Official Notice of Episcopal Transition
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.” - Psalm 116:15
This loving family is hurting beyond belief, but they are assured that it is well. Superintendent Arletha Sermons, 93 of Hahira, GA.,
God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned His Servant to eternal rest on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. Upon his passing, Superintendent Sermons faithfully loved and provided for his family, cared for his community, and served the body of Christ. His wisdom and profound preaching made him an effective minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Superintendent Sermons was born to the late Elder Johnnie B. Sermons, Sr. and Mrs. Eliza Jane Lucas-Sermons on April 15, 1929. He grew up in rural Hahira, Georgia, the youngest of twelve brothers and sisters. He was educated in the Lowndes County Public School System and graduated as the Valedictorian of his high school class.
Superintendent Sermons was a spiritual leader for nearly 70 years. He was a farmer by trade, and an instrumental member of the Lowndes County Ham and Egg Show. He was “called to preach” by God in 1952. The genesis of his ministry began at his home church, Rocky Hill Church of God in Christ, Mineola Georgia, where he was a member and later served as the Assistant Pastor. In 1972, he was appointed as the Pastor of St. Paul Church of God in Christ in Cecil, Georgia where he served faithfully for 48 years. He motivated, inspired, and provided spiritual guidance to many in the Lowndes and Cook County communities. He was an influential agent of change for the most-High God in all that he did.
In 1949, Superintendent Sermons married the late Missionary Gladys Sermons. They lived as husband and wife in holy matrimony for 72 years. They were the proud parents of seven children, four boys and three girls. Superintendent Sermons was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Missionary Gladys Sermons (2021); two beloved grandsons: Reginald L. Stacks and Eddie L. Sermons; and all of his siblings. Superintendent Sermons leaves to cherish and continue his legacy: four sons: Dr. Curtis L. (Garnette) Sermons of Valdosta, GA, Al (Linda) Sermons, M.D. of Sandy Springs, GA, Johnny B. (Creacy) Sermons and Stephen J. (Linda) Sermons both of Hahira, GA; three daughters: Brenda A (Charles) Stacks of Aurora CO, and Dr. Beverly M. Sermons and Chrysanthia Y. Sermons, both of Statesboro, GA; a special brotherin-law that he raised as a son, Bruce L. (Rhonda) Maxwell of Valdosta, GA; 14 grandchildren: Demetria Y. Freeman, Robert “Terry” (Cassandra) Stacks of Denver, CO, Tammie (Broderick) Morgan of Brentwood, CA, Emma “Lisa” (Nicholas) Griglen of Valdosta, GA, Royce K. (Tiffany) Thomas of Valdosta, GA, Alisia L. Milfort of Atlanta, GA, Jason D. Sermons of Savannah, GA, Shamya S. (Clay) Martin of Duluth, GA, Olivia J. (Brandon) Hill of Nashville, TN, Cory A. Clemons of Charlotte, NC, Amanda D. (Michael) Laster of Orlando, FL, Bryan L. (Brittny) Sermons of Hahira, GA, Benjamin D. Sermons, Esq. of Carmel, CA, and Stephanie R. Sermons of Austell, GA; 31 great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends
“Blessed be the God, even the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3
Homegoing Services will be celebrated on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 1:00 PM from UNION CATHEDRAL - 1050 East Hill Avenue | Valdosta, Georgia. Bishop Wade S. McCrae, Pastor | Superintendent James C. Futch, Officiant | Superintendent Donald Battles, Presiding. Interment will follow in Rocky Hill COGIC Cemetery in Mineola, Georgia (Private Services at a Later Date).
Acknowledgements: The Sermons family, would like to express our thanks to the wonderful home health caregivers that attended and cared for “Dad Sermons” prior to his passing: Darlene Bellamy, Tannis Scott, LaKesha Walton, and Sharee Williams.
We extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for the many meals, cards, phone calls, visits, and sincere prayers over the years. Your kindness and graciousness have made this transition more endurable and will never be forgotten!
Final Care and Compassionate Services are being provided to this loving family, by Harrington Funeral Home, Inc.
The Home of the Morticians 🕊 “We're Not Just a Funeral Home, We're A Family Serving Your Family"
Just watched the moving and celebratory homegoing for my beloved Uncle Arletha! He was love, humor and dignity personified. Feeling all my cousins from Washington, DC. See you soon. Love, Norma (Stripling) Saafir
Prayers for peace and perseverance. My condolences to the family. A faithful servant indeed. Joan McCormick Williams
My sincere condolences are sent to the Sermons family at the loss of your dear loved one. Wanda Wright Todd, Valdosta
What loving and memorable times we've shared since my early childhood living in Jacksonville FL. It was always special seeing and talking with you during our many Family Reunions. We'd talk when I lived in Chicago and then in Washington DC, and you were always clear about where I was. A most Blessed, full and long life of service. Well done!!!
To my wonderful Soror Clarice Warner of Conyers, GA, My deepest condolences on the loss of your dear uncle. I wish I had been able to meet him as I can tell how special he was to you and your family. Please accept our deepest condolences and wishes for you all to have peace and comfort as you grieve for your loss. TTBOD, Soror Cynthia Smith
Our sincere condolences are with you and your family. May the special memories you made together help you through this difficult time. Our prayer is that the Lord and the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit give you peace and comfort now and in the days ahead.
With Deepest Sympathy, Supt. Robert L. and Supervisor Barbara A. Smith Southern GA Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family .Arlene Akins (Tifton,GA) HIS JOURNEY JUST BEGUN DON'T THINK OF HIM GONE AWAY ,HIS JOURNEY JUST BEGUN TO BE TOGETHER WITH MAMA DEAREST AGAIN, LIFE HOLDS SO MANY FACETS THIS EARTH IS ONLY ONE, JUST THINK OF HIM RESTING FROM THE SORROWS AND TEARS TO A PLACE WHERE THERE IS NO DAYS AND YEARS, AND THINK OF HIM LIVING IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE HE TOUCHED FOR NOTHING LOVED IS EVER LOST AND HE WAS LOVED SO MUCH .
Oh my dear sweet Uncle Arletha. So many wonderful memories flood my soul. I don't whether to cry or rejoice. You now have your heavenly wings and in the presence of the Lord. I will miss our occasional Sunday afternoon chats. You loved all of your family and cared for us. To your children, their families and all family members, take comfort that our Great God will uphold strengthen and sustain us during this season of grief. Be encouraged my precious family. Much Love and Blessings, Jacqueline Stripling Millender Jacquie ♥️
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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