When good things that bring us joy evaporate, grieving is an … · 2020. 6. 7. · When good...

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When good things that bring us joy evaporate, grieving is an appropriate response. Because of social distancing and the rules regarding last rites observance imposed by NJ State regulaon, we have been forced to alter how we say goodbye to our loved ones, coworkers, fellow-laborers and friends. We have not been able to visit our sick, do ministry in nursing homes, even go by homes and sit on sofas and share God grace and comfort. When this will be over, no one knows but God, so in the meanme, we will maintain this hall of remembrance. We are able to put this together only because of information available to us. The starting point of listings begins with the start of the quarantine. Anyone with addional informaon to update this document, please forward to the Church office at churchoffi[email protected]. MISSING BUT NOT FORGOTTEN WISTON PERRY MARY STURDIVANT PALMER JENKINS STEPHANIE HORTON SISTER EULAH MURRAY

Transcript of When good things that bring us joy evaporate, grieving is an … · 2020. 6. 7. · When good...

Page 1: When good things that bring us joy evaporate, grieving is an … · 2020. 6. 7. · When good things that bring us joy evaporate, grieving is an appropriate response. ecause of social

When good things that bring us joy evaporate,

grieving is an appropriate response.

Because of social distancing and the rules regarding last rites observance

imposed by NJ State regulation, we have been forced to alter how we

say goodbye to our loved ones, coworkers, fellow-laborers and

friends. We have not been able to visit our sick, do ministry in nursing

homes, even go by homes and sit on sofas and share God grace and

comfort. When this will be over, no one knows but God, so in the

meantime, we will maintain this hall of remembrance.

We are able to put this together only because of information available to us.

The starting point of listings begins with the start of the quarantine. Anyone

with additional information to update this document, please forward to

the Church office at [email protected].

MISSING BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

WISTON PERRY MARY STURDIVANT

PALMER JENKINS STEPHANIE HORTON

SISTER EULAH MURRAY

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Mrs. Nina Alice Walker passed at the age of 97 yrs.,

February 16th, 2020 at the Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mt. Holly,

NJ.. Nina was born on December 4, 1922 in Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania to Maceo Johnson and Evelyn Fogg. She graduated

from Manual Training and Industrial School, Bordentown, NJ.

Nina worked in nursing for 35 years at the Burlington County

Hospital renamed Virtua Memorial Hospital. In addition she

worked as a licensed cosmetologist for several years. Nina

believed in education, family and having faith in God.

Nina is survived by her husband, William M. Walker; her children Sandra Jenkins, William Davis

and Dinah (daughter-in-law), Carole and Edwin Goodall (son-in-law), Thomas and Cynthia Davis (daughter-

in-law) and Angelia Walker-Robinson. She is preceded in death by her parents Evelyn Fogg and

Maceo Johnson; her brother Charles Randolph and daughter, Evelyn Davis. Nina has eleven

grandchildren a host of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

September 15, 1939 — March 14, 2020

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Thais Edna Major (nee Rosser) was the first

black baby born in the basement of the Dover Delaware

Hospital in 1924 to the Late Wyard and the Late Edna

Rosser who died shortly after giving birth. Thais was an

only child, raised by her father and her beloved Aunts:

Isabel, Lenny, Irene and Mary Rosser.

Thais was educated in the Burlington City School System

and later graduated from nursing school. After 34 years

of service, she retired from nursing at the Burlington

County Memorial Hospital in Mount Holly, NJ. Thais was

the proud mother of Thais Elizabeth Morton. In 1954, she

married the late Michael V. Major and from their union, two

pre-deceased daughters: Yvonne and Michelle Major.

Thais was a soldier in the Army of the Lord. She gave her life to Christ at an early age. She was the

oldest living member at the Second Baptist Church in Burlington City, NJ which is now known as

Christ Baptist Church of Burlington, NJ. Thais was a beloved Mother of the Church and faithfully

served as a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. She cherished her time singing with the

Angelic Chorus, who was a second family to her. Mother Thais loved her church and every member

in it!

Thais, affectionately known as "Granny Annie" by her grandchildren, will always be loved, cherished

and remembered for her kindness and encouraging words. Thais loved to knit and crochet everything

from sweaters to slippers and hats. She had a passion for the arts and enjoyed playing Scrabble,

Boggle and Cross Word Puzzles but most importantly, she loved to read the Word of God!

Thais spent the last 10 plus years in the Marcella Nursing Center where she was well known for

sharing words of encouragement with the staff and her visitors. She was the Matriarch of her family

and would always share the Gospel and remind the family to build a relationship with the Lord, to do

right, keep the family together, to always be thankful, help those who are in need and to always PRAY!

