Belvin J. Jessup Obituary in Greensboro at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home

Obituary For Belvin J. Jessup

REV. BELVIN J. JESSUP, B.S., M. Div.
OBITUARY

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

On August 11, 2023 the Lord called his faithful servant Rev. Belvin J. Jessup to his heavenly home.

The Homegoing Celebration for Rev. Belvin Jessup will be held Friday, August 18, 2023 at Centenary United Methodist Church in Greensboro NC 2300 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC 27403.

The Family Hour will be held from 11 am-12:45 pm
The Homegoing Celebration will begin promptly at 1:00 pm. Interment will be immediately following:
Raleigh's Crossroads United Methodist Church 715 Guilford College Rd, Greensboro, NC, 27409.

Rev. Belvin J. Jessup was born in Westfield, a community in Surry County, North Carolina on July 11,1933. Belvin J. Jessup was the oldest of seven children born to William Rolen and Lula Mills Jessup. He was preceded in death by his wife, Arnetta Mckee Jessup, his parents, his brothers, William McCoy and Kenneth Jessup, his maternal grandparents, Joe Franklin and Lou Mills Franklin, his paternal grandparents, Virlen and Dora Ann Strickland Jessup.

He attended public schools in Forsyth County and Guilford County, and graduated from The James B. Dudley High School, Greensboro North Carolina in 1953. Between 1954 and 1956, Belvin worked at Western Electric Company in Greensboro. On August 28, 1955, he married his High School sweetheart the late Arnetta McKee and they were married for 59 ½ years. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1956 and served in Germany from 1956-1958. In 1961, Belvin entered the ministry and was ordained as a deacon in 1962 when he received a full-time pastor status.

Belvin completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University in 1968.The following year Belvin was received into the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and received full connection in 1971, during that same year, Belvin completed his Master of Divinity from Gammon-ITC Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.

In 1974, Belvin was selected to participate in an educational program entitled, “The Living Word” sponsored by the United Methodist Church, Western N.C Conference on Continuing Education. In this
program he was privileged to travel and study in Edinburgh, Scotland and London, England.

Upon returning, Belvin continued his studies in theology at Gammon Theological Seminary and received a Master of Theology in 1971. In 1985 he received a certification of Continued Education at Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC. In the spring of 1987, he received “The Most Distinguished Gammon Alumni Award” from Gammon-ITC Seminary.

During 1990-1991, Belvin served as consultant to the bishop and cabinet members on Ethnic Minority Local Church Concerns. In 2001 Belvin ran for a seat on the Greensboro City Council and won. He served as a City Councilman for District 1 between 2001-2003.

Belvin was a very active full-time pastor in the United Methodist Church for 46 years and the last 5 years of his retirement. He served as pastor to eleven churches throughout NC and TN. Belvin was a preacher with great faith, a builder, and a visionary.

He was an active, caring, and giving man of God for many years in addition to being a loving and great provider to his beautiful wife Arnetta and their three children, Belvin Timothy Jessup, Benita Jessup Winstead, Belvin J Jessup II, as well as his four grandchildren, Paisley Jessup, Yasin Shareef, Haley
Winstead, and Medina Shareef.

Belvin loved being asked to be the guest speaker at various engagements, worshipping with friends and family, working with community service organizations, reading, and monitoring political, social and economic events.

He loved his Jessup, Mills and McKee families and always made time for family gatherings. He was proud of his Jessup heritage and especially his name. He was a huge NC A&T Aggie fan and supporter. He had a great sense of humor.

Left to cherish his legacy and precious memory are his three children, Timothy Belvin Jessup (Yvette), Benita Jessup Winstead (Hilton), Belvin Jessup II, and four grandchildren, Paisley Jessup, Yasin Shareef, Haley Winstead, and Medina Shareef, two brothers, Virlen R. Jessup and Oliver T. Jessup (Michelle), two sister’s Carol Jessup Owens and Janice Jessup (Carl Malone), brother-in-law Lt. Colonel Jona McKee (Iris), sister-in-law Marlene Feaster, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Matthew 25:21

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The Schefflera Arboricola was sent for Belvin J. Jessup - August 17, 2023

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Belvin and Arnetta were held in the highest of regards by my parents, Rev. Joe and Rae Daniels. Dad absolutely loved serving the church with Belvin!

