Obituary

John Clyde Nolan of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, journeyed to eternal rest on Monday, November 14, 2011. John was born in Washington, DC, on August 11, 1942, to the late John Jacob and Effie (Lee) Nolan.

In 1983, John was born again. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and united with the Rhema Faith Center Church in Fairfax, VA ( now the Triumphant Church of Springfield, VA). He was ordained as a deacon and served the founding pastors, Cameron and Anna Simmons. Moreover, he faithfully served the Helps Ministry, the Praise and Worship Ministry (he played the harmonica), and the Outreach Ministry. On April 11, 1999, John was ordained as the Associate Pastor of the Triumphant Church. He was known fondly as Pastor John.

John was employed as a bus operator for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) for nineteen and one-half years. He retired on January 1, 2008. During his retirement, he volunteered as the Assistant to the Chaplain of the Good News J ail and Prison Ministry at the Prince George's County Corrections Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Although John is absent from the body, he is present with the Lord. To cherish his memory, he leaves a loving and devoted wife of 20 years, Olivia Nolan (Sweetie); their son, Christopher; five sisters-Alice Ridgley, Sarah Claggett, Mary Washington, Julia Elaine Gibbs, and Barbara Armstead; one uncle, William Lee; one sister-in law; two brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A New Creature: the Testimony of Reverend John Clyde Nolan

"I was born and grew up in Washington, D.C. I am the only boy and the youngest of six children. I have five sisters, but I grew up with my sisters Elaine and Barbara. The three of us were very close in age and relationships. Our mother passed away when we were young; our father stayed with us for about 12 years. After he moved on, he still supported us until we became 18 years of age.

We were raised by grandparents, aunts, and uncles. I sensed that no one else loved me except my two sisters because the actions of those who raised us did not show love. Their words cut deep, 'You'll never amount to anything! You'll never be anything in life! All you will ever be is a jailbird!' Things got worse-the punishing and battering, over and over the same. At age 19, I moved out on my own. I loved all my family members and forgave them for what they did to me.
Since I was the only boy, I did not have positive role models, male or female. During my life, I had many opportunities to fail and to succeed. The choices were in my hand. I could have been an athlete or anything else I desired to be, but I let opportunities slip away.

That was then. I accepted Christ after age 40. I gave up the old nature for a new nature. I am a new creature in Christ Jesus.
I have His life, His nature, and His abilities (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Words can build up, hurt, and tear down. The Word of God has set me free. I am who He says I am, and I am what I am in Him.
I have a Father who will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus Christ is my Role Model. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I am called by God and set apart for His use. God has called me to teach His word. II Timothy 2:2 states, 'And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.' I have been found faithful. God has promoted me to be a leader of men.

Old things have passed away. And, behold, all things are new! Praise the Lord!"