John Henry Bazemore Jr.

This was John Henry Bazemore Jr.’s major directive to his loved ones in anticipation of a season of health challenges as a result of his military service. Mr. Bazemore believed in the miracle-working power of God over all things. He held his belief with every fiber of his being, epitomizing the Rudyard Kipling sentiment from the poem "If"… "hold on until there is nothing in you except the will that says to THEM, hold on". With this unfailing faith in God’s will, Mr. Bazemore confounded medical science and naysayers who thought his advanced age and physical infirmity would overcome him sooner than later. He greeted hours of his day with a vocal “Hallelujah”. When his voice failed, he still raised his arms in a “Hallelujah and Amen” praise. His name was Mr. Bazemore, but many began to call him “Mr. B’-as-more”, as he manifested God’s health miracle for over five years.

On October 27, 2021, John Henry Bazemore Jr. was ushered to his Heavenly Father to continue life from the comfort of his heavenly home, in accordance with John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Mr. Bazemore served on earth for 84 years.

While on this side of eternity, Mr. Bazemore lived robustly, laughed readily, and fiercely cared for his fellow man with great passion.

Although his military career allowed him to live many places, when asked where he was from, he proudly stated, “I am from Snakebite Township", Bertie County, Windsor, NC. He was intensely proud of his rural roots and often referred to formative years growing up on the Bazemore family farm. Undergirded with classic farm wisdom, he kept his “rows” strait, when possible, ate organic (he reflected that “organic” was the lifestyle on the farm), and strived to be steadfast and honorable in all his ways. He often said he learned everything he needed from his farm upbringing. Everyone who knew Mr. Bazemore knew he was a stickler for the details of everything. Mr. Bazemore was known to read the fine print and then lift it up to see what was underneath. Many who encountered Mr. Bazemore would say, “They just don’t make them like him anymore”.

Mr. Bazemore was born to Reverend John H. & Lenora Garrett Bazemore on May 12, 1937. The eldest of four children, he is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Joseph Bazemore, Lenora (LC) Powell, and Willie Garrett Bazemore; as well as two brother’s in-law, William Powell and Reverend Morris Stimage-Norwood.

Upon graduating from John B. Bond School in 1955, Mr. Bazemore declined a college scholarship for ministry. At that time, he felt he was not called to follow in his father’s pastoral footsteps. Even at age 18, his integrity would not allow him to accept a college sponsorship under false pretenses. Instead, he embarked on a military career. He served first in the Army as a medic. After two years he decided to continue his military career in the Air Force where he was assigned to Intelligence units. Mr. Bazemore served in the Vietnam War. Upon retiring in 1977, he made his home in Columbia, SC. There he became very active in community concerns, local politics and entrepreneurial endeavors. He served as president of his Belvedere neighborhood association for many years. He was active in political voting efforts and, on two occasions, ran for public office. He was active with the Columbia Urban League, Veteran’s advocacy efforts and was a Life Member of the NAACP. He was able to rekindle his love of country life by becoming a rural mail carrier for the Hopkins-Eastover SC Post Office.

It was also in Columbia that he met the love of his life, LaVesta F. Johnson. Mr. Bazemore would recall, “When I saw her at a social gathering for a mutual friend, the Lord told me that she was my wife”. They were married on September 5, 1999… in the country… at the annual Bazemore Family Reunion in NC. From that point on, he referred to his bride as “my Sweet Young Wife”.

Soon after marriage, the Bazemore’s moved to Fripp Island, SC and then to Beaufort, SC. There they enjoyed the South Carolina coastal culture of St. Helena Island, Hilton Head and Charleston, as well as Savannah, GA and various barrier islands along the Eastern Seaboard. They joined and were very active with Grace Chapel AME Church in Beaufort, SC. It was during these years that Mr. Bazemore founded a personal one-on-one ministry named “To and Fro” Salvation Ministry. He professed that the Lord had called him to live out and walk out his strong Christian faith as he encountered people during the course of daily living.

In 2007, the Bazemores relocated to Charlotte, NC, eventually making their home in Fort Mill, SC.

There, too, Mr. Bazemore lived his life so he could serve as a constant source of resource and support

for anyone in need. He was a foundational pillar in the lives of family, friends and community.

Soft spoken and unassuming at first glance, Mr. Bazemore was a tremendously talented storyteller---the old school type that could bring you into the story or memory and build it within your mind’s eye so vividly you would always remember it, all the while being seeded with lasting wisdom.

Mr. Bazemore transitioned in the quiet and comfort of his home in Fort Mill, SC. He is survived by his wife LaVesta F. Johnson-Bazemore, son Asa P. Johnson, and Elizabeth Pringle and Antonia Pringle (Calloway) who affectionately called Mr. Bazemore “Dad”. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Freddie “Louise” Bazemore, Delores Hurt, Vera Burkett, and Jacqueline Stimage-Norwood; brother-in-law

Phillip (Louise) Johnson, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

On May 12, 2022, Mr. BAZEMORE’S desire to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery was achieved. His Hallelujah graveside burial service was held on his 85th birthday.