A Life Well Lived: Presiding Elder Tyrone Allen Broomfield

Presiding Elder Tyrone Allen Broomfield

September 7, 1955 – December 8, 2025

Presiding Elder Tyrone Allen Broomfield was born in McGehee, Arkansas, on September 7, 1955, to the late William and Olevia Jenkins Broomfield, Sr.  A devoted servant of God, he faithfully labored in ministry alongside his beloved wife of forty-six years, Reverend Ina Kay Willis Broomfield. Known for his warm spirit, humility, and steadfast faith, Elder Broomfield touched countless lives through preaching, teaching, and service.

At the age of twelve, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior at St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in McGehee, Arkansas, under the leadership of Reverend Carroll Willis. He answered the call to ministry in April 1975 and was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in 1976 by Bishop S. S. Morris. In 1978. He was ordained an Itinerant Elder by Bishop Fredrick C. James at Gates Chapel A.M.E. Church in Crossett, Arkansas.

Elder Broomfield faithfully served the African Methodist Episcopal Church for five decades, pastoring the following congregations within the Twelfth Episcopal District:Gethsemane A.M.E. Church, Cominto, Arkansas (1975–1983);Bethel A.M.E. Church, Eudora, Arkansas (1976–1978);Bethel Fountain Hill and Mount Pellum Longview  Circuit (1978–1983); Gates Chapel AME  Church, Crossett, Arkansas (1983–2008); and Bethel AME Church, North Little Rock, Arkansas (2008–December 8, 2025).

In November 2021, he was appointed Presiding Elder of the North Little Rock/Fort Smith District by Bishop Michael Leon Mitchell. His leadership extended throughout the Connection, including service as Treasurer of the Twelfth Episcopal District, Vice Chairman of the Arkansas Conference Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of the Trustee Board at Shorter College, member of the General Board of the AME Church (2016–2025), and delegate leader to the 2021 and 2024 General Conferences.

Elder Broomfield was a passionate advocate for youth and community service and was affectionally known as “Reb”.  He played a key role in youth initiatives such as the Opportunity Industrial Center (OIC) Pine Bluff, Youth for Christ Crusade and Phoenix Youth and Family Services. His civic service included appointments to the Arkansas Adult Probation Commission and the Arkansas Board of Correction and Community Punishment, where he served under multiple governors. He was also the co-proprietor of Willis Funeral Home, serving families with dignity and compassion.

His life and service were recognized through numerous honors, including Clergy Living Legend, NAACP Pastor of the Year, Ecumenical Leader of the Year, and Outstanding Presiding Elder and Leadership Awards within the Twelfth Episcopal District.

Presiding Elder Tyrone A. Broomfield was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and his sister, Betty Creath.  He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Reverend Ina Kay “Dodie” Broomfield; sisters Corene Broomfield, Barbara Lawson, and Sandra (Carl) Kelly; brothers John Broomfield and William “Nell” Broomfield; sisters-in-law Joyce Willis, Reverend Sarah (Bobby) Lawson, and Lucy (Maurice) Washington; brother-in-law Reverend Andrew (Reverend Natalie) Willis; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, spiritual children, relatives, and friends.

He is lovingly remembered by the members of Bethel AME Church–North Little Rock and the North Little Rock/Fort Smith District, whose lives are forever enriched by his faithful leadership and unwavering devotion to God.