The Home Going Celebration Of
Apostle Luke Witherspoon, Sr. “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness...” - 2 Timothy 4:7-8
~ The Order of Service ~ The Officiant ~ Apostle Benjamin F. Peterson, Jr. 2nd Assistant Presiding Bishop - Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ World-Wide, Inc. The Adjutant General ~ Bishop Mark J. Michael Member, Board of Bishops - Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ World-Wide, Inc. The Eulogist ~ Pastor Chris Williams House of Faith, Memphis, Tennessee Musical Prelude The Apostolic Necrology Bishop Mark J. Michael The Episcopal Processional The Episcopal Adjutants The Apostles The Bishops The Overseers The Pastors and Ordained Clergy ~ The Family Processional of Apostle Luke Witherspoon, Sr. ~ The Presiding Bishops The Episcopal Adjutant Shepherd Mother Juanita M. Witherspoon and The Witherspoon Family *THE APOSTOLIC RITES & THE REMOVAL OF THE EPISCOPAL INSIGNIA *THE ORATION OF THE BULL OF CONSIGNMENT *THE SEALING OF THE BIER AND DRAPING OF THE PALL Facilitated By: The Adjutant General The Call to Worship The Prayer of Comfort - Apostle Kirk Hinton, Presiding Prelate, The Church of the Living God Hymn - Just a Closer Walk With Thee - Brother Stephen Phifer & Celebration Ensemble The Old Testament Reading - Psalm 27:1-4 - Pastor Jeffrey Lewis The New Testament Reading - Romans 8:16-18 - Minister Marcus Witherspoon, Jr. (Grandson) Musical Selection & Remarks - Bishop Charles Lyles & The New John Howard Gospel Caravan Reflections Westminister Christian Worship Center - Elder Lois Sutton-El Spiritual Sons & Daughters - Bishop Joseph Melvin Phifer Westminster Evangelistic Church, Inc., - Tracy Brooks
Episcopal Remarks Bishop Dr. Fred Jerkins, Jr, Evangelical Fellowship Church Bishop Wondell Johnson, Grace Tabernacle Church Bishop Billal Parrish, Remnants of Grace Apostolic Cathedral Bishop Freddy Washington, Sr, Worldwide Outreach Restoration Deliverance Church Bishop Robert F. Hargrove, II., President, Fellowship of Churches of Atlantic City & Vicinity Musical Selection - Bishop Charles Lyles & The New John Howard Gospel Caravan Episcopal Remarks Reverend Dr. Milton L. Hendricks, Faith Baptist Church Bishop Dr. James Washington, Shiloh Baptist Church Apostle Courtney Henry, Bible Way Church of our Lord Jesus Christ World-Wide, Inc First Lady Joyce Howard, New Hope Baptist Church Reverend Julia Moore, President, Ministers Wives & Ministers Widows of Atlantic City & Vicinity Apostle Karen Johnson-Williams, Christian Love Church Special Tribute - Malikah Stafford (Granddaughter) Apostle Witherspoon’s “Let Me Preach” sermon Resolutions & Acknowledgements - Dr. Hope R. Gallagher Political and Community Remarks Assemblyman Don Guardian Mr. Aaron “Sporty” Randolph, Atlantic City Council President Mr. Steve Young, National Action Network Mr. Thomas Jennings, Second Baptist Church Mr. Anthony Mack, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist Pastor Stephen Mays Reading of the Obituary - Jamillah Parker (Granddaughter) Words of Expression ~ The Witherspoon Family Sibling - Bishop Louis Witherspoon The Immediate Family His Wife and Matriarch ~ Shepherd Mother Juanita M. Witherspoon Sermonic Hymn - Tirzah Witherspoon (Granddaughter) Introduction of the Eulogist THE EULOGY Pastor Chris Williams The Recessional Oration ~ Bishop Mark J. Michael The Benediction ~ Apostle Benjamin F. Peterson, Jr.
