Rev. Curtis O. Dansby

Rev. Curtis O. Dansby was born on November 9, 1951, to Gertrude Gulley and John Phillip Dansby as the seventh of eight children in Rosston, Arkansas. He attended Oak Grove and Cale Public Schools, graduating in 1970. He continued his education at East Texas Baptist College (now East Texas Baptist University) in Marshall, Texas, where he excelled in baseball, commanding the field as a shortstop and taking the mound as a skilled pitcher. His athletic talent caught the attention of the Kansas City Royals, who sought him out for his abilities. Rev. Dansby also received a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education with a minor in Biology.

Rev. Dansby’s spiritual journey was as profound as his professional and personal life. He accepted Christ at the age of 10 at Cana African Methodist Episcopal Church in Rosston, Arkansas—a decision that became the foundation of his life’s purpose. In 1978, he answered his call to ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, committing himself to a lifetime of service. He pursued theological studies at seminaries in Jacksonville, Texas, and Jackson Theological Seminary in North Little Rock, Arkansas, with a focus on hermeneutics and homiletics. This prepared him for a remarkable 44-year journey as an AME pastor before retiring in September 2022. Over the course of his ministry, Rev. Dansby was privileged to serve under several bishops, including Bishops Frederick Calhoun James, Hamel Hartford Brookins, Henry Allen Belin, Jr., Frederick Hilborn Talbot, Richard Allen Chappelle Sr., Samuel Lawrence Green Sr., and Michael Leon Mitchell. His ministry spanned the South and West Arkansas conferences of the 12th Episcopal District in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev. Dansby had the honor of pastoring several churches throughout his ministry, including St. James AME Church in Waldo, Arkansas; Ward Chapel AME Church in Prescott, Arkansas; Bethel AME Church in Stamps, Arkansas; St. James AME Church in Texarkana, Arkansas (where he served two assignments); St. Philip AME Church in Magnolia, Arkansas; and Bethel AME Church in Warren, Arkansas and Ward Chapel AME Church in Prescott, Arkansas. He concluded his pastoral journey at Piney Grove AME Church in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, where he faithfully served until his retirement. He also held various leadership roles within the AME Church, including Secretary of the West Arkansas Conference, member of the Board of Examiners and Sons of Allen, and contributor to the Resolutions Committee.

Rev. Dansby’s ministry went beyond church walls—he had a heart for people from all walks of life. Whether hosting wiener roasts and softball games for the youth or welcoming those struggling with addiction and hardship, he exemplified God’s love with open arms. He believed in meeting people where they were, pouring into their lives with encouragement and unwavering faith.

Beyond the church, Rev. Dansby dedicated three decades of service to Potlatch Corporation and spent 20 years shaping young minds in the Hope Public Schools System. As a fifth-grade science teacher and a paraprofessional in the ALE classroom at Beryl Henry Elementary, he instilled the values of education, perseverance, and self-determination in his students. He was a firm believer in lifelong learning and the power of words, often dazzling others with his expansive vocabulary. His cheerful, friendly, and good-humored nature made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

An avid outdoorsman, he found solace in hunting, fishing, and farming. He cherished his 30-30 rifle and had a fondness for squirrel hunting with his 12-gauge shotgun—even if it meant stepping straight from the pulpit in his three-piece suit. His love for the outdoors extended to his community, where he organized fishing tournaments for children at Logoly State Park and hosted Bible Jeopardy competitions, complete with meticulously crafted Jeopardy and Double Jeopardy boards.

A lifelong sports fan, he passionately cheered for the Los Angeles Dodgers, LSU Tigers, and New Orleans Saints. But his greatest victories were found in the lives he touched, the wisdom he imparted, and the faith he lived so boldly.

Rev. Curtis O. Dansby was blessed to experience love twice in his lifetime. He first shared a loving union with Frankie Lynn Black Dansby, the mother of his three children. Later, he found love again with Helen Louise Irving Dansby. Both preceded him in death, but their love and partnership enriched his journey. Rev. Dansby leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire all who were touched by his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, James Curtis Dansby, siblings, Ella Settles, Daisy Gulley, Lee Edward Dansby, Leonard Dansby, and Dennis Dansby.

Reverend Dansby’s memory will forever be etched in the hearts of his children; Lisa Dansby Williams, Little Rock, AR; Curtis (Gertha) Dansby, Beaufort, SC; a sister, Hazel Sherman, Camden, AR; a brother, Clifton Dansby, Bluff City, AR, four grandchildren, Kyla L. Frazier, Little Rock, AR; Caleb A. Dansby and Cameron M. Dansby, Spartanburg, SC.; Christian M. Williams, Little Rock, AR. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.