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Obituary For Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin
LUMPKIN- Mrs. Naomi Opera Irene Bartley Lumpkin was a native of Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on March 24, 1949 and was the third child of Willie Osborne and Mary Lena Bartley. Mrs. Lumpkin grew up singing in her grandfather’s church (The Church of the Living God the Pillar and Ground of the Truth – Arlington) and was a member of the “Sensational Holy Travelers” singing group under the direction of her aunt, Deborah Bartley.
Mrs. Lumpkin grew up in the Arlington area where she attended the local schools and graduated from Douglas Anderson High School (Class of 1966). She began her formal vocal studies at Florida Junior College (Jacksonville, FL), and continued her training at Bethune-Cookman University (Class of 1971 - Daytona Beach, Florida), Aspen School of Music (Aspen, Colorado), and is a former member of the Opera Training Department at The Juilliard School of Music, (New York City, New York.)
Mrs. Lumpkin was most noted for her professional opera singing, but she was also employed as a bank teller during the late seventies, and a local music teacher at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary, Rutledge Pearson Elementary, and Alimacani Elementary. She was also employed as an educator for Dade County Public Schools while living in Miami, Florida.
Mrs. Lumpkin married the love of her life, the late John Arther Lumpkin, Sr., on May 19, 1973. From this union, two children were born: Ravandala Irene Lumpkin-Johnson, and John Arthur Lumpkin, II. “John and Irene” were married for almost 37 years until his passing on April 16, 2010.
Mrs. Lumpkin was a professional opera singer for many years. Included in her impressive array of awards and honors are: winner of the Metropolitan Opera District Auditions, Sarasota, FL; Artist of the Year, State of Florida; winner, Southeastern Regional Auditions of Teachers of Singers; Ester B. Griswold Award of the Florida Atlantic Music Guild, singer in Menotti’s Opera (New York City), winner of the Arturo Toscanni Award for the Civic Opera Auditions, (West Palm Beach, Florida); winner of the Giuseppe Verdi Award in (West Palm Beach), and winner of the Indiana Opera Theater’s Southeast Regional Competitions in Naples, Florida.
Mrs. Lumpkin’s teachers at Juilliard included Rose Bampton, Martin Smith, William Marshall and Madeline Marshall. Mrs. Lumpkin has also performed on many occasions with the Jacksonville Symphony, the Opera Repertory Company of Jacksonville, and at countless concerts and recitals at local churches and concert halls.
Mrs. Lumpkin was a faithful and dutiful member of Carpenter’s House Church of God in Christ where her son-in-law, Superintendent Cedric D. Johnson, Sr., was her pastor. She sang in the local church choir and was also a member of the Florida Central Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdictional Choir.
Mrs. Lumpkin was the pastor’s wife at the former Family Life Fellowship Church of Arlington, where her husband, the late John Arther Lumpkin, Sr., was pastor. While there, she was a loving and supportive pastor’s wife serving in many capacities and positively impacting everyone with her spirit of love and joy.
In the church realm, she was known as, “Mother Lumpkin” and proudly served as the local, district, and jurisdictional president of the Sunshine Band Childrens’ Chorus. Mrs. Lumpkin could always be found giving of her time and resources to provide training, etiquette lessons, and varied musical and educational experiences for the children. In her personal time, Mrs. Lumpkin was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed shopping, singing, and traveling with her family.
Children: Ravandala Irene Lumpkin-Johnson, (Cedric) John Arthur Lumpkin, II (Jessica); Grandchildren: Carrington Johnson- Mercer (Darrius), Janelle Lumpkin, Cedric Johnson, II, Jordyn Lumpkin, and Julia Lumpkin; Sisters: Shirley M. Coleman (Tyrone) and Patsey L. Searcy; Aunt: Sophia Y. Demps; Brother and Sister in Laws: Earl Lumpkin (Cora), Betty Jean Perkins (Earnest), Jessie Lumpkin, (Joyce) Melvin Lumpkin, (Rhonda), Verley Lumpkin, and Ray Lumpkin; Special Friends and Loved Ones: Mother Valerie Fordham, Missionary Terrie Powell, Minister Sue Carmichael, Kathy Daniels, and Mother Shirley Johnson; A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.
Mrs. Lumpkin's funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10AM at Southside COGIC, 2179 Emerson Street Jacksonville, Florida 32207. Ms. Lumpkin's remains will rest for visitation of family and friends at THE CHURCH Friday, February 16, 2024 from 5-8PM.
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Chaundra Lumpkin sent Heavenly Heights Bouquet for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 16, 2024
With love and fond memories sleep in peace. From Chaundra and Chyann Lumpkin.
Angela Powell sent Ocean Devotion for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 15, 2024
Ravandala, John and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Mama Lumpkin will forever be remembered and forever missed. Much Love Angela Powell and Andrea Johnson
Altamease Bolton sent Red and White Floor Basket for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 14, 2024
Prayers to the Johnson/ Lumpkin Family during this difficult time.
Mother Lumpkin was a blessing in our lives and will continue to bless us from above.
Love you always,
Your Ushers
Odis Lumpkin sent Ocean Devotion for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 13, 2024
Thank you for always being genuine. With love Odis and family.
Odis Lumpkin sent Ocean Devotion for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 13, 2024
Thank you for always being genuine. With love Odis and family.
Odis Lumpkin sent Ocean Devotion for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 13, 2024
Thank you for always being genuine. With love Odis and family.
