The Alpha

Elder John Bernard Wynder was born to the late Rachel Smith Wynder and John Alfred Wynder on November 9, 1935 in Norfolk, VA

The Omega

He transitioned from this life to receive his reward in the early afternoon hours on May 5, 2019 in his Fairview, VA home.

Falling in love with Jesus & A Woman: John accepted Christ at an early age and devoted his life to learning, internalizing, and teaching the Word of God.  He was settled into his family's church home, African Baptist of Cheriton, VA until he fell in love with a Pentecostal girl, the late Lottie Beatrice Bell (Wynder).  The two were united in marriage on February 11, 1956.  To this union, six children were born.  His mother entrusted his spiritual growth to the late Bishop Estella Smith and he followed Lottie B. to Mr. Sinai Gospel Tabernacle where they remained members.  He was elevated over the years from Deacon to Evangelist, then Elder Wynder after answering the call on his life to share the gospel with anyone who would hear.  When the spirit moved him, he became a literal shouting John.  It was as if a ball of fire would explode from his body springing him into a leap and the yell of "Wooooo", which will be remembered forever.  He was known for his devotion to studying the Word for a deeper, superior understanding.

The Life: John was educated in the Northampton County Public School system and held employment with various companies over the years as a laborer.  He found a passion for barbering at the age of 12 and chose this as his profession.  He quickly became known as a great barber who served his community while simultaneously sharing his love for God and the Word.  Single mothers could always find a helping hand in Elder Wynder.  He valued the impact of a fresh cut on a young man and what that could do for a child.  Barbering was his craft, he practiced it and allowed God to use it as a path to introducing people, especially young men to Christ.  Sitting in his chair provided more than a haircut; it was an experience, a therapy--an exchange of love.  He had a knack for writing.  Elder Wynder often wrote original short stories, poems, and personal reflections.  He also loved to tinker, repurpose household items and build things by hand.

Reunited: Predeceasing and welcoming him into the Kingdom were his wife, Lottie B. Wynder; their youngest son, Mark Anthon; sister, Corine Wynder Roselle; son-n-law Larry D. Gaines; his parents: and a host of aunts and uncles.

Legacy: He leaves to cherish him memory five children: Shyann Gaines of Chesapeake, VA; Evangelist John C. Wynder (Karla) of Salisbury, MD; Darlene Jones (Michael) of Suffolk, VA; Bernard Wynder of Fairview, VA; and Margaret Kay Harmonson (Ray) of Fairview, VA; two sisters; Sarah Morris & Edna Mae Harper; one brother, Booker T. Wynder (Carrie) one sister-in-law; Nellie Jones; 20 grandchildren; Tamika, Kendra, Candace, Dynesha, Michael, Reginald, Donnell, Whitney, Danielle, Markita, Karyn, Chelsea, Rachael, Philip, Kyle, Jowan, Marcanthony, Shayla, Tanara, and Aaliyah; 19 great-grandchildren; 6 God-children; Cheryl Fenderson, Avis Justis, Roderick Bell, Clarence Reid, Jr., Derrick Ruffin,  Karen Williams; a special daughter Brenda Stoakley; Prayer partners & lifelong friends, Thomas & Juanita Godwin and Pastor Cornell Ruffin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.