of Bryant, AR
September 15, 1947 - January 10, 2023
J.L. Weaver, 75, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away peacefully on January 10, 2023 surrounded by his loving family.
Jay was born on September 15, 1947 in Cave City, Arkansas, a town he left but dearly loved. At the age of sixteen, Jay was led to the Lord by his mother, Lois Sharp Weaver. This testimony was one he loved to share.
Jay was taught carpentry by his father, J.R. Weaver and the character traits of honesty and hard work, giving his all to every employer. Many times in life, he would go back to this trade to support the family.
In 1972, God called Jay to preach, which set he and the family's life on a path that he consistently and passionately lived out. Jay and Belinda moved back to Arkansas for him to attend the Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, AR. Jay finished his degree at Louisiana Baptist Theological Seminary in Shreveport, LA.
Jay pastored several churches, he served as Associate and Bus Director as well as Worship Leader at Landmark Baptist Church in Batesville, AR. While there, Jay and Belinda were introduced to Christian Education. Words cannot express the thrill in their hearts to think of training their children in every subject alongside the Word of God and a vow was made to follow this new path, trusting God to provide, which He did. All six children graduated from Christian Schools.
God opened doors for Jay to be trained as a Coordinator for Accelerated Christian Education and he began to serve as Principal in two different Christian Schools. As a Coordinator, he visited schools all over the state of Arkansas helping them to achieve success. He was a shepherd, teaching math, English and all subjects, as well as the Bible, coaching basketball, taking students to state and national competitions in their chosen fields and loving them with all his heart.
God eventually took Jay back to the pastorate where he spent the greatest portion of his life, serving Martindale Baptist Church in Little Rock, AR for 15 years and 6 years at Osceola First Baptist Church in Osceola, AR.
Health issues brought Jay to retirement, but he continued to fill the pulpit whenever and wherever needed. It was his joy to have opportunities to share God's Word and God faithfully provided those opportunities.
Jay is predeceased by his parents, J.R. and Lois Weaver; one daughter, April Fern Weaver; one grandchild and three great-grandchildren and his paternal and maternal grandparents; survived by his loving wife, Belinda McMahan Weaver; his six children, Christopher Grady Weaver (Krystal), Jayna Sue Davis (Bob), Joy Beth Billson (Gerry), Jill Amelyn Averitt (Alex), William Cary Weaver (Sara), Andrew Jay Weaver (Elaina); twenty-one grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with three additional great-grandchildren expected this year; also, sisters, Syble Rogers, Virble Bell and Jalois Cox; brothers, Dale Weaver, Gale Weaver, Kendall Weaver and Robert Weaver; also a host of nieces and nephews.
Please join us in the celebration of Jay's life on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at New Life Baptist Church, Alexander, Arkansas. Visitation will be 9:00-11:00 a.m. and service at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Eutopia Cemetery in Cave City, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Arkansas Right to Life or New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, Benton, AR.
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33 Condolence(s)
Norma Owens
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
I remember so many wonderful things about Bro J and his family. I know when they all came to visit in SLC , what a wonderful time we shared Belinda, my heart and prayers go to you and your family we love you and are asking for comfort for each of you. We so enjoyed listening to his sermons at Martindale Baptist. We pray for peace and comfort for your family during this difficult time. Deepest sympathy, Norma Owens
Bill Holbrook
Monday, January 16, 2023
Thoughts & prayers to Jay family. Met Jay in Little Rock while he pastored Martindale and I pastured Archview. Thankful for his life, his love for the Lord, and his family.
Curt & Diane Spence
Sunday, January 15, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. Jay has a special place in our hearts. We loved to hear him preach and to listen to his stories. He loved the Lord and it showed in his life and family. God bless each one of you as you go through this time of grief and sorrow. Oh, what memories you all must have. Jay lives on in you. Belinda, our prayers are with you and the family. We love you!
Crissy McEntire
Saturday, January 14, 2023
May God’s peace comfort you all in this time of sorrow and loss. What a legacy of love your husband and father have left for all of you. What a gift to know you will be reunited in glory, and what a day of rejoicing that will be.
Millie Lace
Saturday, January 14, 2023
My husband Dail and I are so sorry to hear this news just today. We loved Bro Jay and sweet Belinda. We only were acquainted with him through speaking at his church during sanctity of life month and events. He has been a faithful supporter of life. May God crown him with a crown of faithfulness. He always had a smile and encouraging word for us in our ministry.
May God wrap his arms around his family and bring peace and comfort. I know he’s shouting on the hills of glory and that he hears, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.â€
Sending love and prayers,
Millie & Dail Lace
Steve and Deborah Gilbert
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Brother Jay was a strong and positive light in this world. He will be missed.
