of Little Rock, AR
March 20, 1953 - July 17, 2025
Jamileh Kamran, a devoted wife and mother, pioneering fashion designer and educator, and beloved mamani to three grandchildren, passed away on July 17, 2025 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 72.
Born in northern Iran, Jamileh found an early love for sewing after her father enrolled her in a summer fashion course and bought her first sewing machine for her at age 11. This gesture sparked a lifelong passion for design.
After graduating high school, Jamileh fell in love with Mohammad (Allen) Afsordeh. They married in 1975 and the young couple decided to start a new life in the United States. In 1978, Jamileh and their daughter, Nirvana, arrived in Arkansas, where Allen soon joined them.
Faced with a language barrier and limited resources, Jamileh first used her typing skills at the Arkansas State Hospital, then gradually built a name for herself in fashion. With support from Dr. Emile Eckart, she learned English and eventually caught the attention of Hillary Clinton, for whom she designed an inaugural gown. Her client list soon included Arkansas figures like Judge Annabelle Imber Tuck and philanthropist Willie Oates. In 1983, after the birth of her son, Nader, Jamileh left her day job to pursue fashion full-time. She opened her couture house on Kavanaugh Boulevard, where she designed for over 30 years.
In 1997, Jamileh founded the Jamileh Kamran Arkansas Fashion School, writing her own curriculum to teach couture techniques. Her goal was always to help others avoid the struggles she had faced herself and many of her students have gone on to become successful designers in their own right. Although she was celebrated for her award-winning designs - her work was featured in such magazines as People and Southern Bride - Jamileh's contributions extended beyond fashion. She used her fashion shows to raise funds for nonprofits, including a standout project for the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, creating custom ties and scarves to support Arkansas patients. Additionally, Jamileh was inducted into the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame in 2024.
Jamileh Kamran is survived by her loving husband, Mohammad (Allen) Afsordeh; her daughter, Nirvana Afsordeh Manning and son-in-law, Trey Manning; her son, Nader Afsordeh and daughter-in-law, Danielle Afsordeh; her cherished grandchildren, William, Andrew and Sophia Manning; her brother, Jalil (Jim) Kamran and his wife, Mahvash Kamran. She leaves behind a legacy stitched into every life she touched. A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday July 22, 2025 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at "everloved.com/life-of/jamileh-kamran/donate" to establish a scholarship in Jamileh's honor for emerging designers.
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10 Condolence(s)
Eartha Daniel
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
I will truly miss you my friend. Enjoyed taking your classes and being on the advisory board of Arkansas Fashion School and helping to put on the graduation shows! You have a heart of gold!!! Rest in Love!!
Oliver M Fitzpatrick
Monday, July 21, 2025
My condolences goes out to Mrs. Kamran and her family. She will truly be missed. I am very grateful and honored to have been a student of hers.
Oliver M Fitzpatrick
Monday, July 21, 2025
My condolences goes out to Mrs. Kamran and her family. She will truly be missed. I am very grateful and honored to have been a student of hers.
Natasha Vault Booth
Monday, July 21, 2025
Sending Love, Hugs and Prayers to the Family of Mrs. Kamran and her beloved assistant, Amanda Morley. Mrs. Kamran will always have a place in my heart. She undoubtedly poured her heart into her students. I am grateful that I was able to share my gratitude and express my admiration for her contribution to myself and the community while she was with us. It is an honor to have completed my coursework with her stamp of approval, for her senior class of 2025. She will be missed immensely. Mooshie Always!
Anneliese Armstrong
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Dr. Manning,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time, and I pray you find comfort in the memories and love that surrounds you.
Judi Tolliver
Sunday, July 20, 2025
I was in her very first class on Kavanaugh I still have the binder and all,of the things she taught us. She introduced me to the juki,sewing machine. Was such a great teacher she will be missed
Ashley Duvon
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Dr. Patricia Y Oliver
Sunday, July 20, 2025
I love you and will miss coordinating your fashion shows. I will miss the nice names of mooshyyy. I will never forget you my friend. I love you and will never forget you. Patty
Dawn Hattison
Sunday, July 20, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the family. Ms Kamran was a great teacher and loved sharing her knowledge with her students. I’ll never look at the inside of a garment the same way. Ms Kamran has always said that a garment has to be just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. She will be missed.
Judy Lou
Saturday, July 19, 2025
She lived a life of integrity and perseverance! Her legacy will live on with everyone who lives were touched by her!