John Frank McLaurin Sr. was born to the late John McLaurin and Ethel Benjamin, on April 25, 1932 in

Laurinburg, North Carolina he departed this life on March 9, 2022 at the age of 89 years old. He took his last

breach in the arms of his caregivers Glendale and Queenette McLaurin, his beloved son and daughter-in-law

John was the eldest of six sisters and three brothers. John was educated in the Scorland County school system

and later moved to Baltimore, Maryland in the early 1960's. John worked as a supervisor for the City of

Baltimore until his retirement. John gave his life to Christ at an early age. His real passion was his devotion

to the church and his love of singing gospel. He would become one of the most recognized voices in the

gospel world, singing with such groups as "The Southern Sunlight," "The Keys of Faith" and "The

Christianaires of Baltimore." John would go on to help produce and sing such prominent songs as "'ve been

born again", "When", "The Promise Land," and "I Can't Even Walk" and many more. John was well

respected and highly regarded in his neighborhood of Ashland Avenue, where he did so much for so many.

John was the ultimate outdoorsmen. Hunting, fishing and playing spades were his other passions. Due to his

ability to beat you at almost anything, he was known by many names such as Mr. John, Honcho, Stomp Jones

& Pops to name a few. John was the definition of a true family man, man of the people, leader and true

teacher. We the family will miss his beautiful smile, laughter and sense of humor. John gave us such courage,

hope and a reminder to us just how precious life is.

John was preceded in death by both parents, three sisters, Fannie Mae McQueen, Ethel Mae Benjamin, and

Juanita Bostic, three brothers, David Benjamin, Walter Benjamin & Harold Benjamin. He leaves the

following siblings, Ada Mclnnis, Alberta Covington, Christine Brogden and one brother-in-law, Kenneth

Brogden in his memory. John was also preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy Lee Thomas McLaurin, as

well as his second wife, Shirley Jane Leach McLaurin. From each of these unions came an abundance of

beautiful children. John & Dorothy Lee together had five children, John Frank McLaurin Jr., Frankie Lee

McLaurin wife Wanda, Lilly McLaurin husband Tommy, they also had two daughters that preceded John in

death, Verdella McLaurin & Elder Maxie Lee McLaurin. John, along with his second wife Shirley, together

had six children, Sheila McLaurin Vickaryous, husband Chuck, Jonathan McLaurin, special friend Norene,

Gwyenthan McLaurin Sr. wife Shante, Glendale McLaurin Sr. wife Queenette, Corey F. McLaurin wite

Artraya, & Tony McLaurin wife Towanda. John also had two other sons and one daughter from a previous

relationship Stanley Croskey wite Sydney, Curtis Glover late wife Shelley, Sharon Grover Mckay husband

Robert.

John leaves an abundance of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces,

nephews cousins, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, extended family and friends to cherish his memories.