Thais is survived by her beloved daughter, Thais Elizabeth Morton and was blessed with 5 grandchildren:

the late Deborah Rosser, Diana L. West (Terrence), Donna M. Harris (Nesdon), Dawn Y. Morton, and

Sharyn T. Thompson (William); 13 great grandchildren: Darnell Dickerson, Tamara Morton, Kendall

Cole (Daniell), Kenneth West (Lanisha), LaKeeysha Smith (Seth), Finesse L. West, LaKia McCray

(Quinton), Shenelle West, Courtney Wilson, Xavier Wilson, Aaryn Thompson, Mariyah Thompson,

and Nyle Thompson; 28 Great-great grandchildren: Isaiah Smith, Christian Smith, Darnell Dickerson Jr,

Daelan Dickerson, Tristen Dickerson, Tyler Dickerson, Kailee Coles, Kenadi West, Kendon West,

Kamdyn West, Wysdum Smith, Seth Smith Jr, Trinity Smith, Cheyenne Smith, Joshua Smith, Genesis

Smith, Eli Smith, Jacob Smith, Quinton McCray Jr, Derek McCray, Jasmyn McCray, Amir McCray,

Letele Hughley Jr. Ziya Thais Peek, Nasir Jones, Giana Hames, Sincere Hames, Lillie Wilson,; Great,

great, great grandchild: Kaiden Smith.

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WE CAN’T FORGET THE LABOR OF LOVE OF DEACON JAMES RAY DANIELS

March 12, 1936 — April 3, 2020 Born March 12, 1936 to the late Everett and Clara Daniel of Durham, NC, James Ray Daniels met Barbara McDonald in September of 1966. He declared his love immediately, and she asked him if he were a fool. A great beginning for a relentless pur­suit. His persistence in a courtship of flowers, cards, and candy were steadfast even with many rejections. Singing to her while acting out the songs moved her heart. Ray's voice was beautiful. Dancing with her while singing was always special. Without hesitation, he wooed her with the song, "The Glory of Love." After finding the song to be her favorite, it became their love theme.

Psalms 23 and 1st Corinthians 13 later became their an­chor scriptures. "I love you enough for the both of us" took Ray and Barbara down the aisle on August 17,

1968. He told her father that he prayed for her and God sent her to him. He became her "Nookie" and she was "his Barbara." Ray loved his Barbara, and all who knew him knew it to be real. He never stopped courting her. From their union was born James Ray Jr. and Kresten Réchele giving them a blended family of 5 children, already having Michael "Butch," Steve, and Jackie.

Growing up, Ray attended Durham County schools including Hillside High School. While married, he obtained his GED with honors in 1973 from LaSalle Academy. Being accepted at Hahnemann Hospital School for Physicians Assistants with the encouragement and strong recommendations from Dr. Norris and Dr. Tucker of Jackson Clinic of Temple University Hospital was an honor. Unbeknownst to Barbara, Ray turned it down, not wanting to leave her and the children to study at an off-campus site outside Philadelphia.

After living in Philadelphia for many years, God brought their family to Willingboro, NJ in January 1980. After having served faithfully at Mt. Airy Baptist Church for 8 years as a trustee, he joined Second Baptist Church of Burlington, NJ in 1981. Singing in the Sr. Choir and ushering were special to him. Singing "In Times Like These" with his brother-in-law, Harry Walker, Sr. was reminiscent of his old quartet days. Ordained as a Deacon on May 4, 1986, Ray was passionate about his calling for the Lord. Under the tutelage of Pastor Frederick C. Johnson, his growth in the Word increased. For him, becoming a member of the Deacon Advisory Board was a serious commitment. He was a scholar in his Deacon class under Deacon Norman Morgan. Although he accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized as a youth, at his request, Rev. Johnson baptized him again as an adult.

In 2014 he was made Deacon Emeritus. He readily established his seat on the front pew until he was unable to sit alone. At his bedside, he was presented with a prestigious plaque as Deacon Emeritus for his many years of service. The Deacon's Fellowship of Burlington County, Inc. also presented him a Certificate of Appreciation as a Senior Deacon. His earlier years spent in Stanley and Ida Morgan's home Bible Study, produced some of his initial growth as a Godly husband. Stanley embraced him and was influential in his involvement in the Mighty Men of Valor Retreats.

