Jonas Givins, Jr.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

II Timothy 4:6-7

Deacon Jonas Givins, Jr. was born on June 21, 1931 in Emmanuel County, GA – Crossing Green community, to the late Mozella Johnson Givins and the late Jonas Givins, Sr. He was called home by God on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, Columbia, SC.

Jonas was educated in the public schools of Emmanuel County, GA; and was employed with RC Motorline and Pepsi Cola Bottling Company for 44 years combined. He was a dedicated employee who rarely missed a day of work during his tenure. Even after retirement, he worked for several years and was dedicated until his health began to fail.

Deacon Givins relocated to Columbia, SC by way of Jacksonville, FL with his job (RC Motorline) in 1956. He was a founding member of the Bible Way Church Hampton Street (now Piedmont Avenue), and was its last remaining charter member. He faithfully served at Bible Way for over 60 years. Deacon Givins served under all five pastors of the church, and was the church’s first bus driver, former chairman of the Deacon’s Board, former Sunday School superintendent, counselor, and mentor. Deacon Givins has baptized countless hundreds of souls in Jesus’ name over the years. He was deeply committed to Bible Way, and rarely did he miss any service or function of the church until his health began to decline.  He was a family man and was a father to so many. Deacon Givins always helped others without hesitation. He loved giving of his resources, time, and abilities to help anyone in need.

Deacon Givins was united in holy matrimony to Mrs. Dorothy Waiters Givins on August 28, 2010. They were approaching eight years of marriage.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by two wives, Lillian Mitchell Givins, and Sarah Taylor Givins, one infant daughter, Deborah Elaine Givins, as well as three sisters, five brothers, and one grandson.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife, Dorothy M. Givins of the home; his daughters, Gwendolynn A. Givins -Watson, Rosa L. (David) Thomas, and Francetta Waiters, all of Columbia, SC; and Christine (Jacques) Ficklin, Atlanta, GA; sons, Jamison (Clarissa) Givins, Columbia, SC; Jerome (Tara) Givins, and William McGee, both of Atlanta, GA; and Anthony Waiters, Elizabeth City, NC; one brother, James Givins, Philadelphia, PA; two sisters; Doretha Rivers, Jersey City, NJ, and Lina Dillard, Swainsboro, GA; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grands; along with a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family members who will all miss him dearly.

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