Elder John Henry Gloster

Elder John Henry Gloster was born December 20, 1946 in Opa-Laka, FL to Mr.William Gloster and the late Albertha Smith Gloster. He was the seventh child born of sixteen children.

After graduating from high school in 1965, he later joined the United States Air Force, where he received several award. He later retired after serving 23 years as a Master Sergeant.

He accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized with the Holy Ghost in 1979 in the country of Spain. After dutifully serving his country, he returned to Valdosta where he became very active in his community and his local church.

The Lord graced him to find good things, namely his wife, Margaret D. Gloster. To this union, they were blessed to raise four children. After receiving his call and proving himself in ministry, he was appointed to serve as pastor of the Vickers Temple Church H.O.G.S.I.C. in Douglas, GA in 1996 by the late Presiding Officer Bishop Alton Litman. Many souls were saved and edified under his leadership. Later in 2007, Elder Gloster was appointed Presiding Officer of District Four under the leadership of Bishop James N. Gelsey. It was not an easy task transitioning to this mighty call of God; but he knew that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. He was blessed to have had a very supporting wife and daughters to support his call in the ministry.

Elder Gloster truly loved his wife and children and his church family. The sacrifices he made were great and many; always willing to give his time, service and finances to the glory of God. Elder Gloster was a very humble man who was very faithful, loyal, and considerate of others and dependable; a prayer warrior and soldier of the Lord.

Elder Gloster transitioned from labor to reward, Thursday, March 22, 2012.

In addition to his loving mother, Elder Gloster was preceded in death by two sisters: Bertha Gloster and Maryellen Gloster. However, the family is blessed to have his loving father, Apostle William Gloster, who is 95 years old.

Elder Gloster leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of forty one years: Margaret D. Gloster of Valdosta, GA; four children: Elder Vincent L. Wooten of Miami, FL, Renita T. Smith (Steven) of Valdosta, GA, John P. Gloster (Sonja) and Anita D. James (DeRobert) of Atlanta, GA; six sisters; five brothers; mother in-law: Betty Crossgrow; a god-daughter: Chatavia Vaval; twelve grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, family and close friends. Special thanks: Vickers Temple Church, Greater Mt. Carmel, SGMC, Pastor Kenneth Boyd, Elder David Northcutt, Bishop Walter Walker, Prelate Bishop Lorenzo Moore and Bishop Wade S. McCrae.

The homegoing celebration for Elder Gloster will be held Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 11:00am from the sanctuary of Union Cathedral.

Bishop Wade S. McCrae is the senior pastor. Elder David L. Northcutt Jr. will officiate.

Burial will follow at the Carroll Hill Cemetery in Boston, GA.