Obituary of John Harold Givens

Rev. John Harold Givens of Pembroke, MA, formerly of Surfside Beach, SC and Scotch Plains, NJ, passed away September 24 at the age of 93 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Alice (Strotz), and four children: Ginger and her husband Pete Aragona of Paramus, NJ; Jean and her husband Bruce Bumpus, of Pembroke, MA; John and his wife Cynthea of Andover, MA; and Larry and his wife Margaret of Gillette, NJ. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was a graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL and Princeton Theological Seminary. He pastored Colwyn Baptist Church in Colwyn, PA for 12 years. He then taught elementary school in Westfield, NJ, while continuing to serve as an interim pastor for local congregations. In retirement he preached at campground services in Huntington Beach State Park, SC, a ministry of Surfside Beach Presbyterian Church where he attended for many years. He will be remembered for how wholeheartedly he loved and served God and for the spiritual heritage that he gave to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Family and friends will honor Rev. Givens by gathering Saturday morning at 9 am at Somerset Hills Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, NJ. Interment will follow at Lake Nelson Memorial Park, Piscataway, NJ.