Pastor Kerry Newburn

Pastor Kerry L. Newburn was born in 1952 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He confessed his calling into the ministry in 1975 at First Baptist Church in Malvern, Arkansas. From that moment forward, he committed his life to the service of God and His people.

Pastor Newburn proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His military service reflected the discipline, sacrifice, and sense of duty that would later define both his ministry and his leadership.

He received his early education in Malvern, Arkansas and San Marcos, Texas. Pastor Newburn attended Malvern High School, later graduating from Job Corps where he received training as a Millwright Maintenance Mechanic. He continued his academic and theological preparation by earning a Business Management degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He also completed Old and New Testament studies and received certification as a Marriage and Family Counselor from Louisiana Baptist University.

In recognition of his service to ministry and Christian education, Pastor Newburn was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree on November 16, 2003 from Logos Christian College and Graduate Schools in Jacksonville, Florida.

Prior to his tenure at Bethel Baptist Church, Pastor Newburn served as the organizing pastor of Christian Fellowship Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Pastor Newburn faithfully served as Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Rockford, Illinois beginning in 1993, shepherding a congregation of more than 500 members. For over three decades, he was responsible for the spiritual and physical growth and well-being of the church through effective leadership, sound teaching, and revered pastoral guidance.

During his tenure in Rockford, Pastor Newburn also held several leadership roles within the Pastor Conference, serving as Assistant Director, later as Director, and as a lecturer. He further served as Moderator of the Progressive Baptist District Association in Rockford, Illinois, and was a former instructor with the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, contributing to the training and development of Christian leaders nationwide.

In addition to his pastoral calling, Pastor Kerry L. Newburn served on several prominent boards throughout the Rockford area and was a trusted voice, advisor, and friend to many civic, faith, and community leaders within the city. For more than 30 years, he was a respected contributor to numerous key initiatives impacting the spiritual, social, and civic life of Rockford, leaving an enduring imprint on the community he faithfully served.

Pastor Kerry L. Newburn was preceded in death by his parents: Flossie Morgan, his mother; Joseph Smith, his biological father; and Ivory Morgan, his stepfather; and his brothers, Larry Newburn and Alan Cornell “Bo” Morgan.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Evangelist Arthenia Newburn, to whom he was united in holy matrimony on June 3, 1977 in Hot Springs, Arkansas; his children, Demond Newburn, Devolis (Constance) Newburn, Timothy Newburn, and Brandi Newburn-Williams; fourteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild; his siblings, including Marlon (Valerie) Morgan, Darrel (Kathy) Smith, Jacqueline Smith, Charlotte Smith, and Vanessa Smith; half-siblings; in-laws; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church family, and friends.

Pastor Kerry L. Newburn’s legacy of faith, leadership, service, and sacrifice will continue to live on through the lives he touched, the leaders he mentored, the city he served, and the ministry he faithfully upheld.

Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026 at St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church 2919 19th Street. Burial in the Newburn Family Cemetery, Arkadelphia Arkansas. Visitation will be held 8:00 a.m. until the time of service.