Timothy Lloyd Pernell, Sr.

Timothy L. Pernell Sr., son-in-law of Reverend Harrison Gregory, Sr., 78, made his transition to be with YHWH on April 13, 2020. Visitation will be held virtually on April 24, 2020 at Whigham Funeral Home, 580 Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ with interment by C. H. Harris Funeral Home to follow at Cedar Grove Baptist Church No.1 Cemetery in Clarksville, VA. Born on January 17, 1942 in Newport News, VA, Mr. Pernell was a resident of East Orange, NJ for 40 years and a resident of Newark, NJ for 15 years. As a youth he spent his formative years alongside his siblings—John, Teresa, Baby Sis, Celeste and Andrew—in their father’s assembly, Refuge Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Richmond, VA. His father, the late Apostle Bishop John W. Pernell Sr., was an icon and scholar in the Christian charismatic movement who trained the young Timothy in the ministry. As a teenager, he ministered from the pulpit and sang as a male lead vocalist in the family’s singing group known as the Pernell Jubilees as well as in the church choir. The group was accompanied by his mother, the late Alice Ruffin Pernell, who dazzled on the piano and organ. A 1959 graduate of Armstrong High School in Richmond, VA, Timothy Pernell personified black excellence and intellectual grit. He attended the New York School of Printing where he earned a certificate for the Automatic Platen Press in 1962 before moving on to find more fulfilling work. Driven by a passion for math and science, he displayed a tenacious work ethic. In the 1960s he worked at General Instrument in Newark, NJ where he excelled as a quality control inspector and became a group leader in the Engineering Department. To his credit he led an illustrious career at the famed Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ for over 30 years where he was hired initially on the grounds crew and then rose from the rank of laboratory assistant to member of technical staff (MTS), typically reserved for PhD scientists. Mr. Pernell achieved professional distinction through years of self-study in organic chemistry, advanced mathematics, physics and computer programming and on-the-job training in various technical disciplines. His work at the Lab involved crystallography, optical microscopy techniques, x-ray topography, laser and telecommunications technologies, optoelectronics research and development, and system administration for the command and control of multitasking engineering processes. His Bell Labs career culminated in authoring or co-authoring 30 conference and journal publications and working to support over 15 patented discoveries. His time at the Lab also saw him continue in a rich tradition of advocacy. He joined and was active in the Association of Black Laboratory Employees (ABLE) where he advocated for opportunities and advancement for blacks in the field and training fellowships for the next generation of scientists. Timothy’s career ended in academia at the University of Virginia where he was an esteemed research scientist and oversaw the National Science Foundation Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on Nanoscopic Materials Design. It was here where his love for engineering, math and science was multiplied in being a professor and mentor to many graduate students—though he never truly retired. In his later years, he was a father-figure to many in his son’s ministry, BET HaSHEM YHWH, where his spiritual life came full circle. Ordained as an elder and then Apostle, he encouraged and challenged souls not to squander life’s opportunities and to manifest Christ Yahshua’s promise. Through a resurgence in his faith, he deposited pearls and prophecies in many others that will live well beyond his seventy-eight years. While his early years were spent dutifully by his beloved father’s side, his later years were spent as a faithful companion to his only son, Bishop Pernell. His life was sealed and bookended by two great men of faith. Of note, Mr. Pernell married Merlene Gregory, a Clarksville, VA native, in 1961 whom he lovingly called Honey. Merlene was the third born child to the late Reverend Harrison Gregory Sr. and Inez Boswell Gregory. To this union four children were born—Kim, Alison, Bishop and Chris— whom he prided himself in and dared to leave a legacy of benevolence. The best of Timothy Pernell can be witnessed in the triumphs of his family, including his children and grandchildren. His family was his saving grace. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Merlene G. Pernell. He is survived by his four children: Apostle Kim Maria Walker, Apostle Alison D. Pernell, Bishop Pernell and Dr. Apostle Chris T. Pernell. He is cherished by his dearest and only daughter-in-law, Apostle Pasha Pernell (Bishop Pernell), his son-in-law, Apostle Karim Immanuel (Apostle Alison Pernell), and his special daughter/niece, Minister Tricia Brewster (Matthew Brewster). To his legacy are seven grandchildren: Kristina Marie Walker, Dr. Edwin Jerome Walker Jr., Winston John Walker, Timmi Chris AdoniYah Pernell, Jessica Ann Alison Pernell, Tatiana Inez Pernell, and ChaiYah Elite Merlene Pernell, and his special grandniece, Inez McKenzie Brewster. He was preceded in death by his brother, John W. Pernell Jr. (Lettie Pernell). He is survived by four siblings: Teresa Pernell Williams, Alice Pernell Blair, Celeste Pernell Paz (Hugo Paz), and Andrew Pernell (Sandra Pernell), and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins. He is also survived by his dear siblings-in-law: Margaret Moody, Marjorie Banks, Harrison Gregory Jr. and Rufus Gregory. Timothy Pernell lived a life for the history books. His legacy will never be forgotten or diminished and now he reigns in power. In the faithful words of Big Tim, “hold tight, hold tight, hold tight!” The baton has been passed and his seed shall hold fast. Due to the mandates from Governor Ralph Northam, a private service was conducted Monday, April 27, 2020 at Ceder Grove Baptist Church #1 Cemetery, Clarksville, VA with Rev. Andy Hargrove officiating. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Whigham Funeral Home in Newark, NJ and C. H. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clarksville, VA.