EARLY LIFE Born September 27, 1939, in Mooresville, North Carolina, Apostle Luke was one of ten children born to Mr. Lewis and Katie Witherspoon. After losing his father at the tender age of nine, he was raised in The Oxford Colored Orphanage in Oxford, NC. His early experiences, marked by hardship, racism, discrimination, and poverty, shaped his heart with deep compassion for the disenfranchised, especially youth suffering from fatherlessness. Upon leaving Oxford Colored Orphanage, he moved back to Mooresville, NC, and joined Reid’s Memorial Presbyterian Church. The Late Rev. John E. McKenzie served as pastor. He was trained and involved as a Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and Deacon. Determined to make a difference, he began his “circle of influence” by coaching sports, mentoring young people, and paying their admission to ballgames. His generosity and kindness were a consistent part of who he was. He invested his time, resources, and love in young people, making each one feel valued, supported and worthy as one who opened his heart and made others feel like family. It was during this season of his life that he met Juanita Torrence, the woman who would become his beloved wife and lifelong companion of 64 years. In 1962, they moved to Atlantic City and became affiliated with the Jethro Presbyterian Church where he became a member of the choir as well as a church officer.
SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION After moving to Atlantic City, New Jersey, and living there for several years, Apostle Witherspoon experienced a life-changing encounter with God. He was visited by missionaries, the Late Etha Jerkins and Sam Jerkins, who came to his home and encouraged him to get saved. With the confidence and determination that was so much a part of his personality, he would proudly tell them, “I’m already saved”, as he sat back and enjoyed one of his favorite cigars. But the missionaries did not give up. After making their third attempt to reach him, they brought along Minister Fred Jerkins, who would later become Bishop Fred Jerkins. During that visit, a gospel singing group was being formed, and he was asked if he and his wife would participate. Their answer was yes! The group was known as the Joy Gospel Singers. That yes became the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He was later baptized by the Late Bishop Kenneth Feaster. From that moment, he was blessed with a gift of grace that enabled him to fulfill his childhood vow, to help people, and to walk fully in his Divine Purpose. After that, Apostle Witherspoon prayerfully studied the Bible, fasted, prayed and was endowed with the Holy Spirit. Under the spiritual guidance of Overseer Julius Pope and Pastor Leno Johnson, with the direction of the Holy Spirit; he became a deacon, a minister and later was ordained to Eldership. He faithfully worked in the Morning Star Church. LIFE & CALLING As his walk with God deepened, a life-changing moment came one night when the Late Bishop Jose Arranna, Evangelist Norberto Munoz and late brother Edwin were led by the direction of the Holy Spirit to come to anoint and ordain him for the work which was calling him. That night marked the beginning of another chapter in his life, a Divine calling that would shape his ministry, his family and the lives of countless people throughout the years. Apostle Luke Witherspoon, Sr. was a charismatic, Renaissance man of God whose influence touched generations as the founding pastor of the Jesus Christ Evangelism Program. In 1979, the ministry was renamed and incorporated to the Westminister Evangelistic Church. In 2005, the church was renamed and incorporated as the Westminister Christian Worship Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He faithfully shepherded God’s people for over 44 years, building a ministry known for compassion, empowerment, and unwavering devotion to Christ. A Father-Figure, Master Life Coach, Mentor, and Humanitarian, Apostle Witherspoon profoundly impacted countless lives throughout Atlantic City and vicinity, across the state, and throughout the nation.
