William James Wise

WILLIAM JAMES WISE, JR was born December 31, 1944 at Baltimore City Hospital to the William J. Wise, Sr. and the late Helen Wise. Pastor Wise, who was fondly known as "Deacon Wise," was educated within the Baltimore City Public School System.He gave his heart to the Lord at the age of eighteen. The first Friday in June 1963, he experienced his new birth in Jesus Christ. He immediately joined Evening Light Holiness Church where Pastor Lillian Fontaine was his Pastor. He served as the church's janitor, Sunday School teacher, treasurer, speaker, and any other position his hands could find work. During his eleven years of membership with Pastor Fontaine, he was ordained a deacon under her ministry. Surely, everyone can remember "Deacon Wise" walking down the aisle while playing his washboard and breaking out in a dance with the musicians.One of the happiest days in the life of "Deacon Wise" was when he married his beloved, Maxine Thompson of New Jersey in 1974. Close friends teased him that he went completely outside of Baltimore, Maryland to find his "divine rib." From this union were born two sons, Stephen Samuel and Jonathan Josiah, who had also given their hearts to Christ and labored in the church.In June, 1974, "Deacon Wise" joined The Temple of Pastor Prayer Holiness Church, where Elder Frank Barnes was and still serves as the Pastor. He was a member there for several years. Under the leadership of Elder Barnes, he taught Sunday School, cleaned the church, preached, and ministered as bible teacher. It was no surprise to go downtown and see this bold man of God with a bullhorn preaching the message of salvation. Many souls, to this day, have come to know Jesus Christ by the street ministry of "Deacon Wise" the evangelist.Pastor Wise became a member of Living Work Christian Center in 1984 where Bishop-elect David Brown was and currently serves as the Senior Pastor. Under Bishop-elect David Brown, "Deacon Wise" experienced a series of elevations and ordinations from May 1986-July 1998. He volunteered as an honor guard, church custodian, and anywhere else the Pastor needed him. He was a Bible School graduate, Resident Pastor, and Chairman of the Deacon Board.He loved to study the Bible, read books and he read several newspapers a day. He loved to listen to talk shows constantly. He was known as the "Walking Bible." He knew well over 2/3 of the Word of God by memory. In some cases, he could quote entire chapters by memory. He had a wealth of knowledge regarding the Word of God, world affairs and politics."Deacon Wise" was employed at Morgan State University from April 1986-May 1986 and again, from August 1998-October 2007 where he was known as "Mr. Wise." While employed at Morgan State, he worked in various position where he shared his love for God with students and faculty.Deacon Wise had two siblings that preceded him in death, Charles Wise and Gloria Wise. Still remaining to celebrate his life are: his wife, Maxine Wise; two sons; Stephen and Jonathan Wise; one "adopted daughter" Bethel Demissie; two sisters, Frances and husband, Wade Foster; and Eleanor Thomas; three brothers, Bernard and wife, Yolanda Wise; Larry and wife, Gwen Wise; and Jerry Wise; a committed and a faithful, best friend, Sylvester and wife, Gloria Bracey; as well as his other faithful, best friend, William Alton; the entire Living Word Ministries family and a multitude of relatives and friends.

Tributes

William James Wise

December 31, 1944 - May 26, 2008