Juanita Sapp Obituary

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I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day... I I

T I M O T H Y

4 : 7 - 8


Tuesday, April 10, 2018 11:00 AM

The Potter’s House of Dallas

6777 West Kiest Boulevard • Dallas, Texas Pastor Lawrence Robinson, Officiant Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes, Sr., Eulogist


HerStory

Evangelist Juanita Sapp was born on August 15, 1949 in Eustice, Florida, to Glover Sapp, Sr. and Juanita Harris Sapp. Along with her parents and siblings, she eventually relocated to Bronx, NY, where she was lovingly raised and always called home.

Although she often referred to her upbringing as challenging economically, she became a passionate student and was determined to graduate and excel in corporate America. It was her strident belief that education would provide her myriad opportunities and change the overall trajectory of her life. Shortly after graduation, she became employed in the banking industry and quickly rose to becoming an executive assistant. Being raised in church, her life was divinely impacted in her late teens. She attended a service at the Garden of Prayer Cathedral Church of God in Christ in Bronx, NY, under the leadership of the late Bishop William James Robinson. Exposed to the authentic message of Jesus Christ and the undeniable power of God’s Word, she instantly became a devoted follower of Jesus and faithful member at the Garden of Prayer. She began inviting friends and family to experience the power of God. While her faith grew and her life dramatically changed spiritually, she was forced to contend with physical challenges. She encountered frequent moments of extreme physical pain and was later diagnosed

REFLECTIONS OF A PURPOSE-FILLED LIFE

with rheumatoid arthritis. Her case was so rare and aggressive that the physician advised her to expect to be wheelchair-bound by the age of 30. Evangelist Sapp believed that this daunting diagnosis was an obstacle she would have to overcome. She refused to accept the limitations of the disease, and was determined to persevere. Ultimately, Juanita realized that God had called her to ministry, and she later became a licensed Evangelist in the Church of God in Christ. She recognized that there were few women in ministry, and she sincerely admired National Evangelist, Pastor Earnestine Cleveland-Reems from Oakland, California. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit and a sincere desire for mentorship, Juanita relocated to California at the age of 22 to receive training from (Bishop) Pastor Reems. Through this divine connection, she cultivated lifelong friendships with women who would later become trailblazers in ministry, such as Pastor Maria Gardner-Langston and many others. After months of service under Bishop Reems, she received her first preaching invitation. The pastor was so genuinely moved by her ministry that he contacted pastors and ministry friends across the country, encouraging them to invite her. From that opportunity, her personal ministry was born, and she traveled across the world, spreading The Gospel of Jesus Christ. During the summer months, she was known to have her niece and nephews, Ampora Yazdani, Michael Sapp, Jr. and Sean Greene, to accompany her. Evangelist Sapp had a special love for her family.

A transparent, revelatory, and thoughtprovoking teacher, Evangelist Sapp become known for her remarkable ability to convey truth with a powerful anointing.


As she evangelized in her thirties, the rheumatoid arthritis with which she had suffered went into remission for nearly a decade. However, it eventually returned more aggressively. She relocated to Dallas, TX, and joined St. Andrews Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Dr. S. E. Mitchell. Upon his demise, she pastored for a short period and later moved her membership to Saintsville Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Bishop J. Neaul Haynes.

On April 2, 2018, after hearing the voice of the One whom she loved most, she transitioned from labor to reward, a decorated soldier in the army of the Lord. After trailblazing a path for women in ministry, leading countless souls to Christ, and being a source of strength for pastors and ministry leaders across the globe, we are certain Evangelist Juanita Sapp heard the voice of Jesus say, “Well done.”

She established Covenant Keepers ministry, hosted annual conferences, and launched a radio broadcast. After being released from Bishop Haynes, Evangelist Sapp joined The Potter’s House in 1997 under the leadership of Bishop T.D. Jakes, fully persuaded that was her next assignment.

