Back to Obituaries Perry-Spencer Madison | NC

Reverend Dr. James A. Webster

04/28/1947 - 05/23/2023

Obituary For Reverend Dr. James A. Webster

Reverend Dr. James A. Webster, 76 of Summerfield, NC passed Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Monday, May 29, 2023, at Perry-Spencer Funeral Home, Madison, NC . The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, 2445 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC with the “Home Going Celebration" beginning at 12:00 O'Clock Noon. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Livestream can be seen on May 30, 2023 during the service: On Oak Ridge First Baptist Church website, YouTube and the church's Facebook account.

Rev. Dr. James Arthur webster, born on April 28, 1947, native of Rockingham County, departed this life from labor to reward, on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at his home in Summerfield, NC. He was the eldest of eight children reared in Madison, NC, by his parents, James E. (Tom) and Betty Moore Webster. He was honorable, humble and humorous and to know him was truly to love him.

Upon graduating from Charles R. Drew High School in 1975, he entered the United States Ari Force where he honorably served four years during the Vietnam Conflict and obtainefd the rank of Staff Sergeant.

With his military career behind hime, Dr. Webster immediately begn to further his education and earned an Associate's degree in Business Management from Jefferson Busine4ss College; a Bachelor of arts degree in Religion and Philosophy and a Master's of Divinity from Shaw University, Raleigh, NC. He also received certification as a Continuing Christian Education Instructor through Shaw University School of Divinity. He was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bethlehem Bible College, Roanoke, VA. He is listed in the National Register in Washington, DC's 2000 edition of “Who's Who” among honored Professional and Executives.

Dr. Webster accepted Christ at an early age. He was honored to serve as an ordained Deacon in his home church, Goodwill Baptist Church, Madison, NC, under the leadeship of Dr. B.H. Bonham. In 1975, he was licensed at Goodwill Baptist Church to preach the gospel. The following year, he was ordained by the Rowan Baptist Association and named the Assistant Pastor of Goodwill Baptist Church. In 1978, he accepted his first pastoral call at Zion Baptist Church in Mt. Airy, NC, where he servedd faithfully for six years.

In 1984, he was called to pastor Oak Ridge First Baptist Church, Oak Ridge, NC, where he would faithfully serve for 39 years, until his passing. He served the longest tunure in Oak Ridge First Baptist Church history. Afer his early retirement from the United States Postal Sevices in 1990, he became the first full time pastor of Oak Ridge First Baptist Church. Under his leadership, the church experienced phenomenal growth and was blessed to enter into four major building projects. He always recognized God for every increase through his favorite saying, “To God Be All the Glory”! Dr. Webster loved Oak Ridge First Baptist Church with his whold heart and often stated, “I've spent over half my life with these people and if I had to do it all over again, I'd do th4e same thing.” of High Point, NC. Honorable Judge Joe Webster (Diane) of Chapel Hill, NC; Curtis Webster (Sondra) of High Point, NC; one sister, Patsy Dalton of Jamestown, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and close friends.

Dr. Webster served on numerous community boards and committees. He served on the Board of Trustees of Bethlehem Baptist College. He was a General Board member of the General Baptist State Convention where he also served as Vice Chairman of the Personnell Committee (the latter was an appointment from Dr. Leonzo Lynch). He was a faithful member of the Hampton Ministers Conference, the Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention, the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., the Oak Ridge Ministerial Alliance and the NAACP chapter in Greensboro, NC. He was also a Past Moderator of the High Point Educational and Missionary Baptist Association, INC. and served on the Ordination Council and Executive Board. He brought excitement, experience and awesome execution of pastoral leadeship locally, statewide, nationwide and globally. He was known near and far as the “Mission Pastor” and strongly believed that if the church was not about missions, then there was no need to exist. He believed in giving to help build God's kingdom in every area possible. His passion for missions was so evident that the Each Child Counts Foundaton built a school in Clay Ashland, Liberia, West Africa and named a portion of the building the Dr. James A. Webster Elementary School wing, in his honor. Dr. Webster had the privilege of being in attendance when the school opened on February 20, 2018. While in Liberia, he preached two services at the historic Providence Baptist Church, which was founded by Rev. Lott Carey and the namesake of the Foreign Mission Convention that Dr. Webster has supported for many years. He counted that experience as a high honor in his life and as always, gave God the glory for it!

He was preceded in death by his parents; James E. and Bettie Webster; two brothers, Billy and Ricky Webster; and one sister, Kathy Webster.

Dr. Webster was married for 56 years to the love of his life; Mrs. Brends (Dalton) Webster and was blessed with one son, Ministefr Derrick Webster, who served faithfully by his father's side; a daughter-in-law, Nicole Bivens Webster, who he could always count on to tell him the “hard truths” and his most precious joy, his granddaughter, Madison Gabriella Webster. He is survived by three brothers, John Webster (Mary) of High Point, NC, Honorable Judge Joe Webster (Diane) of Chapel Hill, NC, Curtis Webster (Sondra) of High Point, Nc, one sister; Patsy Dalton of Jamestown, NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and close friends.

