Willie F. Newbon's Obituary
Bishop Emeritus Willie Frank Newbon, 77 of Decatur transitioned from this life to be with the Lord on Monday October 28, 2013 at Kirby Hospital in Monticello, Illinois.
Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon was born October 23, 1936 in Brownsville, Tennessee to Willie F. and Mattie Jelks Newbon. He married the love of his life Patsy N. Gude on March 26, 1960 and to this union three children were born, Pastor Andrei V. Newbon, Leslie C. Newbon, & Eric L. Newbon, and adopted daughter Sacorea Newbon.
Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon believed in working and started his first job at the Robert Halls clothing store during his high school years. Bishop also enjoyed sports and was an avid football player while in high school. Upon his graduation from high school, he then joined the United States Army and Reserves.
Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon received Christ at the tender age of 12 years old at the First Church of God in Christ located at 217 E. Decatur Street under the leadership of Pastor Cleveland Bell.
Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon was licensed as a minister in May 1961 under the late Bishop Daniel Bostick. He was ordained as an Elder in May of 1967 under the late Bishop L.H. Norman.
In December 1971, Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon founded Community Temple Church of God in Christ. The name was given to characterize it as a holiness church in the community, for the community. On the first Sunday in December 1971, the doors of Community Temple Church of God in Christ were opened in a small store front located at the corner of Illinois and Orchard Streets. The first service included thirteen members and a host of children. Through God’s blessings many were saved and the membership began to grow.
In April 1972 the church was blessed to purchase the building from the local assembly “Church of God” located at 759 S. Jackson Street. God opened the door by the way of Mr. & Mrs. Frazier Bassett and their financial backing enabled Bishop to secure a loan to purchase the church. With the help of the Lord and the faithful assistance of the brethren, the church has had six building expansions.
In 1984 Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon founded Liberty Temple Church of God in Christ in Champaign, Illinois where he pastored for 2 years.
He served faithfully both as District Superintendent and as Administrative Assistant under the late Bishop Theodore Taylor Rose. In November 1998 he was appointed & installed as the Jurisdictional Prelate of Central Illinois by the late Bishop Chandler David Owens.
In April 2001 under the leadership of Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon a beautiful new sanctuary was erected and stands as a monument to his faithfulness and humble leadership.
He leaves many memories that will be cherished by his loving wife of 53 years Senior First Lady Pat N. Newbon of Decatur, children: Pastor Andrei (Marcia) Newbon of Decatur, IL, Leslie Newbon of Crest Hill, IL, Eric (Holly) Newbon of Decatur, IL, Sacorea Newbon of Springfield, IL; five beautiful grandchildren who brought him so much joy: Andrenique Newbon, Alexander Newbon, Alexis Newbon, Ashlyn Newbon, and Addison Newbon; Sisters: Mrs. Louise (Howard) Roberson, Mrs. Gladys (Mac) Shields, Ms. Joan Lee, Mrs. Dorothy (Charles) Helm, Ms. Linda Lee, Ms. Bernadine Lee, and Ms. Joyce Lee, all of Decatur, IL; Brothers: Mr. Joel (Ida Ruth) Rivers of Moscow, TN, Mr. UL (Billie) Newbon of Decatur, IL; Sister-in-laws: Mrs. Mary (Donald) Williamson, Mrs. Frances Hill (Watson- deceased) of Decatur, IL. Mrs. Ina Sanders (Leonard- deceased) of Elksville, IL, Willie Mae Newbon of Springfield, IL. Brother-in-law Mr. Charles
(Kathy) Gude of Colp, IL. His most noble Uncle Paul (Ardelia) Jelks and his precious Aunt Lettie M. Allen. Uncle Paul was his mentor and Aunt Lettie was his prayer partner. And a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There are very special people that Bishop and Lady Pat took as their children: Tiffany Copeland of Washington, D.C., Deacon. James and Missionary Gloria Cliff, Gabrielle Cliff, Bro. Connell and Sis. Chautauqua Joyner, Chloe ‘Joyner, Cimone Joyner, Missionary Celeste Taylor, Sis. Brenda Shirley, Mr. James and Linda Anderson all of Decatur, IL. Bro. Kent and Sis. Linda Johnson of Dallas , TX, Elder and Mrs. Marvin Mizell of Decatur, IL. Pastor Marvin Winans of Detroit, MI, Evangelist Beatrice Gardiner of Dallas TX, Sis. Cheryl McCoy and Family of Canton, MI, Pastor James and Sis. Gail Jones of Ruston, LA, Bishop Bill Wright of Memphis, TN, Elder Phil Harris of Kansas City, MO, Pastor Bernard Coleman of Memphis TN, Elder Leroy Coleman of Memphis, TN, Mother Mattie Mae Tyus, and Jurisdictional Supervisor Mother Barbara Gillespie Washington and family.
Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon and Senior First Lady Pat Newbon were foster parents for 35 years. Many have been fed spiritually and naturally through his ministry.
He was preceded in death by his Parents and Grandparents , Sisters; Mrs. Sarah Joyner and Mrs. Ruth Ann Turnbo ; Brother Mr. Leroy (Sonny) Newbon Brother in Law Mr. Booker T. Joyner
Services celebrating his life will be held with a visitation Sunday, November 3, 2013 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Community Temple Church of God in Christ (759 S. Jackson) with a Jurisdictional Service at 6:00 PM. Homegoing Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, November 4, 2013 at Community Temple Church of God in Christ (759 S. Jackson).
Burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard and conclude with the “Flight Home” ceremony.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Elder Wayne Jones, Elder Jerome Joyner, Deacon Melvin Anderson, Elder Anthony Muex, Deacon Alvin Jones, Deacon Charles Lowe, Bro. George Adams, Deacon Arthur Washington, Ms. Eva Law, Pastor and Missionary Lee, Pastor and Missionary Hunter, Decatur memorial Hospital, St. Mary’s Hospital, Carle Hospital, and Kirby Hospital. Barnes Hospital and Kindred in St. Louis, MO, Dr. Michael Wall, Dr. Steven Arnold, and Dr. Venkat Minnaganti, and all of the Nurses for the special care you provided.
Bishop Emeritus Willie F. Newbon was a Loving and Kind Husband, Father, Grandfather and a friend to many. He will be missed by everyone that knew and loved him. .
Professional services entrusted to Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2801 N. Monroe Street, Decatur, IL. Send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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