Anthony G. Church

SPRING HOPE – On February 14, 1950, Anthony Geraldo Church was born in Panama City, Panama, to Horold and Emily (Aird) Church. He lived in Panama until age six when he was reunited with his parents, who had migrated to Brooklyn, New York, to seek a better life for their family. Anthony was the eldest son of seven children.

Anthony was a successful product of the New York City public school system where he attended Elementary, Junior High and High Schools. He received his Bachelors of Science and Masters degrees from Marcy College in New York (now known as Mercy University).

In 1971 Anthony began a career with Consolidated Edison holding various positions in diverse departments spanning over a 41-year period. His years with Consolidated Edison were educational, challenging and fulfilling.

Anthony met Joyce Albert in 1985 at Livingston Eatery on 126th Street in Harlem. He was mesmerized by her beauty, charm and her free and giving spirit. At that time, his passion was photography, and he often worked on photo and runway shoots for aspiring models in his spare time.

Anthony was a proud single father of two sons from a previous union with Dorothy (Debbie) Barnes; Anthony born in 1979, and Terence born in 1982. As Joyce and Anthony’s relationship deepened so did her connection with the boy’s. By 1986 Joyce was co-parenting with Anthony.

In 1988 Joyce and Anthony were married and in 1991 they welcomed the arrival of their son, Devon. Joyce and Anthony raised their three sons in Queens, New York. In 1996 they relocated to Hempstead, New York.

As a teenager, karate was Anthony’s sport of choice, and he excelled to Black Belt status. Interest and desire led him to “running” and determination led him to successfully compete in two New York City 26-mile marathons. Landscaping and gardening became his cool mature sport which he mastered. His lawn was always meticulously cared for and his vegetables were of market quality.

In 2012 Anthony retired from Consolidated Edison after 41 years of service as a proud member of the Construction Management Department. Retirement allowed him to make many trips to North Carolina to spend precious time with his aging mother. He was also able to devote more time to his newly – found interest of bird breeding. Over the last decade, he had a sanctuary of (at times) 200 birds. He loved the art of breeding and became skillful among Finches of various species.

In 2021 Anthony and Joyce relocated to Spring Hope, North Carolina, to be near family, four siblings and their families. This was the start of many joyful pool parties and family gatherings. Anthony was known to occasionally enjoy a shot of Jack Daniels, and he could single-handedly consume a 2-liter bottle of Pepsi in a day. He was your “must have” three-hot-meals-a-day (with snacks in between) man. Joyce indulged his every wish when it came to food, and there was nothing she couldn’t or wouldn’t prepare to satisfy Anthony’s insatiable appetite.

On September 26, 2024, Anthony passed away after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. During his illness, his loving wife, Joyce, and son, Devon, were his primary caregivers catering to his every need. His two son’s Anthony and Terence (both of whom reside in Georgia), visited him frequently and called daily. Anthony enjoyed nothing more than a good conversation with his brother, Harold, who lives in New York. His brother-in-law, John, was a compassionate Godsend assisting at every turn. His niece, Jakesha, and her husband, Andrew, were his “just say the word” backup team. His sisters, Jeanette, Marie and Jo Ann, were always available. His brother, Rashawn, was just a phone call away.

Anthony leaves to cherish his memory: devoted wife, Joyce Albert-Church; sons, Anthony (Michelle) Church, Terence Church, Devon Church, brothers, Rogelio Rashawn (Beverly) Church, Harold (Elizabeth) Church; sisters, Jeanette (Lorenzo) Phillips’ Marie Jerman, Jo Ann (John) Johnson; grandchildren, Tyliek Church, Aaliyah Church, Anthony Church III, Tailiyah Church, Amir Church, Kehlani Church, Giovanni Church; former daughter-in-law, Shakeba Church; supportive in-laws; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death are Anthony’s parents, Harold and Emily Church and his sister, Brenda Church.

Anthony will truly be missed but never forgotten. He will forever be remembered for his strength, endurance and love of family.

A Celebration of Anthony’s Life will be held on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.