GREENSBORO — Mr. Gene "Papa" Church, passed away peacefully at Beacon Place on Sunday, January 27, 2013, surrounded by family members.
His funeral service will be held at Lawndale Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 30, 2013 with Senior Pastor Dr. Joe Giaritelli officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mr. Church was born on January 17, 1928 in Roxboro, NC to Ernest and Evelyn Church. He was a former member of 16th Street Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and Deacon. He was a faithful member of Lawndale Baptist Church and a member of The Voice of Experience Senior Choir until declining health. He was retired from J.P. Stevens after 40 years.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Cecelia Church. He is survived by his wife of 16 years JoAnn Stevens Church; his son Michael and wife Leona Church, daughters Peggy Church, Debbie and husband Larry Terrell; grandsons Ryan and wife Sarah Terrell, Reid and wife Candice Terrell, Cory Church; great granddaughters Reese Terrell, Sadler Terrell; step children Rob and wife Andrea Stevens, Lynn and husband Rick Loomis, Laurie and Jeff Rabin; step grandchildren DJ Loomis , Adam and Ben Stevens; brother Ed Church of Spartanburg, SC, sister Shirley and husband Len Ferrell of Halifax, VA; and numerous nieces and nephews and his special cat Jenny.
He was a member of the Elks Club. Enjoyed playing golf with Herb Keller and also with the Bryan Park Seniors, the "12 Apostles" and had a hole in one on #8. He was an avid reader.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lawndale Baptist Church, 3505 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro, NC 27408 or Beacon Place of Greensboro 2500 Summit Ave 27405.
A special thank you to the staff at Beacon Place and members of Papa's Hospice Team for their care and support during his illness.
Forbis & Dick North Elm Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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