Bishop WM Young

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by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies, Or being hated, don’t give way to hating, And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master; If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same; If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss, And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

Bishop William M. Young, Sr.

On July 30, 1945, a wonderful baby boy was born representing a promise kept to the late Herman and Eva (Harvey) Young. For seven years prior, they had been unable to conceive a child but prayed fervently and stood on God’s word that they would. William Marcus Young, Sr. was born not only as the first child of the Youngs, but also held the rank of the oldest of his maternal cousins. His birth would lead the way for his little sisters Helen, Harriett and Marilyn to join and make the Young Family complete.

From Foote Homes to Ryder Street to Azalia, there were two things everyone who knew William recognized at an early age. He was all about his family and he was a natural leader. His friends still recall that he was wise beyond his years as he matriculated through Porter Elementary and Junior High Schools up to THE Booker T. Washington High School, where he served as Student Council President. After graduating in 1963, he went off to Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. There he pledged his most beloved fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, in the Fall of 1966. You would be hard pressed not to hear colorful stories about Big Brother “Twig” and his line brothers of Alpha Theta as they served as some of his fondest collegiate memories. After serving honorably in the United States Army including being

stationed in the Central Highlands during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970, he was able to complete his undergraduate degree at Lemoyne Owen College. He earned his M. Div. in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Memphis Theological Seminary and did doctoral work in Divinity at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, and completed the Doctorate of Ministry at Carolina Theological Seminary.

In the Fall of 1974, while trying to fix an error on his account at a local bank, he had a chance encounter with a pretty young lady and instantly saw his future. Although Dianne Marshall turned down his first invitation to go on a date, William knew what she didn’t... they were supposed to be. Not deterred, he stayed the course and tried again a few weeks later. Surprisingly, she agreed. 48 years later they remained united that “Alice Doesn’t Live Here” was a terrible first date movie. When William and Dianne joined their families and married May 29, 1976, they could not have ever imagined the amazing life that God had in store. At the center of every moment was an abiding faith in God and an absolute love of family. Their first home on Ladbrook was not only one that raised their children, nieces and nephews, but also all of their kids’ neighborhood and childhood friends.

“It’s been an incredible race that God has allowed me to run.” ~ Bishop William Young, 77th Birthday Party (July 2022) ~

William answered God’s calling on his life at Cummings Street Baptist Church under the mentorship and leadership of Reverend Eugene Waller. Even as a young minister, it was apparent that he had a particular gift for teaching the Word of God! He was a consummate learner in his own life and loved to tap into the desire of others not to just hear the word but to KNOW it. In 1977, after working a few full time day jobs outside of preaching, he began serving as a Chaplain at Western State Mental Health Institute in Hardeman County, Tennessee. This job is the one that would have the biggest impact on the future trajectory of his life’s work and ministry. In 1979, he was elected as Senior Pastor of Greater Springfield Baptist Church in Bolivar, Tennessee where he served faithfully until 1985. In 1981, he became a local trailblazer being hired as the very first African American Staff Chaplain to serve within Methodist Lebonheur Health Systems from June 1981 to July 1994.

In 1986, he ventured to a new place of God’s calling and established Greater Fellowship Faith Tabernacle with an initial membership of seven believers who met at an old skating rink in Bolivar, Tennessee. Over the years, that ministry grew to be one that touched the lives of thousands across the region. In addition to the miracles of healing and deliverance that were witnessed during his time here, this was an important time of solidifying William and Dianne not only as partners in life but also in ministry!

Over the years, William truly began to focus his ministry works around issues of mental and emotional health. In 1990, he became a Clinical Member of The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. He was licensed by the State of Tennessee in three areas: Marriage and Family Therapist; Professional Counselor; and as a Clinical Pastoral Therapist. His expertise in marriage and family therapy, grief, stress and burnout served as the pillar of the founding of The Healing Center Full Gospel Baptist Church in 1991 where “Jesus is the center of healing of ALL kinds”. He served faithfully and completely as Bishop, Senior Pastor and CEO of the affiliate arm of The Healing Word Counseling Center. As many have noted, he was among the first in the Black Church community to ring the alarm on the important role of the faith community in promoting mental health awareness and treatment as an integral part of spiritual health.

