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JOHN WOMBLE Obituary
Professor JOHN J. WOMBLE, SR.
Professor John J. Womble, Sr., 78, passed away on September 12, 2012 at Capital Regional Medical Center in Trenton, NJ after a series of illnesses. Born and educated in Washington, DC, John took classes at Howard University. He served in the military as a ranger and paratrooper from 1953 - 1956. Professor Womble graduated from the School of Samurai in Kyoto, Japan in the 1950s and was the first African American Samurai and the first African American to teach the Martial Arts as an accredited college course. Professor Womble was predeceased by parents, Jasper Womble and Cecelia Speight; his brother Henry Womble and his daughter Deirdre Evans. He is survived by his life partner Deborah Frisby, his daughter, Tanya Sims Womble, two sons, Sgt Major John J. Womble, Jr. and Jamal Lake, his sister Alberta Thorne and loving grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and the many students he has taught over the years. Memorial Service will be held Sunday, September 23, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Campbell Funeral Chapel, 1225 Calhoun St., Trenton, NJ 08638. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Trenton and Mercer County, 212 Centre Street Trenton, NJ 08611 or online at the following website: www.bgctrenton.org/ways-to-give/donate
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Maurice Olfus
September 13, 2024
All ways remembered, Sensei Womble, never forgotten.
maurice olfus
September 13, 2022
You will always be remembered Master Womble.
Lawrence Bradford "Brad"
September 22, 2021
Sensei John Womble: To say that even now invokes a sense of respect and admiration. He not only taught the discipline of Martial Arts but the discipline of life as well. His holistic approach to instruction was responsible for growth across the board. I learned from him often times from just being in his presence and receiving description of martial arts techniques and how those same techniques applied to everyday life. Sensei Womble was and in many ways is still my teacher today.
Dr. Maurice Olfus
September 13, 2020
I will always remember Professor Womble as a prolific yet prudent martial artist and yet a master of gentle human interactions. He is sorely missed.
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Ronald THOMAS
August 16, 2019
It is amazing how many of Grandmaster John J. Womble's original students from 1964 & 1965 are still practicing the art. I am grateful for the time I spent with Grandmaster Womble and my fellow partners. Continue your journey.
Ron Thomas (Little Tom)
Linda Lance
August 15, 2019
Wow, I have been searching High & Low for this great man who was my martial arts Teacher back in College. This is where I first learned to humble myself. May he rest until the appointed time
Bennie Brown
March 7, 2019
In 1965, my Mother, Margaret V. Bryant who was Director of The Highland Recreation Center in Far Southeast Washington DC hired Professor John Womble to teach at the Rec Center there. Mr. Womble hired Robert Everhart a Freshman from College at the time and one of Master Womble's Blsck Belts. Myself, Bennie Brown, Rod Myers, Big Thom, Little Tom, Carl Tillman ,Chestnut, Larenz, Jerry,were exclusely taught by Master Womble at the Jewish Center at 16th and Q Street NW in Washington DC. I (Bennie Brown) was the youngest and a green belt who became a great Martial Artist under Master Womble. To this day, from 1965 Iam still active in Martial Arts. Being taught by this Great Man was Priceless.
September 17, 2018
Sensei Womble is missed. He was a great teacher.
Robby Robinson
July 8, 2017
I love you granddad you are greatly miss
January 8, 2017
In the Summer of 1967, Mrs. Margaret V. Bryant, President of The Highland Teanat Council and Director Of Highland Recreation Center, hired John Womble as an Assistant Director and Co-ordinator of the first Karate School in The DC Department of Recreation. As his assistant. Mr. Womble hired Robert Everhart. Everhart was one of his Black Belt Student. Rod Myers,Bennie Brown,(Mrs. Bryants son) remained in the program and as of 2017 still trains in the Martial Arts. Thank You Sensei.....Bennie
Tausi
September 16, 2016
I studied under mr. Womble for 4 years in Washington DC. My condolences to Debra and family.
SAMARIA VAUGHAN
January 28, 2016
John Womble was my karate teacher at Langdon recreation center in Washington DC northeast from the age of 11 to age 16 he was one of my idols it took me a lot of self control and confidence
Arvind Rajguru
April 24, 2015
Womble Sensei was my karate instructor in the late 60's & 70's.
He paved the path of Budo for me.
May 16, 2014
Sensi Womble,
You were the BEST ever to come out of South East Washington, D.C. Because of what you share with all of us, you'll never doubt, that always, your love, belief in self and thoughts on the responsibility of each one to the other, your thoughts on the global connections between all PEOPLE, and YOUR teachings, pass down from your Master Sensi lives on in everyone you've touched and even those whom you did not actually/physically teach or touch but how you and the WAY you lived your life influnced millions!!
Your Humble Student
Lance Moor
Aka Chaque Anniee (Bonsoir mon Frere)
May 13, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Clifton (Perk) Perkins
May 13, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Robert Jones
November 25, 2013
I never had the privilege of studying under Grandmaster Womble, but I studied under one of his students Mr. Carl Tillman and Mr. Johnny Feazell when I was growing up in DC. My instructors always spoke reverently of Grandmaster Womble. I am sorry to hear of his passing
September 20, 2013
I just now learned of Dr. Womble's passing. I was so blessed to be one of many of his students that practiced Kenpo at Howard U.
Rest in peace master Sensei.
