Bishop Cordell E. Maynard, Sr.

Bishop Cordell Elvis Maynard, Sr., was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 31, 1938, to the late William C. Maynard and Lillian May Jackson Maynard, and parted this natural life on November 28, 2014.

He accepted Christ at an early age under the pastorate of the late Elder Samuel and Mother Lena Maynard, his grandparents (founders of Maynard Temple Church of God in Christ). He attended Indianapolis Public Schools.

In 1957 he married Carolyn S. Taylor. They were blessed with six children. The eldest, Cordell Jr., preceded him in death.

Cordell worked for Cleveland Plant & Flower Company for fourteen years. Later he worked as a bus driver for the Indianapolis Public School system, and before long was promoted to supervisor. He retired in1993. Never afraid of work, Cordell would always put his hands to good use to supplement the family income.

In 1972 Cordell rededicated his life to God, and following in the footsteps of his grandparents he was called to ministry. He was licensed as a minister August 11, 1974, and ordained August 3, 1975. In 1977 he was led by God to start Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ. Starting the church with the seven members of his family, the church grew. Several years later, Cordell, along with a group of ministers, started The International Evangelistic Church Association. It was through this entity that he was appointed Bishop. His dedication to ministry was not only demonstrated in his teaching and preaching of the gospel, but also in his willingness to exert his own physical labor toward beautifying the church building. He continued to pastor until 2011, when he became ill. Though no longer able to serve as a pastor his passion for ministry continued, as he served in ministry at Faith Center in Muncie, Indiana, and New Day COGIC in Indianapolis.

Not only was he a fisherman of humans? souls, he loved to go fishing at Geist Reservoir with family members and friends. He often bragged about his ability to catch the biggest fish. Cordell was also known for his musical ability. With a gifted ear for music he could pick up any instrument and play it. His favorite instrument was the guitar. He went to church with his Bible in one hand and his guitar in the other. His love for the blues and gospel music enabled him to wed the two to create a sound that was unique to him and loved by listeners.

He married Adelaide E. Parsons in November 1990. She preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memory, wife Pearl Walker; five children: Richard L. (Petra), Jerry K. (Lisa), Rhonda J. Houston (Floyd), Rebecca J. Burrow (Rufus), George D. (Samantha); two brothers and four sisters: William C. (Val), Darlene Haynes (Clarence), Jerry L. (Mary), Betty Spraggins, Armentha Quarles, and Karen Cheung; twelve grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.