Pastor John Willie Newsome, Jr.

Pastor John Willie Newsome, Jr. was born in Simonton, Texas on October 26, 1938 to the proud parents of John Willie Newsome, Sr. and Willie Mae Newsome. John had four siblings: Lee Newsome, Earl Newsome, Cynthia Newsome and Mable Hatton.

He felt a call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1961.

After his service duty, he moved to Houston to attend Texas Southern University and later at Houston Community College. He would gain employment with the United States Postal Service as a clerk.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Annie Thompson and this union was blessed with four children; their sons: Edgar and John, III and daughters: Azalea and Bianca.

John became a Christian early in their marriage and was a faithful member of Peace Tabernacle UPC in Wharton, Texas. God had greater plans and John would accept God’s call into the ministry. He learned to use the talents that God gave to the best of his ability. Remaining humble, committed, and devoted to God direction, in 1998, stepping out on faith he organized and founded Wharton Praise Tabernacle COGIC in Wharton, Texas. Here, he was commitment was devoted to helping others with little thought of his own pleasure or desire for recognition.

As of November 1, 2023, Pastor John, resides in the presence of the Lord. He is preceded in death by his Parents: John, Sr. and Willie Newsome: and a Sister: Mable Hatton (Sherman) of Houston, Texas.