David Alexander Whittington Obituary (1930 - 2012)

Reverend David A. Whittington was born on January 16, 1930 in St. Louis, Missouri to Samuel and Jezebel (Davis) Whittington. He received his primary education in the St. Louis Public Schools and graduated from Sumner High School in 1948. David accepted the Lord at an early age. He attended New Bethlehem Baptist Church where he taught Sunday school and served as the accompanist for the choir. He then later wnet on to attend Lincoln University of Jefferson City, Missouri to study music where he played the French horn, violin, and piano. During his tenure at the university, he was called to active duty and was sent to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas and served as Secretary for two years. David later came to Michigan and worked for Oldsmobile and later became Director of the Lansing Senior Citizens where he organized programs for senior in the Greater Lansing Area. He attended Owosso Bible College where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He later met and married Peggy Ruth Pullin on November 26, 1961. To this union five daughter were born. David became a member of Friendship Baptist Church of Lansing and served as director of the Youth Department. Soon after, he was called to the ministry and on March 24, 1962 he was publicly ordained as Minister to work for the Defense of the Gospel by a Council of Baptist Churches of the Chain Lake District Association. He later became the founder of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church and served as Pastor from 1973 until 1978. In December of 1978, Pastor Whittington shared his vision to "build God an army" and a church where people could come and be equipped with the Word of God. In June of 1970, he became the Pastor of United Hope Baptist Church. Due to failing health, Reverend Whittington could no longer serve as Pastor, so on April 5, 2009 United Hope Baptist Church merged with Christian Celebration Center Church (C4) where he served as Pastor Emeritus under the leadership of his spiritual son Pastor Terrence King. Pastor Whittington has touched the lives of many in the Greater Lansing Area and beyond. Not only was he a loving husband and devoted father, he was also a father-figure, mentor, teacher and friend. On Thursday, October 25, 2012 the Lord said to Pastor Whittington "thou good and faithful servant" and called him to his eternal home to receive his "Crown of Life." Pastor Whittington leaves to cherish his loving memory: wife Peggy of 51 years; five daughters, Sheila G. (Michael) Green, Susan L. Whittington, Cynthia Y. Whittington, Crystal D. (Robert) Cook, and Carol A. Chiv; four grandchildren, Sandra Whittington, Tierney Chiv, Jacob and Daniel Cook; brother, John L. (Gloria) Whittington; sister-in-laws, Bettie Smith and Estella Curtis, both of St. Louis, Missouri; Dorothy Evens, Beverly Gilmore, Marinell White, and Marva Pullin all of Lansing; brother-in-laws, Marvin Pullin Jr., and Donnie Pullin of Planttion, Florida; son-in-law, Sokchay Chiv; special friend and cousin , Jonas and Barbara Hicks; spiritual daughter Nadine Brown-Uddin; and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.