According to Rev. Dr. James Arthur Webster, if he could leave a legacy, it would be that he lived his life with integrity and his due reward would be found in Matthew 25:21, “His Lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servangt: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of the Lord.”


Condolences & Tributes

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Natasha Young sent The Peace Lily for Reverend Dr. James A. Webster - May 29, 2023

On behalf of the HPEMBA, we extend our condolences to the Webster Family and members of the Oak Ridge First Baptist Church family. May God strengthen you as you navigate this difficult season.

Send flowers for Reverend Dr. James A. Webster

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden was sent for Reverend Dr. James A. Webster - May 27, 2023

Radiant Foliage Planter was sent for Reverend Dr. James A. Webster - May 26, 2023

Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet was sent for Reverend Dr. James A. Webster - May 26, 2023

I am sorry for your loss. Pastor Anthony Spinks.

My sincerest condolences to First Lady Webster, Derrick, and the entire Webster family. My prayers are with you!

Lisa (Dalton) Hedrick

OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY. DR. WEBSTER WAS A GREAT MAN OF GOD, AND A BLESSING TO MANY. MAY GOD GRANT YOU STENGTH AT THIS NEEDED TIME. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR CHURCH FAMILY. Bishop Tyrone and Lady Juanita Hunter/ Pastor Emeritus, St. Thomas Chapel

Our prayers and love are lifted up to the Webster family in the passing of your love one. Dr. Webster encouraged and nurtured so many people. May you find the comfort and peace knowing that God will keep you in perfect peace because you trust Him!

Our prayers and love are lifted up to the Webster family in the passing of your love one. Dr. Webster encouraged and nurture some many people. May you find the comfort and peace knowing that God will keep you in perfect peace because you trust Him! God bless you! Oberlin Baptist Church Rev Barry and Minister Ann Young

Offering my condolences to the entire Webster family. John, sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Just the thought of the words he heard from his Precious Lord and Savior, "Well done my good and faithful servant!" Those 7 words bring us so much comfort of a life well lived...a life lived for the Lord and dedicated to service to the Lord. It is our hope that this time brings us closer and let those who love us and care about us cover us in their prayers and love. Please receive my love for your family as you go through this difficult journey of losing your loved one. I remember Derrick also from when I went to Madison elementary umpteen years ago. May you all hold your memories close and may they comfort you on the hard days ahead. Felicia,I love you. Take care of yourself. The entire family is in my thoughts and prayers! Derrick, stay strong. I'm praying for your strength. Your Mom is going to need you to lean on. ➕️🕊🌹💐♥️

Please accept my sincere condolences to you First Lady, and the Webster family. Reverend Webster graciously said yes when asked to marry his cousin and I. I'll never forget his counseling words...."if you're not right, it's time to get right", and make sure you keep the Lord close. As we prepare to say final goodbye to him today, I'm reminded of his words over 30 years ago. Yes, it's time to get right. I thank Reverend Webster for his every wise preaching and teaching, and I know that our loss is Heaven's gain. May God keep you in perfect peace during this very difficult time. I hope this wasn't too long, but it's my last chance to make a first tribute to a great Man of God! Gloria Timlick Hairston, and cousin Brittany

Brenda, I was saddened to hear of your husband's passing. Please know you and your family will be in my prayers. Sarah Pruitt

Sending the family my condolences and prayers Gloria Mckiver and family

Dear Sister Webster, Brother Derrick, Sister Nicole, Madison, and the Webster Family...You are in our prayers and on our hearts. We love you all and are deeply saddened over the passing of our dear Pastor. No greater Pastor have we ever known. ~Sincere Condolences, Sister Connie Curtis, Shirley, Bernadette, and Sherree💔.

Brenda, Derrick, Nicole, Madison and the extended Webster and Dalton family, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you now, through your period of mourning and beyond. Pastor Webster's Earthly presence will be sorely missed but, we rejoice with you in knowing he has reached the HOME he so earnestly toiled to achieve.

Doris & Faye Kellam & Teresa Kellam Lowe & Family

Mrs Webster, Derrick and the Webster family, my deepest condolences and prayers for the loss of a precious man of God. I knew when l first met him that he was truly a man of God.He was the only pastor l would trust to baptize me. I am thankful to him for his leadership and most of all his love for God. I will miss him but God wanted him from labor to reward and now he's RIP with his heavenly father. Webster family know now that Pastor Webster is healed and will be watching over you. Be blessed. Addie Moody

James Arthur, as we fondly called you, was tall and mighty in statue. One of the first to accept the calling as a minister in our family. One also who had a sense of humor that we enjoyed. Brenda and Derrick( your spouse, and daughter, Madison ) and the rest of Uncle Tom 's and Aunt Betty's Off Spring, we wanted to offer condolences and to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love all of you, and may God's peace encompass you as you go through this storm. The Current Descendants Of Fred and Annie Webster

Cousins Brenda and Derrick, and the Webster Family, know that you all are in our prayers as you adjust to life without your beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. May fond memories bring you comfort and peace today and in the days ahead. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers for strength. May God continue to bless each of you and those you love.

