John William Tinsley, 76, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2018. He was born on April 6, 1942 in Franklin County, Virginia to the late John Evia Tinsley and Kate Smith Tinsley. He graduated from Carver High School in 1959 and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Stanley on April 1, 1961. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia State College (now University) and his Master’s degree from North Carolina A&T University. He completed his Doctor of Divinity from Bethlehem Bible College. He was a talented and committed educator, beginning his career in Southhampton County Public Schools and he was employed by Martinsville City Schools for over 33 years. He had a distinguished career in elementary education and school counseling. A hallmark of his success was his record in not suspending students, which was recognized by the Virginia Department of Education.
He accepted Christ on May 26, 1974 and he became a member of Friendship Baptist Church. He began his calling to the ministry in 1987. He was installed as the Pastor of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Cascade, Virginia in December 1988 where he served faithfully until his retirement in 2016. He is a former President of the Virginia State Baptist Training Union and Sunday School Convention, officer of the National Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist and Henry County Baptist Association. Special awards and honors include the Governor of Virginia Volunteer Award, presenting the First Black History Program to the General Assembly of Virginia, and co-producing with his father country blues music that was distributed in the United States, Germany, England, Denmark, and Canada. He was a devoted member of the Sunset Drive and Oak Level Community in Bassett, Virginia and many fondly called him their “Community Pastor.” He had a special gift of bringing positive encouragement, energy, understanding, and a “can do” spirit to everyone.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Shirley Stanley Tinsley of Bassett, Virginia; two daughters, Gwendolyn Sheree Tinsley and Dr. Susan Tinsley Gooden; one son in-law, Dr. Basil I. Gooden; one granddaughter, Caper Caitlin Gooden of Arlington, Virginia; an aunt, Louise Smith and uncle, Wray Smith of Rocky Mount, Virginia, and many relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, 13602 Martinsville Highway, Cascade, VA 24069. The family will receive visitors an hour before services at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens.