Debby cole
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Bro Weaver would come and see my mother every week when she could no longer get to church. She appreciated so much as did I. Prayers for the family.
Vickie Davis
Friday, January 13, 2023
Belinda, I am so sorry for your lost. I am so thankful for being able to have known him when he was in our church. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family.
Fred Sifford family
Friday, January 13, 2023
Our prayers are with all of you during this incredibly difficult time.
Caleb & Priscilla Nicholson
Friday, January 13, 2023
We continue to experience Jays love of Jesus through Jill, Alex, Amelia, and Sydney. Thanks for instilling amazing biblical values into a family we love so much!
Pam Morgan
Friday, January 13, 2023
May the Lord bring Jay’s family and friends peace during this difficult time. He was always quick to speak to me whenever we were in the same places, so very kind always.
Ionna Hesd
Friday, January 13, 2023
Heartfelt sympathy for your family at this difficult time.
Robert & Gwen George
Friday, January 13, 2023
Bro. Jay spread the word of God in every way he could. We so enjoyed listening to his sermons at Martindale Baptist. We pray for peace and comfort for your family during this difficult time.
Jeremy evans
Friday, January 13, 2023
John Casey
Friday, January 13, 2023
I just recently met Bro. Jay and was looking forward to getting to know him and having one on one conversations with him. However, GOD has other plans and with this He has shown to me that I shouldn’t take for granted that those older than me will always be here.
Weaver Family, I am sorry for the loss of Bro. Jay. But, I am also happy for Heaven’s gain!
Mary and Larry lester
Friday, January 13, 2023
Jay we met you at Martindale church we loved to hear you preach you brought a lot of people to God you will be missed
Butch Jeffery
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Butch and Julie send our condolences to the Weaver family.
Linda Averitt
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Your smile and just you will be missed, thank you for loving my son as your own.
Cantey Deeter
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Dear Jill and Alex and girls,
By reading your father’s life story, Jill, I can see where you learned your wisdom, grace and Love of Jesus. What a description of such fine kind and delightful man Can only imagine what he is up to now! I will be praying for you this weekend and will look forward to seeing you when you return to Atlanta.
Cantey
Paul Robinson
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Bro. Jay was one of the most influential men in my life during my teen years. He was my Principal, Teacher, Coach, and Spiritual Leader. His consistency has had an impact on my life that is evident even today. My prayers are with the family during this time. Heaven is certainly sounding sweeter all the time.
Kay Milligan
Thursday, January 12, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families.
Cindy and Kevin Goble
Thursday, January 12, 2023
To the best pastor we've ever had! Thank you Bro Jay for pastoring us. We love you !!!
Andrea Poole
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Oh my goodness I was sad to read this . I’ve know him and Belinda all the way back to Denmark baptist church. We went to church camp one ySumner the best time of my life . I love y’all so much and I’m praying I know he’s walking on streets of Gold
Carol Reynolds mcdowell and david mcdowell
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Dave and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you. We love you so much. We are so thankful for the impact on my life and that connection and impact continues on with our kids and grandkids.
Jackie Goforth
Thursday, January 12, 2023
I’m one of Jack and Peggy King’s We are sorry to about J. L. It’s so nice to hear how he lived his life for God as he did. I knew my Mom and Dad had told all of us.
We pray God’s love and comfort on each of you.
Moniqueca Helms
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Although I am sad at the loss of such an amazing man, I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from him. He left such a legacy behind. His is light will continue to shine through not only his family but also those he told about Jesus. Much love to each of you. Moniqueca
Ina Provence
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Words cannot express how my heart hurts for u Belinda, kids. grand children and greats !!! And all of the family !! I'm so so sorry he was a great person and a great friend and graduated with Gerald !! Prayers for all now and days to come !!
Lisa Perkey Abernathy
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Prayers for the Weaver family.
Blaire Rowsey
Thursday, January 12, 2023
So sorry for your loss my heart goes out to all of the family . Bro. Jay was my pastor at Osceola First Baptist Church for many years. A very sweet caring man one of the best pastors I have ever known he preached the word like no other. I am so thankful to have the memories I did with him. Anytime someone needed him he was always there. Love you and you will be missed dearly. May you rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus.
Jerry and Myrle Swope
Thursday, January 12, 2023
In our thoughts and prayers. So glad God brought you to North Hills Baptist Church for a while. You both are loved so much.
Katie Pendleton
Thursday, January 12, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss, praying that my health will let me come Saturday
Kristi Plunkett
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Jeff and I are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and love are with you all in this difficult time.
Cindy Nelson
Thursday, January 12, 2023
Bill and I are so very sorry for your loss. What a lovely, large family you have. Condolences to all of you.