Ezra Augustus Person

Bishop Ezra Augustus Person, age 99, of Sanford, NC, entered eternal rest on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, NC.

The Obituary

Celebrating the Life of Bishop Ezra Augustus Person
August 31, 1925 – May 18, 2025

With deep reverence and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Bishop Ezra Augustus Person, who peacefully transitioned into eternity on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Born on August 31, 1925, in Carthage, North Carolina, Ezra was the second youngest of eleven children and the final chapter of a powerful generation.

From an early age, Ezra exhibited a passion for learning and service. He excelled academically, graduating from Pickney High School with the highest honors and earning a scholarship from the Danforth Foundation to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. His pursuit of education was briefly interrupted when he answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Following an honorable discharge, he resumed his studies at Livingstone College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Education and Sociology with a minor in Music and Psychology. He later attended Hood Seminary and furthered his education at America International College in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Bishop Person’s dedication to ministry was unwavering. His journey began as a local preacher, later serving as an assistant minister at Gardner Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church in Springfield, MA, and Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in White Plains, NY. His love for worship extended beyond the pulpit—he served as an organist, choir director, and Sunday school teacher at various churches across Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, DC. Upon returning to North Carolina, he pastored at Johnsonville A.M.E. Zion Church in Cameron, North Carolina before joining St. John Pentecostal Holiness Church as an associate pastor under late Elder E.M. Evans. It was during this time that he was ordained as a Bishop and assigned to pastor New Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lumberton, NC, where his leadership and devotion flourished.

As the years passed, Bishop Person’s physical journey slowed, but his spiritual commitment remained steadfast. He continued attending local churches, offering his wisdom, ministry, and musical talents wherever needed. His presence was a guiding light, offering comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

Bishop Person was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jannie E. Person; two sons, Willie F. Milhouse and Clayton Person Sr.; his parents, Ossie and Judy Person; ten siblings, John Person, Priscilla Everette, O.C. Person, Colon Person, Otis Person, Garland Person, Ethel Person, Martha Poon, Sarah Hussey, and Frances Person; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He leaves behind a legacy cherished by his daughters, Apostle Juliet Everette of Raleigh, NC, and Deborah Guion of Dallas, TX; along with twenty grandchildren; fifty-one great-grandchildren, and seventy-two great-great-grandchildren. His memory will forever be treasured by his extended family, nieces, and nephews, who lovingly called him “Uncle Pete,” and countless friends and community members who were blessed by his presence.

Bishop Ezra Augustus Person’s life was a song of praise, a sermon in motion, and a century-long testament to God’s goodness. He lived fully, loved deeply, and served faithfully. Today, we celebrate his life and rejoice in the knowledge that his work on earth was well done.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC