Deacon John Henry Morgan, Jr.

John Henry Morgan Jr. was born on August 3, 1940, in Barnwell, South Carolina, to John Henry Morgan and Julia Williams Morgan. He was the sixth of seven children. He departed this life in his home, surrounded by his family, on May 17th, 2026.

John spent his early years as the son of a sharecropping family, helping work the land alongside his parents and siblings. He often shared fond memories of growing crops, caring for his goat, running along dusty country roads, fishing, and going to the movies. Raised during a time of hardship and segregation in the South, John leaned on his faith, family, and community. At an early age, he gave his life to Christ and was baptized at Great Cypress Baptist Church around 1949. He later joined St. John Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC.

As members of the Morgan family gradually migrated north, John was determined to remain in his beloved hometown. Eventually, he joined his family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1954. Like many young people of his generation who journeyed north in search of greater opportunity, John learned to adapt from southern country life to the pace and challenges of city living. Though the adjustment was not easy, he developed the quiet courage, strong determination, and resilience that would define his character throughout his life. He attended Jay Cooke Junior High School and graduated from Murrell Dobbins Vocational Technical High School in Philadelphia. During this time, he worshiped with his family at Second Union Baptist Church.

John honorably served in the United States Navy during the 1960s, graduating as part of Company 116 at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. During his service, he was assigned to several duty stations, most notably aboard the USS John Paul Jones, where he served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Throughout his military career, he carried himself with dignity, perseverance, and unwavering faith.

Following his honorable discharge from the United States Navy and Naval Reserve, John began his career as an electrician for the City of Philadelphia, where he dedicated 34 years of faithful service. He was also a proud member of Philadelphia District Council 33.

John met the love of his life, Eartha Bell Harley, in Philadelphia, PA in 1964. The two were united in marriage on March 12, 1966, at Second Union Baptist Church. Together they built a loving home and a strong foundation for their children, grandchildren, and extended family. He was a devoted husband and dedicated family man. Whether it was a performance or field trip, he always showed up for his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and was very proud of their many accomplishments. He worked hard to give his children the opportunity to go on summer road trips and continued the tradition with his grandchildren.

John Henry Morgan Jr. was a founding member of the St. John Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. In September 1987, he was ordained as a deacon and faithfully served as Chairman of the Deacon Board until his passing. He also served in several other ministries, including the Male Chorus and Food Ministry.

John was blessed with a gift for music and ministry. He sang baritone with the Williams Brothers Sr. of Philadelphia gospel quartet, a group originally formed by his uncles as The Williams Brothers of South Carolina. Joining in the 1960s as a second-generation member, John continued the family’s rich musical legacy of spreading the Gospel through song.

In addition to singing and ministering, John enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, and writing. His greatest passion, however, was fishing, and he cherished every opportunity to be near the water. John had a love for knowledge and history. He never shied from any opportunity to impart his wisdom to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews; he made sure his children and grandchildren grew steadfast in God’s Word and understood their southern roots. John was known as a talented pit master whose family eagerly anticipated his barbecue, signature marinade, and Carolina Gold sauce. His sweet potato pies became a treasured tradition at holidays and family gatherings for many years.

Deacon John Henry Morgan Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Morgan and Julia Morgan; his brothers, Lewis, Cornell, and James; his sister, Queen Ellen; and his cousin, brother-in-law, and lifelong friend, Eugene Williams Jr.

Deacon John Henry Morgan Jr. leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Eartha; his four children, Regina, Tara, John Aaron, and Robert; his seven grandchildren, Laurrice, Julius, Aaron, Jawan, Jaelen, Izabelle, and Emmy Jane; his son-in-law, Deacon Adlher Rodriguez; his

daughter-in-law, Crystal; his sister, Mattie Francis Bond; his brother, Jimmy Morgan; his cousin and lifelong friend, John Davis (Gabby); along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.

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