The Life of Bishop William H. Easter, 98

"The days of our years are three score and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four score years..." By reason of strength granted by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he loved greatly, William Holland Easter lived a rich and full life of four score and 18 years. He was born October 28, 1916, to the late Willie and Maggie Cook Easter and departed this life November 3, 2014 in the comfort of his home.

William attended the public schools in Greensville County, Virginia. He was a friend to many of his school mates and could get along with any of them.

The Lord dealt with him when he was very young. He loved the Lord and attended his church faithfully. He was converted at the age of twenty-three and devoted his life fully without compromise to the service of the Lord. After many ups and downs, hardships, trials and tribulations defending his love for the Lord, he was called to the ministry in 1959, preaching, teaching, and demonstrating the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He worked diligently with his pastor and in 1976 succeeded his pastor, Elder Lillie P. Williams as pastor of Rising Sun Holiness Church, Emporia, VA. A giant of giants, uncompromising in the midst of mighty men: a preacher of preachers, a master teacher and a pastor of pastors, a bureau of information and a walking encyclopedia; anything anyone wanted to know they came to see Bishop Easter.

He served in the church in many positions: Secretary of Sunday School, Superintendent of Sunday School, Chairman of Deacon Board, Sunday School Teacher and Vice-President of the Youth Band. He served as President of the National Union of AFCOGG, Chairman of Executive Board, Vice-Bishop and Finance Committee in the National Union of the AFCOGG. He also serve as Vice-Bishop, Treasurer, Executive Board Member and Friday Night Speaker of the National Convention of the AFCOGG. He served as Pastor of Rising Sun Holiness Church from 1976 through January 18, 2013. Under his leadership, many souls were saved. He was a devoted pastor--one who loved the church, his flocks and others in the body of Christ. Many times, he gave up his own comfort and resources to help others, not only his church, but also other church members.

His favorite scriptures were I Timothy 4: 1-2: In the latter time, some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse... II Tim. 3: 13; He would say: don't let it be you; don't let it be you; therefore, let us get better and better."

January 11, 1971, William was United in Holy Matrimony to Josephine Cooper Kee and had 43 glorious years together. To this union, one son was born, who preceded him in death.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine siblings: Two sisters: Nora and Gertrude; Seven brothers: Charlie, Thomas, Rufus, Paul, Walter, Robert and Otis; Nephews: James, Edward and Ernest Gillus, Freddie and John Anderson and Roger Phipps; Nieces: Willie Mae Anderson and Shirley Brown.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories; His wife: Josephine K. Easter of the home; One god-daughter: Lucille Barnes of Emporia, VA; A god-son: Keshawn J. Kee; His nieces: Ella Cain, Dorothy Claiborne, Lessie Mae Phipps all of Emporia, VA and Ida Gillus of Fayetteville, NC: Nephews: James Thomas Easter and wife Wanda of Emporia, VA, Robert Easter, Jr. and wife Jacqueline of Chicago, IL, William D. Easter and wife Rosa, Thomas Easter and Sam Easter all of Emporia, VA, Amos Easter of MD and Raymond and Arthur, Jr. Phipps both of Emporia, VA; Sisters-In-Law: Maggie Banks and husband Henry and Elizabeth Kee both of Garysburg, NC and Rosa Epps and husband Arthur of Rocky Mount, NC; Brothers-In-Law: New Jenes Kee and wife Doshia of Garysburg, NC, a young man that he loved like a son:  Ellis C. McGee of Garysburg, NC, his church family and host of grand nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services will be held-Sunday, November 9, 2014, 12:00 O'Clock High Noon at Rising Sun Holiness Church, 1185 Chapmans Ford Rd., Emporia, VA, Elder James Easter will deliver the Eulogy and Elder Doshia Kee will serve as Pulpit Conductress.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Floral Attendants will be nieces, grand-nieces and members of the church. Pall Bearers will be grand-nephews and Deacons of RSHC.

A private immediate family viewing will be Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:30 AM at the funeral parlor. A public viewing will be from 12:00 O'Clock High Noon until 6:00 PM.

Bishop Easter is resting in the comfort of Coleman Funeral Home and Staff...Because WE Care...