PEORIA - Pastor Arthur J. Guyton Sr., 78, of Peoria passed away from this life unto another at 11:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2015, at his residence.
Pastor A.J. Guyton was born on April 8, 1936, in Blytheville, Ark., to the late Marshell and Fannie (Clark) Guyton. He was married to his soulmate, Lena (Ferguson) Guyton, for 58 years. She survives.
Pastor Guyton attended school in Blytheville, Ark. He graduated from Theological Seminary in Decatur, Ill., and branch extension out of Monroe, La., where he received several degrees. He retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co. after 34 years in Morton, Ill.
Pastor Guyton loved helping people, family gatherings and cooking. He served in the jail ministry for 40 years. He was the pastor and founder of Trinity MB Church for 16 years, until his health failed.
Pastor Guyton held many positions with the Baptist Ministerial Alliance. He served on the PHA board and many, many other boards. He will be tremendously missed by his family and friends
He leaves to cherish his precious memories his wife, Lena Guyton of Peoria; three sons, Arthur (Georgetta) Guyton Jr., Carey L. Guyton and Stephen D. (Denise) Guyton; three daughters, Margaret J. Guyton, Marnette Riley and Lori T. (Pastor Harold) Dawson Jr., all of Peoria; four brothers, Johnny (Lois) Guyton, Willie (Willie B.) Guyton, Dave (Emma) Guyton and Thurmond Guyton, all of Peoria; five sisters, Verlean Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Bobbie Posey of Philadelphia, Pa., and Pauline Dodson, Mary Logan and Thedosia Guyton, all of Blytheville, Ark.; 21 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and five godchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who adored him and will miss him dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters.
A wake visitation will be held on today, Jan. 16, 2015, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church, located at 1418 South Faraday Ave. A Heaven-bound life service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, at St. Paul Baptist Church, with visitation commencing one hour prior at 9 a.m. Pastor Deveraux Hubbard will officiate. Pastor Guyton will be laid to rest in Parkview Cemetery.
Arrangements were made especially for the Rev. Guyton's family and professionally directed by T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel.
Online condolences or words of encouragement can be made at www.twparkschapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Pat McCoy
January 18, 2015
Sis. Guyton and family, my prayers and thoughts are with you for God to console, comfort, strengthen, wrap His loving arms around you all and give peace. Pastor Guyton was a great friend of my father, the late Rev/Dr. Robert M McCoy. I know they are having a time in Heaven along with all the other Generals from Peoria. Much Love & Hugs to you!
Jeanette Jackson-Owens
January 18, 2015
To Margaret Guyton and Family.
My continued prayers are with you and your family.

Vivecca LeAnder
January 17, 2015
Lena I wish I could be right there with you today. However, even though my physical body couldn't, my prayers and love can. I'm sending them your way. If you need me, I am here to help in any way I can. I am just a phone call away. Love you Lena, Lori, and Guyton Family.
Latoya Gulliford
January 17, 2015
From the Gulliford family we love him,and thank him a lot for helping my grandmother Dorothy Gulliford and family! Always will be in our prayer Rev. Guyton.
Tenoa Jones
January 17, 2015
To the Guyton Family,
I will never forget that smile, and the kind and I got my eye on you look he always gave me. His presence will be missed, but what he left in each and every one of our hearts will always be remembered, and played forward.
Danny and Yolanda Wallace
January 17, 2015
I couldn't be who I should be unless others were who they should be! MLK
Praying for the Guyton family, as well as thanking God almighty for the years that he lent this brother to us. He was an example for his family, church and leader in the community. His legacy will live on through all whom he took time to share!
Thank you Rev. Guyton!
Demetra Alexander
January 17, 2015
To the Guyton Family i send my love and Prayers to you'll i will continue to keep you'll in my Prayers
January 17, 2015
Terrance Stewart
Armosha Sturdivant
January 16, 2015
On behalf of the entire "Sturdivant Family" we send our pure love to the Guyton Family. Pastor Guyton is leaving behind a rich legacy. I grew up with his daughter Lori and son Steve and I cherish those times where he we grew up at Grace Baptist. He was a great Man of God and I we will him.
Minister Craig & Darlina Williams
January 16, 2015
To the Guyton Family,
"Verily verily I say unto you he that hearth my word and believeth on Him that sent me have everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death untill the life.." Jn 5:24-26.
May the comfort of God strengthen you during this time.
Araminta Young
January 16, 2015
To the Guyton Family: May you find joy and comfort in knowing that others are praying for your peace and strength during this time. God, go with all of you. With love and prayers. Numbers 6:24-26. Sister A, Young and family
Apostle Steve Humes III
January 16, 2015
To the Guyton family, the family of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. We extend our love and prayers to you and for you as you celebrate the life of our friend and brother and colaborer in Christ. These same prayers are what sustains us as we reluctantly yet necessarily, release our brother, to the love of his Heavenly Father.
Living Word Worship Center
Sister Stevia Humes
Apostle Steve Humes III
Mary Hopson (Abbott family)
January 16, 2015
With love
To Mrs Guyton and the Guyton Family
I will never forget how Pastor Guyton has blessed my life. Curtis, Ray, and Sherryann (Cliffie) have been spending time just talking about the years that we were able to share special times with the Guyton family. We love you all and will remain in our hearts and prayers.
Karen Pickett
January 16, 2015
Margaret and family,
So sorry to hear of Pastor Guyton's passing from this life. It's never easy. My prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Pickett and Family
January 16, 2015
Sending heart felt thoughts and prayers for the Guyton family. May God bless and keep you.
JD and Nancy Dawson
Cynthia Barnes
January 16, 2015
May the peace of GOD the sweet communion of the holy spirit rest,rule and abide with you now henceforth and forever more amen!
Kourtney Mack & Family
January 16, 2015
To the Guyton Family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief
Terry Mabry
January 16, 2015
My dearest first lady,as the news came it took me by deep surprise. Knowing that my dear friend had been called home to yet pastor to those whom had gone on before him. I now set in wonderment of what is to to become of those whom he loved dearly behind. It has been a great many times that my mentor had freed me of some of the abyss I was going threw in life! I am honored to have known such kind and spiritual person. I am also blessed to have known you as well. So as you continue on your journey know that my condolences and prayers are with you.. may the lord had continual blessings to your life and family... The Mabry Family.....
Pastor Bessie Rush
January 16, 2015
To the Guyton-Dawson family, I am so sorry for your lost!We will be praying that God will keep you during these trying times!
Pam Gaston
January 16, 2015
Family: I am going to really miss Cousin Pastor Arthur. I wont lie. I am sad that I wont see him here anymore but what joy it is knowing that he is with our Creator, our God. I pray for strength peace & comfort for our entire family & lets do what he & my dad always shared with us. Get to know God! Get in your bible! Study that word & dont ever give up! I love & miss yall so much. Be strong...he's alright. Thank You Jesus!!
Mrs. Melvie Thomas
January 16, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Pastor Cedric & Marlene Shumate
January 16, 2015
We send our love and prayers to you the Family of Pastor Guyton. We will continue to keep you in prayer.
Almetter Matthews - Knighten families
January 16, 2015
When we loose a loved one our hearts are scattered. Only time and prayer will help too mind your brokenness. Love you family and take care of one another....
Michael Young
January 16, 2015
My deepest sympathy is extended to the Guyton Family.
Please know that you are in thoughts and prayers of many.
Mark & Justina Lynch
January 16, 2015
To Lady Lori and Guyton family, may God comfort you all in your time of loss.
Gloria Watts
January 15, 2015
Thank You Man Of GOD for helping through my understanding of The Holy Bible. Until I ran accross you, I did not believe the Bible was a connection to GOD !!!!
shawn brown
January 15, 2015
To the guyton family sorry about ya lost remember when i use come over and play with the grandkid's as a kid treated me like was part of family Rev.Guyton was always there for me when i need him he was another father to me love all of the guyton family he will always be in my heart and my prayers go out to the family at this hard time
Elgin & Rena Parker
January 15, 2015
to the family of such a great man...im so sorry for your loss, he will be missed. my blessing be with you all.
Cheryll Gordon
January 15, 2015
I will truly miss my Pastor, Rev. A. J. Guyton Sr. He was a servant of God and would always tell me to trust God. I thank you Pastor Guyton for being there for my family during our difficult times. May God continue to bless Sis. Guyton and the Guyton Family during this difficult time. Another Soilder gone Home to get his reward.
Michelle Jones Cotton
January 15, 2015
To Mom Lena, Lady Lori and Guyton Family... Pastor (Daddy) Guyton will be missed very much. He was friend, mentor and teacher...willing and able to give a word in and out of season. May God give you all peace and blessings during your time of berevement. Love you all!
josh shettleworth
January 15, 2015
To the Guytons family, your are in our prayers always. May he rest in peace.
Chris Gibler
January 15, 2015
To the family
I had the honor of working with AJ for the better part of 5 years! He was always a gentleman and a professional with a wonderful laugh. Hearing of his passing truly saddened me and I know he is lifting spirits in a better place. I am honored to be in the presents of a few of his family members on a daily basis. My prayers are with all of you at this time !
BARBARA MITCHELL-BEASLEY
January 15, 2015
DEAR LENA AND FAMILY THERE ARE NO WORDS TO EXPRESS MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY AT THIS TIME, JUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOW AS WELL AS ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS THOUGHTS,REV. GUYTON HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PART OF MY FAMILY LIFE, HE WILL BE MISSED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
Tina Allen
January 15, 2015
God bless the Guyton family, Rev. Guyton will truly be missed.
Sharon Danage-Hardin
January 15, 2015
Sending my sympathy and prayers to the Guyton family
PASTOR JOHNNIE M TRAMMELL
January 15, 2015
MRS.LENA GUYTON & FAMILY: PLEASE KNOW YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS. PASTOR GUYTON WAS SPECIAL TO US & HE WILL BE MISSED! AS BELIEVERS IN JESUS,WE KNOW TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY IS TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD! THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY-GALESBURG,IL
Vickie Kingcade-King
January 15, 2015
Dear Lena & Family - You have been near & dear to me since our days in Taft. I share in your loss. Although I'm very sorry to hear about your loved one's passing, I rejoice for I know he's in the land of "no more"-no more pain, sorrow, suffering or tears. I love you all and send my sympathy & prayers.
crystal compton-mann
January 15, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Sandra Gaston
January 15, 2015
RIP Cuz , gonna miss you dearly . Much Love !!!
Dean Rivers
January 15, 2015
I send you thoughts of peace and courage. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness i feel about Rev. death. With sincere sympathy, we will never forget him. He was a friend and family.
larry c douglas
January 15, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
TAMMI EVANS
January 15, 2015
LORI GUYTON AND FAMLY WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME WE LOVE YOU... TAMMI AND PALMER EVANS JR., ALFREIDA, PAUL, FELICA AND NADIA EDWARDS.
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