Dea. John Wesley “JW” Alls, Jr.

Deacon John Wesley "JW" Alls, Jr., born on March 8, 1940, in Allendale County, South Carolina, to the late John Wesley Alls, Sr. and Arrie Mae Robinson Alls. From his earlier years, faith would become an important foundation in his life. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his Savior and became a baptized member of Antioch Christian Church, DOC.

His Love for God was reflected in his many years of faithful service to his church and community. He served as President of the Disciples of Men Ministry, Local and State Usher Board and later became a Deacon Emeritus. His love of music and ministry also led him to serve on the Male Chorus, Senior and Mass Choirs. After he and his wife relocated to Ruffin, SC, he continued his commitment to service by becoming a member of the Clemson University Family and Community Leaders of Colleton County, Ruffin Unit. Throughout the years, Deacon Alls remained a faithful servant of God, his church and community until his health declined.

As a young man, Deacon Alls answered another call to service. In 1960 he enlisted in the United States Army, where he proudly served his country for three years before being honorably discharged. Following his military service he returned to civilian life and began building a career and a future for his family. He worked at JP Stevens for several years before being employed at Westinghouse Micarta, until his retirement.

His concern for others extended far beyond his word and church. In the early 1970s, Deacon Alls became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement. He worked alongside others in the community in the pursuit of justice and voting rights for Black Citizens and other minorities. He believed in standing up for what was right and doing his part to create opportunities for future generations. That same desire inspired him to make a difference and establish the Hampton County Youth Association during the 1970s. Through that organization, he sought to give young ladies something positive and meaningful to do while teaching them importance of discipline, respect, responsibility and sportsmanship. Deacon Alls was a Commissioner of a Softball League in Hampton County. His investment in young people was another reflection of his commitment to building a stronger community.

His dedication to service and leadership continued through his involvement in numerous civic and fraternal organizations. Deacon Alls was a member of the Hampton County NAACP and one of the founding members of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Steering Committee that gave scholarships to students that wanted to attend college. Also, he as a member fo Glad Tiding OES, Chapter 48, Antioch Lodge #91, Grand Worthy Patron, Past Worthy Patron, Red, Black, Blue, and Purple Houses. He was a Knight Templar, the Black Houses and member of Arabian Temple #139, Charleston, SC.

Deacon Alls was a hardworking man with an entrepreneurial spirit, where he served people throughout various communities. He became the proud owner and operator of "This and That Store", it was not simply a place of business, but it gave him opportunities to meet people, build relationships and remain connected to the communities he loved. Deacon Alls accomplished much throughout his lifetime, however family remained an important part of his journey. He was united in Holy Matrimony to his loving wife Susan Stephens Alls, and together they shared 17 years of marriage. He was a man that was deeply loved by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grands, church and extended families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Alls, Sr., Arrie Mae Robinson Alls, sisters Lucille Wilson, Betty Benjamin, brothers James "Crook", Otto Alls and granddaughter Shayla Alls.

He leaves to hold dear his memory which will be cherished by his devoted wife, Susan Stephens Alls; daughters, Edna Alls of Varnville, SC, Patricia (Charlie) Roberson of Columbia, SC, and Tanya Jordan of Columbia, SC; sons, Johnny Lee (Kathy) Alls of Atlanta, GA, and Shair (Rachel) Alls of Hampton, SC; raised as sister Arrie Mae (Larry) Dickerson; raised as brother Otts (Juliette) Alexander; 23 Grandchildren; 19 Great-grands; 32 Great great-grandchildren; three favorite sisters-in law, Gloria Brown, Ruffin, SC, Janet Riley, Charlotte, NC, Marie Harley, Varnville, SC, Marie Alls, Varnville, SC; one brother-in-law, Charles Younginer, Columbia, SC; long-time friend, Jessie Malloney, and special friends, Willie Preister, Donnell Williams, Tommy "TC" Sanders, Benjamin Wilson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends; Special dedicated and loved Caregivers and friends, Vernell Lewis, Bernard Crosby and William McFadden.

Deacon John Wesley "JW" Alls, Jr., lived a life rooted in faith and service to others. He served God, his country, family, and communities. Whether singing in the choir, serving as a deacon, standing for civil rights, mentoring young people, operating his business, or simply being present for those he loved. His journey was one of faith, service, leadership, perseverance and love. His presence will be greatly missed, the lessons he taught, the work he began, the family he loved and the countless lives he touched will be his legacy that continues for generations to come.

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