Pastor John Wesley Manigault, known as J. W., was born in Lexington County, South Carolina to the late George W. and Mary (Riley) Manigault.

J. W. received his education from Lexington County School District in South Carolina. At the age of 8 and many years after, he would go home from school to help his father plow the fields. To him, it wasn’t about the work, it was about spending time with his father that he adored immensely. He would always speak highly of his father on how much he loved him, how patient and kind he was. The times he spent with his father, whether in the field or at home. J. W. gleaned the importance of family values, knowledge on what it is to be a man, a provider, developing strong work ethics, life skills of commitment and dedication in whatever he did. J. W. was especially influenced by his father’s musical ability to sing.

In 1964, J. W. moved to Harrisburg, PA to find work, to support his family, leaving his wife and children in his hometown of Swansea, SC. In 1965, he decided to move his entire family to Harrisburg, PA. J. W. and his beloved wife, Margaree purchased their family home in the Allison Hill area where they raised their children, Nathan, George, Wanda, Towana, Shirley, Teresa and John E. In 1997, the Lord called Margaree home to rest. J. W. was blessed with two additional daughters, Juanita, and DeAundre`. He was also blessed to join in holy union with his wife, Carla and her four children, Regina, Darlis, Carlton and Adrian.

For employment, J.W. established C & J Drywall with his partner, Rev. Cleveland Martin. They were known to perform all aspects of carpentry throughout Harrisburg and the Central Pennsylvania area. J. W. was an avid fisherman. He loved the quietness of being on the water. J. W. enjoyed dressing stylishly from head to toe, this included his jewelry that he loved to accessorize with. He had a smile that would light up the room. He enjoyed spending time with his family, with whom he loved giving orders to.

J. W. was an original member of the “Manigault Specials”. An anointed quartet group that had the opportunity to perform with the famous “Mighty Clouds of Joy”. He was also a member of the quartet group, “Hope of Glory Gospel Singers” of Harrisburg, PA.

Pastor J. W. Manigault was a man after God’s own heart, an ambassador of Jesus Christ. He befriended and mentored many. He was kind-hearted and patient. Pastor Manigault had a discerning spirit. He was known for dropping nuggets of wisdom of life as well as sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ; whether through his jokes or one on one conversations. He was also ordained as a Deacon under the Leadership of his Late brother, Reverend Wilbert Manigault.

In 2009, Pastor J. W. Manigault was called to be the interim pastor of House of Faith and Deliverance FBH (Fire Baptize Holiness) Church in Edgemont, PA., due to his brother, Pastor Wilbert Manigault becoming ill and relocating.

In October of 2009, Pastor J. W. Manigault was elected and ordained as Pastor of House of Faith and Deliverance FBH at the Annual Tri-District Fire Baptize and Holiness (FBH) Church Convention. He served as pastor until his passing.

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the age of 89, J. W. peacefully transitioned into eternal life surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 46 years, Margaree Manigault; sisters, Berline Williams and Adeline Glover; brothers, Jacob, Elvin, Benjamin, Luther, Wilbert and Willie Manigault, J. C. Wallery and Clarence Briggman; grandson, LaVon Glover; great grandchildren, Iroh and Odyn Weatherford.

Pastor J. W. Manigault leaves to cherish memories of him, his wife, Carla; sons, Nathan (Barbara), George (Michele) and John “Duke”; daughters, Wanda Holland, Towana Monroe (Napier Sr.), Shirley Floyd, Teresa Bennett (Glenn), Juanita Henderson (Bennie) and DeAundre` Manigault; 20 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; sister, Ollie Brenners; sister-in-law, Naomi Manigault; step-children, Regina Dykes (Joseph), Darlis King, Carlton Bratcher and Adrian King; 13 step-grandchildren; 7 step-great grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

His life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026 in the Sanctuary of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1201 N. 17th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.