Obituaries

Reverend James Allen Black Jr., 86, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He was the loving husband of Bette-Jean (Dickerson) Black for 53 years. Born on March 10, 1940, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late James and Betty (Stone) Black.

Allen was a Minister for over 47 years having studied Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, graduating in 1975. Following his Ordination in The United Methodist Church on June 2, 1977, he served United Methodist Churches and communities in Rome, Waterville and East Hamilton, New York; followed by Kingston, Rhode Island. He later served as the Pastor of Chestnut Hill Baptist Church in Exeter, Rhode Island for twenty years. Allen retired from the Ministry in 2022.

Allen was an avid Model Steam Train enthusiast with a special place in his heart for the Lackawanna Railway and the Phobe Snow Passenger Train. His love of trains came from his grandfathers, one of whom served as an Engineer on the Lackawanna line, while the other oversaw the Railway’s Roundhouse in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons Jason Black and wife Kasey, and Christopher Black. As well as four grandchildren, Jazsmin Black, Jameson Black, Madelyne Black and Gwendolyne Black.

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Julian H Brackman Sr passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of March 10, 2026, in Woodstock, Georgia. He was 91 years old.

Julian was born in Maysville, Georgia on August 23, 1934, to William (Bill) Lee Brackman Sr. (born 1899 in Louisiana) and Nannie Lois Hearn (born 1903 in Roopville, Georgia). Bill was an ordained Methodist minister, and Julian was raised with his older brothers, Emory, John, and Bill, Jr. They moved around North Georgia as Bill, Sr. accepted appointments as a Methodist preacher. They lived in the following towns during their formative years: Bremen, Chicopee, Hogansville, Atlanta (Sylvan Hills), Cornelia, Augusta (Mann Memorial), and Augusta again (St Luke). Julian attended Brown High School in Atlanta before the family moved to Augusta where he graduated in 1951 from the Academy of Richmond County (ARC), the oldest high school in Georgia.

Though he had a plan to go to college, by his senior year of high school, he had already decided what his life’s profession was going to be: ministry. He accepted the call to preach as a 16-year-old (December of 1950), when he got a local license to preach from Methodist Bishop Arthur J Moore. While attending the Junior College of Augusta (now Augusta University), which was then housed in the basement of his high school, Julian began preaching in country churches before he was 20 years old. He served the Boneville, Appling, and Dearing churches outside Augusta beginning in 1952 before he left to finish college at Asbury College (now University) in Wilmore, Kentucky in the fall of 1953. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Asbury in 1955, Julian attended Asbury Theological Seminary for 1 year before transferring to the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. Julian graduated with a MDiv from Candler in 1958, the same year he became an elder in the North Georgia Conference of the Methodist (later United Methodist) church. Julian preached in many churches as a young single man, including Tate, Ball Ground, Nelson, New Echota, and Mizpah Rush. In 1963, he was asked to start a church, Cokesbury, in south Augusta. After getting that church off the ground, Julian moved to Smyrna Methodist Church as the assistant pastor in 1965. This is where he met his bride, Jackie (Reaves) Brackman. After a 2-year courtship, Julian and Jackie were married on April 5, 1968, and stayed married for 55 years until Jackie’s passing in November of 2023. Julian and Jackie had 2 sons, Jay in 1970 and Joe in 1972. Julian continued to pastor churches throughout his career in towns like Commerce, Augusta (Aldersgate), Milledgeville, Conyers, Dunwoody (Kingswood), Douglasville, and Tucker (Embry Hills). Julian retired from the ministry in 1998 at the age of 64.

