van “buddy” wesley, jr.
1935-1989
Life Story
Birth & Family Background
Van Wesley, Jr., commonly known as “Buddy,” was born on January 19, 1935, in Newton County, Mississippi. He was the son of Van Wesley, Sr. (1904–1964) and Alma Cleo Walker Wesley (1907–1969), a long-established Saint John family with deep agricultural and church roots in the Bethel–St. John community.
Church Affiliation
Van “Buddy” Wesley, Jr. was a member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, where his family maintained multigenerational membership. His obituary reflects the continued role of Saint John as both the family’s spiritual home and final resting place.
Life & Community
Although specific occupational records for Buddy are limited, newspaper notices and family documentation place him firmly within the Newton community throughout his life. He remained closely connected to his siblings and extended Wesley family, many of whom also lived and worshiped locally.
Death & Burial
Van “Buddy” Wesley, Jr. passed away on May 3, 1989, at the age of 54.
Funeral services were held at Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, with burial following in the Saint John M.B. Church Graveyard. Arrangements were handled by W. F. Mapp Funeral Home of Newton.
Survivors
At the time of his death, Buddy was survived by a large circle of siblings, reflecting the size of the Van Wesley, Sr. household. Survivors listed included:
- Sisters:
Ardellia Wesley Williams, Lovella Wesley Harris, Elizabeth Wesley Mattox, Myrtis Bell Roberts, and Etta Mae Wesley Mann - Brothers:
George Allen Wesley, Calvin Davis Wesley, and David Lee Wesley
Legacy
Van “Buddy” Wesley, Jr.’s life reflects the continuity of Saint John families whose histories are preserved through church records, cemetery burials, and local newspaper accounts. His burial alongside parents and siblings reinforces Saint John M.B. Church Graveyard as a central ancestral site for the Wesley family.
Resting Place
Saint John Missionary Baptist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
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