Sample of 12pg 11x17 Bifold Booklet

Obituary

John Washington Glover, affectionately known as “Dad”, “Granddaddy,” “Sweetie” and “Deacon Deddy,” departed from us on July 4, 2022 to be with the Lord. He was born on September 7, 1938 to the late Gertrude (Jackson) and Benjamin Glover in Asheville, North Carolina and was the third child born to this union. He attended the Asheville public school system graduating with honors from Stephens Lee High School in 1956.

Accepting Christ at a young age, John was a member of the St. John Church of God Holiness, Asheville, NC. It was during these formative years that he developed a close relationship with his pastor and uncle, the late Elder A. B. Robinson. A true spiritual father, Elder Robinson was instrumental in molding John’s mind and character into the deeply caring, and faithful servant in God’s house that would distinguish his walk with God throughout his life. Gifted with a love of music, it was under Elder Robinson’s tutelage that John learned how to write music and consequently penned many of the songs in the late Elder’s hymnal, “Eternal Praise.”

In 1960, John received his bachelor's degree from North Carolina A&T State University in Architectural Engineering. Upon completing Oficers training school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force with immediate deployment to Saigon, Vietnam. Yet God had skillfully orchestrated another dramatic event in John’s life. For it was only ive days before John’s deployment that he married the love of his life on December 26, 1963. One year later, the young couple moved to Lompoc, California, Vandenberg Air Force Base. It was there that the young couple drove 150 miles every other week to worship God with the Los Angeles church family.

Upon his honorable discharge from the service in 1966, John and his wife returned to the nation’s capital. Before long, there was the patter of little feet heard in the Glover household as they became the blessed parents of three children: Mark, Joy and Hope.

John epitomized the scripture that says ‘the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.’ An active member of Bethlehem Church of God Holiness, Washington, D.C., John served on the Senior Usher Board and later was appointed a deacon and member of the Trustee Board. For more than 40 years he served as the Church Treasurer, working closely with the late Deacon Melvin Jeffries. John would never go to sleep on Sunday night until he had faithfully communicated with Deacon Jeffries the amount collected and which he safely deposited into the church’s bank account the following Monday. Quiet, resolute, and dependable, for thirteen years John escorted his wife’s parents, the late Brother Walter and Mother Elnoria Cofer, to church and back home. Ever conscious of the precious cargo in his care, he opened the car doors and the front door to their home, ensuring that they were safely inside before returning to his own home.

When asked to teach a lesson at the church as a deacon, one of his favorite passages to speak about was Ist Corinthians, Chapter 13. Indeed, John was a living epistle to those whom God put under his watchful care. A God-fearing man servant, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, godfather, he truly expressed love through his actions. His walk with God was personiied by love for God’s house and its saints. For 14 years, he served as Bethlehem’s irst Youth Auxiliary president. The late Bishop Titus Paul Burruss and former pastor Elder J.D. Burruss both visited his home personally to encourage him with insights and wisdom on establishing what became the prototype for the D.C. youth auxiliary. John especially enjoyed the camaraderie of fellowshipping with the youth at monthly meetings and social outings designed to keep God’s youth in the fold.

Many times he had the youth visit sick and shut-in. For six years, he and his wife hosted the Annual Senior Citizens dinner party, which was held for ive years at their home in Silver Spring, MD and later in Potomac, MD. During the building phase for the new church, John marshaled the youth participation in bake sales, car washes and other successful fundraisers while the church was at the Sherman Avenue location. A dedicated shutterbug, John captured the church’s building progress, the youth of the church and his family with his trusty Pentax camera.

No stranger to the sweet side of life, you could always make John smile when presented with a savory, made-from-scratch slice of sweet potato pie, German chocolate cake, or coconut pineapple cake. John enjoyed a full family life and a marriage made in heaven. In his own special way, he let his ‘helpmate’ know how much it meant having her by his side when he designed and built their dream home in Takoma Park, MD. In 2002, they moved in and made it a special place illed with laughter, warmth and hospitality.

Through every challenge and victory, John remained faithful to God, His word and every task set before him. To say that he worked tirelessly in the Lord’s house would be an understatement. Serving as the church’s architect, he was the overseer and chief go-to person on all aspects of the present church’s construction: from laying the foundation, to ensuring that the steel beams spanning the width of the church were properly installed; proper installation of the roof; along with maintaining all mechanical systems once the church was occupied. On another major construction project, John provided architectural renderings for the addition of a three-story elevator to the existing building. This project required a year of design work alone. Using his professional acumen, he was determined that the old brick and the new brick for the exterior of the elevator addition matched perfectly.

