Merrie E. Minor

Evangelist Merrie E. Minor, 68, passed away peacefully Friday, September 19, 2025, at her home in South Bend, Indiana.

Evangelist Merrie E. Minor was born July 23, 1957, to the union of Matthew C. and Jeanette D. (Galloway) Lewis Jr. In 1962, she began her academic career at Ardmore Elementary School. Shortly thereafter, she attended Alexis Coquillard for grades seven and eight where she was part of the integration process. In 1971, Merrie began her first year at Washington High School where Mr. Carl Evans, her health teacher, inspired her to work hard and do her best. Merrie attended Central High School Career Center.

Evangelist Merrie E. Minor attended Indiana State University where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education and, later, a master's in special education. Although licensed to be a principal, Merrie preferred teaching because she loved building relationships with her children. Merrie touched the lives of many both inside and outside of the classroom. Her coworkers respected her and admired her dedication.

On January 3, 1981, Evangelist Merrie E. Minor married the love of her life, Rev. Lawrence D. Minor II, who she met in high school. From that union came four children: Lawrence, Shawnda, Rashad, and Destini. The couple shared their commitment to the church and bettering their community through education and ministry.

A teacher in the South Bend Community School corporation for 35 years. Evangelist Merrie E. Minor supervised student teachers and represented the Indiana State Teachers Union. She served as an Indiana State Teachers Association Union Representative and was a member of the National Educational Association and the National Parent Student Teacher Association. Throughout her career, Merrie served on committees on teamwork, performance-based accreditation, diversity, and textbook adoption. Merrie also honed her gifts by continuing her education on topics like diversity team training, prejudice reduction, teaching math, conflict management, and cooperative learning. After her retirement in 2015, she continued to substitute teach when needed.

Evangelist Merrie E. Minor exemplified the principles of active faith in her lifestyle, embodying the dual roles of both a hearer and doer of the Gospel. Throughout her life, she was a dedicated member of New Bethel Tabernacle, serving in various ministries with exceptional fervor and commitment. Her contributions included directing the children's choir, participating in two church choirs, and teaching Sunday School since 1986. Additionally, she led the flag ministry, facilitated a weekly prayer call each Thursday, and held multiple positions including usher board member, Sunday School Superintendent, altar worker, and intercessor.

Merrie also served as the armor-bearer to First Lady Tammorra Golder. She was the founder and president of the New Bethel Tabernacle Nurses Guild and played a pivotal role in developing youth-oriented initiatives such as the "Reaching Our Teens" program and "Fruits of the Spirit" curriculum. Her organizational skills extended to planning community outreach events, such as "Praise in the Parking Lot."

Evangelist Minor's spiritual journey began at a young age when she was baptized in Jesus' name and filled with the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Elder Ardell Sanders. She continued to serve faithfully under the pastoral leadership of Diocesan Bishop Cecil E. Golder, Jr. until her passing. Notably, in 2020, she was baptized once more by her son, Elder Dr. Rashad L. Minor, signifying her enduring commitment to her faith and ministry.

Merrie leaves a loving family to cherish and carry on her legacy. She will be sorely missed by her children and their spouses: Lawrence Dale (Amiee) Minor III, Shawnda (Pastor Raymond) Sanders, Eld. Dr. Rashad L. (Lisa J.) Minor, and Destini Minor; her grandchildren: Raymond Sanders II, Christian Sanders, Lawrence Dale Minor IV, Ryan Anthony Minor, and Devon Carter; her sisters: Cora Johnson and Diana Lewis; her aunts: Martha Wakes, Mayetta Witherspoon, Margaret and Josephine Galloway. She also leaves her sisters-in-law: Sherry Lewis, Deborah (James) Anderson, Pamela (Earl) Howard, Chris (Ollie) Beckem, Lenora Newhouse, Patricia Page, Joan Davis, Flora Samuels, Aletha Burnett, and Diane (Kevin) Irvin; and brothers-in-law: Juble (Shawna) Hairston, and Denardo Hairston – as well as a host of nieces and great nieces, nephews and great nephews, and cousins who adored, loved and cherished her dearly. Her God-siblings include Elvis Benson, Charlene Benson, Rodney (Stacy) Jennings, Diane (Kieth) Brazier and her Godchildren are Payton Wilson, Mitchell Wilson, and Michael Wilson.

Merrie was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence; her parents; paternal grandparents Matthew C. Lewis Jr. and Eva Lewis and maternal grandparents Charles and Margaret Galloway; her aunt Joyce Robinson; brothers Matthew C. Lewis III and Raymond Lewis; brother-in-law Rev. Earl Hairston; Willie Ben Hairston; Barbara J. Hairston; and Godmother Cleo Turner.

Visitation for Merrie E. Minor will be held

Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Reflections from friends and family 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at New Bethel Tabernacle, 2627 W. Napier St., South Bend, IN 46619. Visitation also on Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., prior to the service.

Celebration of life

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, 10 a.m. at New Bethel Tabernacle, 2627 W. Napier St., South Bend, IN 46619. (Visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the 10 a.m. service.)

If you wish to send flowers to the family, send them to New Bethel Tabernacle, 2627 W. Napier St., South Bend, IN 46619. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Evans Funeral Home, 6453 S. Ashland, Chicago. Please send all resolutions to EvansFuneralHomeLTD@gmail.com.