Bishop Reginald Raynard Chever

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Bishop Reginald Raynard Chever passed away surrounded by family, friends, and prayer. His departure marked the close of a remarkable life-one defined by faith, service, joy and love.
Born in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Robert and Maryland Chever, Reginald grew up with a deep sense of purpose. At a young age, he had a love for ministry and over the course of five decades, he built a life that reflected the calling of serving God and others. He was a preacher, a mentor, a counselor, and a friend to many. Whether behind the pulpit, in the workplace or beside a hospital bed, he showed up with compassion, clarity, and conviction.
As Senior Pastor of Deliverance Church of Our Lord Jesus, Bishop Chever led with grace, humility and strength. He didn't just preach sermons-he built a community. He baptized new believers, guided families through grief and celebration, and raised up generations of leaders. His ministry reached far beyond Sunday mornings, extending into prisons, convalescent homes, and underserved neighborhoods across Northeast Florida.
He also served on boards supporting outreach and advocacy, including Kingdom Ministries, Lighthouse Foundation, Invaders for Christ and Kingdom United Council. For 40 years, he was an employee at UPS Freight, blending his passion for transportation with his commitment to people-delivering freight by day and the Word of God by night. He graduated from William M. Raines High School, Class of 1974, and also earned a doctorate degree in theological studies from Truth Bible College.
In 2010, Founding Bishop Aaron Mobley, appointed him pastor of Deliverance Church of Our Lord Jesus. He was also consecrated to the Office of Bishop, by Bishop Primate Roderick S. Love, Sr. These ecclesiastical milestones marked not just titles, but the trust and respect he earned through decades of faithful service.
Bishop Chever's most treasured role was within his family. He is survived by his wife, Elect Lady Donna Gail Mobley Chever of 50 years-a partnership built on prayer, laughter, and unwavering love. Together, they raised two sons, Reginald II and Timothy, and welcomed their daughter-in-love Candice into the fold. He was a proud grandfather to Timothy Jr., Jahziyah, Kaiden, Zayden, Zacheus, and Tilaya-and yes, even Basil and Hayden, the family's beloved grand-dogs.
Bishop Chever was preceded in death by his beloved parents; siblings: Robert Jr., Regina, and Reliford Chever; cherished great aunt, Christopher Silas; and loving in-laws: Bishop Aaron & Mother Ozzie Mobley.
He's also survived by his aunt, Patsy Gammons; brothers, Allen Chever and Amil Rogers; in-laws, Essie Wiggins, Verna McBride, Aaron Jr. (Linda), Cheryl Canady (Chris), and Patricia Gray. Also, his spiritual sons, Bishop Andre (Katrina) Haynes and Pastor Barry (Linda) Townsend; devoted friends, Reverend Willie Tucker and Olice Williams, along with his Deliverance Church family, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and sorrowing friends.
To his family, he was a steady presence. To his church, he was a spiritual father. To his community, he was a voice of hope. And to everyone who knew him, he was a man who truly lived what he preached. His legacy of faith will continue through the lives he touched and the church he built. His story doesn't end here-it lives on in every sermon remembered, every prayer answered, and every person inspired by his example.
We grieve his passing, but we celebrate his life. Bishop Chever finished his race with grace, and is now resting in the presence of the Savior he served so faithfully.
Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
The funeral service for Bishop Reginald Raynard Chever will be held 11 A.M., Saturday, October 4th, 2025 at the Philippian Community Church 7578 New Kings Road Jacksonville, FL 32219. The visitation will be 5-7 P.M, Friday, October 3rd, 2025 at the Deliverance Church of Our Lord Jesus, 5504 Brooklyn Rd. Jacksonvile, FL Florida. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 765-1234