In his latter years, John rapidly gained the respect of all those with whom he came into contact: from co-workers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where he worked until retirement; while a resident at the assisted living facility; and while hospitalized. It was his very presence that made him so highly respected and regarded as a kind gentleman. Many times during the course of the day, he would say, “Praise the Lord,” especially when someone did or said something meaningful, after grace or when eating delicious home-cooked meals. Even up until his inal time here on earth, John would join in reciting his favorite scriptures: the 1st Psalms, 23rd Psalms and his most favorite song, “Blessed Quietness.”

John was preceded in death by his loving parents, his beloved brother Titus Glover and dearly beloved sister Anna Godwin. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife of 58 years Alma Cofer Glover; three children: Mark, Joy, Hope (Dale) Smith; ive grandchildren: Pierce Glover, Faith Smith, Joshua Smith, Grace Smith, Callie Glover; his brother Raphael (Merle) Glover; sisters-in-law Laverne Glover, Ann Jackson, Delores (Donald) Godbold, Ethel Cofer; brothers-inlaw Elder Samuel B. (Rosie) Cofer,Sr., Walter M. Cofer, Sr.; many godchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and his wonderful Bethlehem Church Family.

Order of Service

Organ Prelude

Invocation....................................................................................................................Elder Alvarado Williams

Scripture Reading ......................................................................................................... Elder Robert Copeland

Selection ................................................. “God Is” ................................................ Bethlehem Combined Choir

Obituary (Read silently)

Church Paper / Cards/ Acknowledgements Sister Sina James

Selection .................................. “Blessed Quietness” ...................................

Levi Mason, Luke Mason (Godson) & Joshua Smith, Grandson

Reflections (3 minutes) .............................................................

Deacon Joseph Washington, Head Deacon Sis. Mildred Williams- Youth Auxiliary Dr Theodore Watkins

Selection .......................................... “My Tribute”............................................................. Mr. Ernest Hargrove

Reflections (3 minutes) ..................................................................................................

Mr. Mark Glover, Son

Mr. Raphael Glover, Brother

Remarks Elder Samuel B. Cofer, Sr. - Pastor

Selection “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”

Bethlehem Combined Choir

Eulogy .................................................................................................................... Presiding Elder Carter Peek

Bethlehem Church of God Holiness, Atlanta, GA

Benediction

Recessional ......................... “When we all Get to Heaven” ...................................

Bethlehem Combined Choir

TheLordisthestrengthofmylifeofwhomshallIbeafraid?.Psalms27:1 You’vebeenmytrustedconfidante,lovinghusbandandbest,bestfriend.

Dearest Sweetie,

You loved, you understood, you cared, you supported, you encouraged, you helped, you’ve touched my days with an abundance of so much love and kindness!

My dearest, we’ve shared so much since we were married - our plans, our work, our fun, and every day I’ve found new reasons to love you!

Even the challenges we’ve faced have made me realize how God strengthened our marriage, and how He’s brought so much happiness and peace through you to my life.

I thank God for you my sweet. You’ve made my life complete and I will forever cherish our many, many precious and wonderful memories!

Love You Always Until We Meet Again, Your Sweetie

When I take a moral inventory of life, you are always the example that I strive to live up to.

How can someone walk this earth yet still be perfect? How can someone be quiet yet still make the biggest impact? How can someone be so strong and yet never be aggressive? And how can someone give so much and yet never ask for a thing?

The answer came to me in the last few days; it's because God put you on this earth to be his prophet and example, to be a leader that walks this earth without conflict and to teach with complete humility. I couldn't have asked for a better father or role model and I'll forever be indebted to you for showing me the right path through

God blessed us by putting your ambitions, values, and the life you lived in front of us so we could see the meaning of love, authenticity and integrity. Myself and my family will always remember you as "simply the best". I love you Dad now and forever.

Your son, Mark

I am so very grateful that God chose John Washington Glover to be my loving father for 47 years. The most impactful lessons you taught me were those I learned through observation and example. Papa I observed how well you loved mom, who you called the love of your life. You showed me how a husband should adore and love his wife as much as Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. A giver by nature, you put God first then family, and it was given back to you pressed down shaken together, running over until your very last breath.

You were a consistent, selfless, and hardworking daddy that exuded peace, compassion, intuitiveness and an easygoing spirit. I never saw you get angry. You had this sense of knowing when I wasn't ok, always with a listening ear a shoulder to cry on and godly wisdom. My first love, my protector, my champion, my confidant and friend, life is not the same without you but I will carry on your legacy and treasure the beautiful memories until we meet again.

Your loving daughter, Joy Melissa

Someone once said, “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

I am who I am because you did the most important thing. You wanted Mom and your family to have the best and didn’t just talk about it, but sacrificed and worked hard to make it happen. From moving us to neighborhoods with the best schools, to buying the thickest toilet paper, to cleaning the kitchen after dinner so we could practice our instruments and Mom could put her feet up after cooking, you showed love.