Throughout his time at the helm of The Healing Center, Bishop Young became not only a trusted leader and advisor to thousands of members throughout the years, but also for people all across Memphis.He was indeed a Pastor’s Pastor who served as a mentor to countless brothers and sisters in the faith all across Memphis, equipping others to truly be who God has called them to be in ministry. Find twenty-five people in a room in Memphis, and at least five will profess to be a surrogate family member of Bishop William Young. He had an authentic charm and concern for all of God’s people, undergirded by a belief that giving and receiving of GRACE is essential

to wholeness. The Healing Center family provided him with the support to extend his ministry across different platforms and all across the nation and world.

He and Dianne began hosting the Christian talk show “On The Road to Healing” in 1994, which still airs each Sunday morning at 6:30am on AM 1340 - WLOK. He envisioned the creation of the Emotional Fitness Centers of Tennessee, which have become a sought after model for churches to destigmatize mental health treatment access in their congregations. On the heels of one of the most tragic events he pastored through, he founded the National Suicide and the Black Church Conference in 2003 to shine the light on the increased numbers of suicides within the church community. He authored the groundbreaking book “ The Mourning After,” an accumulation of his many years of experience in the area of grief and loss. He was often sought after as a presenter and received countless awards for his ministry and work, including the Distinguished Living Award from Methodist Healthcare Foundation and the Outstanding African American Alumni Award from Memphis Theological Seminary.

Bishop Young’s actions were more of a sermon than any words could ever be. He truly did it all and he did it well. While he had more professional accomplishments than there is room to write, his ability to make anyone who met him feel like they were his favorite person was what will be remembered most. He told the best stories and didn’t care if he told you the same one 1,000 times. He had a ridiculous wit. He gave the best gifts and oozed with gratitude when the ones that he got back were less than awesome. He regularly opened his home and heart for any family gatherings, holiday parties, or just for a quick video game battle or conversation about life. He lived each day in service to God and was rewarded with a well-lived life of 77 years. In the early morning on October 10, 2022, Bishop William Young, Sr. went from labor to reward - most certainly welcomed by Herman, Eva, Helen and Harriett.

It is an incredible honor to ensure that his legacy will live on for generations. He left his family with the instructions to BE a sermon to celebrate his memory. Leading this charge is his devoted best friend of 46 years Pastor Dianne Marshall Young; his children: William Jr., Maia, Dorcas, Paul and David; his children-in-law that he loved as his own: Beverly, Cleo, Jamila and Toya; ten grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Kahari, Kiera, Andrew, Alexis, Joshua, Zoë, Destiny, Marcus, Paxton and Carter; one sister, Marilyn (Robert) Wright; two sisters-in-law: Helen (Ormer) Rogers and Linda Kay (Randy) Brown; one brother in law, Square (Sharion) Marshall; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends and church members of The Healing Center. His life was truly a beautiful promise kept to us all.

The Celebration of Life

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Bishop William M. Young, Sr. Saturday, the Twenty-Second day of October, Two-Thousand Twenty-two at Eleven O’clock in the Morning Brown Missionary Baptist Church, 7200 Swinnea Road, Southaven, Mississippi 38671 Bishop Edward H. Stephens, Officiating

Processional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Oh Happy Day!”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastors & Ministers

Members of the Healing Center FGBC The Family of Bishop William M. Young, Sr.

