One of My Favorite Cousins - Apostle Dr. H. Frank Hemby Sr.

Dr. Apostle Herman Frank Hemby Senior was a native of Greenville, NC. He was born to the late Rev. Bennie Lee and Rev. Kathleen Gray Hemby. He was one of twelve children. Apostle Hemby was educated in the public school system in Greenville and Raleigh, NC. and continued higher educational pursuits in business at Hardbarger Business College, North Carolina State University, Kings Business College in Raleigh, NC and Pitt Community College-Greenville, NC in preparation for a life lived in service and commitment in his professional life earning numerous awards and citations for outstanding achievement during his distinguished insurance career as a Sales Agent, Staff Manager and later earned the designation of Life Underwriter Training Counsel Fellow (LUTCF). Dr. Hemby was a decorated soldier who served his country in the United Stated Army and Navy where he was awarded both the Bronze Star Medal and the Valorous Unit Award. His military and civilian career travels spanned across the U.S., Asia-Pacific, Africa, and European region. Dr. Hemby’s had the heart of a servant leader developing his love for the Lord and God’s people through his service as a member of the Usher Board, Gospel Choir, Trustee and Deacon Boards and Prison Missionary Team. In 1995, Dr. Hemby was ordained as a church Elder to aide in preaching ministry and served as a member of the Board of Directors.

 Dr. Hemby’s His life's purpose was to know God, understand things from His perspective, and do what God was calling him to do. By the grace of God, in 1998 he founded and later became the Presiding Bishop of The First Biblican Church of Deliverance Incorporated a non-denominational Christian ministry. He often referred to God as the Banner over his life, acknowledging that his whole identity was found in and founded on God and with that mindset endeavored to make disciples of men and women who would boldly carry the banner of Christian distinction “raising the banner of the Lord” as instructed in Exodus 17:15 and John 12:32. With God’s help he developed a successful partnership with the Food Bank of the Central and Eastern NC to feed the hungry. In 2006, he became the Covenant Care Pastor for the Greater Raleigh Chapter of the Women of Faith, Inc. In 2008, he partnered with Step-Up Ministry working with adults who desire become self-sufficient, transform their lives through life skills training employment, and housing. Dr. Hemby’s greatest moments came through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, leading him to study, to pray and to meditate on the Word of God as he sat at the feet of Jesus Christ. He believed that from this position flowed renewed vision and purpose. And from vision and purpose, hope could truly be birthed. Dr. Hemby was the author of two books well received in bookstores entitled, “Cities In The Church” and “Get Real (genuine) or Get Kill (perish) based on John 10:10.

Left to cherish a lifetime of memories, his eternal love of 46 years wife, Pastor Mary Elizabeth Jones Hemby Hookerton, N.C.; Daughters, Francine Hemby of Wendell, NC, Minister Karen Hemby of Raleigh, N.C., Evette Jones of Hookerton, NC and Dr. Shonate Frederick (Pastor Dr. David) of Zebulon, NC; Sons, Dr. Herman Hemby, Jr, Bey DM of Garner, NC, and Christopher Tomlinson of Holly Springs, N.C.; Sisters, Attorney Jean Levi Chapel Hill, N.C., Reverend Dr. Beulah Roach, Reverend Dr. Allonia Holmes and Jackie E. Hemby, all of Raleigh, NC; Brothers, Reverend Jas Hemby, and Reverend Stewart Hemby both of Raleigh N.C; Nine Grandchildren and Four Great-Grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Apostle Dr. Herman F. Hemby, Sr of Hookerton, NC departed this life on Monday, September 5, 2022.

Funeral Service:  12:00 PM, Monday, September 12, 2022 at Abundant Life Christian Center COGIC, 4400 Old Poole Road, Raleigh, NC.

Visitation:  11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, preceding the service at the church.

Interment: 12:00 PM, Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, Goldsboro, NC.

For live stream click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQg2otNP9Zw