MINISTERIAL LEGACY Under Apostle Witherspoon’s tutelage many were taught and nurtured for ministry. 17 pastors were developed and over 15 churches were established. He trained ministers, evangelists, missionaries, leaders, church administrators, and workers with a unique combination of wisdom, discipline, and love. Apostle Witherspoon served for several years as the Diocesan Bishop of the State of New Jersey for The Bible Way Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ Worldwide. He was also a member of The Fellowship of Churches of Atlantic City & Vicinity. His sphere of influence reached into every arena, religious, social, economic, and political, touching people from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. He worked tirelessly for the social betterment of all. He believed in the total man and what he lived and poured into others will continue through the generations of ministry leaders who were blessed to sit under his leadership. HONORS & RECOGNITION Apostle Witherspoon was honored with numerous awards and commendations, in recognition of his dedication to ministry, community, and service to others. Among these distinguished honors were recognitions from the U.S. Congress, acknowledging the impact of his life, leadership and faithful service. These honors reflected not only his accomplishments, but also the lasting impact he had on the lives of those he served. HUMANITARIAN WORK His legacy includes humanitarian missions, “10 Day Tours” across the United States, and countless ministries launched from the church at the corner of Vermont & Madison Avenues, Pennsylvania & Pacific Avenues and Chelsea Avenue in Atlantic City. Apostle Luke Witherspoon’s “Circle of Influence” remains unbroken. The lives he touched, the people he mentored, the ministries he established, and the love he poured into others will continue to speak for generations to come. His earthly journey has come to an end, but his spiritual legacy will endure throughout perpetuity.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lewis & Katie Witherspoon, brothers James Johnson, Lovaine White, Oscar Witherspoon, Garland Witherspoon, Nathaniel Witherspoon, and sisters Lola Gray and Thelma Waller. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 64 years Shepherd Mother Juanita Witherspoon of Absecon, NJ, seven children, Pastor Thelma Witherspoon of Mays Landing, NJ; Loukeeler Bell of Atlantic City, NJ; Labooion Evans of Philadelphia, PA; Elder Cotteth Stafford (Mike) of Mays Landing, NJ; Bishop Luke A. Witherspoon II (Jackie) of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; Pastor Marcus Witherspoon, Sr. of Absecon, NJ; and Fred Caldwell (Sonja) of Charlotte, NC. They were further blessed with a host of anointed and gifted grandchildren, great-grandchildren and greatgreat grandchildren. His brother, Bishop Louis Witherspoon of Franklinton, NC; his sister Shirley Johnson of Mooresville, NC; brothers in law Elder Pressley Torrence (Margaret) of Kannapolis, NC;
Pastor JC Byers of Statesville NC; his sisters in law Jeanette Witherspoon of Mooresville, NC; Margie Witherspoon of Altoona, PA; Mary Lou White of East Spencer NC; Overseer Virginia Byers of Troutman, NC; Ella Graham (Barnell) of Troutman, NC; Mary Lois Walker of Troutman, NC; one Goddaughter Treava Barnes; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and The Westminister Knights (adults and young people) who were raised in the church as his spiritual sons and daughters. Legacy & Glory to Father YAH (God) be all the glory for the extraordinary things He has done through the life of His son and servant, Apostle Luke Witherspoon, Sr.
PALL BEARERS Craig Bell (Grandson) Tony Bell (Grandson) Marcus Corbitt (Grandson) Frank Simms (Great-Grandson) Luke Witherspoon III (Grandson) Marcus Witherspoon, Jr. (Grandson)
HONORARY PALL BEARERS Christopher Bell (Great-Grandson) Brandon Scott (Grandson) Xavier Simms (Great-Grandson)
IN APPRECIATION Shepherd Mother Juanita Witherspoon and the Witherspoon Family wishes to express our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love, prayers, calls, and comforting words during this hour of bereavement. Your kindness has helped to sustain us. SPECIAL THANKS Bishop Mark J. Michael & The Adjutancy Corp. • Rev. Dr. Milton L. Hendricks & Faith Baptist Church Bishop Charles Lyles & The New John Howard Gospel Caravan Southern Jersey Ushers Fellowship • Elyse Naeaire - Caregiver • Brother Stephen Phifer “Reese” Myron Lively - Barber • Kathy Jerkins • Lighthouse Church • Evangelical Fellowship Church Robert Wind • Pastor Scott & Dr. Hope R. Gallagher INTERMENT Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery 2301 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234 THE REPAST Immediately following the interment, the family invites you to join them for the repast in the Fellowship Hall at Faith Baptist Church. Catered by The Sandwich Stop. SERVICES ENTRUSTED TO Jennings Funeral Home 501 S. New Road, Pleasantville, NJ 08232
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