Rev. John Henry Loving, Jr.

Life's ReflectionsAt Midnight. Wednesday, April 27, 2010 The Reverend John Henry Loving, Jr. began his life with the Lord. He was born April 30, 1941 to the late John Henry and Louisa Thompson Loving in Baldwyn, Mississippi. Following the death of his mother at age 7, he was reared by his grandparents, Roma and Bryant. and Aunt Melinda Thompson. He graduated from Guntown High SchooL Okolona Jr. College, and then the former Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, MS. He furthered his studies at Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL and Birmingham Theological Seminary in Alabama. He was married to the then Hattie Mary Davidson, to this union his four children were born. He later married Adell Rayford. He was raised in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, being baptized at Trinity CME in Guntown, MS. He accepted his call to the ministry in 1960; he was licensed to preach, and ordained Traveling Elder in the Northeast MS Conference of the CME Church. He pastored churches throughout the 3rd, 4th and 5th Episcopal districts under the leadership of Bishops Norris S. Curry, Joseph A. Johnson, J. Claude Allen, E.P. Murchison, Dotsy I. Isom, Jr., Richard O. Bass, Sr. and Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. where he retired from the Kansas Missouri Region of the 3rd Episcopal District in 2009. He was pastor, priest and servant of God and people throughout his life. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving Aunt Melinda Thompson of Guntown, MS; his younger brother, Irwin Loving of St. Louis, MO; 2 sons, John Henry Loving III of St. Louis, MO and Terrence Avery (Deborah) Loving of Phoenix, AZ; 2 daughters, Fenita Diane Loving of Ellisville, MO, and Felisha Louisa Loving of Merrilville, IN; The apple of his eye, his granddaughter, Felisha Antonette Perry; and great-granddaughter, Namia Louisa Ratliff; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Services held: Murchison Tabernacle CME Church 7929 Natural Bridge Normandy, MO 63121 Interment: Laurel Hill Cemetery Pagedale, MO 63133Officiant(s): Rev. James T. Stewart, Pastor Rev. Q.H. Whitlock, Jr., Presiding Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Officiating .