Lela Juannell Adkins

Lela Juannell Craft Adkins 87, of Little Rock, was born December 20, 1937 and passed away June 9, 2025.

She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd and Jimmie Bea Craft, husband William “Bill” W. Adkins, Jr., siblings: Willie Evelyn Craft, Geneva Craft, Rev. Richard Craft, Rev. Dewey Craft, David Craft, and Joe Craft.

Juannell Craft Adkins was raised an Alabama girl who as a child worked in the cotton fields and did not have air conditioning, electricity, nor indoor plumbing until later in life. After she graduated high school as valedictorian of her class, she went to work at Redstone Arsenal now NASA in Huntsville, AL. After working at NASA long enough to buy herself a car, she resigned from NASA to attend Bible School at Pentecostal Bible Institute (PBI) in Tupelo, MS. After finishing Bible school, she worked at PBI as a Registrar until her boss moved to Little Rock, AR to pastor First Pentecostal Church (now Word Aflame). She then moved to St. Louis, MO to work at the United Pentecostal Church headquarters. Juannell was introduced to her husband, Bill, at a General Conference in Portland, OR by her former boss and her new boss in St. Louis (who had moved from Little Rock to St. Louis). Bill and Juannell were married and had two children. She worked in the Christian School at the Little Rock church for several years. When that school closed, the family started attending First Pentecostal Church of North Little Rock (FPCNLR) so her son, Darrell, could continue attending a Christian school. Juannell worked as a teacher at the school until Darrell graduated. She continued helping with various projects at the school as a volunteer. She also taught Sunday School for many years at both churches. Juannell also visited the shut-ins for several years until her husband Bill became ill and required a caregiver. She took off about two years to care for him. After Bill passed away, she again started working as a volunteer at FPCNLR until she was no longer able to drive and be independent due to her failing eyesight. She continued faithfully attending FPCNLR until her death. Her motto in life was to treat others as she wanted to be treated.

She is survived by brothers Loyd (Mary) Craft of TN and Ray (Pauline) Craft of AL; daughter, Carole Adkins of Little Rock; son, Darrell (Kim) Adkins; and three grandchildren, Vadin Adkins, Vance Adkins and Valena Adkins all of Jacksonville; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends. Juannell was also “Bonus Mom” to several in the church.

Memorials may be made to First Pentecostal Church BOTR project, 1401 Calvary Road, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116.

A visitation will begin at noon, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm, Monday, June 16, 2025 at First Pentecostal Church, 1401 Calvary Road, North Little Rock. Burial will follow at 3:00 pm at: Pinecrest Memorial Park, 7401 Hwy 5 N, Alexander, AR, 72002.

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