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John Driver Obituary
Funeral service will be conducted on Friday, March 9, 2007 at 12 Noon from the St. Paul AME Church in Raleigh. Interment, Wake Memorial Park, Cary, NC.
Survivors include: wife, LaVon-De McNeill Driver of the home; one daughter, Candis Driver Smith (Patrick) of Bloomington, IN; one son, John A. Driver of Jersey City, NJ; stepdaughter, Jennifer Sterling (Morris) of Atlanta, GA; stepson, Byrron M. McNeill of Oyster Bay, NY; five grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends on Friday, 11-12:00 p.m. at the church prior to services.
Arrangements by William Toney's Funeral Home, Zebulon, NC (919)-269-9652.
Condolences may be sent to: www.williamtoneys.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Driver
Terrie BrownCox
February 28, 2023
Theirs not a day that goes by that I don't remember my uncle my mother's oldest brother Dr. John Harrison Driver with much love and respect. He was my surrogates father after my own passes away in 1963. Uncle John was the epitome of a family member we could always count on and a Prince to my mother. May you continue to rest in peace uncle and know all of us love and miss you. Your niece Terrie BrownCox.
Terrie Brown- Cox
October 25, 2020
Dr. John H. Driver was my mother's oldest brother and my amazing uncle. Very close since I was born in I made it my utmost respect for him to be with him after his transition. A very fitting service in NC for him & a beautiful display from the military as uncle John proudly served his country, Tuskegee Airman & served his fellow man as a doctor for decades. All these yrs later I show my love & respect for such a great man & my uncle. ♥
Terrie Brown-Cox
April 4, 2007
My uncle John. I am one of many neices of Dr. John H. Driver. Though many of our immediate family called him by his nic-name BUBBA, I alway's with much love, & respect called him uncle John. He was the eldest child of his four sisters, & one brother. He being the eldest, & my mother Candis being the baby of the family connected them in a very special way. To my mom he was simlpy BUBBA. My uncle John for as long as I can remember was alway's a part of my life. In 1963 he was there when my dad passed. In 1968 when my brother entered college he was there. In 1971 when I first married, he was there. In 1998 when my daughter Leslie married he was there. Though there were many more times I could count on uncle John he was there with me at the bedside of my mom when she passed on. My uncle John lived a very fullfilled, and happy life, and did much to make others happy. Now I must say farewell so that he may join all the rest of our beloved family. I will never forget you, and will alway's love you. Farewell BUBBA.
Michael Boykin
April 2, 2007
LaVon-De, Candis, John Jr., our close Families and the large extended “Family” of friends and colleagues who cared so much for my beloved Uncle John.
Anyone who has any knowledge of the Driver family should know that everyone has a nickname. Some of us would rather forget our name but nonetheless we’re stuck with these names for life. To all of us Uncle John was known as "Bubba". Don’t ask me how that name came about be because it was long before I was born. We all loved this name.
However for me Uncle John was more than Bubba. He became a mentor, a father figure, a pillar and a strong guiding light. Uncle John put me on the right path in life and his interest and concern made me stay on this path. Uncle John made it very simple for me to understand why this path was so important – education not surprisingly was the central focus of this path. Education was extremely important to Uncle John and it was something he said could never be taken away from you. Uncle John was so proud of my educational successes and I could see it in his eyes and hear it in his voice. I will always remember both.
Candis so said it eloquently in her tribute to her father, “Plan your work and work your plan”. I can only hope that I did my Uncle proud and " planned my work and worked my plan".
Although Uncle was the last of a generation of Drivers his legacy will remain forever with all of us.
Michael Boykin & Family
Concord, CA
Rodney Brown
March 31, 2007
To my family, John, Candis, and the entire Driver family, I am honored to be one of many nephews of uncle John. I will never forget the influence he had on my life especially when it came to education. Thank you for being there alway's when it counted most. Much love, and respect. Rodney J. Brown
Charlene & Kevin Jones
March 30, 2007
Dear LaVon-De and Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Dr John was a remarkable man. Dr John's participation with and your support of the Tuskegee airmen are legendary and a tribute to both of you. Dr John was one of the kindest, nicest people - and I will miss seeing his smiling face and friendly wave in our neighborhood. Please take good care, and know that we are here for you.
