Overseer David Sibley

Obituary For Overseer David Sibley

Overseer David Sibley, 99, of Albany, Georgia departed this life on Monday, August 25, 2025 at his residence in Albany, Georgia.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in The Church of The Living God, 225 Talafax Road Albany, GA 31701.

Interment will follow in the Roselawn Garden of Memory Cemetery, 2120 MLK Jr. Drive Albany, GA.

With hearts full of gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Overseer David Sibley, Sr. He fought a good fight, he finished his race, and on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the blessed age of 99, he transitioned peacefully and received his eternal reward. In his final moments, he was surrounded by love, resting beside his devoted wife, Virtha Tyler Sibley, whom he lovingly called his “Sweetie.” Their beautiful love story spanned more than 56 years and remains an enduring example of faith and dedication.

Affectionately known as “Buddy Boy,” “Uncle David,” and “King David,” Overseer Sibley was born on July 11, 1926, the youngest child of the late Apostle William “Bill” Sibley and Mother Cornelia Williams Sibley. Raised in a home filled with love and grounded in faith, David shared countless cherished memories with his late siblings: Marie Sibley (Jimmy Neal) Campbell, Sarah Sibley (Willie) Young, Mamie Sibley (Jim) Solomon, Thelma Sibley (George) Outley, and Sgt. James (Louise) Sibley, Sr. Among them, David shared an especially close bond with his brother James. Many of their fondest moments were spent together during family gatherings and fun-filled days at Blue Spring Plantations.

As David’s father, lovingly known as “Papa,” entered his latter years, David and his siblings took turns caring for him, a reflection of the strong family values Papa instilled in them. David continued his father’s legacy of hard work, unwavering faith, and a steadfast devotion to family throughout his entire life.

Answering his divine calling, David became the pastor of The Church of The Living God, the same congregation his father founded. He served faithfully as pastor and later as pastor emeritus from 1982 until his passing. To David, no job was ever too small when it came to fulfilling his calling as a servant of God.

During his tireless years of ministry, David poured his heart into the church he loved so dearly. A man of many talents, he also served as a church musician, playing both the drums and guitar entirely self-taught through his passion.

Outside of his ministry, David built a dedicated career in the electrical field, beginning with Albany Electric Company and later retiring from CED Electric Company. His work ethic, integrity, and faith touched countless lives both inside and outside the church walls.

David was the OG of “Sunday Best.” He could wear a suit like no other, completing every look with his Stetson hats and Stacy Adams shoes. A man of style and grace, his presence was unforgettable. He often shared his favorite scripture, Isaiah 40:31:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

He also found joy in his favorite song, “I’ve Got a Feeling (Everything’s Gonna Be Alright),” a testament to his unwavering faith and optimism.

Overseer David Sibley’s life is a reflection of faithful service, unshakable love for family, and a heart devoted to God. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come and will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

David was preceded in death by his children David Sibley, Jr., Mary Lois Sibley, Betty Jean Sibley, Nathaniel Horsley, Tony Crawford and Michael Crawford.

David is survived by his wife Virtha Tyler Sibley; his children Helen Sibley Carter, Dennis Morris Sibley, Robert (Gaynell) Horsley, Peggy (James) Bozeman, Lishe Crawford-Smith and Angeanette C. Snell; his grandchildren, great grandchildren, the best church secretary EVER – his niece Shirley Campbell Toson, his check-in partner-Mother Doris Young who never missed a day calling along with generations of family members whose lives he touched. To know David was to witness resilience, faith, and unwavering love for his church and his family. We are forever grateful for the example he set to serve others wholeheartedly. The family invites all who knew him to honor memory and carry forward his legacy of a spiritual warrior.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.