Pastor Edward Louis Tibbs

Pastor Edward Louis Tibbs, age 70, passed away on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at approximately 7:45 p.m.  at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima surrounded by his loved ones.

Pastor Tibbs was born on December 4, 1947   in Lima, Ohio to Louis C. and Readie (Wash) Tibbs; both parents preceded him in death.

On February 4, 1976 he was united in holy matrimony to Shirley A. Willis who survives in Lima.

Edward L. Tibbs demonstrated the love of God to all those he encountered. He enjoyed spending quality time with his family and cherished his precious wife Shirley of 42 years. He dedicated his life to serving God, and was ordained as a minister at Mt. Olivet Church of God in Christ in Lima, Ohio. In 1979 he and his wife founded Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ. The church name was later changed and still remains as New Life Christian Ministries. Through his ministry many souls were healed and fed by his passionate preaching and teaching of the word of God. A food pantry began at the church which still feeds hungry families today. During his tenure as Pastor he also presided over churches in Findlay and Marion, Ohio. God's call on his life also led him on mission trips to Africa, Haiti, and Belize. In April 2015 he was installed as Pastor Emeritus of New Life Christian Ministries, and passed the pastoral duties to his son Pastor Damian Tibbs. Even after this transition he continued to share his wisdom, and help many people in need. A father figure to many with a great adoration for the elderly. One of his greatest desires was to see churches come together regardless of race or denomination.

His love for others also reached outside of the church into the community sector he would come to serve. In 1983 he was the first African-American appointed by the office of the Mayor to a position in City Administration. He served as Administrative Assistant to Lima's former mayor Harry Moyer. He was instrumental in helping many people in the community find employment. He pioneered ASAP which was an after school tutoring program focused on helping children succeed in school and life. He and Pastor Fayne Wise were a crucial part of curbing negative youth behavior in local schools. They were both a welcomed sight in Lima City Schools, Elida and Shawnee during a brief time in the 1990's. His passion for youth and athletics led him to lend his support to others in the creation of Team Lima an AAU Basketball team. Connected Hands Helping Others was one of the final social service programs to which he was able to lend his support. This organization helped expectant mothers through the Baby Project, and provided assistance and educational materials to those suffering with Lupus.

He will truly be missed by family and friends but is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by a sister; Katie Jordan.

Services will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Philippian Missionary Baptist Church with Elder Damian D. Tibbs.

Visitation/Wake will be held on Friday, July 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. until time of services also at the church.                   

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to The TIBBS Family, visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com

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