Deacon James Dexter Sr.

Deacon James Dexter Sr. (85) of Palmetto Fl. Took Flight to his Heavenly Home on August 7,2025. Visitation will be 6pm-8pm at Pentecostal Church of God 304 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave E. Bradenton, Fl. 34208. Home Going Service will be 11:00am at Happy Gospel Church 1915 53rd Ave E. Bradenton, 34208.

A time to be born: James Dexter Sr. was born in Belle Glade, Florida on October 30, 1939. to the late Jeannie Dexter, who passed away when James and his brothers were young.

A time to plant: James planted his life in Palmetto Florida and was Educated in Manatee County at Memorial High School. The school today it’s known as Lincoln Memorial Middle School.

A time to embrace and a time to love: February 1959 he married Helen Pompey the love of his life and they kept their vows of “in sickness of in health and until death do us part”. They remained married for sixty-six years until God called him to his heavenly home.

A time to keep: James was a family man. the needs of his wife, children and family came first. After driving trucks for his great Uncle, Ed Simon; he worked in road construction until he retired. In 2010 James received a Fifty-One Years of Dedicated Service Award from APAC – Southeast Inc. He was so dedicated to his job that he never missed a day of work. When he had Personal appointments, he would go to work or to his appointments: return home, redress and go back to work. He was a transporter and encourager for many of the young guys that worked with him. James would tell the guys “Maybe this is not what you want to do the rest of your life but now it will put food on your table and take care of your families.

He was a faithful church deacon. James was first baptized at St. John Baptist Church which was originally located uptown palmetto. Many years later he rededicated his life to God and received the Holy Ghost under the TV ministry of Rev. R.W. Schambach. He joined the Temple of Faith and Salvation. Inc Under the care of his cousin, the late Bishop Franklin D. Simon, where he served as Head Deacon. James later joined his wife, Helen at the Pentecostal Church of God of Jesus Christ Inc. under the care of Bishop Henry L. Jackson. James loved the Lord and served as an Ordained Deacon until his health failed.

A time to die: On Thursday morning, August 7, 2025, James took flight to be with the Lord God and his heavenly family. James was preceded in death by his mother, Jeannie Dexter, Albert Dexter, his younger brother, a very loving and caring great aunt: Amy Rosier, who served as a second mom after the death of his mother; Aunt Amy’s brother: Ed Simon (Lizzie May, deceased) who guided, provided and raised James and Albert as his sons.

A time to mourn: mourning his absence in their lives with sadness of heart and many loving memories; Helen, his wife of Palmetto Florida. His son US Army Retired 1st Sgt. James Dexter Jr. (Angela) of Washington State loved as a son, Elder Alton Lilly Sr. (Minister Sharon) of Palmetto, Florida. Daughters; Sherry Dexter Larkins (Stanley K. Larkins deceased), Bernitha Copeland both of Palmetto, Carolyn Spencer (Charles Spencer Sr. deceased) of Bradenton Fl. Loved as a daughter, Delbra Howard of Palmetto, Fl. One brother, Willie (W.L.) Thomas. Grandsons: Staff Sgt. James Bernard Dexter III, US Air force (Bernice) now serving in Germany and De’Andre Mays of Palmetto Fl. Granddaughters; Tiffany C. Dexter of Washington, State; Dr. Tia Madison (Jaron) of California and Stephanie Howard of Palmetto, Fl. Great grandchildren; Amyah Barnes, James Bernard “JJ” Dexter IV, Aaliyah Hope Dexter, Jaden. Natae’ Washington, Semaj Dexter, Jaia Madison, Khalia; One Sister-in-law; Reverend Mary Williams Moore (Rev. Paris Moore) of Sarasota, Fl. a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other family and friends who will cherish his many memories and mourn his absence in their lives.

Arrangements entrusted in Chandler’s Funeral Home.