J.L. Weaver

1947 - 2023

J.L. Weaver, 75, of Bryant, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023, surrounded by

his loving family.

Jay was born on September 15, 1947 in Cave City, Arkansas – a town he left but dearly loved.

At the age of sixteen, Jay was led to the Lord by his mother, Lois Sharp Weaver. This testimony was one he loved to share.

Jay was taught carpentry by his father, J.R. Weaver, and the character traits of honesty and hard work, giving his all to every employer. Many times in life, he would go back to this trade to support the family.

In 1972, God called Jay to preach which set he and the family's life on a path that he consistently and passionately lived out. Jay and Belinda moved back to Arkansas for him to attend the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, Arkansas. Jay finished his degree at Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Jay pastored several churches; he served as Associate and Bus Director as well as Worship Leader at Landmark Baptist Church in Batesville, Arkansas. While there, Jay and Belinda were introduced to Christian Education. Words cannot express the thrill in their hearts to think of training their children in every subject alongside the Word of God and a vow was made to follow this new path, trusting God to provide, which He did. All six children graduated from Christian Schools.

God opened doors for Jay to be trained as a Coordinator for Accelerated Christian Education and he began to serve as Principal in two different Christian Schools. As a Coordinator, he visited schools all over the state of Arkansas helping them to achieve success. He was a shepherd, teaching math, English and all subjects, as well as the Bible, coaching basketball, taking students to state and national competitions in their chosen fields, and loving them with all his heart.

God eventually took Jay back to the pastorate where he spent the greatest portion of his life – serving Martindale Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas for 15 years and 6 years at Osceola First Baptist Church in Osceola, Arkansas.

Health issues brought Jay to retirement but he continued to fill the pulpit whenever and wherever needed. It was his joy to have opportunities to share God's Word and God faithfully provided those opportunities.

Jay is predeceased by his parents, J.R. and Lois Weaver; one daughter, April Fern Weaver; one grandchild and three great-grandchildren; and his paternal and maternal grandparents; survived by his loving wife, Belinda McMahan Weaver; his six children: Christopher Grady Weaver (Krystal), Jayna Sue Davis (Bob), Joy Beth Billson (Gerry), Jill Amelyn Averitt (Alex), William Cary Weaver (Sara), Andrew Jay Weaver (Elaina); twenty-one grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren with three additional great-grandchildren expected this year; also, sisters, Syble Rogers, Virble Bell, and Jalois Cox; brothers, Dale Weaver, Gale Weaver, Kendall Weaver, and Robert Weaver; also a host of nieces and nephews.

Please join us in the celebration of Jay's life on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at New Life Baptist Church, Alexander, Arkansas. Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. Graveside service will follow at 4 p.m. at Eutopia Cemetery in Cave City, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: Arkansas Right to Life, New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, Benton, Arkansas.

Online guestbook: www.roller funeralhomes.com/chenal