Once retired, Julian and Jackie enjoyed traveling. Julian (like his brother Emory had been) was a Protestant minister on Holland America Cruise Lines, and he and Jackie visited over 75 countries, including seeing all 7 continents while cruising. They also visited every state at least 3 times and cruised the great rivers of the world (Amazon, Yangtze, Nile, Mississippi, and most of the main rivers of Europe). Julian and Jackie also enjoyed visiting their grandchildren in Arizona and spent time out there each year until they couldn’t travel by plane anymore. Julian enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf most of his life. He enjoyed bird hunting the most and hunted ducks, quail, and doves well into his 60s. Julian also enjoyed both freshwater and saltwater fishing throughout his life. He also enjoyed playing and watching the game of golf. He attended The Masters tournament for over 60 years and played the Augusta National course 7 times. If you ever watched the tournament with him, you would know that he could remember where he hit every one of his shots during those seven rounds. Because of his friendship with the Club’s manager in the 1970s, Phil Wahl, Julian performed Clifford Roberts’ (co-founder of Augusta National Golf Club and The Masters) memorial service in 1977, which was held by Ike’s Pond at the club. Julian and Jackie enjoyed the last years of their lives in Woodstock, Georgia, first living in Claremore Lake (charter owners), then Holbrook Woodstock (independent living), before Julian moved to Brickmont Assisted Living in 2026. The family is indebted to the staff and facilities of Holbrook Woodstock, Brickmont Assisted Living, and Spirit Hospice for their care of him during the final period of his life. Julian always enjoyed a good meal, a funny story, and a good college football game. Though he used to be a season ticket holder at Grant Field for Georgia Tech’s teams, Julian became a Georgia fan during the Mark Richt era and continued his allegiance through Kirby Smart’s tenure in Athens. He kept up with Georgia football recruiting very closely and always knew who UGA was targeting at each position.

Most of all, Julian was a committed Christian who read his Bible each morning and read it completely through each year ever since he was a teenager. He faithfully prayed for his wife, children, and grandchildren daily. He could not eat any meal or even an appetizer without praying for the food and thanking God for His providence in his life. The stories he had about how God had blessed his family, himself, and other Christians he knew were immense, and those intensified both his faith and the faith stories he shared with others.

Julian was predeceased by his parents, his oldest brother, Bill (Doris), his middle brother, John (Jayne), and his wife, Jackie. He is survived by his brother, Emory (Elise); his sons: Julian, Jr (Jay) and Joseph Emory (Joe) (Jenny); 4 grandchildren- Clarissa, Mikayla, Elliot, and Aiden, and many nephews and nieces and other extended family members and friends.

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Pastor Charles “Bill” William Kidwell, II, age 78, passed away at his home in Enterprise, Alabama, on Friday, February 20th, after a five year battle with cancer.

Born November 14, 1947, to Martha (Allen) Kidwell, of Odon, formerly of Shoals, and the late Charles Kidwell.

He married Nancy (Brooks) Kidwell, of Loogootee, celebrating 56 years of marriage.

He was, first and foremost, a servant of Jesus Christ who loved and honored his parents and cherished his wife, three children, Billy, Sarah, and David; six grandchildren, Ariel, Grace, Hunter, Elizabeth, Michael, and Katherine.

Bill graduated from Shoals High School in 1965, attended Vincennes University, joined the Air Force, and trained as a Russian linguist at Syracuse University and then was assigned to Germany.

He transitioned out of the Air Force in 1974, joined the United Methodist Church which began 30 years of ministry. He graduated from Indiana University and Asbury Theological Seminary earning a Master of Divinity.

Bill and Nancy, in 1992, joined One Mission Society where they served as missionaries in Moscow, Russia, until 1999. In 2016, they were appointed as Church Multiplication Facilitators and leadership trainers to the Slavic Peoples of Europe and the Middle East, as well as many parishioners in Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, and West Florida United Methodist Churches.

His gentle spirit and kind heart has drawn many to Christ.

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Paul Clinton Law was called home to the Lord, entering eternal rest after a life rooted in faith, service, and deep love for his family and the Atetela people in the Sankuru region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire and Belgian Congo).

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Burleigh Law, Virginia Law Shell, his step-father Don Shell, and his older brother, David Aubrey Law.

