John E Maddox

Alabama. He was the eldest of ten children born to Jim and Annie Maddox.

Both parents and seven of his siblings preceded him in death (James,

Gladys, Justina, Willie, Robert, Woodford, and Leon). He accepted Christ

at an early age and joined Ebenezer Baptist Church in Samantha, Alabama

under the pastorate of Rev. Ervin Thomas.

He attended school in Northport, Alabama. John was a patriarch to all. As

a young child he was tasked with the responsibility of his siblings. During

his teenage years, he sent money home to the family from his job in Holt,

Alabama.

He served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 and came to Cleveland, Ohio in

1948.

He obtained employment with Alcoa Aluminum that same year and retired

in 1983 after 35 years of service.

John married Ruth Christine Johnson on January 22, 1955 in Cleveland,

Ohio and to this union 3 children were born. John and Ruth were married

30 years until her untimely death on October 9, 1985.

He joined East Mt. Zion Baptist Church on July 31, 1949 under the

pastorate of the late Rev. William Downs and continued his membership

under Rev. A. Charles Bowie and presently under the leadership of Rev.

Brian A. Cash.

He was a dedicated member of Usher Board No. 1 until his health failed

him in 2008. He had a real green thumb, and the ability to grow huge

house plants, flower baskets, a beautiful rose garden and tomatoes. He

was also a great cook, fisherman, neighbor, brother, brother-in law, uncle,

grandfather (Papa), father-in-law, dad, husband and friend.

He departed this life on April 30, 2020 surrounded by his family. Brother

Maddox leaves to mourn and celebrate his memory, his three children:

Steven Maddox, Adrianne Johnson (Trent Sr.), and John Eric Maddox. Two

special grandchildren: Trent Johnson, Jr. (Shorty-Man) and Ithaya Maddox.

Two sisters: Rebecca Clay and Gennie V. McAfee (Rev. W.L.), Shreveport,

Louisiana, two sisters-in-law: Lottie Roberts (Gerald, deceased) and

Vera Williams (Madison, deceased), a very special brother-in-law, James

Beckwith (Clara), a special niece, Sarah Smith, Lansing, Michigan and a

host of nieces, nephews and friends.

His infectious laugh and smile will never be forgotten.