Lesmon Lampkin

On Friday, July 4, God displayed the beauty of His love by blessing the world with the precious gift of Lesmon G. Baucom-Lampkin, affectionally known as “Aunt Nell”. Born in Meto, Arkansas, to the late Lester Baucom and Essie Marsh, Lesmon began a journey that would span more than nine decades living a life marked by faith, family, service, grace, and the unmistakable favor of God.

At an early age, Lesmon confessed her hope in Christ and accepted Him as her personal Savior at Belgrove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Holmes. The faith planted in her youth became the foundation upon which she built her life. Through changing seasons, distant journeys, joyful celebrations, and difficult days, her trust in God remained steadfast.

Later in life, Lesmon relocated to Ashtabula, Ohio, where she established a new chapter of her life. She was employed by the Board of Education, faithfully serving for more than ten years. It was also in Ashtabula that her path crossed with Reverend George B. Lampkin, whom she would marry and share 55 years of love, partnership, ministry, and devotion.

As the wife of Reverend Lampkin, Lesmon embraced one of the great honors of her life—serving as First Lady of Greater Promise Missionary Baptist Church in Ashtabula. She understood that being a First Lady was more than a title; it was a ministry of presence, encouragement, sacrifice, hospitality, and service. She faithfully stood alongside her husband as they served the church and the broader Baptist community in numerous capacities, including Reverend Lampkin's service as State Moderator of Ohio Baptist Churches.

Lady Lampkin was also blessed with an extraordinary gift of song. Her beautiful voice became another avenue through which she ministered to others and glorified God. Her musical gift opened doors that allowed her to sing before audiences both near and far. During Reverend Jesse Jackson's historic pursuit of the presidency of the United States, she was afforded the distinguished opportunity to serve as a soloist during his campaign. Her gift was further recognized when she was named the 1983 Gospel Soloist of Ohio. Yet, regardless of the size of the audience or the prominence of the occasion, Lady Lampkin was always willing to use the voice God gave her whenever she was called upon.

Those who knew Lady Lampkin also knew that she carried herself with unmistakable class, elegance, and grace. She believed in presenting herself well and could often be found beautifully dressed from head to toe with her nails carefully coordinated to complete the look. Her style was uniquely hers, but the beauty for which she will be most remembered extended far beyond her outward appearance. It was found in her strength, her faith, her love for family, her devotion to ministry, and the gracious way she carried herself throughout her life.

She eventually returned to her Arkansas roots and moved to North Little Rock. Continuing the life of faith that had sustained her over the years, she united with First Baptist Church of North Little Rock under the pastoral leadership of Reverend William L. Robinson.

Lesmon was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Reverend George B. Lampkin, her son, Jonathan Wright- Lampkin, and her brother, Veora Marsh.

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, after having been blessed with a long and fruitful earthly journey, Lady Lesmon Baucom-Lampkin completed her assignment on this side of eternity. The God who had graciously favored her with length of days called His daughter from labor to reward.

While her earthly voice has been silenced, her song continues through the lives of those who loved her. Those left to cherish her precious memory include her daughters, Carletta Hampton and Sheila Russell (Joe Russell, Jr.); her sisters, Reverend Essie Keys and Betty Herring (A.C. Herring); her grandchildren, Robert Johnson II, Arlton Hampton, Joe Russell III, and Devon Russell; her great-grandson, Drake Johnson; her god-sister, Willetta Bunch; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving relatives, church family, and special friends.