C. Warren Massenburg

Dr. C. Warren Massenburg of Midlothian, Virginia slipped quietly away at Johnston Willis Hospital on Friday, June 3, 2005. He was born December 22, 1953 in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He was the second of four children born to the late Lesley Massenburg and Samantha Robinson Massenburg. He was educated in the Wake Forest Public Schools. He attended Shaw University, the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Virginia Union University School of Theology (Evans-Smith), Richmond Virginia Seminary and the Piedmont Theological Seminary in Danville, Va. For many years, his eloquent voice could be heard over the airways of WLLE, WSRC, and WDUR radio stations in Raleigh and Durham, N.C. He was also employed as the Advertising Director of the Carolina Times Newspaper in Durham. He moved to Richmond, Va. in March of 1989. In the early 90's, God called him to become one of His preachers, and he was licensed and ordained by the Fifth Baptist Church. One year later, he was called to pastor the First Baptist Church of Midlothian, Va., where he served as Senior Pastor for the past 13 years. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mrs. Sharon M. Huggins; and his brother, Leslie Massenburg Jr. Cherishing his memory are his devoted and loving wife, Dr. Johnnye S. Massenburg; one sister, Mrs. Donna Massenburg Mitchell; six daughters, Reather and Jennifer Massenburg, April, Alicia and Andrea Brooks, and Johnelle Mayo; five grandsons, Courtney, Markanthony and Joshua Burton, Terrance and Tyrese Hocutt; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Deborah S. Johnson and Mrs. Jacquelyn S. Cooper; two brothers-in-law, Deacon Ronald Johnson and Mr. Nathaniel Mitchell; two aunts, Mrs. Kate Wiggins and Mrs. Betty Haywood; numerous cousins, other relatives and devoted friends, including Dr. Earl Brown, Deacon Ronald Robinson, Deacon Raymond Lee, Rev. Charles Burford and Dr. Jerome Lee. He is also survived by his church families at First Baptist Church, Midlothian, and Fifth Baptist Church of Richmond. Warren endured a number of years of sickness, but he never complained. Even in his illness, he was always trying to help others, preparing food and helping the needy. He was known for his infectious smile. His favorite scripture was Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ, which strenthens me." Remains rest at the Mimms Funeral Home, 19th and Hull Sts. Homegoing services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8, at Fifth Baptist Church, Richmond, Dr. Earl M. Brown officiating, and at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 9 at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Durham, N.C. Dr. Percy High, pastor, Dr. Earl M. Brown officiating. Graveside rites wll be held Friday, June 10, at 12 noon, at Markham Memorial Gardens in Durham, N.C.