Dr. John Samuel Pond, Jr.

   Dr. John Samuel Pond, Jr., 70, of Colerain, NC, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 5, 2023 from Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

   Dr. Pond was born in Norfolk, VA on November 16, 1952, and was the son of John Samuel, Sr. and Flo Foxwell Pond of Prospect, VA. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathleen Pond Paul.

   A 1970 graduate of Indian River High School, he continued to further his education having first earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Campbell University, then a Master’s of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and finally his Doctor of Ministry from Campbell University.

   Faithful to his calling to preach the Gospel, in 1971 he began preaching at age 19 with his “license to preach” and then became an ordained minister in 1976. He was then called to serve as a missionary with the Foreign Mission Board, now International Mission Board, of the Southern Baptist Convention, from 1986 to 1994 where he ministered in Rwanda; Burundi; and Kenya, Africa. Other mission work included his leading ministry and teaching teams to Brazil; Panama; Jamaica; Cuba; Quebec, Canada; and China.

   Dr. Pond was currently serving as both an assistant professor at Chowan University of Religion and Independent Studies, and as a teacher of World History, Spanish, and Earth Science at Lawrence Academy.

   Through the years he had pastored churches in both Virginia and North Carolina and was currently serving as pastor of Great Hope Baptist Church in Hertford.

   Surviving along with his parents is his wife of 50 years, Sharon Johnson Pond; his son, Marcus Ryan Pond of Colerain; a sister, Cassie Pond Loiercio of Virginia Beach, VA; a brother, Richard Pond (wife, Wendy) of Luray, VA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

   In accordance with his wishes, a private service is being planned by the family.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Great Hope Baptist Church, in care of Brenda Newbern, 197 Great Hope Church Road, Hertford, NC 27944.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.