Serene Lily Basket was sent for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 12, 2024
Beautiful Dreams was sent for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 12, 2024
Pink Tribute Spray was sent for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 10, 2024
Keosha Griffin sent Mixed Spray for Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 07, 2024
Sending heartfelt condolences to the Lumpkin family during this difficult time. May these flowers bring a small measure of comfort and serve as a reminder of your support. With deepest sympathy, JAMS
10 Trees were planted in memory of Naomi Irene Bartley Lumpkin - February 12, 2024
So very sorry to hear of this lovely woman's passing. She graced our church so many times with her beautiful voice. As a young woman, i was in awe of her talent, beauty and grace. Every time I hear His Eye is on the Sparrow, I think of the wonderful lady who introduced me to that beautiful hymn. Heaven has surely gained a lovely voice. My sympathy to her family and friends for your loss
Irene Lumpkin graced First Methodist many times with her beautiful, powerful voice. I'll never forget her singing "His Eye is on the Sparrow". I don't think I've ever heard it sung as beautifully as she did. Thanks be to God for the gift of her life. May her memory be a blessing to those who loved her.
The bottom message submitted by Blais Edelen, Miami, Fla. 08/19/24
Dearest Ravandala, I just found out of the passing of your parents & am truly sorry for your loss. Both were amazing, wonderful people, and your beautiful Mother was an amazing talent. My Mother loved you and your family, & I consider myself honored to have known your parents. May God Bless you and your family.
Deepest sympathy for the children and the family of Mrs. Lumpkin. Knew both Mr. Lumpkin and Mrs. Lumpkin. They were great godly people. My prayers are with you all Humbly. Lillian Jackson
To the entire Lumpkin family and extended family, we send sincere and heartfelt condolences from the Churches of the Living God the Pillar and Ground of the Truth, Inc. Bishop M. H. Lewis, Chief Overseer. With Love, Bishop M.L. Redding, Diocesan Northeast Florida Diocese II
Words cannot express. Sending love prayers with great memories to family. I'm gonna miss you Irene Thanking God for the sister/friendship. To the family I love you and may God comfort your hearts. Your mom was a beautiful soul .
To the family of Naomi Irene Lumpkin, the Mercer family wishes to express their heartfelt sympathy in her passing. She was a beautiful person, talented and most of all a child of God. "Irene" will always be remembered. "To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord." God bless, Carol Mercer & Family
On behalf of myself and my children and family. I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Pastor and First Lady Johnson and the entire family. To know Mother Irene Lumpkin was to truly love her. You had no choice but to love her because that was all that she gave, love. Her love and light will be missed deeply. But we find comfort in knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and we pay you do too. - With a heart filled with love, Sister Brionna A. Blount
Our heartfelt condolences at this time we will truly miss Aunt Irene's bright smile her laughter and love for her family she will truly be missed and will forever live in our hearts and memories. Chaundra and Chyann from Atlanta, Ga.
What a Godly, beautiful, gifted, classy, fun, funny and genuine Lady!
On behalf of our beloved mother; Roxie Battle-Patton who adored your mom, we your Philly Cousins; Karmen , Kim & Kip; pray God's peace, love, strength and His comfort. To our Cousins Vandala & John-John as well as their spouses and children.
She's now singing the song that the angels cannot sing! Hitting those clear high notes in heavens choir!
#restwellqueen
Mrs. Irene & Pas. Lumpkin welcomed me & my 5 month old son, Karrington, to Family Life Fellowship of Arlington 22 1/2 years ago. Her and I became instant friends. We remained friends until she left us. I will miss her bubbly personality, wit, & amazing smile. I treasured our friendship and she will remain very special to me. I love you & may we continue to hear those high pitched notes you so freely gave to us. Cheryl Quaintance
Deepest sympathy are with the Bartley/Lumpkin/Johnson family during your time of bereavement. 🙏🏾
How hard it is to look across the street and know our precious neighbor has moved to Heaven. Irene (and John) graciously welcomed us into the neighborhood about 34 years ago. We had many conversations together and became friends. Not just friends, but family ...God's family. We miss Irene, but we will see her again...for eternity. Our love and prayers are with her precious family. Bishop Eddie and Mrs. Carolyn Watson
Mother Irene Lumpkin will be greatly missed. She was the epitome of Grace, Class, and Beauty! I loved her and will cherish all of the Godly nuggets she shared! 🤎 ~ Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick
Prayers and condolences from Supt.and DM Oliver along with the entire Ocala District
Aunt Irene, I love you so much and I will miss you. God knows best I cherish the time that we had together. See you on the other side.
Praying for the family and Church.
Prayers of comfort for all from cousins (Drinks family) in Atlanta, Georgia. Fond memories of her beautiful spirit and gifted voice.
C. Drinks
Prayers and condolences to the Bartley and Lumpkin families. Gloria Hayward Queen and Family
With Prayers & Deepest Sympathy Bartley and Lumpkin Families. Sincerely, Vernon & Sandra Brown Family
Deepest sympathy from cousins in Albany ,Georgia
Condolences to the Bartley, Lumpkin family's.
Mildred Harris Baxter&Family
Dearest Ravandala and Pastor Cedric, I just learned of your lovely mother's passing. My heart goes out to you both and to Carrington and Cedric Jr. Those we truly love will live on in our memories and they are never far from us. I wish you peace at this time of great sorrow. With my deepest sympathy, Yolanda
My prayers are with the family. You have lost one of sweetest people I have ever known. I met Irene in the late 60's. We traveled to Kent Campus for college classes.She remained a part of my life ever since. She sang at my mother funeral in 1988 and kept in touch through the years. I will truly miss her. Blessings, Barbara Williams
From: Lula Brown-Johnson & Emily Brown-Perry You have our deepest sympathies and prayers
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