Leonard Boniface
March 19, 2007
Dear Cands and the Whole Dr.John H.Driver Family,Friends and Colleagues,
I was touched with the death of Dr.John,and surely he is together with God seeing us here from at the heaven,and since we all prayed,praying for him,that's most helpful,and it counts a lot that we are together in this hard time and we are praying to each other.Spritual he will remain with us,and I pray for all of you,we miss him,but we will see him again in God's kingdom.Many prayers,and God bless you all.
With kind regards,
A Tanzanian friend,Leonard Boniface(Lenny)
Charde Burkes
March 14, 2007
Grandpa will be missed greatly and he has influenced alot of people. I Love Grandpa U will be missed!
Lorielle Burkes
March 14, 2007
The Family,
Grandpa John will be forever missed...We all loved him in our own seperate ways but in the end he loved us all the same. May he rest in peace. Love you Grandpa.
Madonna Jones
March 13, 2007
Dear Driver Family,
I know that Uncle John is with his almighty father and our dear family members taking his rest. He is sharing with them that the family is o.k. and that we too shall pass through the pearly doors. We shall stand tall and proud to pass on to our children and granchildren what he stood for. "Bubba" was a drum major a drum major for all that you can be and to never let anyone tell you that you can't. He did and so his powerful legacy shall never die but continue to resignate in all of us.
Love, Donnie
Vivian Hillian
March 9, 2007
LaVon-De,
I had hoped my schedule would allow me to attend the service, but it would not. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Stonewall Blocker
March 9, 2007
May the Peace of God be with you and yours in this hour. And may your memories of Bro. Driver be always filled with joy.
Bobby & Wanda Holloway
March 9, 2007
Mrs. Driver,
I will never forget the first time I meet you and Dr. Driver during the Veteran's Day celebration at The "Golden Corral in Cary NC. I couldn't believe a piece of AmericanHistory was within my touch. I had only read about the "Tuskegee Airmen", but never would believe in all my life I would get the opportunity to sit down and have dinner with you and Dr. Driver. I will always remember and never forget that moment.
May God bless you, and Comfort you.
If you need us for anything, please let me know.
GOD BLESS,
Rev. Barbareta and Bro. Hank McGill
March 8, 2007
God's peace and comfort be with you. We are praying with and for you now and in the days ahead.
Faye McDaniel
March 8, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Candis Brown
March 8, 2007
Dear My Family,
My heart goes out to all who were touched by Uncle John. I pray God's strength keep u and guard's ur heart. I Love u all and I'm glad that Uncle John can meet with my Nana now. Stay encouraged, for Joy cometh in the morning.
Love Always......
Candis Grace Brown
carmen Hillman
March 8, 2007
Dear Cousin Candis & John, You both have been the very heartbeat of your father. Thinking back on good times Candis; the look in your father’s eyes when he gave you away in marriage to your handsome prince was priceless. Before departing this old world Uncle John left valuable treasures in you and john of love, forgiveness, and endurance. Keep your head high never cease from praying to your Good Father above. Who is your strength in the time of sorrow?!
Darrell & Patricia Whitfield
March 7, 2007
Our prayers are with you during this time of mourning. May God give you all the strength and peace thru His spirit always.
Tommy and Ethel Cox
March 7, 2007
To the Driver family:
Earth's Loss is Heaven's gain. Please accept our sincere sympathy and heartfelt prayers in this time of bereavement. Dr. Driver served as a very strong African American role model to all that knew him and this legacy will live on. May GOD continue to bless you.
Aaron Russell
March 7, 2007
Dear Candis,
I was very sorry to hear of your father's passing. It sounds as if he was a great role model for you, so I hope that you find comfort in the knowledge that he must have been a very proud father. He will always live on in the lives that he has touched. My thoughts are with you.