Maurice Olfus
contact me [email protected]
William Gray
November 24, 2012
I was sad to hear to the passing Professor Womble but from his teachings I remember him saying death is just a transformation into a new life. Professor Womble was a not only an Martial Arts Professor but a family friend. Professor Womble was taught my instruct Robert Everhart in addition to providing additional instruction. Professor Womble was always open to teach anyone willing to learn the ancient art of the Samurai. To the family of Professor Womble you were blessed.
charles crawford
October 13, 2012
I am deeply saddened at the passing of my sensei Professor John Jasper Womble. The day I received the message of sensei's ascension,I was talking about him and his historical importance with a co-worker just before I left work!O'sensei you are free,and never will be forgotten. What you have given,selflessly is priceless!Thank You! Charles Preston Crawford
Pastor Wayne J
October 10, 2012
I was shocked to hear about the passing of Mr. Womble. I remember Mr. Womble on Drake Pl. SE and in the park on sundays. Mr. Womble will never be forgotten.
Steve Potts
October 6, 2012
I met Dr. Womble in 1993 and became a student of Sensei Tyrone Aiken. My life has been significantly changed, and I will be forever grateful. The first thing Dr. Womble told me is that “The Martial Arts are for helping people, not hurting people.” During the course of my studies I have tutored in D.C. public schools, and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused children in D.C., and Maryland. In honor of Dr. Womble, I am re-dedicating my efforts to serve and protect the less fortunate. Thank you, Dr. Womble, for all those lives who have benefited from your tireless efforts.
Student of The Black American Samurai
C. G. Hunt
October 1, 2012
Albert Mosley
September 30, 2012
I studied with Dr. Womble for six yrs when I taught Philosophy at Federal City College/UDC. He exemplified the true spirit of the martial arts, and I will always be grateful for his presence in my life.
Tyrone Aiken
September 28, 2012
Dr. John J. Womble, Sr. was my teacher,mentor and friend for over 35 years. I cannot express my sadness in any other way except to continue to serve, teach and encourage students to serve (i.e., Samurai means to serve). He touched so many and will be missed.
September 27, 2012
Thank you very murch Mr. Womble
C. Sherrod
RONALD D. THOMAS
September 26, 2012
I HAD THE HONOR AND PRIVILEGE OF STUDYING AND TRAINING IN KENPO KARATE UNDER GRAND MASTER DR. JOHN J. WOMBLE STARTING IN 1964 ALONG WITH JAMES THOMAS, CARL TILLMAN, ROBERT EVERHART, MIKE MALLARD AND JOHN LAWS. HIS LEADERSHIP, DISCIPLINE AND DEVOTION TO THE ART DEVELOPED ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED AND TALENTED GROUP OF MARTIAL ARTIST IN DC AREA AND ON THE EAST COAST. HE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY PERSONALLY AND THROUGH HIS STUDENTS. HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN MY GOOD FRIEND. LITTLE TOM
September 25, 2012
I met Sensei Womble in the 1970s when I studied Kenpo karate under his former student and instructor Robert Everheart (who sadly passed in 2008). I know you both are together once more. You both had been a great inspiration early on in my life which I proudly carry on within me today. Peace and blessings to the family.
September 23, 2012
SENSEI WOMBLE WAS MY INSTRUCTOR.HE WAS MY INSTRUCTOR'S INSTRUCTOR MR. CARL TILLMAN. I WOULD GO TO FORT DUPONT PARK IN WASHINGTON D.C AND LEARN FROM SENSEI WOMBLE. HE ALSO TAUGHT ME AT FEDERAL CITY COLLEGE IN WASHINGTON DC. HE NEVER CHARGED ME AND PROMOOTED ME TO BLACK BELT. I TOLD HIM I WANTED TO BE A STUNTMAN IN THE MOVIES. HE ENCOURAGEDME AND NOW I HAVE BEEN IN THE MOVIE BUSINESS FOR 20 YEARS AS A STUNTMAN THANKS TO SENSEI WOMBLE. SENSEI WOMBLE TAUGHT KENPO KARATE AND TOLD US TO "EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS. ROBBY ROBINSON, STUNTMAN (818) 437-6612.
Phyllis Carter Cotton
September 23, 2012
John J. Womble is not gone...He lives on in all of us who were blessed to learn from him at FCC and in the Park... Peace and love to all.
John DeLoatch, Jr.
September 23, 2012
I salute a distinquish and compassionate man whom has given me so much in terms how to live right by helping other that's less fortunate. I cannot begin to describe how I feel in the lost of a hero and mentor to me. As I remember him as youngster and later as a man his infinite wisdom, courage and honor has taught me that your word is your bond and always walk tall.I thank him immensely for empowering and enriching my life to better others. It been an honor and a joy to have studied under his leadership. His gracious spirit will always be with me. And in celebrating his life I will always remember his words and his deeds as a constant reminder, that no matter how tough things get there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
C Greg Hunt
September 22, 2012
Thank You for your Love, Wisdom and Guidance in Life and how to Live lt.
Clifford G Hunt
September 22, 2012
He was my only arts instuctor, aft er him, life is your only teacher. He lives on in us his students.
Andrew Evans
September 22, 2012
My is heart is heavy with lost of my teacher and mentor and a man i greatly admire. the many lesson he taught us at the Federal City Colege is beyond belief.A humble man who gave much of his time and energy to inner city youth The Nation Capital.I only hope to continue to share what he has taught me a about and what it is to be a man of compassion, principle,and love for those who have less. I am so honored to share in my life time with such a wonderful spirit.Haven sent down one of its angel to teach us to except the path in life you are on and make the most of your God given talent. Whatever path he has taken I shall fellow. thanks for care so deeply. A loyal Student. Andrew John Evans
September 21, 2012
On behalf of Samurai Karate Do "Kicking 4 Christ" we send greetings to all of Hanshi Womble family & friends as we rejoice in his life. We humble bow to Hanshi John Womble Sr. the first true Black Samurai.
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