Superintendent Earl Robert Nowlin, Jr.

A Life of Greatness Born With A Purpose Earl Robert Nowlin, Jr. was the first child born to Earl Robert, Sr. and Maude Nowlin on May 16, 1930 - Houston, Texas. He attended Phillis Wheatley High School where he was a proud quarterback for the Phillis Wheatley Wildcats! He received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Texas Southern University. His graduate studies were done at Prairie View A&M University where he earned a Masters of Education in Guidance and Counseling. God decided to cross Earl's path with a stunning angel named Elziree Howard. Smitten by her godliness, intelligence and beauty, Elziree soon became the love of his life. They were united in holy matrimony in February, 1970. God blessed this union with two lovely daughters: Earlesia (Poppi) and Erikka (Pepper). Superintendent Nowlin was employed in the Aldine Independent School District - Aldine Middle School. He was an outstanding history teacher for 25 years. He took great pride in his teaching profession, and it was said over and over that he made learning fun. He loved teaching and made an immense difference in the lives of those he touched. As life dictated, he retired from Aldine Independent School District in 1994. Called For A Purpose Superintendent Nowlin was introduced to the Church Of God In Christ by the late Pastor E. J. Walter - Lorraine Street Church of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop R. J. Darrett. He received the precious gift of the holy ghost in 1949. In 1950, he was called, anointed and appointed by God to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1951, he was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country for two years, as a paramedic, during the Korean War. After returning home from his tour of duty, he continued to worship and work side-by-side with Pastor E. J. Walter at Park Hill Church Of God In Christ. Later, he was recommended by Bishop R. J. Darrett and appointed by Bishop R. E. Ranger as pastor to the San Hill Church of God In Christ, in San Hill, Texas and to the San Augustine Church Of God In Christ, in San Augustine, Texas. In 1967, he was offered a circuit of two churches in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Trinity and Ratcliff, Texas. Superintendent Nowlin accepted this unique opportunity with the purpose of someday converting and bringing the African Methodist Episcopal Church over into the Church Of God In Christ. Superintendent Nowlin was a licensed and ordained African Methodist Episcopal Elder under the auspices of the late Bishop O. L. Sherman. After several years, it became evident that these churches could not be brought over into the Church Of God In Christ. After careful and prayerful consideration, he decided to give up the African Methodist Episcopal Churches and return to the "Grand Old Church Of God In Christ." In 1977, he was ordained, received his minister's license and appointed pastor of True Faith Church Of God In Christ - Houston, Texas. In 1980, he was then appointed to Jordan Memorial Church Of God In Christ - Hockley, Texas. While pastoring in Hockley, he became a District Superintendent - Houston Metropolitan District - Texas Southwest Jurisdiction under the leadership of the late Bishop T. D. Iglehart. Superintendent Nowlin served faithfully at Jordan Memorial Church Of God In Church for 12 years. While at Jordan Memorial, he established a monthly "Honoree Day" for the members to insure they received flowers and/or words of encouragement while they were still able to appreciate them. In 1992, God sent him to Yale Street Church Of God In Christ where he served as pastor for 15 years until his resignation in 2008. While pastoring the Yale Street Church Of God in Christ, he led a Prison Ministry which was very successful. Superintendent Nowlin had a devout love for all his members. He faithfully visited them in the hospital, and made a special effort to care for the sick as well as the shut in. Purpose Fulfilled On January 13, 2014, God's purpose for Superintendent Earl Robert Nowlin, Jr. was fulfilled. He transitioned from his earthly labor to receive his heavenly reward. Those who preceded him in death are: his parents; Elziree Howard Nowlin (wife of 37 years); Clarence Johnson (brother); Roy Lee Nowlin (brother); and Arvis Marie Nowlin Scott (sister). He leaves to treasure his memories two beautiful daughters: Earlesia (Poppi) and Erikka (Pepper); two precious grandsons, Jacob Holmes and Kole Duncan; one sister, Maude Nowlin Sells (Louis) and one brother, Cornell Nowlin - all of Houston, Texas. He also leaves five caring and wonderful sister-in-laws: Avilon Moore of Homer, Louisiana, Quester Hogan, Pearl Square, Barbara Jean Humphries, and Christene Howard Brown - all of Houston, Texas. His memories will be cherished by a multitude of nieces and nephews, other relatives and numerous dear friends. Reverend Nowlin is dearly loved and admired by his family, friends and members of the body of Christ.