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At Temple University Hospital, he rose from Orderly to 0. R. Technician with the support of many doctors. He was always well liked and respected. While there he received many awards and honors for his service. To his surprise he was anonymously recommended to The Chapel of Four Chaplains in Philadelphia For Outstanding Service. He humbly accepted the presentation on September 30, 1979. Diligent, reliable, and punctual, Ray retired from Temple University Hospital after 35 years. Retirement made way for Ray to work at Walmart through Ron Jackson with whom he had a great "father-son" relationship.

Watching James and Kresten grow up, no babysitter could top Ray with James and Kresten. As they grew up, Ray happily volunteered as assistant basketball coach when Bernie Bull asked him to be the assistant, becoming lasting friends. Ray was Cub Scout leader for James's troop. He was always on the sideline concerned about his 6 years old daughter freezing while marching in the parades as a Blue Sapphire. His support was always there for Kresten's track meets, or cheerleading, or James basketball, and football games. Whatever their involvement, church, school, or community he was present. You could barely contain him at their Kindergarten graduations, so just imagine his feelings at Medical and Graduate School Graduations.

Ray was surely Barbara's covering: early years of their life taking her to work and with the babies in the back seat picking her up at night, later years with Barbara working as a independent contractor RN, becoming known to her agencies as well as her clients, still often taking her to work (occasionally unknown to her following her to work concerned bout her welfare, always purchasing some gadget for her safety, always having the car /arm, cleared of snow, umbrella ready in the rain, walking her to the car day or night, need-:ss to say , maintaining her car and his car immaculately; always a gentleman, she never put on a coat alone in his presence, opening doors and pulling out chairs was a natural; keeping her toned down when she went overboard in her opinions is where "iron sharpens iron," yet respecting their differences when she stood her ground

Ray was also her caregiver "in health," having warm bubble baths prepared after work, soothing back rubs after her chest percussion therapy, bringing her meals in bed wanting her to just rest (unable to cook but knew her favorites to buy). He even purchased a special bed tray to serve her meals in bed; assisting with chores again meticulous, she never took out the trash. He was her best friend, getting on her nerves at times and other times making her laugh. Nookie loved to act out what he was tell-ng you and could tell some good jokes. Disagreements grew them closer as they depended on each other and learned to go to the Lord together, praying for unity among their children. Ray was her lover holding her and comforting her as no other could, enjoying holding hands while walking, just looking at each other, just being with each other whether out or at home alone.

He lives through his wife, Barbara; his children Michael "Butch" (Jackie), Steve, Jacqueline Davis, James (Kimberly) and Kresten King; his sisters, Ethel Mae Crawford, ,Willie Jackson, Cynthia Hicks; Brothers, William "Tom" (Gloria), James Barr (Arlene); 4 sister- in- laws, 1 brother- in- law; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, 3 Godchil­dren, and a host of family members and friends and childhood friend, Buck.

Whether Baby Ray, Bud, Ray or James, He will always be Barbara's "Nookie." A love that only God could blossom and bond for over half a century.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!!

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Margaret E. Brown May 15, 1939 — May 16, 2020

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning

those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others

who have no hope." I Thessalonians 4:13

Although we grieve, we are grieving with a mixture of

confidence, hope and even joy that Margaret is safe in

Heaven. Christ's death and resurrection are the bases for

our belief. Margaret Elizabeth Brown, 81, was born on May 15,

1939 in Florence County, South Carolina to James H. and

Bessie A Williams Brown. On May 16, 2020, Margaret rest in Camden, New Jersey.

At an early age, Margaret accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Trinity Baptist

Church by the late Rev. James J. Abney. In her later years, Margaret served faithfully at Christ Baptist

Church in Burlington, NJ, under the leadership of Rev. Fredrick Johnson and Interim pastor, Rev. Clabon Bogan Jr.

Margaret loved studying God's Word, singing in the Senior Choir and serving diligently in the Trustee Ministry.

Margaret attended the public schools of Florence, South Carolina, and was a 1957 graduate of Wilson

Senior High School. She completed her collegiate education at Paine College in Augusta GA in 1961. After

working a few years for the IRS in New Jersey, Margaret began teaching third graders at Lafayette

Elementary School in Bristol, PA until her retirement in June 2003.

