Shirley J InktonShirley Inkton, a native of Eudora, AR, was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1999 and during her itinerancy, served as shepherd for seven congregations. She was the 1st female pastor appointed to Quinn Chapel, ard Chapel, and New Horizon (Little Rock), and Bethel (Hope). She was also appointed to serve as pastor for Holly Grove (North Little Rock), Saint John (Warren), and Saint Paul (Pine Bluff). All churches were in the state of Arkansas. During Shirley's tenure in the pastoral ministry, she served in numerous leadership positions, some included: President of the Little Rock District Quarterly Conference Union (2007-2011); Director of Christian Education for the Arkansas Annual Conference (2000-2006) and the 12th Episcopal District Director, AR/OK (2006-2012). She also served as the Arkansas Annual Conference Church School Superintendent (2007-2013), Worship Director of the African Methodist Episcopal Church/Connectional Women in Ministry (2009-2012), and Arkansas Annual Conference Coordinator for Women In Ministry (2018-2019).Shirley received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Philander Smith College, Little Rock, AR; Master of Science in Education Leadership from the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR, and theological studies from Florida Center for Theological Studies, Miami, FL, and Jackson Theological Seminary, North Little Rock, AR. Many blessings and honors have been bestowed upon Shirley throughout her lifetime; some include the title of Miss Philander Smith College (1979-80), 1st female pastor to be elected a General Conference Delegate from the Arkansas Annual Conference (AME Church - 2004); 1st female pastor to serve as Co-Dean from the 12th Episcopal District for the Joint Institute of Ministers for the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas (2004). Shirley was a 12th Episcopal District Representative to the Order of the FLAME World Methodist Evangelism Conference, Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA (2006), and a member of the 12th Episcopal District's Delegation that traveled to the Continent of Africa, visiting Lusaka and Livingstone, Zambia; Manzini, Swaziland; Maseru, Lesotho; Sun City and Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa in 2006. Shirley is a retired 33-year educator, and 43-year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she served as Arkansas State Chaplain (2016-2022) and is a member of the Arkansas State, Southwest Region, and National Clergy Councils. She is an honored member of the Central Arkansas Alumnae Chapter, Little Rock, AR, where she served as the chapter's 10th President (September 19, 2020 - June 30, 2022). Shirley was also featured as one of Delta's 2016 "Authors on Tour" for the Blazing Southwest Region. She is the mother of three precious adult children: Dawn Ja'Melle, Jessica Kathleen (son-in-love Onyinyechi Charles) and William Alan Irving. Shirley is the grateful grandmother "Nana" of Dylynn Jo'Elle, Isaiah William, Isaac Arnell, Ganiru Jace, Amara Ellarie and Avari Jade.Shirley is humbled and reverences God for the many opportunities He has allowed her to embrace, but acknowledges her greatest blessing was bestowed upon her at the tender age of eleven, when she gave her life to Christ. She likens her Holy Ghost's Baptism experience to the "fire" in which the Prophet Jeremiah spoke (Jeremiah 20:9). Her acceptance to God's Calling has not been uncomplicated, but the Holy Spirit has reminded her throughout years of service, that God's grace has been, is, and shall forever be sufficient to fulfill God's will for her life. Read More Read Less