Bishop R.B. Hawthorne

To view the service via Youtube click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqI-ZQcabAk To view the service via Facebook click the link below: https://www.facebook.com/ZandersFuneralLIVE/ Bishop R.B. Hawthorne, Jr. was born on September 24, 1935, in Camden, AL, to Vinnie Ephraim and Saul McNeil. His journey took a new direction when Vinnie married R.B. Hawthorne, Sr., setting the stage for a legacy of spiritual leadership that would span decades. At the age of 13, on March 27, 1949, Bishop experienced a life-changing moment, being saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. Just a few years later, on November 4, 1953, at only 18, he was called to the ministry and began passionately preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. By the age of 20, he founded his first church in Frisco City, AL, alongside his parents. His next move led to the creation of the Sunlight Church of God in Christ in Trenton, FL, where his ministry became a beacon of hope and community spirit. In 1959, Bishop married the late Betty Wilson, and together, they built a large, loving family of eight children: Debora, Angela, Jacqueline, Audrey, Reginald, Decrum (Maurice), Shawn and LaTasha. Their home overflowed with love and generosity, extending even to Phillip, a neighborhood child who they embraced as one of their own. The family’s generosity and faith became the foundation for their life and ministry. In 1971, the Hawthornes relocated to Los Angeles, continuing to grow their family and ministry. Bishop’s reach expanded in the early 1980s when he became the Founder/Director and International Overseer of The Revelation International Evangelical Mission, Inc., touching lives and collaborating with community organizations such as The Brotherhood Crusade and World Opportunity Outreach. Bishop’s ministry took him across the globe, sharing the Gospel in South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and throughout the U.S. His leadership grew even further when, in 1996, he was appointed State Bishop at the Highway C.O.G.I.C. of the Apostolic Faith in Baltimore, and later, in 1998, became the International Bishop at Redeem C.O.G.I.C. in Brooklyn, NY. Throughout the years, Bishop continued to innovate and serve. He founded The Evangelist Crusade for Christ Ministry in 2000 and helped form the Ministers’ Alliance with Bishop C.C. Coatney in 2001. His passion for ministry also extended to empowering women in ministry, and he served as Director of The International Evangelist of God’s House of Refuge and Strength Ministry, further championing this cause. Bishop was a dynamic leader with a lively, approachable style that made scripture come alive for everyone who listened. He served as Assistant Pastor at Holy Temple Missionary Baptist Church, Vice President of the NAACP Carson-Torrance Branch, and Vice President of several other influential community and religious organizations. Bishop’s passions extended beyond ministry. He deeply loved his children, spent time researching for his book The Beginning, studied scripture, offered spiritual counseling, and played his guitar. Bishop R.B. Hawthorne, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of faith, leadership, and love. He is survived by seven children, 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and a host of family, friends and loved ones. His life’s work continues to impact communities far and wide, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.“Egggzacuhlee!” he’d say.

Tributes

Bishop R.B. Hawthorne

September 24, 1935 - October 9, 2024