John Vines Jr.

Mr. John Henry Vines Jr. of New Haven, CT. passed away in his home on Dec. 17, 2023. He was born in Pitt County, North Carolina on May 28, 1928 to the late Mr. John Vines Sr. and Mrs. Maude Gay Vines. He attended the public schools of Pitt County. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at St. John Free Will Baptist Church in Farmville, N. C. John was a devoted family man. He placed family first in his life. He was first taught that by his mother Maude Gay Vines. His mother taught him how to be a provider for his family. Times were hard during the Depression, but when the family sticks together you can survive. John and Ruby were side by side raising their family along with children of their brothers and sisters and neighbors. John believed that it takes a village to raise a child, so he was always available for family, friends and neighbors. John joined the Army Air Force at an early age. And after his first tour of duty was over he joined the Air Force. The Army Air Force and the Air Force taught John many things. They reenforced in him about watching out for your fellow soldier. During the Korean war John and his fellow soldiers made it through by sticking together; watching out for each other. When John's time was up in the Air Force he made his way to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania where he got a job in the coal mines and attended college. He was a history major. John was moving where there was work and he didn't mind hard work. In the early 60's he moved to New Haven, Connecticut and got a job at Sargent Manufacturing company where he stayed for approximately 32 years. The union will tell you how he was a man that spoke up. During John's retirement time he stayed busy with family, friends and the Church. We are talking about a retirement period of approximately 33 years. He always did travel up and down the east coast visiting family and friends. Also, he traveled with his wife Ruby overseas visiting Germany, France, Italy and a few other countries. He also was on a team selling dinners to raise funds helping to build Pitts Chapel to the Church it is today. He was strong willed, loyal and faithful. Along with working in the kitchen at Pitts Chapel Unified Free Will Baptist Church, John was an armor bearer to the Bishop, he was an usher, and a trustee of the Church. You can see where his heart was! Hallelujah!! John is also known far and wide for his amazing chopped-barbecue. Following are a few of John's rules for living: Loving God with all his heart, mind, and strength; Doing unto others as he would want to be done to; Being a helper to family and friends; Enjoying life by traveling cooking ,listening to music, dancing and socializing: Advocating education. John was predeceased by his wife Ruby Vines, mother Maude Gay Vines, father John Vines Sr., mother-in-law Mary Magaline Brown Carr, father-in-law Lonnie Brown Carr, sisters: Lizzie Payton, Maggie Streeter, Letha Barrett Capehart, Margie Dean Joyner, and Ruby Vines Keech; sister-in-law, Rubella Harris, brother-in-laws: Linwood Carr and James Edgeston, brothers: James Barrett, Walter Edwards, and Hubert Vines, daughter Sabrina Edwards, son Lonnie Edwards. He leaves to cherish his memories sons: Marvin Edwards, and Johnny Vines, daughters: Inera Ladson (Joey), Alease Edwards(Wesley), Lavone Sturdivant(Maurice), Deborah Jones, and Shirley Brinkley (Johnny), God-daughter Monica Joyner, sister-in-laws: Amanda Vines, Annie Bernard (William), Juanita Carr and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

John Vines Jr.

May 28, 1928 - December 17, 2023