Paul leaves behind his devoted wife, Marty (Stoneking) Law, with whom he shared a blessed life and shared commitment of service to the Congo.  He is survived by his oldest daughter, Stephanie Law and her daughter Saige, his son Burleigh Law, Burleigh’s wife Holly, their children Caleb (wife Ali and children Morgan, Maddie, and Mason), Joshua (wife Mackenzie and children Harper and Arthur), Rachel Haulk (husband Joel), and Nate, and his youngest daughter Stacy Salvatori, Stacy’s husband Franco Salvatori, and their children Anna, Micah, and Talia.

A man of faith, Paul lived out his passion and purpose through service to the Congolese. He dedicated his time and heart to the people of the Congo, serving those in need with passion, empowerment, and generosity.  His life reflected Christ’s call to serve, love, and stand with others in their need and with a desire to help them overcome the obstacles of poverty and spiritual darkness.

Paul will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and a servant of God whose strength and faith touched many lives. Though he is no longer with us in body, we take comfort in knowing he now rests in the arms of the Lord, reunited with those who have gone before him.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:23

A memorial/celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Southland Community Church, 5800 W. Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46142. Phone Number (317)883-8988

The family requests in lieu of flowers or gifts that donations be made in Paul’s name to his and Marty’s mission organization, Appointment Congo, at https://appointmentcongo.org/

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Our institution mourns the passing of Mrs. Janet McKenna, former First Lady of Asbury Theological Seminary and beloved wife of Dr. David McKenna. For 75 years, Janet was a loving and devoted wife to Dr. McKenna, who served as president of Asbury Theological Seminary from 1983 to 1994.

Mrs. McKenna faithfully shared in a lifetime of Christian leadership and service, offering steadfast encouragement, gracious hospitality, and a prayerful presence to the communities they served. Her deep faith and genuine care for others were a blessing to countless students, colleagues, and friends who experienced her warmth and kindness. Mrs. McKenna’s influence extended well beyond the Seminary during Dr. McKenna’s leadership, as she embodied faithful discipleship through humility, generosity, and unwavering devotion to Christ and family.

Reflecting on her legacy, Asbury Theological Seminary President Dr. David F. Watson shared, “Janet McKenna lived a life marked by Christlike grace, humility, and faithful service. Her hospitality and joyful devotion enriched this Seminary and strengthened all who had the privilege of knowing her. We give thanks to God for her enduring witness and pray for God’s comfort and peace to surround Dr. McKenna and the entire McKenna family.”

Dr. David Gyertson, former interim president of Asbury Theological Seminary, also reflected on Mrs. McKenna’s lasting impact:

“My wife Nancy and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. McKenna. From our days as students under the McKennas’ leadership at Spring Arbor College to being mentored by David and Janet in our calling to Christian higher education—and then once again serving alongside them here at Asbury Theological Seminary—Janet was consistently known for her grace, joy, and deep commitment to her family. She was the consummate first lady, setting a beautiful and enduring example for us. Together, we were richly blessed by her guidance, her spirit, and the gift of her friendship.”

We give thanks to God for Mrs. McKenna’s life and witness. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr. McKenna and the entire McKenna family during this time of loss. May the hope of the resurrection and the comfort of God’s abiding presence bring peace to all who mourn.

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James Lloyd “Jim” Meredith, age 78, went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord on March 2, 2026. He was born February 29, 1948, in Marion, Ohio, to the late Donald L. and Juanita R. (Behner) Meredith.

Jim grew up in the village of Green Camp, Ohio, and graduated from Elgin High School in 1966. He went on to Ohio Northern University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1970, and later received his Master of Science from Miami University in 1972. While at Miami, Jim felt a calling into ministry through his involvement with Campus Crusade. He continued his theological studies and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky in 1976, stepping faithfully into the vocation that would define much of his life.

