In Memoriam – Elder Joseph Mack Guilford

Joseph “Joe” Mack Guilford was born to Joe Lee & Sarah Guilford on April 15, 1937 in Dothan, Alabama. At the age of 11 years old, he was saved and filled with the Holy Ghost at Holy Temple Church, Panama City, Florida; under the leadership of his father.

Joe completed his childhood education in Utica, New York. In 1953, he joined the United States Air Force. After basic training, he was assigned to the Portland Oregon Air Force Base. Soon after being stationed in Portland, OR, Joe met Athalina Guilford. They were married on August 15, 1954, for 54 years and seven months, until her death on May 14, 2009. Joe later attended Multnomah College in Portland, OR, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering; and later attended the University of La Verne in La Verne, CA, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion.

Joe would later be ordained as an elder in the Church Of God In Christ on September 15, 1972 by Bishop S.M. Crouch in Los Angeles, California. Throughout his Christian journey, Elder Guilford served as Assistant Pastor at the New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ, Compton, CA, under the leadership of Pastor J.D. Jones. In 1975, he was led to branch out into ministry and began the Mount Olive Community Church Of God In Christ in the city of Carson, CA. He also served as the Assistant Superintendent of the Long Beach District, under the leadership of Bishop J.L. Ealy. In 1988, Bishop C.E. Blake appointed Elder Guilford to serve as the Pastor of Goodwill Church Of God In Christ in Long Beach, CA. Throughout his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in God, which he shared with those who surrounded him.

Joseph “Joe” Mack Guilford went home to our Lord on May 31, 2022 at age 85. In addition to his dedication as a husband, commitment and faithfulness to preaching the Word of God, Joe was also a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and godfather.

Preceding him in death was his dear wife Athalina and his son Michael. He leaves to celebrate his legacy five children: Emelda Garcia (Gilbert), Roy Guilford (Ardrena), Norman Guilford, Ladrado Guilford (Lisa) and Yolinda McCown (Eugene); his twenty grandchildren: Semica (Sabu), Tunisia, Joseph (Marisol), Xavier (Jennifer), Jazmun, Kevin (Theresa), Jonathan, Christian, Sean, Niamke, Dymond Precious, Amara, Jon, Norman Jr., Andrew, Brandon (Hannah), Dymond Amber, Eryck, Crystal, and Eryn; his sixteen great-grandchildren, one goddaughter, many adopted/spiritual children, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Leave your thoughts about Elder Guilford and/or encouraging words to the family …