Johnny Earl Mabry Sr.

JOHNNY-EARL MABRY 70, of Springfield MA affectionately known as “JohnEarl” transitioned suddenly on May 21, 2019. Born to the late Thomas and Lillian E Mabry in Wilson, North Carolina. JohnEarl was the fifth oldest out of twelve children, two preceded him in death. JohnEarl was educated in the Frederick Douglas Elementary school system in Wilson. JohnEarl had to leave school at an early age because he had to help his parents on the farm (sharecropping). But that didn’t detour him or stop him from getting what he wanted out of life. JohnEarl professed his life to Christ at an early age and even before his untimely death. He was taught the fear of God, his mother made sure he knew God and the word and also how to pray which covered him all his life. In the late 60’s early 70’s JohnEarl parents and siblings relocated to Connecticut from Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He went on to relocate to Chicago where he was a longtime resident till the late 80’s. While in Chicago he maintained employment working at the railroads or whatever else he could put his hands to do. He then moved to Connecticut, where he was reunited with his family and was self-employed as an auto mechanic. While in CT he joined his mother’s church -- Evening Star Pentecostal church where he helped out when asked and played the guitar. JohnEarl was very good with his hands; he could build things like little tractors or small carts that he put together for his younger siblings to enjoy. He was a self-taught auto mechanic very good at what he did. He had a love for cars as well... He kept a clean ride Ford LTD just to name a few. He loved playing the guitar, his style of music was like BB Kings he loved to play the Blues. JohnEarl loved the Lord He was a loving and caring person, devoted son, brother, and friend, always thinking of others first. “To know him was to love him” JohnEarl was a longtime member for fifteen years till his death of Fresh Oil Deliverance Church under the leadership of his son Bishop Johnny Mabry Jr. JohnEarl was a very likable person, funny jokes always having a quick funny rebuttal when interacting with family. HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED!!! He loved visiting CT with his daughter Ann, especially on Sundays. Ann would bring him once they left their church to visit family. They would come to Holy Nation SOP where Bishop Mary W. Walton is the pastor than end up at the family church Evening Star Holiness Church under the leadership of Bishop Jeffery Hinton Sr. He loved hearing the singing and music and most importantly HEARING THE WORD. JohnEarl leaves behind to cherish his loving memories; his two sons Bishop John (Maire) Mabry of New Haven CT, Bishop Jeff (Freeda) Mabry of Decatur GA, one step-daughter Linda Smith of Springfield MA. 8 grandchildren: John (Kera) Rich, Timothy Rich of Springfield MA, Ricky (Valerie) Ward of Atlanta GA, Abrianna Mabry of Chicago, Demetry Belfort, Johnnay, Jaya and John B Mabry all of New Haven, CT and an host of great-grandchildren and step children. He also leaves to cherish his one brother Timothy (Barbara) Mabry, 6 sisters: Elsie Smith, Shirley (Dennis) Miller, Maebel (Donald) Sharp, Catherine White, Blossie (Joe) Atkinson, Fannie () Powell of Wilson North Carolina. And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. JohnEarl was predeceased by his loving wife Mary Carmichael- Mabry, his parents Thomas and Pastor Lillian Mabry, his daughter Willianna Connor, two sisters Ollie Norfleet and Gloria Pugh.

Johnny Earl Mabry Sr.

May 22, 1949 - May 20, 2019