Evangelist Sapp was preceded in death by her parents, Glover Sapp, Sr. and Juanita Harris Sapp, and one brother, Michael Sapp, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory: two brothers, Glover Sapp, Jr. and David Sapp; three sisters, Sheryn Sapp Woods, Barbara Sapp Greene, and Mary Sapp; five aunts, Betty Hoskins, Jeanette Perry, Lucille Harris, Joy Harris, and Charlie Mae Harris (affectionately known as Aunt Chuckie); four uncles, Milton Harris, Elbert Harris, Melvin Harris and Emmanuel Sapp; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. Among many others, her longtime friends include: Bishop T.D. & First Lady Serita Jakes, Douglas Miller, Elder Steven Sledge, Pastor Lawrence and Lady Beverly Robinson, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Pastor Maria Gardner-Langston, Mother Virginia McNair and Family, Bishop James Morton, David and the late Lawrencia Griffin, Dr. Claudette Copeland, Bishop Cornelius Showell, Pastor DeAndre Patterson, Sueann Perry, Susan Mondesir, Pastor Terence Merritt, her godson Jason Harrell, and the late Pastor Nathan L. Simmons.

While she maintained a demanding itinerant schedule, Evangelist Sapp was yet a faithful member and became highly regarded for her teaching during Wednesday night Bible study. Wherever she traveled, she shared that she was a member of the greatest church in the world, and that she served under the greatest Pastor and First Lady that she had ever known. In 2008, her health prevented her from traveling. Despite her worsening condition, she remained a faithful attendee at The Potter’s House. She believed that her pastor’s messages provided strength, purpose, and encouragement to her life. Evangelist Sapp was known for her life-changing preaching, authenticity, uncanny sense of humor, tenacity despite adversity, and an undeniable anointing. Her passions included travel, fine dining, and being a mentor to men and women across the world. Most of all, she loved the Lord. She often stated: I fell in love with Jesus, and it became a

love affair that never ended.


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The Celebration Pastor Lawrence Robinson, Officiant Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes, Sr., Eulogist

The Processional†.......................................................................................................... Bishops, Pastors, Elders and Family The Parting Glance The Invocation†.....................................................................................................................Pastor Terence A. Merritt, M.D.

Life Church, Atlanta, GA

The Old Testament Scripture†.................................................................................................................Pastor Bonne Moon

The Potter’s House, Dallas, TX

The New Testament Scripture†.................................................................................................................. Dr. Cynthia James The Potter’s House, Dallas, TX

The Hymn of Comfort†..................................... It Is Well With My Soul...................................... Pastor Valerie Crumpton

The Potter’s House, Dallas, TX

Acknowledgements, Resolutions and Reading of the Obituary...................................................Lady Beverly Robinson The Musical Selection.............................................................................................................. Evangelist Beatrice Gardiner The Potter’s House, Dallas, TX

The Reflections.....................................................(two minutes please).......................... Brother Jason Harrell – Dallas, TX Minister Douglas Miller – Akron, OH Elder Steven Sledge – Dallas, TX Pastor DeAndre Patterson – Chicago, IL Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland – San Antonio, TX The Family Tribute............................................................................................................................... Mrs. Ampora Yazdani

Los Angeles, CA

The Musical Selection................................................................................................................................Lady LaTonja Blair

New Breed Christian Center, Ft. Worth, TX

The Eulogy........................................................................................................................... Bishop Thomas Dexter Jakes, Sr.

Founder and Senior Pastor • The Potter’s House

The Recessional †

P L E A S E

S T A N D

W H E R E

I N D I C A T E D .


...withGratitude

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the prayers, flowers, and condolences during their time of bereavement. Special thanks to Bishop T.D. and First Lady Serita Jakes, and entire The Potter’s House family, for their love and kindness extended toward Evangelist Sapp to make her latter years most comfortable.

P A L L B E A R E R S Brother David Griffin Pastor DeAndre Patterson Pastor Anthony Gardner

Pastor Tyrone L. Smith Brother Jahmal Sapp Deacon Brian Arthur

I N T E R M E N T Southland Memorial Cemetery

1100 Southwest 3rd Street • Grand Prairie, Texas 75051 Repast immediately following interment at The Potter’s House of Dallas PROFESSIONAL ENTRUSTED TO: Paradise

Funeral Home, Dallas, TX • MEMORIAL KEEPSAKE BY: Joseph Anthony, www.jaylitepublications.com


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