Deacon Samuel David Harvey

Deacon Samuel David Harvey was born July 14, 1940, in Rankin County, Mississippi to the late Deacon Joseph Harvey and Deaconess Arrette Bell Harvey. He entered into his eternal rest on August 7, 2023, at the Baptist Memorial Hospital after a long, hard-fought health battle. His family and friends affectionately knew Deacon Harvey as a well-known family man, faithful church leader, community mentor, and spiritual advisor. After returning from serving his country the United States Army, on February 18, 1967, he married the love of his life, Sister Bobbie Ruth Kersh. For 56 years, he and his bride modeled what a Christian marriage should be. To their union four lovely children were born: Wanda Michelle Harvey, Ava Sanchez Harvey, Latasha Tamu Harvey, and Fabulous Samantha Harvey. At an early age, Brother Harvey worshipped at the St. Hill COGIC with his family. He attended the Pelahatchie School System and learned the value of the importance of an honest day's work from his parents. He was reared in the church and grew to love the Lord with his whole heart. Later he joined the Pilgrim Rest MB Church under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Terry. He was a featured leader and singer in the sensational B&S Gospel Singers. He was a gifted singer, songwriter, and harmonizer. From time-to-time Brother Harvey would improvise and create songs while singing another song. One of his most incapsulating songs was "Heaven on my Mind." He would also call the church to worship with his clarion songs "Give me oil in my Lamp, ," "I'm Yours Lord," and "Yes Lord." Brother Harvey loved the Word of God. He studied the Scriptures and developed a strong prayer life through his faith. He taught Sunday School for many years and served as the Assistant Sunday School Superintendent, as well as the Bible Teacher for the Rankin County United Usher's Association. Brother Harvey was ordained as a Deacon of Pilgrim Rest MB Church and later as a Senior Deacon. He served in several capacities over the years including Trustee Ministry, Marriage Enrichment Instructor, Male Chorus Leader, Meals-on-Wheels Ministry, Lawn Care, Usher, Bible Class Teacher, and Intercessory Prayer Coordinator. Deacon Harvey was a livestock farmer and avid outdoorsman. He blessed everyone in the community and surrounding areas with surplus supplies of produce, bread, and groceries. Affectionately known to distribute candy to everyone before, during, and after church, the congregation became accustomed to his gifts of love. He will be severely missed by all. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Wanda Harvey and Samantha Harvey, brothers, Esau "Boss" Harvey and Joseph "Tim" Harvey, sisters, Grace Katherine Morrow and Berdie Ree Harvey, brothers-in-law, Sidney Kersh, Levi Jenkins, and Leonard Kersh, sisters-in-law Temoria Harvey and Thelma Kersh. He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife Bobbie Harvey, a devoted son Ava (Leslee) Harvey, an affectionate daughter Latasha (Eric) Jones, one granddaughter Amari, five grandsons Reshard, Ava Jr., Lathon, Christover, and Aaron. He also leaves behind, three sisters-in-law Ella Jean Harvey, Shirley Jenkins, and Carole Kersh, three god-daughters Marion Shearry, Flora Anthony, and Panessa Johnson and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, friends, and loved ones.

Deacon Samuel David Harvey

July 14, 1940 - August 7, 2023