Jim Epting
March 7, 2007
Dear Driver Family, I know that your husband and father will be flying with the angels now, as he did as a Tuskeegee Airman. May God bestow his richest blessings on you all at this difficult time. My brother will be flying his Cub in the flyover in honor of Dr. Driver. Peace be with you all.
Very Respectfully,
Jim Epting
USAF Thunderbirds, 1979-1981.
Peter Githinji
March 7, 2007
Candis and Family,
I regret the passing on of your father. Please accept my sincere sympathy at this trying moment. Your father's legacy will forever be preserved in your heart, your family members, and countless others that he touched.
jamie martindale
March 7, 2007
Dear Candis & family,
I was sorry to hear of your loss, but pleased to know your Dad was a Tuskeegee Airman! I had never known that before, but as a social studies teacher I've often read about that legendary unit. My warm thoughts and prayers are with you.
John J. Tenga
March 7, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Terrie Brown-Cox
March 7, 2007
Candis, John, Lavon-De, our love for you all equals the love we had for uncle John. He was more than an uncle, he was a mentor. Fred, and I will forever hold all of you, and uncle Johns memory close to our hearts. Farewell my loving uncle, farewell. Terrie & Frederick Cox Sr.
Mark Coleman
March 6, 2007
Candis & John-
I am really sorry to hear about the loss of your father. My heart goes out to you two at this difficult time. You will both me in my prayers.
Susan Parks
March 6, 2007
LaVonde,
We have been so blessed to have known you and John these past 10 years. You both have meant so much to us and have been such a special part of our lives as we have raised our family here in Cary. We are so sad for your loss. We're right here for whatever you need.
May God bless you during this difficult time.
Susan, Al, Stefanie, Alison, Brian, and Kevin Parks
Ervin & Rosemarie Smith
March 6, 2007
Candis you and your family have our heart felt condolences. Know that our prayers and best wishes are with you all at this time of sorrow.
Ron / Ruthann Jones
March 6, 2007
La VON-DE, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS
MAY GOD keep you in peace.
Ronald & Ruthann Jones
March 6, 2007
To Lois, Candis, Lil'John
Ron and I send our prayers for you during this time of sorrow, But as you know weeping may endure for a night,but joy comes in the morning. If there is anything we can do or share with you please let us know.We love uncle John.
Joy Carl
March 6, 2007
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know from experience these will be hard months. Let your loving memories of him help give you peace, along with the knowledge that you will see him again some day, in the perfect, peaceful place, we all look forward to.
Alfred "Tez" Mays
March 6, 2007
Mrs. Driver and Family: We often reflect on why certain paths cross and if you are still and patient long enough, the answer is revealed. Even by simple chance and brevity, meeting and spending time with Dr. Driver was impactful. As so proudly stated during our first encounter, Dr. Driver is "Truly a piece of history" and what a legacy he leaves. May the fond memories and reflections of Dr. Driver's devotion to family, community and "Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor", bring you comfort during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy...
Augusta Barnes
March 6, 2007
My condolences to the family.
My love to Candis and John
I have known and loved you all of your life. Your father was a dear friend to my family. Much Love!
Terrie Brown-Cox
March 6, 2007
My dear first cousins Candis, and John. What warm, and lasting memories I will alway's have of uncle John, and his love for you, and our entire family. My thoughts now is that he will be reunited with his other siblings, and what a joy that will be. Rodney, and I send our sympathy, and love.
Patrick Smith
March 6, 2007
To my beautiful and darling wife Candis. Your father meant the world to you. Even now you continue to show your love and respect for him to this very moment. I am so blessed to have witnessed and experienced the true love between a daughter and her father.
March 6, 2007
I FEEL YOUR PAIN, BUT EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT IN TIME... DAD IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW.. SO STAY IN TOUCH OKAY... COULTER,JR
Laurel Hilliker
March 6, 2007
Dear Candis and family, I send my sincere sympathy to you during this time as you experience the loss of your father. May the Holy Spirit blow away the dark clouds of grief from time to time and give you joyous memories to share about his life here and in the hereafter. Peace
kuria githiora
March 6, 2007
May the Good Lord Bless and keep you in Eternal Rest and Peace.
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