John Levi Baylor

Rev. Dr. John L. Baylor made his transition peacefully to be with the Lord on November 29, 2015. Rev. Baylor was born October 30, 1929 in Lorne, VA, to the late John W. and Uzziel O. Baylor. He was the third of five children, his surviving siblings are Gladys Garrett, Harpers Ferry, WVA and Elgin Baylor, Los Angeles, CA. He was preceded in death by his brother Kermin Baylor and sister Columbia Reese.

After graduating from Armstrong High School in Washington D.C. he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1947 and served three years defending his country. He wed Sallie McMurray in 1952, to this union, three children were born, Denise, Sharon, and Eric. He accepted his calling to the ministry in 1962 under the leadership of Rev. L.L. Wilkes at the Olivet Baptist Church in Ventura, CA where he pastored faithfully for thirty six years.

Rev. Baylor was an employee of Sears and Roebuck for over twenty five years as a mechanic and service manager. Rev. Baylor was involved in bringing equality to Black and Hispanic people in the city of Ventura: he worked with the NAACP to ensure equal rights for individuals in Ventura County. He has served as President of the Pastor’s Inter-Faith Ministerial Association of Ventura and President of the Seniors Service of Ventura. He has served on the Board of Directors for: The City Planning Committee, Food Share, Committee of Human Concerns, and City Impact. He also served as the Moderator of the Central District Association and President of the Third Sunday Federation of Churches. His hobbies included, wood working, fishing, and he was a devoted reader of God’s word.

Rev. Baylor adored his wife of sixty-three years and was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, three children, one daughter-in-law: Constina Baylor, grandchildren: Alexis and Cordell (Joy) Sanders, Crystal, Alicia, Victoria, and Kenneth Ellis, great grandchildren: Jade, Derrick, Hannibal, Sariya, Sean, Brooke, Marco, Princess, Tristan, Johnny Rae, and Maya and one sister-in-law, Elaine Baylor, and a loving host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The Baylor Family thanks Dr. Moustapha. Abou-Samra, MD and the medical staff of Community Memorial Hospital for their loving kindness and professional care of our father.

Visitation will be Friday, December 11, 2015, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Dr, Ventura, CA 93003, 805-642-8134.

All cards and flowers can be sent to Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Dr, Ventura, CA 93003.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:00 am at Olivet Baptist Church, 174 S. Anacapa St, Ventura, CA 93001, 805-643-1976.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Charles Carroll Funeral Home, 15 Teloma Dr, Ventura, CA 93003.