Reverend John A. Sellers

Reverend John Allen Sellers, 87, was born and reared in Florence, South Carolina’s Mars Bluff community entered eternal rest on April 7, 2026. He was the youngest son of the late Ernest Sellers, Sr., and Mable Smalls Sellers.

Reverend Sellers, affectionately known as “Rev,” went to the public schools of Florence District One and is a proud graduate of Wilson High School. He earned his degree from Duke University School of Divinity, Durham, North Carolina. He also did further studies at Florence Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University.

Reverend Sellers served his country from 1961-1967 abroad and stateside, then received an honorable discharge as a US Army Sargent.

Reverend Sellers served as a local Pastor and Supply Pastor for several congregations throughout the South Carolina United Methodist Conference for more than 50 years. He also rose to the level of Elder with the South Carolina United Methodist Conference. After retirement, Rev. Sellers returned to his home church Mt. Zion United Methodist and later to the Cumberland United Methodist Church. His church work continued as he mentored new members of the Clergy.

Reverend Sellers dedicated his life to Christ at an early age, his family, and his community. In serving his community, in 1977 he was elected to the local city council. He was one of two voted into this position and became one of the City of Florence’s first Black/African American city councilman since Reconstruction. His experience and knowledge later progressed which led to becoming the first Black/African American Mayor Pro-Tempore. A mayor pro tempore is a city council member elected by their peers to act as mayor during the incumbent mayor’s absence, disability, or vacancy ensuring that council leadership continuity with mayoral duties. This was a great honor he held quite dear. During his tenure, he was instrumental in the building of the Martin Luther King, Jr. bridge connecting Church and Lucas streets and Magnolia Mall. In addition to those achievements, many other infrastructure projects like roads being paved and drainage systems upgraded in District 2 were needed local investment. After his political career, he was also an owner/operator of his own trucking service and CCC Bus Tours.

Reverend Sellers was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Ernestine Calwell) and three brothers (James Edward Sellers, Ernest Lee Sellers, and Andrew Eugene Sellers.)

Reverend Sellers is survived by his wife of 64 ½ years, the former Carina Bradley; two adult children Synora L. Sellers Manning and Vonda Sellers (Virgil) Ford; two adult grandchildren, Dr. Cayla J. Manning, and Carlton A. Manning; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Please keep the family of Reverend John A. Sellers in your thoughts and prayers.