Pastor Donald Leroy Govan

Obituary For Pastor Donald Leroy Govan

A public visitation for Pastor Donald Leroy Govan will be held on Friday June 16, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Family & Friends hour will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Westhaven Funeral Home Chapel, 3580 Robinson Rd. Jackson, MS 39209. Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023, 3:00 p.m., College Hill M.B. Church, 1600 Florence Ave. Jackson, MS. Burial will be held on Autumn Woods Memorial Gardens, 4000 W. Northside Dr. Jackson, MS 39209

Pastor D.L. Govan was born in Chetopa, Kansas, on March 2,1929 to James Roy Govan and Naomi Loraine Ruth Richardson. When he was two years old and there was no connection with his father, his mom met and married Mr. Guy Alexandre Yancy in Wichita Kansas. Don was raised by his mom and stepfather

He spent his formative years in Wichita, Kansas. Often the only Black student, he flourished in school by taking advanced classes and playing the trumpet in the band. From the age of twelve, he supported himself, taking various jobs. During his high school years and beyond, he played trumpet for a jazz band at nights and on weekends. He traveled to many cities to perform and played with some of the greats.

When Pastor Govan was only eight years old, he spotted five-year-old Helen King dancing a Hawaiian hula on stage in a community event. He told his mother that she was the girl that he would marry, and he was a man of his word. His steadfastness paid off, and they were married in 1949. A love affair made in heaven, admired, and recognized by many national groups, the Govan's were often invited to speak on the characteristics of a strong marriage. Helen would always say, "Jesus is the glue that keeps the two." From this strong and loving union, eight children were born and nurtured by their supportive parents. Their union lasted 71 years.

To support the children that soon came, he worked at Boeing Aircraft Company as an aircraft mechanic. However, when faced with the decision to relocate the family or face a layoff, he remained and began businesses of his own. Yet, while working at Boeing Aircraft Company, he met Noel Gardner, who challenged him to pursue a deeper walk with God. He shared with his wife, and they began attending the church with the Gardner family. There he was challenged to start a church in the African American community, and he began the Grace Bible Chapel, where he served as pastor.

When their children were older, Pastor and Mrs. Govan attended Friends University and completed bachelor's degrees in social work at Tabor College. There, they both served as faculty members, as well as at Kansas State University. In addition to pastoring the church and working several jobs, Pastor Govan served the community aa an activist for the disenfranchised. He always worked hard to make life better for others.

In 1982, Pastor Govan and his wife relocated to Jackson, Mississippi, to work with Dr. John and Mrs. Vera Perkins. They became members of Voice of Calvary Fellowship Church, where he also became a co-pastor and served in a pastoral role.

In Jackson, Mr. Govan along with his wife became involved in many community organizations. They served on the Margaret Walker Alexander Foundation board, the National Black Evangelical Association, Capitol Neighborhood Association, MS College School of Social Work, Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance, and others. Even after Mrs. Govan went to be with her Lord and Savior, he continued to serve in various capacities.

Mr. Govan very recently found and met his brother Michael Govan (Gloria)and his sister Karen Govan Long (Sherman). He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish wonderful and loving memories his children: Don (Barbara) Govan of The Colony, TX, Roger (Mary) Govan of Fayetteville, NC, Vicki Govan of Jackson, MS, Gladys (Steve) Morris of Fresno, CA, Keith Govan of Jackson, MS, Vernon (Janice) Govan of Arlington, TX, and Virginia (Jose) Velarde of Madison, MS, along with daughters-in-love; Melvina Whitehead of Ridgeland, MS, and Pamela Govan of Arlington, TX,13 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren, a life-long friend Norma Eddington, and a host of other relatives and friends.

We celebrate Pastor Govan and the life that has been offered to community service, to family, and friends, and the demonstration of God's love.