Robert Elijah Lovett

Robert Elijah was born November 21, 1938, to Rodell & Arcie Smith Lovett in Strong, Arkansas. One of his earliest memories was of him as a toddler being brought to his mother to say goodbye to her on her deathbed. Elijah grew up in the Pine Grove area of Strong and graduated from Gardner High School. He accepted Christ and was baptized at a very early age with the Curry Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Strong, Arkansas. As Elijah grew into young manhood, he had trouble finding his first official job. He was of very slight build and many of the sawmills weren't willing to take a chance on hiring a small guy. However, his luck was about to change. One fateful day Elijah was offered a ride to Crossett by a white gentleman in a beautiful Cadillac. This was highly unusual for the 1950's. Elijah knew this was a good sign. When he made it to the mill, the supervisor asked him, "Do you want to work or do you just want to get paid to pretend to work?" Elijah emphatically declared, "I want to work!" He was hired on the spot. This began his career with Georgia Pacific which spanned over 40 years.
Robert Elijah Lovett was a man of strong faith and integrity. Friends and family frequently sought his quiet wisdom and advice. Elijah was a man of few words. He was often slow to speak, taking his time to carefully consider a situation and choosing his words very carefully. In the workplace he was known as Robert but in the community, he was known as Elijah. In both settings he was known as hardworking and dependable. He frequently donated his time, energy and service to the family, community and his church, Curry Chapel A.M.E Singing was his passion. His voice graced the congregation, lifted spirits in worship, and will forever echo praise in our hearts. He is now singing in the "Heavenly Choir" a melody that he so graciously ministered, filling hearts with the presence of God. Just to name a few songs of faith that will leave an etch in our spirits are
"Can't Run, Can't Hide", "Let's Get Down on our Knees and Pray" and "Move Upstairs",
Elijah loved the outdoors. Many of his most enjoyable activities took him outside in nature. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. Elijah and his brother Charles would go fishing bringing back a mess of bream, bass, catfish and "grinners." Elijah was also an expert gardener, growing collards, peas, corn, squash and a wide variety of vegetables over the years until his health began to decline. Many said that his Georgia Collards were so tender and sweet that they tasted like they had sugar in them! He was even a cattleman, growing Black Angus, Jersey, Hereford, and Limousine cattle over the years until the reintroduction of the black bear to the area. However, Elijah's pride and joy was his lawn. He appreciated a crisply edged lawn and spent many hours mowing, bush hogging, edging and weed eating his lawn to pristine perfection.
Elijah was a huge fan of westerns. Many evenings were spent watching Matt Dillion and Ms Kitty on Gunsmoke as well as western movies such as "How the West was Won" and "The Cowboys." He also enjoyed watching sports both local and professional teams. He really enjoyed baseball games, especially when his beloved Dodgers were winning! A little known fact was that Elijah was one of the best pool players in Union County. Pool players knew that they had to bring their best game when they played him.
Elijah was also a loving and caring father. He met Mary Louise Atkins and to this union was born his first child, Mary Renee Lovett. Later he met Gussie Furlow and to this union was born Tiffany Lovett. Elijah also served as a father figure and male role model to many in the community. Many of his nieces and nephews fondly recall the love, attention and care that he showed them.
On June 19, 2010, Elijah united in Holy Matrimony to Mary Furlow.
Although our hearts were not ready, Elijah transitioned peacefully from this life on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado, Arkansas with his loving and dedicated wife, Mary Lovett, at his bedside. His parents, sisters; Alzora Honeycutt, Ella Marie Wayne and Marilyn Yvonne Hamilton; Stepmother: Annie Mae Thompson, all precedes him in death.
His memories will forever be cherished by his wife: Mary Lovett of Strong, Arkansas; Daughters: Mary Renee Harrison of Dallas, Texas, Tiffany Lovett of Cleveland, Ohio, Quinta Davis (Calvin) of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Tarnisha Benton and Shantelia Champion both of El Dorado, Arkansas. His sister: Mattie Lovett and his brother: Rev. Charles Lovett (Ruby) both of Strong, Arkansas. Eight grandchildren: Antonio Tonkerreyon Lovett, Whitney Harrison, Aaron Billings, Lorenzo Dixon, JeDarius Dixon, Jacoby Matthews, Justionna Young and Geoffery Smith. He also leaves six great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.