Johnnie Lee Ravenell

Elder Johnnie L. Ravenell was born September 24, 1948 in Charlotte, NC to Mary Ravenell.  On August 29, 1971 he was united in holy matrimony to Sandra D. Brown and from that union were born two sons, Maurice and Lamar.  While he was a teenager Johnnie wrote on a piece of paper the words “The future Mrs. Ravenell” and gave it to Sandra.  Years passed but those words were fulfilled.  To this day she still has that piece of paper.

He loved his wife and sons very much.  They were dear to his heart.  They were precious to him and love was always pouring out of his heart towards them.  He was proud of and thankful for his family and always looking for a way to be a blessing to them.

He loved the Lord and always wanted to be found in the will of God.  He took delight in serving, praising and worshipping the Lord, and preaching and teaching the word of God.

Elder Johnnie L. Ravenell graduated from Second Ward High School.  After graduating he joined the United States Air Force.  He and his family did extensive traveling and lived in different states and abroad.

While serving in Colorado Springs, CO and serving faithfully as an ordained deacon at his local church (COGIC) he felt the Lord was calling him into the ministry.  After prayer, fasting, and talking with his pastor he was ordained.

After 20 years of service in the Air Force he retired in 1988.

While serving as an ordained elder in the FBH Church he was assigned as pastor of Mt. Olive FBH Church in Thomasville, NC where he served 8 ½ years.  There, with his wife faithfully serving by his side, they saw God do great and mighty things.  The blessings of the Lord poured out.

After traveling up and down the highway, he retired from pastorate there.  It was a difficult decision because they had such a great love for the people.  He later founded Eternal Life Faith Deliverance Church in Charlotte, NC, later known as Eternal Life Worship Center.  God did great and marvelous things through the ministry.  Souls were saved, delivered, and filled with the Holy Ghost.  Bodies were healed, families restored and more.

Elder Johnnie L. Ravenell’s religious education included New Life Theological Seminary, Tabernacle of Prayer Bible Institute and other religious studies and training.

He also held an A.A. in Criminal Justice, an A.A. in Business Administration, and a B.A. in Sociology.  He retired from Chief of Police at Queens University after 25 years of service.

Elder Johnnie L. Ravenell was a very humble person.  He was a man full of wisdom and very inspirational.  He always had a smile on his face and encouraging words to say.  He lived his life as unto the Lord.  His life was that of sacrifice, service, and leadership.  In a way uniquely his own, he touched the lives of many in a special way and will be greatly missed by many.

He is preceded in death by his youngest son, Lamar A. Ravenell.  He leaves behind to cherish memories: His wife, Sandra D. Ravenell, one son: Maurice M. Ravenell (Nikki), two grandsons: Judah P. Ravenell and Jaanai I. Ravenell, one aunt: Shirley Chatman and a host of cousins.