John Staten Jr.

John Staten Jr., or "Big Guy" and "Mr. Marvelous" as he was fondly called, passed away on February 2, 2022 at the age of 83 in Citrus Spring, Florida. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life's challenges with a smile.

John was the first born of seven to John Sr, and Idalia Staten in “Lil” Washington NC, where he attended P.S. Jones High School. He was later drafted into the Army, where he served honorably then transitioned over into the reserves.

John fell in love and would later marry Enora "Jackie" (Wilkins) and remained married for over 50 years before her passing in 2016. From this union they would raise three daughters, Kim Alicia (Napare), Sonia Pauline and Vanessa Ashley (preceding him in death), in Cambria Heights Queens, New York before making a home in Raleigh, North Carolina.

John was a litigator for District Council 37 and for the City of New York where he fought for the rights of many. He often bragged about his successes, as well as his failures, and would reminisce about his ability to move mountains to get things done. Often Dad would talk about being the best in his office. We were never sure if this was true, but we loved hearing “his stories”.

John was a great bowler and tennis player who belonged to several leagues where he won many trophies and awards; but he was best known for his love of swimming. John bragged about his ability to teach someone to swim in just one lesson, but again “not sure if this was true either” but this was his story!

Our Dad was lovingly known as someone who should have been “The Walmart greeter”, he spoke to everyone (I do mean anyone) who crossed his path. When asked he often said “God told me to speak to people because you don't know what that person may be going through and saying hello and smiling may change their day”. Words we should all live by!

He had an appeal about him, some liked him, and some didn't, but he was always charming and pleasant and you knew he was in the room.

John leaves to remember his life, his daughters: Kim and Sonia, five brothers and sisters: William (Rebecca), Lenora, David, Rose (Victor) and Patricia (Darrell); seven grandchildren: Kameron (Jessica), Resean (Heather), Ariel (Timothy), Michael (Daisy), Gerlisa (Matt), On'Jalae (Calvin) and Sulayman "Isaac"; eleven great grandchildren; three loving caregivers: Chris, Elba, Arnice and Madison; four God Children; along with his sisters and brother-in-laws, nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews, and a host of those he just adored.

John was truly a man of God, he was a member of St. Paul Pentecostal Church, COGIC and later in life he joined Lifepointe Church where he was the “Ultimate Greeter” to say the least. Dad, you finished well, now it’s your time to be the greeter at Heaven’s gate.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 10:30 - 11:30 am at Lifepointe Church in Raleigh, with Funeral Services to begin at 11:30 am at church. The church will be live streaming the service for those unable to attend - link to JOIN below.

Graveside Services, with Military Honors will be held on Friday, February 25, 2022 at 11 am at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, NC.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of John or a message of condolence to his family, you may do so below within "add a memory".