Bishop Juanita Bledsoe

Bishop Juanita Bledsoe 84, a resident of Canton, Ohio, transitioned from earth to glory to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 16, 2022 surrounded with love by her family. She was the second child born to the late Allen and Geneva Lucious on July 18, 1937 in Wheeling, West Virginia. In 1954 she met and married the love of her life Sylvester Bledsoe to whom she was married to for 54 years. Together they raised nine children, 4 sons and 5 daughters. She loved them with all her heart and taught them to be strong independent men and women who could accomplish anything in life with hard work, dedication and belief in God. Her children loved, respected, and honored her as their Mother, a virtuous woman of God. In her youth she received her formal education in Wheeling WV., and later went on to earn her Associates Degree, Magna Cum Laude, (With Great Distinction) and her Graduate Degree In 1968 she surrendered her life to Christ and was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Spirit, and became a member of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple under the pastorates of the late Elder Joseph C. Allen and the Elder Evelyn E. Moyer where she was an active and faithful member. There, she served faithfully for many years as an associate minister, Sunday School Teacher, Young Adult Bible Bowl Coach, Vacation Bible School Instructor, Choir Director, Building Fund Chair, and President of the Pastor’s Aide. She also served in the P.A.W. Valley District Region as District Sunday School Superintendent Valley District Assistant Missionary Secretary, Valley District Christian Education Director of Bible Bowl and the Valley District Sunday School Treasure, She also served as the Ohio District Council Christian Education Assistant Director. In 1993 she served as the Assistant Pastor under the leadership of D.T. Jordan at Apostolic Faith Temple in Bellaire, Ohio. In April of 1995, After 27 years of dedicated service to Bethlehem Temple, Apostolic Faith, the Ohio District Council, Bishop Bledsoe, under the leading of the Lord, answered the call from God to Pastor. It was then she Founded The City of Refuge , “Emmanuel Tabernacle Baptist Church of Apostolic Faith”, located at 98 15th Street Wheeling, W.Va., of which was later relocated to Martins Ferry Ohio. During her pastorate under the leadership of Diocesan Bishop H. C. Clark of ETBCAF she was elevated to the office of Bishop. In 2013 Bishop Bledsoe became co-founder of United Apostolic Assemblies Inc. Church Organization where she held the office of Spiritual Advisor. Bishop Bledsoe pastored for 20 year and was a pastor after Gods own heart. She loved God’s people and shepherded them with much kindness and compassion, teaching them the unadulterated word of God. She was considered a Bible Scholar. She is an author, prayer warrior and woman of faith. Bishop Juanita Bledsoe went on to establish many outstanding and work and partnerships with many church and community ministries. She served as a Board Member for the State of West the West Virginia Catholic Diocese of Wheeling and Charleston, WV., a Licensed Day Care Provider, Licensed Notary Public, Certified in American Sign Language, Church Trustee, Served on the Board of Friends of the WVNCC , Taught Literacy Classes in the Ohio County School System. She was a teacher for the Evangelical Training Association, instructor for many, many other community outreaches. Her work in the community spanned a life time of advocacy working with the Community Action, NAACP, Wheeling Minister Alliance, Board of the Wheeling Housing Authority, and many more. She received the Martin Luther King Community Service Award, and West Virginia Mountaineer Treasurer of State Ambassador of Christian Service Award just to name a few. Momma, Nana, Great Grandma, and Great Great Grandma, Auntie, Sister, Cousin and Friend as she was affectionately called and was truly adored by her family and friends. She was a mother to many in the Wheeling area and counseled all in need. She was a giver and loved helping people. She loved to knit and was famous for her dish cloths of which she knitted daily. She loved all her family, they loved Lane and she will be deeply missed by them. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband Sylvester Borford Bledsoe, parents, Allen Lucious, and Geneva Lucious Wallace, brother Allen Lucious, sisters Lenore E. Ward, Carol Lucious, sons Borford Bledsoe and Elvis L. Bledsoe, granddaughters Brandi Bledsoe Foster, Amanda Rose Bledsoe, grandson Eric L. Bledsoe, great grandson Terri Lane and great granddaughter Tierra Joy . Juanita is survived by her children Arlindarella ( Leonard ) Woods of Washington, Pa. , Dolores Bledsoe of Wheeling, W.Va. , Geneva ( Darrell ) Parker of Canton, Ohio, Onerlin Bledsoe of Frederick, Maryland, Neal Bledsoe of Wheeling, W.Va., Phillip Bledsoe of Columbus, Ohio, and Nicole ( Michael ) Meads of Gaithersburg, Maryland, Two daughter- in- laws Emma Bledsoe of Canton, Ohio and Vicky Bledsoe of Woodsfield, Ohio, one God daughter Aaliyah Kinnard of Canton, Ohio, two sisters Ruth Stinson of Steubenville, Ohio , and Jackie Lucious of Martinsburg, W. Va. , and adopted sister Martha Bamberger, brother-in-law Sebron Bledsoe, sisters-in-law Deborah Minor of Wheeling, WV., Charlabelle Harris of Steubenville, Ohio. Also left to cherish her memories are a host of nieces, nephews , family and friends and the ones she loved the best her 26 grandchildren , 66 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren! The Family will receive Friends at the Greater Bethel Apostolic Church, Canton on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 1pm-2:30pm with a Home Going Celebration at 2:30pm. Bishop Darryl Parker and Bishop Larry D. Scott, officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery The service will be live streamed and you can view it by clicking here . Any condolences and or cards can be sent to 2829 Wayland Circle S.W. Canton, Ohio 44706. Paquelet Funeral Home & Crematory 330-833-3222 www.paquelet.com .