John Major, Jr.

A celebration of life for John Major, Jr., was held December 11 at the Temple of Faith Church of God in Atlanta. Elder Mack Major officiated; Elder Thomas L. Frazier is pastor.

John Major, Jr. was born to the late John and Gertrude Major, Sr., in Birmingham, Ala. on August 8, 1940. He transitioned from this life on December 7, 2014.

He received his early education in the Birmingham area public school system. He confessed Christ at an early age and united with Friendship Primitive Baptist Church in Ensley, Ala. He later became a member of St. Matthews Baptist Church in Porterdale, Ga., under the leadership of Bishop Isaac Major. He continued to serve diligently under Rev. Brian Major until his transition.

John worked for U.S. Steel for numerous years and he was an entrepreneur. He loved fishing, bowling, and building (construction). He loved his church, his family and lived a fulfilling life. He also served in the U.S. Army.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Louise (Joe) Walton and Wilhelmina (William) Howard.

He leaves to cherish his memories his six children, John R. Hilliard, Fredrick Hilliard, Roderick Major, Wendell (Twanna) Major, Eundra “Angel” Ray, and Eric Major, all in the Birmingham, Ala., area. His siblings include Isaac (Jackie) Major of Monticello, Tee Major (Nathaniel Curtis, of Philadelphia, Pa., Mack (Maggie) Major of Atlanta, Gertrude Major of Atlatna, Essie Major Brown of Covington, Emmett (Charlene) Major of Tuskegee, Ala., and Cynthia (Edward) Hardison of Birmingham, Ala. He also leaves eight grandchildren, two great-grandchidlren, and three aunts—Mittie McGlothan, Palmer Lanier and Elnora Davis of Birmingham, Ala., also numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Smith and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.