Timothy 3:16 – And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

BISHOP WILLIE DOUGLAS INGRAM, SR.

June 23, 1941 – May 9, 2023

Bishop Willie Douglas Ingram, Sr. entered this life on June 23, 1941, in Martinsville, Virginia, to the late William Henry and Roxie Thomas Ingram. Bishop Ingram was preceded in death by three sisters Yvonne Ingram, Gwendolyn Worsham and Deborah Ingram. He is survived by two brothers, Henry Brown Ingram and Donald L. “Butch” Ingram.

Bishop Ingram graduated from Albert Harris High School in June 1959. From 1960-1961, he attended St. Paul’s College on a football scholarship in Lawrenceville, Virginia. Then, in 1961 he enlisted in the United States Navy and served on the USS Northampton during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was honorably discharged in January 1966. Bishop Ingram graduated from Liberty University in June 1993, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a certificate in Religious Studies. He later attended North Carolina State University where he pursued a master’s degree in counseling.

Bishop Ingram was a friendly and outgoing person who knew and was loved by so many. He truly cherished each of them. He was the kind of person that never met a stranger. His love for people kept him inspired and energized. It was also his love for people that caused him to have compassion and concern for everyone. These attributes were foundational values that continued into and throughout his community service, work, marriage, and ministry.

Bishop Ingram was a community minded leader and served on civic organization boards such as, Habitat for Humanity and Citizens Against Family Violence. He was employed with the DuPont Company for over 25 years and worked with the Martinsville and Henry County Public Schools. He became the first director of the Regional Alternative Schools for Martinsville and Henry County. Bishop Ingram was a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated and a member of the Martinsville Alumni Chapter (Fall 1993).

On Valentine's Day, February 14, 1966, he married Cynthia Elizabeth Wiggins of Portsmouth, Virginia. Together they accepted Jesus Christ at Oak Hill Baptist Church in 1969. Shortly thereafter, Bishop Ingram was ordained as a deacon by the late Bishop Lawrence Moyer in 1970. Continuing his spiritual journey, he was baptized into the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ in February 1973, in Chatham, Virginia, by Elder Harold Arnold, Sr. Later, he assisted the late Presiding Bishop Monroe Saunders, Sr. in the establishment of the First United Church of Jesus Christ on 107 Lavender Street in Martinsville, Virginia. He became a charter member of the First United Church in Martinsville where he was later led into the ministry in 1983. He was recommended and ordained as an Elder in the United Church of Jesus Christ (Apostolic), incorporated in June 1989. He served as President of the Men’s Council within the regional diocese in this organization—working and worshipping the Lord at the First United Church of Jesus Christ for over 22 years.

Bishop Ingram responded to the call to establish Calvary United Church of Jesus Christ on Franklin Street in June 1995 and later moved the congregation to 521 Fayette Street, where he served as pastor until his transition to be with the Lord. Bishop Ingram believed that it was imperative for the local church to work with other churches of like faith and this conviction led him to participate in the Fifth Sunday Fellowship with five other churches in the United Way of the Cross Churches of Christ for years where he worked to establish an education component in each 5th Sunday service. Under Bishop Ingram's leadership, Calvary became a fellowship church within True Vine Pentecostal Churches, Incorporated in 2003. Bishop Ingram led by example in making fellowships a church priority.

Bishop Ingram was elevated to the office of Bishop on October 18, 2008, by Bishop Major L. Hairston, with Bishop J.C. Richardson, Jr. presiding. He had many brothers and sons in the gospel, ordaining and consecrating others into their offices.

Bishop Ingram’s family was his heartbeat in life. He adored his wife and children. He supported and encouraged his wife in every way possible as she pursued her career in education. During the time that his wife was pursing her doctorate in education, Bishop Ingram maintained two residences, pulling up stakes and moving to North Carolina for two years to be at his wife's side. In addition, he managed to support his family with all five family members enrolled in university at the same time. He knew what it meant to sacrifice for his family, and his family loved him dearly.

During the time that Bishop Ingram was supporting his wife in North Carolina and pursuing a master’s degree in counseling at North Carolina State University, he established a lifelong friendship with Reverend Donald Ingram, Pastor of First Congregational Church of Christ in Raleigh, North Carolina. This friendship led to speaking engagements, conducting workshops, hosting weekly radio broadcasts, and preaching in the Pastor’s absence.

Bishop Ingram is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dr. Cynthia Elizabeth Ingram of the home; one daughter, Dr. Keysha I. Gamor (Kofi) of Accokeek, Maryland; two sons, Willie D. (Binki) Ingram, Jr. (Anntoinette) of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Monte D. Ingram, Sr. (Evelyn) of Leesburg, Virginia; five grandchildren, Hannah Keensy (Dakota), Eden Ingram, Eva Ingram, Sarah Ingram, and Monte Ingram, Jr.; and a whole host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family will receive visitors at Calvary United Church of Jesus Christ, 521 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA, on Monday, May 15 from 1:00-5:00 PM. To make time for extended family coming in from out of town, the family will not be receiving visitors from the public at the home on Monday. The family will receive friends at the home on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The family request no visits at the home on Sunday, May 14 for Mother's Day.

On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, visitation will begin at 11:30 AM, with the homegoing service beginning at 12:00 noon at the Greater New Bethel Apostolic Church, 929 Bethel Lane, Martinsville, VA.

Interment will immediately follow the funeral service at Carver Memorial Gardens.

All floral tributes may be sent to Hairston Funeral Home at 301 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA. Contributions in the name of Bishop Willie D. Ingram, Sr. may be made to Calvary United Church of Jesus Christ, 521 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA, or to an association that is near and dear to his heart: the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia.