Deacon Matthew Joe Wynn

Deacon Matthew Joe Wynn transitioned from earth to heaven on Friday, May 11, 2018 at his residence.  He was born in Southampton County, to the late Herbert T. and Jennie B. Wynn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nora Wynn-Rollins and a brother, Herbert T. Wynn, Jr.

 

Deacon Wynn confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized into the congregation of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where he served in all of the youth ministries.  In addition to serving in youth ministries he started singing early in the congregational choir, and with other groups and a quartet.  After relocating to Petersburg, he continued serving in various ministries, especially the music ministry of First Baptist Church Harrison Street, Bethany Missionary Baptist Church, New Life Missionary Ministries and Tabernacle Baptist Church Male Chorus. Deacon Wynn also sang with Bethany Baptist Association Concert Choir of Southside of Virginia for over thirty years.  He sang two years with the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference Choir Directors’ and Organists’ Guild Workshop Choir, and the Restoration Worship Center under the pastorage of Luther Barnes (national and international gospel artist).  Pastor Barnes selected him as a candidate for the deacon’s ministry; he accepted and was ordained by the Restoration Worship Center congregation.

 

Deacon Wynn served the community through his business to spread God’s love to many persons and especially those who protected him when he worked late nights.  These persons became Deacon Wynn’s “Guardian Angels.”

 

He attended Southampton County and New York City Public Schools.  He was a member of the 1956 graduating Class of Norfolk Barbering College, Norfolk, VA.  Deacon Wynn was a member of the first certification graduating class of Evans-Smith Leadership Institute of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 1999. He also attended Virginia State College (University).

 

After graduating from Barber College, Deacon Wynn began his career at Boddie’s Barber Shop under the proprietorship of the late Rev. Fred J. Boddie, Sr. in 1957.  With the success of his business (56 years) and blessings upon his life, Deacon Wynn became one of the most respected and loved professional barbers in the City of Petersburg.   He received an award from the City of Petersburg for his years as a businessman in the city.  He also received a House Joint Resolution as an expression of the Virginia General Assembly regard for his service to the Petersburg Community.  Deacon Wynn received many other honors and awards for his service that cannot be noted at this time.

 

Deacon Wynn is survived by his wife of 58 years and 11 months, Rev. Dr. Rosa Wynn; two children, Jo Wynn-Smith (William) and Erwin Wynn, Sr.; agodson, Rodney Pegram; four grandchildren, Tequila Cooper-Campbell (William), Dominique Cooper, Erwin Wynn, Jr. (Lauren) and Myles J. Wynn; three awesome  great grandchildren, Skye Campbell, Rayne Campbell and Averyana Harris; brother, Howard Alonza Wynn; sister-in-law, Delores Carr of Marietta, GA; brothers-in-law, Thomas L. Rollins of Henrico County, James L. Sykes (Margaret) of Norfolk, Melvin Sykes of Franklin and Floyd Sykes (Filo) of New Jersey; seven nieces, three nephews; a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., Pastor, officiating.  Interment will be private.

 

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.