Brother Sam Mason

Raymond

Solomon Bryan Mason, Jr., 88, journeyed home to heaven on March 8, 2015.

Brother Sam Mason played a prominent role in the Southern Baptist community as a pastor, teacher, poet, singer, caring neighbor and friend. Inscribed on his tombstone is his life's mission: "He fed God's birds, He tried to feed God's people". Having spiritually nourished countless lives with his wisdom, comfort, humor, strength, caring and dedication, his mission has become his legacy etched in the hearts of those he encountered.

A true Mississippian, he was born on July 18, 1926 in Benton, MS to the late, Solomon Bryan Mason, Sr. and Mattie Mae Golden. After graduating from Ruth High School, his education at Mississippi College was interrupted by his enlistment on July 18, 1943 in the U.S. Navy. While home on leave, he married his childhood sweetheart, Esther Jane Gunnell, on July 8, 1945. He then continued his service in the South Pacific aboard the USS Kittyhawk during WWII until February, 1946.

Brother Sam felt God's call to the ministry and after graduating from Mississippi College with highest honors, he entered New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary receiving a Masters of Religious Education degree. During this time, he began his first pastorate at Lucien Baptist Church. In 1956, he became the founding pastor of Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Jackson where he served until 1972. He served as interim pastor at Pocahontas Baptist Church until he was called as an interim at First Baptist Church Raymond, becoming their pastor from 1974 until retirement in 1988. While in retirement, he served as interim pastor at Learned Baptist Church for ten years.

Brother Sam was an avid gardener as evidenced by "Esther's Garden", a tribute to his late wife featured on the grounds in front of First Baptist Raymond. Recently, he authored a book, "His Walk", a compilation of the poems and songs he had written over his ministry. During his last years, he poured his heart and considerable knowledge into a new Sunday School class, the Heat Pump Class, formed to develop a deeper prayer life and to pray for every member of the church family.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Esther, and his daughter, Janice Ann Mason.

Brother Sam is survived by his son, Solomon Bryan Mason, III "Sam" (Susan) of Clinton, MS; grandchildren, Solomon Bryan Mason, IV "Bryan" (Teresa) of Los Angeles, CA and Anna Kathleen Mason, also of Los Angeles.

The family would like to extend their considerable appreciation to Gentiva Hospice, Janet Butts, Betty Gordon, Eric Warren and the many friends and neighbors who were the hands and feet of Jesus as they helped minister to our loved one in his later years.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church Raymond from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, March 13th and on Saturday, March 14th at 10:00 am. The memorial service will follow at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary with burial at Raymond Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church Raymond: Esther's Garden fund or the Youth Ministry.

Published in Clarion Ledger from Mar. 11 to Mar. 13, 2015