John Henry Kingsberry

John Henry Kingsberry was born to the late Claudie and Henry Kingsberry on January 20, 1938, in Whitakers, North Carolina.  He departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at his residence located in Temple Hills, Maryland.

John was educated at Swift Creek School during his early childhood and at the age of thirteen he relocated to Washington, D.C. with his parents and sister, Edna.  In D.C., he attended and graduated from Spingarn High School.  He later received an Associate’s of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Technology from Prince Georges Community College.

John joined the U.S. Marine Corps in July 1957 and served until September 1960, at which time he transferred to the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve.  He received an Honorable Discharge in December 1962.  John loved serving his country so much that in December 1962 he enlisted in the Army National Guard of the District of Columbia, Company D 171st MP BN, serving until April 1969.  He reenlisted with the Guard in June 1977 serving with the 471st Military Police Company until his retirement in May of 1990.  After serving his country, he began his civilian career with the U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, National Institute of Mental Health at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and served until his retirement on December 31, 1995.

On December 18, 1973, while attending a work holiday function, John met the love of his life, Constance Simpson and they were united in holy matrimony on August 4, 1977 at Guiding Light Full Gospel Church in Washington, D.C.

John joined National Church of God as a faithful member in 1986.  He became an ordained Elder on September 30, 2001.  He thoroughly enjoyed his church family and ushering on Sundays.  He participated in the Men’s Ministry and National Christian Corps. 

John will be remembered most for his love of family and traveling. John served as the family videographer at every family function.  He was a great carpenter and took joy in building gazebos, additional rooms, decks, sheds, porches, etc.  In his spare time he also served as family professor, spending hours and hours giving lectures on a broad range of topics.  He took pride in being named the Scrabble champion, often spelling words that no one dared to challenge. He was a dedicated fan of all Washington sport teams, especially his beloved Washington Redskins. John was well known for his neatness and impeccable taste in wardrobe.  He would spend hours shining his dress shoes.  Even while sitting at home enjoying family time, he would always be dressed to impress. 

John was kind and full of unconditional love.  He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather to his grandchildren, great-grand and. Left to cherish his memories is his wife Constance, his sons, Samuel Simpson, Larry Simpson and Kevin Simpson (Renee); Six daughters, Faye Fuller, Yvonne Gaines, Terry Johnson (Al) ,Constance Dixon, Angela Simpson,  and Tamika Robinson; sister, Edna Martin; nephew, Phillip Martin; neice, Phyllis Harris and a host of grandchildren, great-grand and great great-grand children, other relatives and friends.

Friends will be received at the National Church of God, 6700 Bock Rd., Fort Washington, MD 20744 on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 10 AM until time of funeral service at 11:30 AM.  Interment Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD.  

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