Barbara Jean Kresse

Barbara Jean Lewis Kresse, 96, of Maumelle, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025—just one day after celebrating her 96th birthday surrounded by family. It was just like her to go out with a party, leaving this world as she lived in it: with love, joy, and grace.

Born on June 4, 1929, in North Little Rock, Barbara was a proud graduate of North Little Rock High School, Class of 1947. It was there she met her high school sweetheart, Raymond Kresse. They married and shared 66 wonderful years together until his passing in 2017.

Barbara was the loving mother of Janet Kresse Williams; grandmother to Jessica Pauley and Chad Williams; great-grandmother to Gavin Pauley; and great-great-grandmother to Dakota Pauley. Her family was the center of her life, and she was the heart of theirs.

She is survived by her brothers, Royce Lewis, Dewell Lewis, and Barry Lewis; her sister, Kathy Lewis; her special best friend, Dorothy Daniel; and many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Kresse; her parents, Robert Lewis and Macel Lewis Matthews; her granddaughter, Brooke Williams; her sisters, Donna Castillo, Linda Lewis, Robin Lewis, Betty Swicegood, and Pat Sperry; her brother, Robert Thomas Lewis Jr.; her son-in-law, Ivy "Sonny" Williams; nephews David Roberts, Jeff Roberts, and Tim Swicegood; and niece Karla Roberts West.

A true Southern belle, Barbara, was always dressed to the nines-bedazzled, elegant, and perfectly put together. Her grace, charm, and sparkle weren't just in her wardrobe, but in every room she entered. She was sassy, spirited, and sharp as a tack—never afraid to speak her mind, but always with warmth, wit, and impeccable manners.

Her impact on the North Little Rock community spanned decades. She served as Director of the North Little Rock Youth Center before becoming the Activity Director at the North Heights Senior Center, a role she held until the opening of the Hays Center in 2003.

Barbara's dedication to civic life began in the 1970s. Anyone who ever danced in North Little Rock likely knew Ms. Kresse-she was the assistant director with the NLR Junior Cotillion for over 30 years and was a proud member of the NLR Woman's Club for nearly 40 years.

She generously volunteered across the city, contributing to programs such as Summerset, the Mayor's City-Wide Clean Up, Friendly Chapel's Annual Fish Fry, the Corps of Engineers River Clean Up, "Paint Your Heart Out" with Neighborhood Services, Memorial Hospital, and the Senior Citizens Outreach Program, where she served as Secretary.

In 1999, Barbara was inducted into the North Little Rock Senior Hall of Fame in recognition of her extraordinary community service. She was also a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she shared her time and faith with a generous heart.

Barbara will be remembered for her boundless energy, her devotion to others, her unmistakable sparkle, and her joyful spirit. She lived a life of service, celebration, and love— and leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for generations.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home (1921 Main Street) with a rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with burial following at Edgewood Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Arkansas Hospice-Conway office for their compassionate support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Barbara's memory to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1516 Parker Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72114.

Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com for the online guestbook.