Jim began his ministry as a youth pastor at Vandalia United Methodist Church, where he met the love of his life, Rikki. They were married on October 22, 1977, beginning a devoted partnership in both life and ministry that would span nearly five decades. Throughout the years, Jim faithfully served congregations in Versailles and Webster, Jackson Center, Saylor Park, Jeffersonville, and Groveport United Methodist Churches. Wherever he was appointed, he led with compassion, steady faith, and a genuine love for people. He continued serving until 2008, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

Jim and Rikki built a beautiful family together. Their first daughter, Elizabeth, was born in October of 1979, followed by their son, Thaddeus, who passed away shortly after birth and remained forever in their hearts. In January 1987, they welcomed their daughter, Rebecca. Jim was a proud and loving father who cherished his girls deeply. He celebrated their accomplishments, supported their dreams, and treasured the simple moments spent together. Later, becoming “Grandpa” to Ellie brought him immeasurable joy, especially their time spent watching BattleBots side by side.

Music was another great joy in Jim’s life. It was the soundtrack to many seasons and memories, filling their home with warmth and rhythm. He especially loved listening to Earth, Wind & Fire, whose music never failed to lift his spirits. In his younger years, Jim even worked as a disc jockey, going by the name “Jazzy Jim” on the radio, a role that perfectly reflected his fun-loving personality and appreciation for good music. For Jim, music wasn’t just entertainment; it was connection, celebration, and joy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Thaddeus; his grandparents, J. Lloyd and Irma (Young) Meredith and Raymond and Hazel (Klingel) Behner; and his nephew, Alan D. Meredith.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Rikki (Jones) Meredith; his daughters, Liz (Kari McGee) Meredith and Becca (Brian) Sacash; his cherished granddaughter, Ellie; his sister, Susan (Brian) Joyce; his brother, David (Peggy) Meredith; nieces, Ellen (Oscar) and Katie (Mike); nephew, David; and great-nieces and nephews, Ana, Josh, Wesley, and Nora.

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Dr. Dale F. Walker was born on July 27, 1938 and died on December 13, 2025. Dale was born in Lincoln, IL. He attended grammar and high school in St. Elmo, IL and graduated from the University of Southern Illinois, from Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey and from Cornell University where he studied Indonesian and linguistics.

Dale and Alice lived in Indonesia for 30 years and in Poland. In Indonesia, Dale made a Concordance from the Indonesian Bible and taught at several theological schools. Dale was also an adjunct professor at Asbury Seminary for 15 years.

He loved singing, working crossword puzzles, collecting books and memorizing Bible verses in Hebrew and English.

He is survived by his wife, Alice; his sons, Phillip (Jacqueline), Andrew (Darlene) and Brian; his daughters, Rohani (Hans) and Michelle; his granddaughters, Anastasia and Sophia; his grandsons, Phil, Jr., Joshua and Jeremiah; his step granddaughter, Jennifer; seven step great grandchildren; his sisters, Marcia (Ed) and Elaine; and nephews, Bruce (Dana) and Doug (Dawn). Dale was preceded in death by his brother, Alan, and a nephew, Mark (Dolores).

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“Tom” Hilbert Wickersham met his Biblical heroes upon arriving in Heaven on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Tom was born on August 26, 1948, in Vandalia, and was preceded in death by his parents, James Virgil and Myrth Elizabeth (Hilbert) Wickersham. An athlete at Vandalia High School, Tom lettered in varsity wrestling, tennis, and football and graduated in 1966.

Just five days after earning his Bachelor of Science in Education from Greenville University, Tom married his beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia “Pat” Louise Young, on May 30, 1970. Together, they welcomed two children: their son, David Thomas, in 1973, and their daughter, Elizabeth Rose, in 1975.

Tom studied theology at Asbury Theological Seminary and taught in Christian schools while the couple raised their young family. Tom devoted his professional career to teaching U.S. history. In retirement, Tom delighted countless children as one of Santa’s helpers. For 16 years, he and Mrs. Claus (Pat) brought Christmas joy to children while raising money for charitable causes.

Tom’s favorite lifetime role began in 2009, when he became “Baba” to his grandson, Zachary Thomas Ginn. Zach inspired Baba to earn his black belt in Taekwondo at the age of 73.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; his son, David; his daughter, Elizabeth (husband Jeremy); his grandson, Zach; his brother, James “Jim” (wife Donna) of Greenville, Ill.

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