Reverend J. W. Calvin Jr.

Funeral services for Reverend J. W. Calvin, Jr., of Dublin, Georgia, will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 12 PM, at the First African Baptist Church, 405 Telfair Street in Dublin. Interment will follow in the Dudley Memorial Cemetery. Viewing will be on Saturday, 11 AM – 12 PM at the church.
On Monday, December 4, 1967, God blessed J.W. Calvin, Sr. and his wife, Ida Mae Roberson Calvin, with their fifth child, J.W. Calvin, Jr. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, J.W., Jr., was educated in the public schools of that city, showing his athletic prowess in football and in track and field.
After the untimely death of his parents, J. W.'s sister, Darlene Robinson, lovingly took on the role of mother. With that came the bond of another brother in his nephew, "Little Joe".
Under the leadership of Rev. Ernest Charles of St. Saviour Baptist Church in Houston, young J.W.'s love for Christ was ignited early. As an adult he often reminisced about finding Christ as a little boy at the "mourners' bench" on a Thursday night.
J.W. found his way to Atlanta, the "black Mecca", as a young adult and decided to make that city his home. Wandering in the wilderness, lost and broken, he found his way to Antioch Baptist Church North and the CM Alexander Land of Promise, a 273-acre farm where men of various backgrounds were spiritually mended and delivered from the bondage of alcohol and drug abuse. With the dynamic leadership and spiritual guidance of Rev. Cameron Madison Alexander, he was renewed, and rose like the Phoenix from the ashes. He was later appointed Assistant Director of the Land. In that position, as he toiled in the vineyard, he helped impact the lives of more than 7,000 men. He was proud to be called a "Land Man."
He was licensed to preach at Antioch Baptist Church North on April 9, 2000, along with eight other men, known as "The Nine", under the unparalleled leadership and enlightened training of Rev. C.M. Alexander. Rev. Calvin faithfully served on the ministerial staff at the Antioch Baptist Church North Lakewood Mission, where Rev. K. L. Alexander was the Presiding Minister.
It was also at Antioch that he met the love of his life, Sonya May, who was serving as Rev. Alexander's Special Projects Coordinator on the church staff. God blessed their union with two children, John Wesley Calvin III and Ariel Rose Calvin. He was a genuine family man, always dedicated to take good care of his wife and children.
Hired by Antioch Urban Ministries, Inc., an initiative of Antioch Baptist Church North, Rev. Calvin served as the Supportive Services Coordinator for Matthew's Place, an outreach ministry assisting homeless individuals living with HIV and AIDS.
Of the many different capacities in which Rev. Calvin served, one of the most rewarding was his appointment by Pastor C.M. Alexander, (affectionately known by Rev. Calvin and the men on The Land as "Big Rev.") to serve as the Presiding Minister of the Land of Promise Mission. Rev. Calvin served as the Presiding Minister for more than three years.
Rev. Calvin answered the call to pastor Solomon Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Vidalia, Georgia in October 2007 and moved his family to Dublin. The Lord ordered his steps to focus on Bible-based, Christ-centered, holy spirit-led, mission-bound leadership. Under that leadership, Solomon implemented an annual "Solomon Day", which recognized pioneer members and included a fall festival. Additionally, he established several new ministries and increased membership. Known for his knowledge of scripture and his love for Christ, he was passionate about teaching the doctrines of God.
His servant leadership and commitment to enhancing the community led him to join Landmark Lodge No. 64 of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia. In addition to participating in fundraising events, he also served a term as the Lodge's chaplain.
This man of God was preceded in death by his parents, J.W. and Ida Mae Calvin, and his brother, Jim Calvin.
His legacy of love will be forever cherished by his wife, Sonya May Calvin; his children, John Wesley Calvin III and Ariel Rose Calvin; his sister, Darlene (Joseph) Robinson and brothers, Eugene Roberson, Vincent Hopkins and Richard Calvin, all of Houston, Texas; mother-in-law, affectionately called "Ma", Rosetta B. May of Dublin; sister-in-law, Myrna May White of Atlanta; brother-in-law, Leon A. May, Jr., of East Dublin; sister-in-law, Linda Reynolds; nephews, Joseph "Little Joe" Robinson, Jr., of Houston, Floyd "Tad" White III of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Leon A. May III of Atlanta; a loving extended family; his beloved Solomon family and a host of special friends.
Please post your condolences at ServicesbyDudley.com.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please make your contributions in memory of J. W. Calvin, Jr., to the John Wesley Calvin III and Ariel Rose Calvin Scholarship Fund, Post Office Box 254, Dublin, Georgia 31040.
Services by Dudley Funeral Home of Dublin