Rev. Dr. John W. Heyward, Jr.

Reverend Dr. John Wesley Heyward, Jr. affectionately known as “Jack”, was the second oldest of 5 born to the late John and Wilhelmina Heyward. He was a native of Florence, SC where he received his early academic training. He was a graduate Wilson High School in the Florence Public School System.

 Coming from a strong United Methodist family, he enrolled at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC where he received his B.A. degree in Religion and History. He received a Master of Divinity Degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA. His three honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees were bestowed upon him by Central Methodist College in Fayette, MO; Gammon at the Atlanta Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Georgia; and Claflin University. In addition to these, he graduated from The William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute for Clinical Pastoral Education in Columbia, SC.

 Dr. Heyward has served the United Methodist Church well, including pastorate leader of Old Bethel United Methodist Church in Charleston, SC, and Wesley United Methodist Church in Cheraw, SC. He was also the youngest District Superintendent appointed in the South Carolina Conference. He served as leader of the Charleston (SC) District. In St. Louis, Dr. Heyward was senior pastor at Union Memorial, St. John’s, University, and Unity United Methodist churches. He was the first black District Superintendent appointed in the Missouri Annual Conference serving the Columbia- Mexico District. He was also the first pastor to serve a cross-racial appointment in the conference.

In education he served as the Interim President of Gammon Theological Seminary; Vice President of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church; member of the Global Higher Education Committee of the United Methodist Church; and has been a delegate to The General and Jurisdiction Conferences from South Carolina and Missouri. He was a delegate to four World Methodist Conferences. In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Dr. Heyward served in the Air Force Reserves as Chaplain from 1972-1994 (22 years), retiring as a Colonel. He was a graduate of the US Army Chaplain School, Fayette, MO, as well as a graduate of US Air Force Chaplain School, Montgomery, AL. He was the First Black promoted to the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Chaplaincy. Additionally, he served as Chair of the Division of Chaplains of the United Methodist Church and Associate Secretary (Director of Visitation for the Commission) Commission on Chaplains, Washington, DC.

 His awards are numerous, including Who’s Who in Methodism; “Outstanding Contributions to the Christian Ministry” from Claflin; the Official Key-to-the-City of Columbus, GA for outstanding community work; “Christian Ministry” award; and was the recipient of the 2001 Blythewood Award for Outstanding Career Achievement and Exemplary Service and Commitment to Claflin University in 2005. He was elected to the Hall of Fame at his alma mater Claflin University in 2002. Additionally, he has served as President of the Board of Curators at Lincoln University, Central Methodist University, Claflin University, Black Methodist for Church Renewal, and the St. Louis USO. He served as a member of Gammon’s Board and The Battelle Institutional Review Board (Center for Public Health Research and Evaluation) as well as The Jefferson Barracks Heritage Foundation Board. He was a long-time member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and was an active member of the Alpha Phi Alpha board for Alpha Terrace Apartments.

 Dr. Heyward was a world traveler who has visited all the United States (except North Dakota), Labrador, Panama, Puerto Rico, England, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Crete, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Guam, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Okinawa, Korea, Hong Kong, Japan, Africa, and Egypt. He organized and held retreats in Berchtesgaden, West Germany; Tokyo, Japan; and The People’s Republic of China. He Organized Theological Conferences in Japan and in China entitled “Spirituality Between East and West in a Technological Age” spreading the good news of Jesus abroad.

 He married his musically gifted wife, Dorothy Thompson. Heyward in 1961 whom he lovingly called “Dot”. Two children came from this union John W. “Jay” Heyward III (who preceded him in death), and Joy- Lynn Patrice. Dr. Heyward was a lover of history, and all things sports. He was an outdoorsman who truly enjoyed gardening. He was a dynamic and well-respected preacher who would captivate people with his “baritone” voice. Dr. Heyward touched so many and will be deeply missed by his family, church family, community, and friends. We have lost a true soldier of Christ!

 The heavenly gates opened and called Rev. Dr. John Heyward home Thanksgiving evening, November 28, 2024, after a lengthy illness…8 days after his 90th birthday and 3 days after his 63rd wedding anniversary.

 Dr. Heyward’s memory will always be cherished by his wife Dorothy; daughter Joy-Lynn; grandsons Javion (Jay) and Jordan (Joy); granddaughters Sataya (Jay) and Jayda (Jay); great grandchildren Cai’Lani, Cai’Lyia, and Cai’Rei; Sisters Dr. Grace Salters, Peggy Farmer, and Patricia Pearson (Ervin); Brother Dr. Joseph E. Heyward (Evelyn); Sisters-in law- Evelyn T. Workman, Lorraine T. Burke (Walter), Amelia T. Barr - deceased (John); and a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Austin A. Layne Mortuary, Inc. of St. Louis, MO. You may visit online at https://www.laynemortuary.com/obituary/John-Heyward 

Streaming link to view service click below
Rev. Dr. J. W. Heyward, Jr. Funeral Service 

Local announcement by Smith Funeral Home of Florence, LLC.

Please keep the family of Reverend Dr. John "Jack" W. Heyward, Jr. in your thoughts and prayers.