My family and I send our deepest condolences to The Jessup Family in the loss of Rev. Belvin Jessup. He was a wonderful Pastor, Shepherd, and Mentor to me and my family at St Paul UMC, Winston Salem and we will remember him always! May God grant you His comfort and peace!
Gloria & John Allen & Family

To my family, our sincerest and deepest condolences in the loss of cousin BJ. His kind loving and sweet spirit will forever hold a place in our hearts! May we all find peace and comfort in the precious memories with shared with our loved one. George and Audrey Hayes

To Timothy, Benita and Belvin II, I was truly sorry to learn of Rev. Jessup's death and extend my condolences to you and your families. I regret that I was not able to attend his funeral, but I know I join a large circle of friends and parishioners who are mourning his death. Rev. Jessup was a noble soul full of fervor, determination, quick wit, and wise counsel. He was definitely the right person at the right time to merge St. Mark and Brooks Memorial and then lead the building of Memorial UMC! I have fond memories of him and Arnetta, along with the 3 of you, stopping by my mother's (Lady Carter) house just in time for Sunday dinner or dessert! Although he will be sorely missed by many, we will never lose the pleasure and joy of having had him in our lives. May the love and caring of friends and family comfort you and may the infinite well of God's grace, love, and mercy, and the light of His presence be a continual source of strength and guide you to a peaceful heart. With love and praying you enough, Barbara Carter.

Cousin Reverend BJ Jessup was an impressive and caring person, He was a dedicated servant of God. He always said," he was saved on the Holy grounds of Chestnut Ridge Progressive Primitive Baptist Church." This was the church his Aunt Minerva Jessup Cox was founder. Our family will always have endearing memories of him He's resting with a great cloud of witnesses if one only remembered family. The family is in our prayers

Sincerest condolences from the Belo Family 🕊️

Deepest sympathy and condolences to the Family, God never makes any mustakes...
Carletta Judd & Family

To the Jessup family: We would like to offer our sincerest condolences to a wonderful individual "The Rev. Belvin J. Jessup" who could make your hair stand on end with one of his sermons. But now his work is done here on earth and his work is needed within the pearly gates of Heaven. May his work continue to flow through the legacy of his family and peace and love be with them always. Craig & Janice Spencer Davis, Phoenix, AZ

GLORY BE TO GOD FOR ALL YOUR WORK HERE ON EARTH. LOVE, JAME & CARRIE HOENE

Rest in paradise Aggie! Aggie Pride 4 LIFE

Benita my condolences to you and the entire family. May God comfort and bless you during this difficult time. Continue to share precious and comforting memories of him and his life.
Jacqueline C. McMillan

To Timothy, Benita and Belvin,Jr. -- Thank you for having shared your Dad with us for the seven years that he was our Pastor. Having led us through the building process, his very essence is engraved in every hall, wall and brick of Memorial UMC, High Point; and will linger forever. Know that we love you and carry you in our hearts; and we celebrate with you, that Rev. Jessup has gone from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant! 'Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!'

My sincere prayers and condolences to the Jessup Families. Pastor Belvin Jessup will truly be missed and may God continue to give you all peace and comfort today and for the days to come, Love and blessings. Bertha Brown Bethel AME Church

It truly can be said, Reverend Jessup was a "preacher's preacher". He supplied the pulpit I was serving when I had surgery. He brought me communion at the nursing facility. You have my deepest condolences in this great loss. I pray for your family and may the everlasting arms of Jesus give you solace and comfort. Reverend Dale Peele Sneed, Rocky Mount, NC

A true light that will never go out". Thank you for your encouragement and dedication to spreading the good news. Blessings and comfort to the family with much love ❤️

You have our deepest sympathy and we pray that God will continue to comfort you during your time of bereavement. Rev. & Mrs. Albert O. Perkins,Sr. Kings Mountain,N.C.

Go forth, Christian soul, from this world in the name of God the almighty Father, who created U, in the name of Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, who suffered 4 U, in the name of the Holy Spirit, who was poured out upon U, go forth, faithful Christian. May U live in peace this day, may Ur home be with God in Zion, with Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, with Joseph, all the Angels and Saints, & especially Arnetta who is with U always. Amen.
The Spencer Family

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

Perry J. Brown Funeral Home | Greensboro, NC