1939-2025
On November 25, 2025, our beloved Loriece McDuffie Carlton peacefully transitioned to her eternal home. She lived a remarkable life shaped by faith, gentleness, and a loving spirit that touched everyone she encountered. Her legacy continues to shine in the countless hearts she uplifted.
Born on September 4, 1939, in Fordyce, Arkansas, Loriece was the cherished daughter of the late Jennie McCrary McDuffie and Isiah McDuffie. Loriece is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Maurice Carlton; her son, Maurice Carlton; and her siblings, Lee Edward, Marie Foster, and Thomas Alfred McDuffie. She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her devoted daughter Lori (Calvin) Jordan; her treasured grandchildren Jeremy Jordan, Lauren Jordan, Leah Jordan, Kristin (Lamar) Riddle, Ashlyn Carlton, and Sydney Carlton; her precious great-grandson Kamarin Riddle; her sister-in-laws Cassandra Roland and Linda Carlton; brother-in-law Ray Roland; a very dear Cousin/Sister-Friend & Confidant, Almetris Cobbs. Her goddaughters, D’Juana Jones and Tamieka Love, along with a loving host of nieces, nephews, extended family, church members, former students, and dear friends.
Education was not only her profession, but her calling. A proud graduate of AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff), Loriece went on to earn her master’s degree from Tuskegee University. She began her teaching career in the Arkansas school system and spent 40 years dedicated to nurturing young minds. To her, children were gifts from God, and teaching them was an honor.
A lifelong lover of books, Loriece believed wisdom was one of the greatest treasures a person could hold. Her advice to all children was simple yet powerful: Read, Learn, and Excel. She carried this philosophy through every chapter of her life.
Her devotion to service stretched far beyond the classroom. Loriece was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Pine Bluff Alumnae Chapter. A virtuous woman of deep and abiding faith, Loriece was a loyal and active member of Greater Ward Chapel AME Church in Pine Bluff. She joyfully served as a Sunday School teacher, Choir member, Lay organization participant, and a dedicated member of the Women’s Missionary Society. Over the years, she lent her gifts wherever needed—whether as a church school teacher, pianist, program assistant, or helping prepare food and clothing for those in need. Her heart for service was both steady and sincere.
Outside of her work and ministries, Loriece found delight in life’s simple joys—traveling, reading, working word puzzles, and, of course, teaching her students. Nothing brought her more happiness than spending time with her family. Her grandchildren were her world. The highlight of every year was spending Christmas in Chicago with her grandchildren, surrounded by her loved ones, filling the home with warmth, laughter, and stories.
In 2023, Loriece and her mother, Jennie, moved to Olympia Fields, Illinois, to live with her daughter and son-in-law. There, she was embraced by loving neighbors and new friends who brightened her days with visits, sweet treats, and cheerful conversations.
Across her 86 years, Loriece embodied grace, wisdom, resilience, and a steadfast love rooted in faith. She led gently, served humbly, and loved abundantly. Her light remains in the many lives she touched, the lessons she instilled, and the love she so freely gave. Her life was a gentle offering of wisdom, kindness, and compassion. She poured love into every space and soul she touched—her home, her classroom, her church, and her community. Her legacy is stitched into every life she nurtured. With grace, she finished her course, leaving us footsteps of faith to follow. May her memory be a blessing, and may her legacy continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Well, done, good and faithful servant. May she now rest in the radiance of God’s eternal embrace.
Visitation 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2025, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.
Funeral Service will be held 12:00 p.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at New Community Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 11:15 a.m. until service time.
Obituary submitted by the Family.
