Paul Sorrells (Lansing)

Elder Paul Edward Sorrells, whose spirit made its’ departure to go home to be with the Lord, passed away on Saturday, January 12th, 2025, at the age of 88 years old. Born on Monday, April 20th, 1936, in Okolona, Arkansas, Paul was the third child of the late Ephraim and Eddie (Harrington) Sorrells.  

He spent his early years in Arkansas until 1967, when he relocated to Lansing, Michigan, where he resided for approximately 30 years. During his years in Lansing, he was a faithful member of Robinson Memorial Church Of God In Christ (COGIC). Paul eventually returned to his home state of Arkansas, where he was a dedicated member of Lighthouse Prayer Temple COGIC. While he spent the last two years of his life around his loved ones in Lansing, Michigan to help with his caring needs, his heart never left his beloved Arkansas. 

Paul grew up with a large family by the union of his parents that includes 12 children (4 girls and 8 boys), who all played a significant role in his life. Paul dedicated his life to serving the Lord through preaching and music ministry for various churches. In his former years, Paul attended college and became a schoolteacher and moved on as a Bible teacher in the latter years of his life. While living in Lansing, he worked for the Motor Wheel Corporation for more than 25 years as a supervisor until he retired. 

As a young boy, Paul was miraculously anointed to instantly play the piano, which he faithfully nurtured his entire life. As a passionate preacher and music minister, Paul touched countless lives with his sermons, singing, and distinctive piano playing style. In his younger years, many who witnessed his amazing talents would lovingly agree that “he reminded you of the late Jackie Wilson.” Often, with a healthy pride and conviction, he would state his name clearly as Elder Paul Sorrells. He lived a dedicated life of prayer, and he enjoyed watching baseball, politics, westerns and his favorite classic reruns of The Lone Ranger!  

Paul was a brother, a father, an uncle, a grandfather, a great grandfather, a husband and would be a friend to anyone.  

Paul’s cherished life and memories are survived by his wife, Stella Wright; stepson, Calvin (Audrey) Roberts; daughter, Salathiel Marie (David) Allen and her mother, Rosetta Norris; four grandchildren, Salathia Mariah (Cortney) Allison, Hannah, Gabrielle, and Santos; and five great-grandchildren, Ryan, Bayleigh, Alora, Queen, and Rayshawn Jr; sisters, Patricia M. (Thomas) Douglas of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Jolene Sorrells of Lansing, Michigan; brothers, Billy Ray Sorrells of Canton, Ohio, Johnny and Danny of Lansing, Michigan. In addition to his immediate family, Paul leaves behind a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other close relatives and friends, including his two lifelong friends, Dr. Black of Osceola, Arkansas, and Pastor Lois Mabins of Luxora, Arkansas. 

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Ephraim and Eddie Sorrells; brothers James Edward, Charles William, Joe Edward, and Raymond; and sisters Eddie Mae and Wanda Lee.