“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.“- 2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV

John Daniel Lenox affectionately known as “Mr. John” or” JD,” was born to the late Robert Lenox and Peral McFatten Lenox on March 6, 1931, in Palma, Florida. He entered into eternal rest on June 7, 2026, at Lillington Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Mr. John was a descendant of the Seminoles Indian Tribe near the Everglades where they were historically known as a beautiful, proud and peaceful people. After losing his mother during childbirth, JD was sent to live with his uncle in New York and raised alongside his cousins whom he considered his sisters and brothers. His occupation included working in the shipyard in Stanton Island, New York and retired as a custodian for the Jewish Synagogue in New York. He later returned to Florida and finally settled in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Mr. John was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Nell Pelt, a daughter and his beloved friends at Fuquay Assisted Living, Sister Eloise Thomas and Sister Ardessa Street.

Mr. John was an avid Bible reader and Sunday School scholar. He loved telling stories of his experiences in New York and Florida. Mr. John loved driving his friends to church each Sunday and to Walmart until he could no longer drive. He loved his Pastor, First Lady and Deacons who visited and served him regularly. He was always grateful and appreciative to Sister Gerri Thompson for regular visits and prepared meals. He loved kidding with Sister Glenda Thomas and said she was his girlfriend … but she didn’t know it!

Mr. John joined the New Providence Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Nathaniel J. Wood. He loved worship and singing. He loved testifying and telling others about how good God had been to him. His famous testimony was: “I don’t know why God is so good to me. I haven't always been a good person, but God has given me a family that loves me. I love everybody.” On March 30, 2025, Deacon Garnell Heggie threw Mr. John a surprise 95th birthday dinner at the church following morning worship service with members.

Mr. John leaves special friends to cherish his memories: Deacon Garnell Heggie and family; Deacon Gollon Umphrey and family; friends at the Fuquay Senior Assisted Living and his church family at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church.

Visitation: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday, June 15, 2026, at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Funeral will be held 12:00 pm Monday, June 15, 2026, at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church, 4813 Hilltop Needmore Road in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.

Burial: New Providence MB Church Cemetery on Johnson Pond Road in Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.