The Life of Bishop William H. Cheek, Sr., 95

The Presiding Prelate, Bishop, Pastor and Founder of Evangelistic Church of Deliverance, Bishop William H. Cheek, Sr., 95, peacefully departed this earthly life to be with his eternal heavenly Father on Friday, June 2, 2017 in the serenity of his home.

Bishop William Henderson Cheek, Sr, truthfully believed as a child of God and son to the late Pauline Johnson Cheek and James "Jimmy" Cheek that his purpose from the date of his birth, March 3, 1922, in the small town of Halifax, North Carolina was to teach and touch lives around the world with the word of the Lord.

He was educated in the Halifax County Public School System, and later studied at the George Washington Carver Vocational School for auto body work. His theological training was acquired at Shaw University and supplemented by various Bible courses and conferences. As a young man, he served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946. His tour of duty included traveling to many areas of Europe and he was honorably discharged in 1946.

After his military service, he was blessed to marry the love of his life, Lucille Parker Cheek, and had the honor to call her his wife for the last 70 years. He enjoyed the blessings that this union provided with their seven children.

On a Sunday morning in 1958, he made the wisest decision when he accompanied his wife and four children at that time to church. This is the day he gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ and he never looked back. He joined New Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Washington, DC under the leadership of the late Rev. Raymond Jones. There he matured in the ministry and became a deacon, superintendent of Sunday school, and assistant pastor.

Then in 1962, God led him back to minister to the needs of those in Eastern North Carolina. He had a hunger to share the good news that Jesus Christ can change lives and save souls. Overcoming many obstacles, he started to witness about the goodness of the Lord in the streets, homes and various locations in the area. From his home, he taught the word of God. He taught people how to study and live by the Bible, God's inspired word. Many households were restored and changed in the surrounding communities.

As he labored for God, his family labored with him, transporting many to his home for services. When many souls were added to the ministry, a move was made to Shady Grove School, and then in 1969 the ministry moved to Weldon, NC. With only his family, the late Rev. William H. Howard and his family, along with $100.00 to rent a building, the "storefront" ministry was born. Over the years, this ministry grew and prospered spiritually and financially. Many lost souls were saved and they continue to be to this very day. Today, the Evangelistic Church of Deliverance sits where he once worked, Bounds Motor Company. He pastored the Evangelistic Church of Deliverance for 48 years. He had a vision and that vision was brought into fruition with God's help.

He was honored, respected, and held in the highest esteem for many contributions and untiring efforts and left an indelible mark on Halifax County and the nation. Some of which include the Halifax Community College African American Hero Award and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine.

He leaves a legacy of love and faith to his beloved wife: Mother Lucille Parker Cheek of the home; His devoted and loving children: Diane McMillan of Tillery, NC; William "Bill" Cheek, Jr. & wife Clementine of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Deacon Karl "Tony" Cheek, Sr. & wife Lois of Weldon, NC; Carol Lee Handsome & husband Marvin of Weldon, NC and Edgar "Butch" Cheek & wife Evelyn of Raleigh, NC; A Brother: Arthur Cheek & wife Liz of Landover, MD; Brothers-In-law: James Parker of Tillery, NC and Pastor Leroy Parker & wife Ella Louise of Washington, DC; thirty-four grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, adopted sons, daughters, and grandchildren, friends, neighbors, caregivers: Laura Walden, Gloria Clark, Vanessa Newell, and Bryant Williams, many men and women of the clergy, the surrounding community, and endearing members of the Evangelistic Church of Deliverance.

Honoring our Presiding Prelate of ECOD: Please read carefully

A private viewing for IMMEDIATE FAMILY ONLY will be held Thursday, June 8, 2017 at 12:30 In The Afternoon in the chapel of the funeral parlor.

There will be a public viewing/wake Friday, June 9, 2017 from 2 to 8 PM in the Sanctuary of Evangelistic Church of Deliverance, 195 Sycamore St., Weldon, NC.

He will also lie in state at the church Saturday morning beginning at 9:00 AM for viewing.

The state funeral will take place Saturday, June 10, 2017, 11:00 In The Morning, Sanctuary of Evangelistic Church of Deliverance, Weldon, NC, Our Pastor of Deliverance Evangelistic Churchs of Philadelphia, PA delivering the Eulogy-The Honorable Pastor Glenn Spaulding. The horses and caison will carry him to Crestview Memorial Cemetery, Roanoke Rapids, NC.

Note: All Bishops wear your Bishop's attire, all clergy (Elders, Ministers, Missionaries & etc.), please wear your clergy collar or robe for the funeral procession in the church, all church Mother's, please dress in all white and we are asking all others to adorn your dress code in black and white.

Bishop Cheek, rests in the comfort of Coleman Funeral Home & Staff...Service That Is Distinctive But Not Expensive...Because WE Care...