Jonathan Bittie

Jonathan Bittie, 52, of Lubbock, died Tuesday, April 30, 2019. A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church with Rev. Elliott Powell officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send donations to Westminster Presbyterian.

Jonathan Bittie Mkandawire was born September 6, 1966 in Rhumpi, Malawi to Jonas and Mary (Karonga) Bittie. He graduated from Nkhata Bay High School in 1979. He worked as a school teacher in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to Glasgow, Scotland, where he completed a Masters degree in Education from Trinity University in 1985. He continued to work in the nonprofit sector until attending Trinity University of Chicago, Illinois in pursuit of a Doctoral degree in Human and Family Studies, completing that degree in 2007.

Jonathan became a naturalized citizen of the United States, and took that responsibility very seriously. He voted in every election, even if it was for dogcatcher. He was an encourager and brought the light of Christ to every conversation. It was his great delight to work with young people and watch them become successful.

He passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Jonathan was a lifelong believer in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord, and we rejoice that he is no longer suffering from illness.

Jonathan was preceded in death by his parents, Jonas and Mary, as well as his brother Redson Bittie Mkandawire, all of Malawi.

Jonathan is survived by his wife, Bethany, and son Josh Veale, of Liverpool, England, from his first wife Linda. He is also survived by his brother Watson Bittie Mkandawire and sisters Maria Bittie Mkandawire, Ayina Bittie Mkandawire, and Anastasia Bittie Mkandawire as well as several nieces and nephews.

"People are our God-given treasure so we treat them with honor and respect."

"Where God is on the throne, there is hope."