Rev. John Elvis Sowell, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on June 5th, 2024 in Newport News, Virginia. He was born on July 31st, 1937 in Delphi, Indiana to loving parents who instilled in him the values of faith and service.

John's legacy is one of unwavering dedication to his family and his calling as a minister. John was first and foremost a servant to our Lord and Savior. His devotion to his wife Norma for over 67 years served as an example of enduring love that inspired all who knew them. Together they raised four children with love and compassion while demonstrating what it means to be true partners in life.

In the mid-1960s, John answered the call to go into ministry. He pursued higher education at the University of Louisville where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology before furthering his studies at Southern Theological Seminary in Louisville where he obtained both a Master's degree in Divinity and Master's degree in Christian Education. These academic achievements laid the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to serving others through faith.

Throughout his career as a minister, John touched countless lives through various churches where he served on staff. His impact extended beyond borders when he taught Sunday School programs in Tanzania, Africa through the Board of Foreign Missions. Additionally, John shared his knowledge by teaching classes at Boyce Bible College and played an instrumental role as a founding member on the board for Peninsula Foodbank.

His commitment to spreading God's word was matched only by his devotion to nurturing strong relationships within his own family. As a father of three sons, Greg Sowell, Mark Sowell, David Sowell, and one daughter Monica Zelasko-Winchester, John provided unwavering support and guidance throughout their lives. Through marriage he gained a daughter-in-law Lisa Sowell (Greg); a son-in-law Travis Winchester (Monica); a grandson-in-law Joe Williams (Nichole); a granddaughter-in-law Victoria Copon (Michael); and one future daughter-in-law Pamela Kirby  (David).

The joy that filled John's heart expanded even more with each grandchild, Chloe Sowell and Brad Sowell (parents - Greg and Lisa), Michael Copon, Nichole Williams and Steven Zelasko (mom - Monica), Jonathan (Dad - David).  Then came great-grandchildren, Cheyanna and Elvis (parents - Nichole and Joe), along with Malichi (parents - Michael and Victoria); these little ones brought immeasurable happiness into John's life during their visits together. His love and devotion for his children could only be matched by our Heavenly Father. He loved spending time with them laughing and being a big tease; but with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren there was a deeper special bond that all 9 of them will carry special memories with them for years to come.

One thing that will always be remembered about John is how much joy he brought into every room with just one smile – it lit up everyone around him!  I don't think that John ever met anyone that did not instantly fall in love with him. His love and compassion was a testament to what Agape love should be.

Services will be held at First Baptist Church Newport News located at 12716 Warwick Blvd Newport News, Virginia on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Visitation will take place from 3-4 PM followed by the memorial service starting promptly at 4 PM. There will also be a reception following this time together.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider making donations directly towards Peninsula Foodbank which held such importance for our dear departed loved one.

The outpouring of love from friends near and far has been deeply appreciated by our entire family during this difficult time.

As we mourn our loss let us remember how blessed we were having had such an incredible man grace our lives – may we carry forward everything good that we learned from him so that part of him remains alive within us forevermore.