Old Testament Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Linwood Dillard Citadel of Deliverance COGIC

New Testament Scripture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Dr. Melvin Charles Smith Mount Moriah East Baptist Church

Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pastor Keith Norman

First Baptist Church - Broad Celebration in Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Bishop William M. Young, Sr. Celebration Choir

Reflections from Community Leaders

Doris McGhee Booker T. Washington Class of 1963

Larry D. Harralson, Kappa Alpha Psi Faternity Alpha Theta Chapter & Alumni Network

Commissioner Marie Williams, State of Tennessee Department of Mental Health Dr. Ken Brown, Executive Vice Chancellor/Chief Operations Officer, UT Health Science Center

Cato Johnson, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare

Celebration in Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Bishop William M. Young, Sr. Celebration Choir

Reflections from Fellow Clergy & The Healing Center FGBC

Dr. Gina Stewart, Senior Pastor, Christ Missionary Baptist Church (Virtual)

Dr. Edward Parker, Jr.,Pastor Emeritus, Berean Baptist Church

Superintendent John Smith, Senior Pastor, Rosemark COGIC

Deacon Bill Bradford, Chairman of Board, The Healing Center

Tribute from the Children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul A. Young

Tribute from the Grandchildren. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kahari Young

Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dorcas and Cleo Griffin Solo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frederick Hardeman The Healing Center FGBC Eulogy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Christopher B. Davis Senior Pastor, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church

Recessional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Let The Church Say Amen”

“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” (II Corinthians 5:8, KJV)

Daddy, It’s been the honor of my life to have you as my Dad. You have been the rock for our family and you have shown me what it means to be a man. I learned from you that the greatest value that a man can bring to this world is to allow your life to be a true blessing to others. There are so many people who tell me that your counseling and care is what saved their lives. I am hopeful that my life can result in a fraction of the impact that you have had on people during your time on earth. We will miss you deeply, but you equipped us with the tools to move forward. I am forever chasing your legacy and my goal is to make you proud!

DavidPaulWriting this tribute is extremely difficult but easy at the same time because you left such an amazing legacy. You gave us an opportunity to learn via Divine wisdom but also by making life’s mistakes on our own. So many priceless memories and mental nuggets you gave us because you knew we would be able to put them to use during moments like this. Daddy you are still my best friend and it’s so difficult just getting up without that early morning call just to check on myself, Toya, & the children but I will hold on with bulldog tenacity to carry on your legacy with excellence. I know you are looking over the banisters of Heaven watching and encouraging us in your new diseasefree glorified body. Toya, Joshua, Destiny, Marcus and I love you to life, Pops.

I typed these words so many times over and over unsure what I could actually write that would even start to express how much I love you. I realized that no words even begin to explain it. You have literally been everything to me all at once throughout my life. My protector. My tutor. My old school song aficionado. My birth coach (although you almost got fired). My intellectual sparring partner. My Daddy. You have made me believe that I can do and be anything, but it means nothing if it is just about me. You taught me to be kind and start with grace first and end with it too. We laughed until the very end. You loved me in a way that has made it impossible to grieve hopelessly. Your love has kept me all my life and will keep me forward. You and I both know I would have kept you here forever. In fact, I thought that I had convinced you to 92 a few weeks ago. It was not to be though. You had some glory to get to. I mean I get it. I would have never been ready. I still don’t really know that I am. I do know that I am prepared with a foundation of love that will never be shaken. I didn’t forget my promise to you. You now get a front row seat. Thank you Daddy. I am SO proud of you!

Dorcas

My one and only brother William was a warrior, protector and teacher for me. He made sure I had what I needed. He taught me the good and bad about boys. He continued to be my friend my entire life. I will miss you my handsome Reverend Brother. Love you Mucho! Marilyn

“Uncle William” was a noteworthy name for all of your nieces and nephews. Your name meant freedom from our parents. Your name meant awesome gifts. Your name was equivalent to all of the recognition that some people don’t get in a lifetime. Each one of us is better because of you. Your memory will continue to drive us to the doors of excellence. We love you! Nieces &Nephews

For Granddad:

Someone who we look up to Life spent with you is nonstop fun We will always love you You make us proud to be a Young!

Love, Kahari, Kiera, Andrew, Alexis, Joshua, Zoë, Destiny, Marcus, Paxton & Carter

Salutes to

Bishop YoungMemorial

Bishop Young was a mentor and dear friend to me. His leadership came from a place of care and concern for everyone. Humility and strength in each sentence he spoke! I’m thankful to have spent time with him. He adopted me into his family. I will always be grateful.

