Delvin Cecil Cameron

His Story

Emeritus Pastor Delvin Cecil Cameron was born in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies to William Cameron and Rebecca Robinson on August 8, 1927. Delvin was one of six siblings. At an early age, Delvin moved to the United States in 1955 and lived in Florida and New York before coming to California where he began his training as a machine operator. It was in Los Angeles where he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior.

In 1962, he met the love of his life, Miss Ressie Claudette Alexander. They were married in September 1962 at the Prayer Garden COGIC of San Jose. Delvin took his bride to his home in Los Angeles where the couple had a son, Delvin Jr. in 1967. During their time in Los Angeles, they were members of Mount Olive COGIC pastored by Bishop E.B. Stewart, prelate of Northern California First Jurisdiction. Lead by the Holy Spirit, the Camerons decided to move to San Jose in 1969. Ressie returned to her job working for the city of San Jose as a stenographer and Delvin became employed at the local Frito-Lay plant and later worked for IBM.

While active members at Prayer Garden, Elder Cameron and Sister Cameron began an outreach ministry in the downtown area of San Jose. They provided food, clothing, and encouragement through the Word of the Lord. Many were blessed and lives were changed. Elder Cameron and Sister Cameron decided to join another ministry under Bishop C.D. Williams in 1989. Later Elder Cameron became the assistant pastor. At the end of 1990, Bishop Williams recommended Elder Cameron take charge of the church. He was appointed pastor in 1992 by Bishop W.W. Hamilton, prelate of Northwest Jurisdiction. The Camerons relocated the church downtown to incorporate their inner-city outreach ministry. All were welcomed no matter what race or creed or situation in life. The Lord began to add to Genesis Church COGIC through the years.

Elder Cameron retired from IBM in 1996 in order to become a full-time pastor. Every year for two weeks, The Camerons would travel to Jamaica and other countries ministering the Word of God, sharing gifts with the people. At times, Elder Cameron would go alone and share his traveling experiences with others back home.

Elder Cameron’s involvement included being a member of the Santa Clara County Ministerial Alliance, NAACP, Neighborhood Watch Committee, and a participant in the annual Garlic Festival of Gilroy CA. Elder Cameron loved cooking his Jamaican dishes and boasted about his rum cake. When you ask Elder Cameron, “How are you doing?” He would always reply, “Thank God I’m Alive”.

In 2013, Elder Cameron retired from pastoring and became a member of Pilgrim COGIC pastored by Nathaniel Riley. Both he and his wife loved their pastor and new church family. They were faithful in attendance, tithes, and offerings. Elder Cameron would refer Elder Riley affectionately as “my pastor”.

March of 2020 was critical to all of us affected by the COVID pandemic. Elder Cameron survived at the age of 92 when others his age succumbed to the virus. Unfortunately, Sister Cameron made her transition due to COVID. Doctors were baffled by his recovery. Although his wife did not survive, he continued to live on. Elder Cameron was cared for by wonderful caregivers whom he loved and would tease them often. He enjoyed watching the birds in the bird feeder and the howling sounds of the wind rustling the trees. Close family members would take time to converse with him as an act of love for Elder Cameron. We thank God for his long life; he will never be forgotten.

Elder Cameron leaves to mourn his daughters: Yvonne Smith (Warren), Carmen Stanley (Alan).

Preceding him in death: His wife, Ressie Cameron, his son, Delvin Jr. His siblings preceded Elder Cameron in death. brothers: Leonard, Lloyd, and Vill. sisters: Veronica and Dalvis. Elder Cameron also leaves his legacy to the generations that will keep his memory dear to their hearts: six grandchildren and

six great grandchildren. His god children: Leslie-Ann Nwokora, Miles Jackson, Marcus Jackson, and play granddaughter Latisha Hays. Lastly, he leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends.