Jalen Da’rel McGhee

Jalen Da’rel McGhee was born into this life on April 29, 1993 in Portland, Oregon to Phillip LeAndrew McGhee and Katina Louise Daniel. From the beginning his parents knew that he would grow up to be the “life of the party”. Jalen was a loving and friendly person who was the absolute center of attention.

At the age of 6, Jalen and Katina moved to Arkansas. Jalen grew up to be a smart, loving and talented young man. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Sparkman. He loved family get-togethers, spending time with his friends and as always making someone laugh.

He was a 2011 graduate of Arkadelphia High School. Intelligent, handsome and loyal, he formed life-long friendships. He never met a stranger and was a true friend. He loved football and was a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan. Independent and wanting to make a way for himself; he worked as a customer service representative at Sykes in Malvern.

His energetic personality and desire to make others laugh was a magnet for all those who wanted his energy to rub off on them. During his twenty-six seasons of life, he made friends across all walks of life. Many who crossed his path will never forget the glow in his eyes, excitement in his voice and the joy of his laugh.

Jalen passed from this life on Thursday, June 6, 2019. He was preceded in death by his mother, Katina L. Daniel who made her transition on January 21, 2007; his grandmother, Sharon Daniel (June 7, 2014), his grandfather, Leederson McGhee, Sr., great-grandparents, Dorothy J. “Muh” Daniel (October 19, 2013), William and Glendean Smith.

In his life many were the recipients of his infectious laugh, charm, and big heart. Treasuring God’s gift for all eternity are his father, Phillip McGhee of Arkadelphia; a sister, Asia McGhee of Little Rock; brothers, Jaren McGhee of Arkadelphia and London McGhee of Hot Springs; his grandmother, Virginia Johnson of Arkadelphia; uncles, Tony Johnson and Kevin Johnson both of Arkadelphia, Leederson McGhee, Jr., of Allen, TX, Lashawn McGhee of Denton, TX, Michael Johnson of Little Rock and Justin Wright of Minot, ND; aunts, Doris Ann Scoggins and Latoya Daniel both of Hot Springs, Mitzi McGhee of Dallas, TX and Rona Green of Rome, Italy. He also leaves his great aunts, Gloria Davis of Arkadelphia, Wilma (Phenoid) McClure of Curtis, Phyllis (Ricky) Harrison (godparents) of Sparkman, and Celesia Williams of Hot Springs; great uncles, William Smith, Jr., Greg McGhee, J. T. McGhee, Eli McGhee, all of
Arkadelphia, Elder Fred (DeEdra) Daniel of Little Rock, Lee Wiley of Radcliff, KY and James Hersey of Lansing, MI; a great-great aunt, Valeria Govan of Sparkman, AR; a god-father, Willie Earl Williams of Malvern; godmother, Lisa Larry of Portland, OE; numerous cousins, his best friend, Kentrel Jones and innumerable friends.

Family, as well as, friends are asked to wear black and red to the celebration.

Pallbearers will be Kentrel Jones, Darren Guinn, Jr., Bryant “BJ” Crockett, Jr., Torrance Daniel, Armondao Everette, Justin Reed, Marshawn Arnold and Sharrod Robinson. Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Wright, Jason Crawford, Anthony Wiley, Shawnterio Smith,  Fredrick D. Bragg and Tre’von Daniel.