THE LIFE OF A SERVANT, LEADER AND MAN OF GOD

REVEREND JOHNNIE LEE EADES, JR.

Rev. Johnnie Lee Eades, Jr. was the first child born to Johnnie Lee Eades, Sr. and Ada B. Robinson Eades. He was born on November 13, 1938, in "Queen City" South Dallas.

As a child, he attended St. Paul AME Church. It was at St Paul where accepted Christ as his personal savior and realized he had a gift of singing. Even as a little boy, Rev. Eades sang soul stirring songs praising his heavenly Father.

Rev. Eades education began in the public schools of the Dallas Independent School District. He was a brilliant student all through school and excelled in many subjects. He graduated top of his class from Lincoln High School in the class of 1957.

Rev. Eades helped to integrate what was known as North Texas State University (currently known as the University of North Texas) in 1957. He graduated in 1962, from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics.  Upon graduating, he began his professional career as a mathematics teacher with the Dallas Independent School District, where he taught for twenty-six years. He continued his education by receiving a Masters of Education degree with an emphasis in public school administration from North Texas State University in 1967.Rev. Eades was an elementary school assistant principal for six years. His tenure with Dallas ISD afforded him opportunities to impact many lives for over three decades.

In addition to teaching, Rev. Eades worked as the first part-time African American Loan Officer at the Dallas Teachers Credit Union from 1972-1980. It was there where he met who would later become his loving and devoted wife, Thelma L. Turner. They were married on January 01, 1980.

Rev. Eades joined his father at Greater Providence Baptist Church in. He was a member of the Senior Choir, where he was a lead singer, taught Bible Study classes, was an associate minister, and served closely with his father.

Rev. Eades received his call to the ministry in 1978, and was ordained by his late father, Rev. Johnnie Lee Eades, Sr. in 1978.After being called to the ministry, his love for learning took a different trajectory. He wanted to learn all he could about his Savior, and he developed an unquenchable thirst to learn God's word. He enrolled in Dallas Theological Seminary where he received a Master's degree of Biblical Studies in 1986.

Rev. Eades was named  pastor of Greater Providence Baptist Church in 1998. He was the third pastor of Greater Providence that was founded in 1933. He diligently served as a faithful pastor, teacher of God's word, spiritual leader, counselor, and officiator for twenty-one years. He was a dynamic preacher, excellent teacher, and powerful singer. All were done for God's glory.  Rev. Eades attended numerous local, state, and national conventions, Congresses, Ministerial Alliances, and District Associations. Under his leadership, Greater Providence's new worship center was completed in 2009.  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he licensed and ordained many preachers and had several sons in the ministry. Rev. Eades' ministry impacted many lives and leaves a lasting legacy.

He was preceded in death by both parents and his son, Jonathan La Mark Eades.

His memory will be forever cherished by his devoted wife of forty-one years, Thelma L. Eades; his son, Jonathan L. Smith; grandchildren, Jonathan L. Smith, Jr., and Amber Smith; great grandsons, William and Bryson; great granddaughter, Kailyn; two sisters, Annetta Armstrong and Vesta Walker; one brother, Rev. Melvin R. Eades, Sr. and many nieces, nephews, cousins, his church family, close friends, and classmates.