The Rev. Wilbur Witherspoon Sr. was born on Feb. 4, 1936, in Clarendon County, a son of the late Ferdinand and Camilla Johnson Witherspoon. He was called from labor to reward on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016, at his home.
He was educated in the Clarendon County public school system. Wilbur attended the Morris College School of Religion. He was employed at Korn Industries for 28 years, until his health began to fail. The
The Rev. Wilbur Witherspoon gave his life to Christ at an early age at St. John Baptist Church, Silver, after relocating to South Carolina after six years in Baltimore, Maryland. He became a member of St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, where he served in numerous capacities. He was a member of the gospel choir, serving as president for 27 years; a member of the trustee board, until he became a deacon; and he organized the male chorus and brotherhood. After being called by God into the ministry, he attended the Morris College School of Religion. He was ordained as a minister.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mattie M. Witherspoon; his children, Birtie (Peggie) Witherspoon, Wilbur Witherspoon Jr. of Sumter, Rodney Witherspoon of Baltimore, Bernardo (Diane) Witherspoon of Greenville and Gwenevere (Anthony) Smalls of Sumter; three special grandchildren reared in the home, Vonetta T. Witherspoon, Erika V. Miller and Stepharonn T. Miller; two great-grandchildren, Jamiyah Witherspoon and Imani V. Rogers; his chosen children, Rhunnette (Howard) Tompkins of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Rosetta Woodson of Baltimore, Frances L. Washington of Sumter, Wilhelmina Washington, Gail (Jesse) Hannibal, Brenda Swinton of Houston, Texas, Linda (Raymon) Spann of Alaska, Theresa Washington and Jacqueline Wright of Sumter; three sisters, Willie Ruth Pringle, Sarah Grant and Mary (Calvin) McConico, all of Sumter; two brothers, Cleveland (Dorothy) Witherspoon and Robbie (Anna) Witherspoon of Sumter; 36 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gregory Marcenette Witherspoon; and three brothers, Leroy Witherspoon, John Witherspoon and Harrison Witherspoon.
A public viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. today at Job's Mortuary.
The Rev. Witherspoon will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. on Friday for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Westend Community Church, 101 S. Salem Ave., Sumter, with Minister Lester Ragins officiating and the Rev. Michael Walters, eulogist. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.
The family will be receiving friends at the home, 110 Brent St., Sumter.
Job's Mortuary, 312 S. Main St. in Sumter, is in charge of arrangements.
