Pastor Arnette Dotson, Sr.

Arnette Dotson, Sr. was born on January 6, 1957, to Earl and Hattie Dotson. He remained a lifelong resident of North Little Rock graduating from Ole Main High School and marrying his high school sweetheart, Lydia, one month after graduation. Continuing his education, Pastor Dotson received his Bachelor’s Degree from Shorter College and went on to gain his Masters of Ecclesiastical Studies from Jackson Theological Seminary in 1986.

He accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Scott, Arkansas. This is also where Arnette preached his first sermon on Easter Sunday, April 15, 1979, recounting Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane. He received his certificate of ordination on August 12 of the same year. On May 11, 1980, he was installed as the pastor of Bailey’s Chapel Baptist Church in Scott. Under Pastor Dotson’s leadership, Bailey Chapel moved from Scott to North Little Rock (now pastored by Pastor Charles Hawkins). After serving the Bailey Chapel Church family faithfully, in 1985, God called him to serve as the Sr. Pastor St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church (now pastored by Dr. Eric L. Alexander). He would lead St. Luke through expansion and renovation projects that were not seen before in the area. Mandated by God to establish new churches in the city, he began New Creation Missionary Baptist Church in 1996. Through God’s favor and awesome power, New Creation would go from small beginnings to meeting the needs of the community by becoming one of few Caring Center and Food Pantries in the metropolitan area (now shepherded by Pastor Daryl Dandredge). This allowed him to do what he loved to do best, feed the mind, body and spirit. Within Pulaski County, November 2, 2002, was declared Rev. Arnette Dotson, Sr. Day by the people of Pulaski County. He accepted the call to serve as Staff Pastor for the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Little Rock under the leadership of Bishop Steven Arnold. However, his work within the North Little Rock community was not done. He gave birth to what is now known as Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in 2006 and served faithfully until his death.

Devoting his life for the cause of the Kingdom has caused Reverend Dotson to be seen as a Pastor’s Pastor by mentoring pastors on this journey to spread the “Good News” and advance the Kingdom. His passion to spread the gospel would lead to serving as the African Americans Ministries Coordinator and Church Planter for the Southern Baptist North Pulaski Baptist Association. Pastor Dotson has served as Dean and Instructor for the Tri-Area Ministries Workshop of the General Missionary Baptist Convention of Arkansas; board member of the Cooperative Ministries of the Southern Baptist Convention of Arkansas; the moderator for the Argenta District Association; and President of the State Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress of the General Missionary State Convention of Arkansas.

His sermons were rooted in scripture, rich in practical truth and delivered with conviction and grace. He challenged hearts, strengthened families and inspired generations to live lives marked by faith, integrity and service. He extended compassion to people from all walks of life. His influence reached far beyond Sunday mornings. His presence brought comfort in times of grief, clarity in times of confusion and hope in times of despair.

He gained his crown on February 26, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and two sisters.

His family was his first ministry and greatest joy. He treasured time around the table, shared laughter and moments of prayer at home. Pastor Dotson leaves to cherish his memories: the love of his life for over 50 years, Lydia V. Dotson; his children: Natasha Smith (Melvin), Kernesha Hunt (Krystal), Arnette Dotson, Jr. (Crysonde); his sisters: Della Heard (Joe), Carrie Sandifer (Erman); his grandchildren: Rachel Holloway, Jaylen Myles, Maddison Hunt, Reagan Dotson, Kashton Dotson, and a host of in-laws, nephews, nieces and his beloved Rising Star Church Family.

Pastor Dotson faithfully served every congregation entrusted to his care. He never failed to show up, to counsel, to console, to speak life, courage, and strength into weary souls. He did so without judgment but with truth, no matter the circumstance. His unwavering trust in God was evident in the way he lived, and he continually encouraged others to place their trust in God as well. He was never too busy to listen, never too hurried to pray, and always made time for those in need. A true gift from God, Pastor Dotson remained a radiant reflection of His light, even in the darkest of times. His legacy of faith, compassion, and steadfast love will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.