1944-2025
Elbert Jay Stinson was the youngest child born to the union of Clote and Katherine Stinson on September 4, 1944 in Texarkana, Texas. His Earthly Journey was ended on February 2, 2025. He confessed a hope in Christ at a very early age and was baptized at a Neighborhood Baptist Church. He later moved his membership to New Hope Methodist Church, in Texarkana, Texas, where his mother was a member. Elbert received his early education in the public schools of Texarkana, Texas. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1963 where he excelled in athletics. He played and lettered in three different sports: football, basketball, and track. He was able to compete with the high school track team in the seventh grade. Upon graduating high school, he attended Arkansas AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was a track star at AM&N becoming SWAC All Conference and NAIA All American for four years. He was Student Body Outstanding Athlete of the Year in 1965. In 1967, he held the overall Arkansas State record for the 220- and 440-yard dashes. He was ranked 5th in the nation in the 440-yard dash. On a tour to Sweden, he ran for the US on the AAU Goodwill and won eight of nine races. In June of 1968, he was drafted in the United States Army where he was assigned to Special Services and he ran track for the United States Military. He was once considered the best Quarter Miler in the entire United States Army. On October 25, 1968 he married JoAnn Kelly, his college best friend.
After his honorable discharge from the Military in 1970, he returned to AM&N UAPB to complete his undergraduate degree. He received a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Industrial Arts and later that year he attended UCA in Conway, Arkansas and received a Degree in Physical Education. He worked several years as a Teacher and Coach at the Arkansas Boys Training School and he retired in 2005 as a Teacher and Coach in the Pine Bluff School District. In 2003, he was inducted into the AM&N / UAPB Sports Hall of Fame and in 2013, he was inducted into the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame.
Elbert spent a lot of his leisure time mentoring young people while coaching little league football and baseball. His most cherished days and moments were well-spent with his grandchildren (which were his pride and joy). Talking about the grandchildren was a never-ending conversation.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clote & Katherine Stinson and a brother, Jamie Stinson.
Elbert leaves to celebrate his legacy, his wife JoAnn Stinson of 56 years, sons, Ryan (Kierra) Stinson, Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Roderick, Stinson, Sr. (Tykisia) Marion, Arkansas; Grandchildren, Ashaunti Stinson, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Roderick Stinson, Jr., Marion, Arkansas, Alyndria Stinson, Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Jordyn Stinson, Marion, Arkansas; Brother, Robert Stinson, Texarkana, Texas; Sister, Mae Margaret Dyer (Vollie), Atlanta, Georgia; Sister-In-Law, Erma Stinson, Wake Forrest, Texas and a host of family and friends.
Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at New Community Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR by Pastor Laydell Jordan. Interment in VA Section of Graceland Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR.
Obituary submitted by the family.