Now as I say goodbye to your physical presence, I hold onto all of the spiritual and emotional gifts you gave to me. I once told you, “ You’re so wonderful!” You replied in a matter -of-fact way, “There is only One that is wonderful.” You didn’t take God’s glory, but directed us back to God through your humble spirit. God’s word, a moral compass and many trials in this life guided you to the right path… a personal relationship with God. You sought God and knew you needed Him. You’re living in His glory now.

Love, Your daughter, Hope Elizabeth

Grandaddy, my “Gentle Giant” as I used to call him, was one of my favorite people. He was the most sweet-tempered, gentle, compassionate, patient, gracious, and calm person I have ever met. His aura, whenever I was around him, was one of tranquility. Even as he was losing his memory and we had to help him or whenever he would forget something, he would always say “I’m sorry, dear”. Even though he couldn’t remember our names or who we were, he was so appreciative of everything. I will always admire his spirit of humility and contentment.

I will never forget the time he taught me how to play tennis. He loved tennis so much but I think he loved it even more when my siblings and I would play it together or when we played it with him. There was always a look of pride on his face whenever we would serve the ball and hit it. I remember the last time he played tennis was on his birthday a couple of years ago. I hadn’t played in a while and I was struggling and became frustrated with myself. But he pulled me aside and showed me how to dribble the ball, serve and hit it right. He made me feel like I was a champion and in his eyes, I knew I was. I will always remember the way he cared for us and showed his love by making sure we were safe. When Joshua and I were younger and were playing outside or in the house, he would always say “Be careful, watch where you’re going”. His way of showing love was to protect us. The impact you have had on my life is beyond words. I will miss you so much but I know your spirit is with me wherever I go.

I will always love you, my Gentle Giant.

Your granddaughter, Faith.

Remember the days when the nights would get cold, you wrapped your arms around us and never ceased to hold.

The kindness and gentleness that you gave with great length, I would be grateful to just have a tenth.

At least I can remember your strength, and your willingness to work even when you couldn’t.

The massages you would give to those who asked, only because you cared that our happiness lasts.

Your deep words consoled, the man who kept pushing towards his goals.

If I ever get the chance, I want to be just like you and show the world where I stand.

That I can break barriers and get features, and receive praise from prominent leaders.

Your awards, your achievements, even the one that is given as a gift from you, our Church, and Glenside are a testament to your genius and the insight God gave you.

Now, as I look at your fading smile, I’m so thankful for the example you set for me, in addition to the many traits you gave me.

I have the gift of math, something I inherited from you, and I only wish for the drive to be what I can be,

YOU are the man who dreamed of what never was, and who gave us far more than we could ever see.

~Your grandson, Joshua

Grandaddy- I always enjoyed seeing you when I came over. I remember reading books to you at home. Thank you for coming all the way across the US to see me after I was born. You would always make me laugh with what you said and what you did. I will miss your cheerful laughter, smiles, Christmas cards, and stupendous gifts. Thank you for all that you have done for me.

Love, Grace

Littledidweknowthatday,Godwasgoingtocallyourname. Inlifewelovedyoudearly,indeath,wedothesame. Itbrokeourheartstoloseyou,oudidnotgoalone. Forpartofuswentwithyou,thedayGodcalledyouhome. Youleftusbeautifulmemories,yourloveisstillourguide. Andthoughwecannotseeyou,youarealwaysatourside. Ourfamilychainisbroken,andnothingseemsthesame, ButasGodcallsusonebyone,thechainwilllinkagain.

PALLBEARERS

Jonathan Glover

Brian Godwin

Shannon Glover

Michael Robinson

Luke Mason

FLORAL BEARERS

Family and Friends

EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE

We wish to express our most grateful appreciation and heartfelt thanks to our many family and friends for the kind expressions of sympathy, prayers, cards, emails, food and phone calls. Thank you for helping us honor and commemorate John W. Glover. It comforts us to know that so many of you held him in such a special place in your hearts! May the love of God be with you always,

The Family

Special Thanks to: Agape Assisted Living Facility Veterans Administration Medical Center

Dr. Theodore Watkins, primary care physician

The Johns Hopkins Hospital

The family asks that if anyone would like to take lowers after the service to please do so.

REPAST

Private INTERMENT

To be held at a later date

Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery

11301 Crain Highway Cheltenham, Maryland 20623

ARRANGEMENTS ENTRUSTED TO J J F H, I. 716 Kennedy St, NW | Washington, DC 20011 202.882.8800

RLCopelandAssociates,LLC*202.246.3175 copelandassoc4@gmail.com

Mark Glover