Best regards, Cousin Phyllis (Broome) Cunningham

Derrick and Mrs Webster we are so sorry for your lost. Rev Webster was an amazing person and this is a tremendous lost for us all. Sending our love and prayers your way. Ervin Cradle and Angie Wooten,Birmingham Al.

So many fond memories. I will share one. As newlyweds, Ben and I drove to Massachusetts from Greensboro, NC to visit James & Brenda. They too were newlyweds (one year) and were a military family. Ben always admired James and thought his young marriage to Brenda would be a good one for us to model. This year is our 54th year as a happly married couple. We are convinced that we were led to the right couple to model marriage and a "love your brother" life. Rev. Webster has left a rich legacy for his wonderful son Derrick as well as the many lives he has touched through his ministry. May Rev. Dr. James A. Webster rest as he lived, "IN PEACE". Lady Brenda, Derrick and all the family, you are in our prayers through your grief journey and beyond.

Love you ALL, Ben. Joan, BJ, Andrea and family.

My sincere condolences to the Webster family in the loss of your loved one. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. Willette Rochelle Teasley

To Derrick, Mrs. Webster and the family along with the church family please accept our condolences and prayers. Barbara and Michael Davis, Greensboro NC

To the Webster Family My condolences to you and heart felt sympathy to all. Keeping you in prayer. With Love Rosa Curtis Velez

To the

Thank you being such a good brother-in-law. Thank you for living the life that you preached about. You were for our wedding and God blessed us when you did his Eulogy. May God hold you in His arms.

For Derrick, First Lady Webster, and family, I am profoundly sorry to learn the passing of Reverend Dr. Webster. I want the family to know how deeply I feel for your loss. The family is in my prayers, and have my deepest sympathy. James W. Dales, Nashville, NC

For Derrick, First Lady Webster, and family, I am profoundly sorry to learn the passing of Reverend Dr. Webster. I want the family to know how deeply I feel for your loss. The family is in my prayers, and have my deepest sympathy.

Derrick, First Lady Webster & Family, Praying that God meets all of your needs. Dr. Webster was a great Pastor who truly impacted the community and Kingdom of God. Shannon & Aliya Southerland

May God bless you and your family and comfort you with his mercy and grace during this difficult time. Mr. Webster was a perfect example of everything a man should be. He reminded me so much of my own grandfather who also was a pastor. May we all strive to live our lives as this dear friend did. A loving husband, a patient understanding father and most importantly a Godly man who spread the wisdom, love and grace of the savior to those around him so they may have eternal life through the father. There is no greater deed or honor. Anyone who knew him is truly better for it. May he Rest In Peace and bask in the Glory of Heaven for it is his just reward for a job well done. With Deepest sympathy The Bullards

We were sorry to hear of the passing of the great, Dr. Webster. He touched lives, old and young. Dr. Webster never met a stranger. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with Mrs. Webster, Derrick, and the entire Webster family along with the church family . Prayerfully, Bishop & Mrs.John Campbell Bethel Way Church of Christ Danville, VA

We were sorry to hear of the passing of the great, Dr. Webster. He touched lives, old and young. Dr. Webster never met a stranger. Our sincere condolences and prayers are with Mrs. Webster, Derrick, and the entire Webster family along with the church family . Prayerfully, Bishop & Mrs.John Campbell Bethel Way Church of Christ Danville, VA

We, the class of 1965 Charles Drew High School, will truly miss our friend. Our deepest condolences to the Webster family and all those whose lives he touched. Gone but never forgotten. CLASS OF 1965.

So sorry to hear this news. We will keep your family in our prayers. Tommy and Pat Hickman..Myrtle Beach SC

Patricia Hairston so sorry to hear about your loss praying for you and your family

So sorry for your loss praying for you and your family

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of my Pastor Webster. May the family find comfort and consolation in fond memories of his love for his family, friends and church. He will be truly missed. Laurann Pierce

So sorry for your loss you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Felisha Anderson and Family

My deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire family. So sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength and comfort during this time. Brenda and Derrick , I will keep you in my prayers. Sincerely, Dexter W. Welch Jr. Nashville, TN.

So sorry to hear about this. I always enjoyed hearing you preach. Praying for the entire family. Anissa Moore and family

So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for the entire family. With sympathy, Cornelia and family

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Perry-Spencer Madison | NC

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