Reverend John David Felder, Jr.

1931-2016

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

John David Felder, Jr. was born July 23, 1931, in Savannah, Georgia to the late John David Felder, Sr. and Mamie King Felder.  He attended Savannah Chatham County public schools, graduating from Beach High School in 1949.  One of the greatest highlights of John's teen years was to have been selected as the first African American, from Savannah, to represent the Boy Scouts at the International Boy Scout Jamboree in Moisson, France.  After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Air Force during the Korean War Conflict and completed his tour of duty with an Honorable Discharge.  He graduated from Savannah State College (University) with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in English.  While matriculating at Savannah State, John was inducted into the Delta Eta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.  Further, he earned a Master of Ministry Degree from Covington Theological Seminary in Rossville, Georgia.

On April 18, 1970, John married the love of his life, Marilyn Kay Lipsey with whom he spent 46 years.  Their marriage reflected a life of love, commitment, respect and dedication.  Together, they accepted a call to preach the gospel, and were ordained into the ministry.   John's marriage and ministry provided an example and leadership in numerous organizations to include: Tuesday Night Prayer Service; Hour of Power Gospel Choir; Brotherhood; New Discovery Bible Study, Community Prayer Breakfast and Couples Ministry.  He served as a Deacon and Assistant Chairman of the Deacon Board; Sunday School Teacher; Bible Studies Facilitator; Advisor to the Mission In Action Ministry and the Brotherhood. Rev. Felder was an ardent student as well as lover of the WORD of God.

Rev. Felder served faithfully as a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, St. John Missionary Baptist Church and First Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.  His dedication was acknowledged when he and Marilyn were honored with the title "Family of the Year" by their St. John Baptist Church Family.

Rev. Felder held professional positions with Xerox Corporation, City of Savannah Emergency Management and Quest Diagnostics.  Rev. Felder's leisure time was spent listening to all genre of music, he especially loved jazz, reading and watching sports.

Cherishing his memory is the joy of his life, his wife Marilyn; a daughter and son-in-law, Felecia Felder (Roderick) Cook; a granddaughter, Tiffani Cook (Dwayne) Ellison; four great grandchildren, Sydni, Alandria, Chase and Chance.  Mother-in-law, Dessie L. Lipsey; Brother-in-law, Ralph Murle Lipsey, Atlanta, GA; three sisters-in-law, Leetta Lipsey (Bruce) Simmons; Terri Lipsey (Clarence) Scott, St. Petersburg, FL; Bernita Lipsey;  Two Aunts, Danzie L. Lewis and Annie Mae Jones.  Three Nephews, Clarence Alexander Scott, IV, Tony Simmons, and Walter B. Simmons, III; Three Nieces, Elizabeth Lipsey Hamilton (God Daughter); Ashley N. Scott; Sylvia Alls. Two grandnephews, Zachary, Aliston; Godchildren:  John (Ayda) Howard, Long Beach, California; Anthony Paige; Nsilo Reddick, Atlanta, Georgia and Van'Nessa David Lotson. And a host of cousins and friends.