Margaret is predeceased by her loving parents and siblings, Bagena White, John W. Brown, Eugene

Brown and James E. Brown. She is survived by her siblings Eunice B. Darby and Clayton C. Brown, both of

Florence SC; and Peggy B. Lawrence of Columbia, SC; best friend and sister in Christ, Marina “Bingy” Brown

of Burlington, NJ . Margaret often expressed gratitude for the love and assistance she received from her

niece, Gwen Harris and nephews, Jeffrey and Matthew White; and a host of other nieces, nephews, loved

ones and friends

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Milford Theadford made his transition peacefully to his heavenly home on Saturday, May 23, 2020 just a few months after his 22nd Leap Year Birthday. He was lovingly Called Ted) and was the son of Dempsey and Pumell (Greene) Theadford. He was born on February 29, 1932, in Indianola, PA. Milford was educated in the Easton Area Public Schools. He was a dedicated student that enjoyed mathematics and received the top honors of his class. He never missed a day of school for 3 years. For those of you that cannot add as fast as Milford, that was 540 days. Milford kept a job at the Sun Ray Drugstore after school and on Saturdays. He was a fast walker too. He would often beat Mary's bus, up Canal Street in

Easton. He received his drivers license at the age of 16 and bought a dark blue Pontiac. After his high school graduation, he enlisted into the Armed Forces serving in the Korean War. He

worked in the Lehigh Foundry, one of the largest Steel Mills in the Country. He attended Rutgers University where he earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Accounting. He worked for the United States Government at the Internal Revenue Service, as a Case Manager for 35 years. He would later be used as an example of a person of influence and cited in an article GO WEST.• HOW THE I.R.S. SHOULD FOSTER INNOVATION IN ITS AGENTS, which is befitting because he was an avid reader, that enjoyed reading Thomas Clancy novels.

Milford met the love of his life Mary Edna (Reed) Theadford during their times at the Baptist Young Peoples Training Union (BYPTU) a organization created by his Aunt Bessie Jones. They served as tutors to other youth, studied the bible, swam, and fellowshipped. Milford enjoyed playing checkers with Mary's father, the Reverend Wilmer Walter Reed. They were high school sweethearts and were married on March 5, 1955. From their union were born two children: Brian and Brita

On Saturdays, Milford would visit his mother in Easton and often help his brother Odell work in his Automotive Shop. In his spare time, he was a photographer, he gardened and would share his bounty with many neighbors and friends. He was a runner and would wake up at 5:00 am to have a mile run before work. He loved the Penn Relays. He loved making pancakes for dinner, taking Brian fishing and even did Brita's hair from time to time. He was a great speaker, leader and provided sound advice.

Milford was the 'Comer Stone' in the establishment of our family reunions. Through his research in 1970, he was an integral part of creating the Theadford-Thedford-Thetford family reunions, with his cousin Roosevelt Thedford. The family reunion meetings officially began in 1980 and have continued for the past thirty-nine years and allowed the family to travel throughout the 50 states meeting other family members each July. Our family reunions will not be the same.

Milford joined Second Baptist Church in September of 1979. He and his daughter Brita were baptized together on October 28, 1979. He was a long-time member of the Usher Board, Sunday School Teacher, Trustee Board and Male Chorus. One of the fondest memories, will be of him giving children hayrides during the Harvest Festival. He loved it and so did his I grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son; Brian Theadford, brothers; Andrew Theadford (Ida), Odell Theadford, Sr., and Charles Theadford. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 65 years Mary; his daughter, Dr. Brim A. Theadford (Woodard); two loving sisters, Ms. Marie Alford (Clarence) and Ms. Rebecca Smith (Elmer); three grandchildren; Ms. Brook M. Butler, Mrs. Kyra C.

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Anthony R. Lee, born November 6th, 1961, was called home

to the Lord on Tuesday, May 26 2020. Anthony was old.

He was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the

Holy Spirit by way of Canaan Baptist Church in New York City.

where he was a member under Reverend Wyatt T. Walker.

Anthony was a dedicated, loving and caring man. He enjoyed

playing and watching basketball, the New York Giants and riding

his motorcycle. with the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club.

He loved spending time with his children and family. As a member

of Christ Baptist, he participated in many ministries.

Anthony was a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force , dedicating 26 years of active duty service.

He was as an Information Management Craftsman. He received numerous awards, ribbons and medals to include:

Joint Service Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force

Commendation Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Star, Air

Force Overseas Long Touring Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award with five one leaf Clusters, NCO Professional

Military Education Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force 0u:standing Unit Award with eight

Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Conduct Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters.

Anthony is survived his wife, Sowolo; two children Danielle and Marie; as well is his mother Ernestine Lee. He also

leaves behind a countless number of family, friends , coworkers and those with whom he had the pleasure of serving

with while in the Air Force. He w II he laid to rest alongside his beautiful daughter Brianne, who was called home

April 9th, 2019. They will be reunited together once again.

Anthony was truly one of a kind, the kind you rarely encounter in this world. The kind that made him one of the

greatest men to ever live. Rest in peace Anthony . In your life you touched many, and in your parting many lives are

changed.