jamison of North Little Rock, AR, David Bates, and Freddie (Maxine) Jamison of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Clyde (Kathleen) Jamison of Memphis, TN, Robert (Katherine) of Virginia Beach, VA, and Marcellus of Longview, TX; two sisters, Ruth (Richard) Lee and Rosemary Jamison of Memphis, TN.

Calvin also leaves twenty-five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, six sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends, Special Friend and Encourager, Barbara Jamison, and his support dog “Bentley.”