Reverend Dr. Vernon Franklin Stinson, Sr.

Reverend Dr. Vernon Franklin Stinson, Sr. gave up his earthly life and entered in his eternal life in Heaven on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at Carolina Caring in Newton, NC. He was born on February 14, 1945 in Catawba County to the late Rev. Lovet Stinson, Sr. & Mrs. Gedell Stinson.

In 1964, Dr. Stinson graduated from Central High School in Newton, NC, where he played Football and all other Sports. As a High School Student, he drove the School and the Activity Buses transporting High School Students from Maiden to Newton, and back to their homes. During his Senior Year, Dr. Stinson was awarded the “Student Best Dresser”, very well deserved.

In 1965 Dr. Stinson earned his Barber’s License from Bull City Barber College, in Durham, NC, and worked over 25 years as a Barber. He received his Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies in June 2004 & his Masters in Biblical Studies in June 2008 from North Carolina College of Theology in Wilmington, NC. In March 2016, Dr. Stinson received his Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from City University Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Stinson was a faithful life-time Member of Coulter’s Grove A.M.E. Zion Church in Newton, NC. God called him into the Ministry & he was appointed a Pastor at the Western NC Annual Conference in June 1985. He served as Pastor of the following Six A.M.E. Zion Churches: Five yrs. at Mt. Olin, Newton, NC; Two yrs. at Davis Chapel, Vale, NC, both Churches located on the Statesville Dst. Seven yrs. at Columbus Chapel, Davidson, NC; Thirteen yrs. at Hopewell, Huntersville, NC, both Churches located on the North Charlotte District; Six yrs. at Bynum Chapel, Kings Mountain, NC; & One yr. at Shiloh, Mt. Holly, NC, both Churches were located on the Lincolnton District. He retired in 2021 after being a Pastor for 33 Yrs.

Dr. Stinson was also preceded in death by a Son, Vernon Franklin Stinson, Jr.; a Son-in-Law, Charles McMillan; and a Grandson, Jeffrey Antoine Byrd. His siblings who preceded him in death were: Odessa (Eugene) Dee, Lovette Stinson,

Jr., Thomas Stinson, Delores Berry, Cecil Stinson, & Unetha Stinson.

Dr. Stinson is survived by his beloved Wife of 59½ yrs. Reverend Betty Jean Stinson, of the home; Three Daughters: Angela (Chad) Moten, Newton, NC; Alanna Stinson, Lincolnton, NC; & Veronica (Charles) McMillan, Maiden, NC; & One Son, Prince (Maria) Stinson, Newton, NC. Also, he is survived by 18 Grandchildren: Keyona, Carter, Shamica, Vernon III, Diamond, Katriana, Malachi, Zamira, Anquell, Montrell, Tayshaun, Christopher, Ariana, DeMarco,

Noah, Shaqwareya, KiAmber, & CJ. He is also survived by six Great

Grandchildren & a host of nieces, nephews, families, & friends.

The funeral will be 1:30 pm Saturday, April 19th, 2025 at Coulter's Grove AME Zion Church, 4513 Startown Road, Newton, NC 28658. Burial will follow at Coulter's Grove AME Zion Church Cemetery .

The family will receive friends from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm Saturday, April 19th, 2025 at Coulters Grove AME Zion Church.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Stinson family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.