~ Dr. Monty Burks ~

Bishop Young said something that was so profound and relevant one Sunday morning while preaching, and I shall never forget it. “JESUS is like a Divine Credit Card…one should never leave home without Him…as that Divine Credit Card has UNLIMITED ACCESS.” Thank you, Bishop!

~ Minister Dinita White ~

The most profound thing that will always be in my heart and in my spirit, that my Bishop William M. Young use to teach was… “Affirmations of faith always affirm others. It will always come back to you!” I will never forget your foundational and spiritual teachings! Love you Bishop!

~ Dorothy Colvin ~

I feel that Bishop Young and I were so spiritually connected until seems I can now hear him saying these words to me, “Chris, I have fought a good fight! I have finished my course! I have kept the faith…”

~ Pastor Chris Laws ~

Bishop Young consistently taught us to show LOVE unconditionally ALWAYS!

~ Mother Josephine Ivory ~

I Thank the Lord for ordering my steps to The Healing Center Full Gospel Baptist Church. Bishop Young’s teaching and preaching inspired me to go back to college and earn my education in Mental Health Counseling. I will always treasure Bishop William M. Young’s wisdom, knowledge, and encouraging words that he shared so freely. Thank you Bishop!

~ Vanita Bailey ~

Bishop Young held countless titles and meant many things to a multitude of people. But to me, he was half of the team that saved my life! I affectionately called him my favorite kind of life saver and I meant that! Thank you, Bishop, for everything, Rest well, Life Saver!

~ Gwendolyn Turner ~

My friend! Mighty warrior! We started out on “the old path” (Jeremiah 6 :16) a long time ago. Now you’re at rest and at peace from your labor. You preached The True Gospel of Jesus Christ! You laid hands on the sick, cast out devils and got us filled with the Holy Spirit! You kept the faith! I’m going to miss you.

~ Bishop Leo Holt ~

Since I heard of your transition, I have been reflecting on all the tough conversations and the good ones, and reading text messages of you encouraging me as far back as 2009. I will say the most memorable lessons you taught me were principles of authority and the lesson on grace. Yes, I still have the little piece of paper you put in my pocket that changed my life!

~ Michael Easterling ~

Bishop William Young was a great spiritual father, leader, and motivator in my life. In a very dark season of my life, he gave me a card and it said GRACE. From that day forth, I moved forward and refused to give up. His legacy lives on through me.

~ Evangelist Andria Ivory-Tunstall ~

Bishop William Young was a servant of God who was concerned about the entire manmind, body, and soul. He was a mentor to those of us that were trying to find our way and a friend that we could confide in. His presence will be missed but his legacy will live forever!

~ Pastor Paul K. Reed ~

One day Bishop Young asked me to cut the grass at the Healing Center. I was thinking I was going to get paid like $2,000, but Bishop gave me a voided check and told me “You did it for the Lord!”

~ Eric Thomas ~

Bishop was a mentor to me. The things he taught me about ministry I continue to use every day of my life. I cherish the times that we spent together, the classes that he taught at Greater Imani, and all that he has done for me!

~ Pastor Bill Adkins ~

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.” (1Tim. 5:17)

~ Joe Shipp ~

Who among us were not blessed with his geneorus spirit, were not encouraged by a kind word, were not inspired by his passionate commitment to stomp out the stigma associated with suicide in the Black church?

~ Dr. Sherry Davis Molock ~

Bishop William Young came into my life when I lost all trust in myself with the church and with anyone else, I was broken, wounded and suicidal. I was molested and misguided by my Pastor and rejected by some family members, Bishop gave me the tools necessary to trust, survive, forgive, heal and move forward. His calls and sessions kept me from giving up. To God be the glory for Bishop William Young, I am literally alive and now happily married and successful because of his teachings and caring counseling!

~ Tammie Walker Smith ~

Our father-in-law lived a life of significant consequence, and the depth of his impact has become more evident since he passed. From the sharing of stories and memories, the outpouring of prayers and support, to being honored by bedrock institutions, Memphis has said in no uncertain terms; thank you, William Young, for a life well lived...a life lived fighting for others.

~ Cleo, Toya, Beverly & Jamila ~

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