Obituaries
Jeffrey L. (aka “Otto”) Bryant, M.Div. ’00, aged 62, passed away May 9, 2022 at Westmoreland Health and Rehab Center, Knoxville, TN following several years of declining health. Jeff was born March 20, 1960 in Kingsport, TN and was the son of Otto H. and Katherine S. Bryant. Jeffrey was a retired United Methodist minister, having served churches in Lee and Wise Counties, Virginia as well as Greene County, TN. He grew up in Mount Carmel, TN and Taylor, MI and received his BS Degree from Henry Ford College, and Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. During seminary he taught at a Catholic High School in Tucson, AZ. He also worked as a Realtor for some time in Michigan.
Jeff struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues most of his adult life and spent the last several years living at various Oxford Houses in Kingsport, TN, Pittsburgh, PA and Knoxville, TN. These facilities, as well as Hope Haven Ministries in Kingsport, TN were very special to Jeff. He also attended Drug Addicts Anonymous meetings at Inskip Baptist Church in Knoxville, where he received much needed support and love.
Jeff was predeceased by father Otto H. Bryant, mother Katherine S. Starnes and stepfather O.B Starnes. He is survived by brothers Stephen Bryant (fiancé Linda) of Johnson City, Robert (Bob) Bryant (wife Teresa) of Knoxville, and stepbrother Marcus Starnes (wife Lydia) of Fall Branch, as well as a nephew, several nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
Dr. Robert J. Buchanan, M.Div. ’68 and D.Min. ’90, aged 82, passed away peacefully at his residence in Clarksburg, on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Robert was the beloved husband of Elaine (Freethy) Buchanan for 56 years. Father of Cindy (Jeffrey) Gillmor and Scott (Tammy) Buchanan. He was proud of his grandchildren, Jeffrey Gillmor Jr. & his fiancé, Jessica Crane, Victoria (Daniel) Partington and Daniel Gillmor, Ryan and Callum Buchanan. Survived by sister-in-law Gail and her husband John Plater, nieces, nephews and cousins. Robert was predeceased by his brother Wilfred.
Born in Collingwood on October 29, 1940, Robert was the son of the late Walter and Bertha (née Hall) Buchanan. He grew up on the family farm on the former Eighth Line of Collingwood Township and attended Sandhill Elementary School, Thornbury High School, Lorne Park College, Asbury Theological Seminary and Princeton Seminary in preparation for his passion and calling for Christian Ministry. After retiring (semi) and returning to the Beaver Valley area in 2000, Robert enjoyed drives into the country, renewing long time acquaintances and meeting new friends, serving in churches, and spending time with family members. Antique farm machinery was also of interest to Robert.
Pastor Oluwafemi Martins, aged 67, passed away. The board, students and lecturers of the West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) have been thrown into mourning following the passing of their Provost, Pastor Femi Martins.
Pastor Martins died at the age of 67, according to a statement signed by the chairman of the School’s Governing Council, Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi. According to the statement, Pastor Martins “joined the Saints Triumphant at the age of 67, in the early hours of Saturday May 28, 2022 after a brief illness.”
Martins, an alumnus of the Yaba College of Technology, joined the WATS Governing Council while he was studying for a Masters of Divinity of the Seminary. “He served meritoriously for several years and was later appointed Director of Communications and Fundraising in the institution until he was appointed as its 6th substantive Provost in April 2019.
Martins was said to be rounding up a Doctor of Ministry program at the famous Asbury Theological Seminary, Kentucky, USA. The statement describes him as “an astute administrator, devoted Christian and passionate theologian.”
Dr. Jerry Lee Mercer, M.Div. ’63, aged 85, passed away in Shreveport, LA on June 14, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-two years, Ruth Burke Mercer and his youngest daughter, Diane Cornelius. He is survived by three daughters, Donnel Milam (Robert), Deborah VanLeeuwen (Mark), Kathryn Hopper (Dave) and seventeen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all who affectionately called him their beloved “King of the Skunks.”
Jerry loved life and was full of surprises. He was a collector, a teacher, a writer, a poet. . .an evangelist proclaiming the Good News to every brother and sister he met along the way. He was a proud Texan, Kentucky Wildcat fan and frequent pilgrim to the Abbey of Gethsemani. He loved art, music, history and was an avid photographer. He was also a prolific writer, not only of faith-based texts but also of poetry and social and political commentary. He loved animals and nature.
Jerry served as Professor of Religion at Azusa Pacific University from 1965-1972 and Professor of Theology and Homiletics at Asbury Theological Seminary from 1972 until retirement in 1999. During his tenure at Asbury, he worked closely with the Eastern Territory of the Salvation Army, wrote books and study materials for the United Methodist Church, and shared Christ at many conferences with special interest in Wesleyan hymnody and thought, and the life and spirituality of Thomas Merton. He also served in the chapel and became the second Dean of the Chapel for a period of three years. Jerry’s gift was to see the good in everyone. He went out of his way to speak to others, ask how they were doing, and ask what he could do to help make their day even better. He was loved by all who knew him.
Jeffrey Mark Taylor, M.Div. ’82, aged 67, (Fort Worth, Texas) passed away on June 1, 2022, leaving to mourn family and friends. Jeff was born April 16, 1955, in Lubbock, Texas. Jeff was a proud graduate of Texas Tech University and Asbury Seminary. He served in ministry in United Methodist Churches across the Texas panhandle. In his retirement, he continued to pastor Methodist churches in Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Kathy Taylor; and his oldest son, Adam Mark Taylor. Jeff is lovingly remembered by his wife, Karen Ball Taylor; and his sons, Sean and wife, Lauren, Travis and Landon. He is the much loved “Pop Taylor” to his grandchildren, Adam and Lorelei. He will be missed by those of us who knew and loved him.
Dr. Jerry Mercer was my much-loved professor and his passing saddens us, but enriches heaven.