Obituary of Eugene Lunsford

Mr. Eugene Lunsford, Sr., 86, affectionately known as “Gene” or “Deacon Lunsford” answered the call early Tuesday morning to enter the golden gates of heaven in the presence of the Lord, surrounded by his lovely wife and caregiver, Claire and family. Gene was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina to the parentage of the belated, Mr. Louis Lunsford and Mrs. Leatha (Telfair) Jenkins. Gene joined the United States Navy at an early age of eighteen and was Honorably discharged after 21 years of service. On May 24, 1986, Gene and Claire Lee (Bonay) Lunsford were married in holy matrimony of thirty-six (36) years. Deacon Lunsford joined Ebenezer Baptist Church and was a true “Servant of God” for over thirty (30) dedicated and faithful years. He served on the Deacon’s Ministry as a Past Chairman and Senior Deacon; Trustee Ministry as the Chairman where he purchased the First Church Van, Installed the Handicap Ramp and he bought in computers to the church to be used and put online; Gene was known for singing Gospel songs in the Male Chorus, Inspirational Choir, and Mass Choir, namely, I am Redeemed, I Won’t Complain, and Will He Remember Me; also he was the Chairman of the Senior Sunday School class; attended Bible Study and Prayer Meetings, Volunteered with the Food Pantry, The Greater Fellowship Ministry and the Men’s Ministry. May the works he has done speak for him! Gene was a Supervisor of the Janitorial Department of the United States Postal Services (USPS), the Corliss Street Branch in Providence, Rhode Island for twenty (20) years where he retired, as well. He was a graduate of Johnson and Wales University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel Management. Gene was a member of the American Legion Post and the Elks Lodge both in Newport, Rhode Island. Deacon Lunsford leaves to cherish his memories: his dearly beloved wife, Claire Lee (Bonay) Lunsford; his five Children: Joyce Ceasar, New Orleans, Louisiana; Geraldine Lunsford, Baltimore, Maryland; Eugene Lunsford, Jr., and Jimmy Lunsford (Fayedondalynn), both of Houston, Texas; and Steven Delaney Thomas (stepson), Providence, Rhode Island; his Grandchildren: Yolanda Green (Timothy), Harold Lunsford, Jonesboro, Georgia; Charity M. Lunsford, William E. Lunsford, Christopher R. Williams, Houston, Texas, Cheryl and Deanna; his siblings: Christabelle (Ebb), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Leatha Jenkins, Minister Hattie Holmes, James Jenkins, Randells Jenkins, Caroline Wynder (John), and Cathy Gardner, all of Baltimore, Maryland; Minister Rutha Eakin (Frederick), Aburdeen, Maryland; William L. Lunsford, Tazzie Lunsford-Carmon, and Mary Eliza Lunsford-Baker, all of Anderson, Alabama; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Wil Jenkins. Deacon Eugene Lunsford, we will miss you dearly but will continue your legacy, “An humble Servant of God with a smile!” WELL DONE! WELL DONE! A Visitation will be held on Friday, March 25th, 2022, at the Ebenezer Church, 475 Cranston Street, Providence, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm, where relatives and friends are invited. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 26th, 2022, at the Ebenezer Church, at 10:30am. Burial will follow at Swan Point Cemetery. For further information and condolences, please visit mountpleasantfh.com.