Doris Jean Cruse

Doris Jean Cruse, age 96, of Cabot, went to be with the Lord, Thursday, October 30, 2025. She was born in North Little Rock on May 11, 1929, to the late Lemual Spurgeon and Ruby Hurdlow Spurgeon.

Doris graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1947. She has attended First Assembly of God in North Little Rock for the past 86 years. That is where she met her future husband, J.B. “Jay” Cruse, and they were married there on October 15, 1949. They were both active members of the young adult group called “Christ Ambassadors” or “CA’s” where they joined in many activities with their closest friends.

In the early years of her marriage, Doris was a homemaker. She and Jay were blessed with two daughters - Janet, born in 1955 and Kelly, born in 1958.

Doris was later employed as a financial secretary for many years. She worked for North Little Rock Schools, Kempner’s Department Store in downtown Little Rock, Baptist Hospital Accounting Department, and Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock. She always spoke fondly of being the financial secretary at Lakewood Methodist, where she made many friends and retired in 1994.

Her greatest joy in life began in 1982 when her first grandchild, Lindsey, was born. In just a few short years Katie was born in 1985, and Corey in 1986. She was the best “Nana” to the three of them. Their wish was her command! They never lacked for anything while at Nana’s house. She enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them, especially going on trips.

Mrs. Cruse is survived by her children, Janet Granderson (Randy), Kelly Bankston (Ricky); three grandchildren, Lindsey Hart (Vaniel), Katie Rose, and Corey Granderson (Callie); five great grandchildren, Jack Granderson, Benjamin Hart, Charlotte Granderson, Macy Hart, and Burk Granderson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Jay Cruse; and siblings Glendean Dodson, Marguerite Franks, and George V. Spurgeon.

Visitation and memorial service are being held at First Assembly of God, North Little Rock on Thursday, November 6th, at 10:00 and 11:00 respectively. Interment is at Edgewood Cemetery in North Little Rock.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, North Little Rock, AR 72114. 501-758-1170.