Minister John Pegram, Jr., of Petersburg, Virginia, answered the Master's call to eternal life on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. He was a devoted father, a proud disabled veteran, and a man whose life was rooted in faith, love, and service to others.

Minister Pegram proudly graduated from Petersburg High School in 1982 and continued his education at John Tyler Community College, where he pursued studies in computer analysis.

Answering the call to serve, Minister John Pegram, Jr. was commissioned at Now Faith That Works Christian Church on April 12, 2009, and licensed on April 11, 2010. He continued his ministry as a devoted Stephen Minister at Good Shepherd Baptist Church, offering compassion and support to those in need. He was also a member of the Drama ministry at GSBC which guided him to become a member of Reach Ministries Production led by Minister Selina Bivens.

A true servant of God, Minister Pegram carried the Word of the Lord in his heart and mind at all times. He expressed his faith through praise dancing (miming), ministry, and the way he lived his life daily. He had a spirit filled with joy and compassion, always celebrating others and pouring love into everyone he encountered.

Minister Pegram worked for Amtrak and was also a dedicated entrepreneur, operating his own construction business, Mustard Seed of Faith. Through his work, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, determination, and a commitment to building not only structures, but a lasting legacy.

He had a vibrant and joyful personality. He loved joking, grilling, fishing, and spending time with his family. He also shared a special bond with his beloved dog, Aries. His presence brought light, laughter, and encouragement to all who knew him.

Minister Pegram will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his kind heart, and the powerful impact he made on the lives of others. His legacy of love, strength, and devotion to God will live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Lloyd Pegram; his grandmother, Ledonia Hill; and his cousins, James Granderson (affectionately known as "Baby James") and Tony Granderson (affectionately known as "Tonyman").

He leaves to cherish his memories: his parents, Janet Chaney (Otto) and John D. Pegram, Sr.; his children, Plez Bethune (Tierra), Jasmond Bethune (Amy), Trevard Pegram (Jessica), Serenity Pegram (Trevis), Lyric Bethune, Bianca Grant (Jonathan), and Kapri Grant; his grandchildren, Tykei, Plez Jr., Mikell, Tyona, Kelela, Draco, Phoenix, Kylie, Makari, Messiah, Malaki, Tallulah, Jonathan III, Josiah, and Abzu; his siblings, Natasha Rance, Pierette Rance-Walton, Elder Darinda Bryan (Tony), Troy Grandison, J. Darin P., Arnisha (Mark) Prather, John D. Pegram III, Aaron Pegram, and Jason Pegram; his great aunt, Edna Mason; his aunts, Catherine Smith and BettyAnne Parker; his devoted friends, Cheryl Bethune, Brian Waddell, and Pastor Carl Sherman (Sherie); his forever wife and best friend, Carole Pegram; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at the Veterans Hospital in Richmond for their compassionate care and support during his transition.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." – Matthew 25:23

Minister John Pegram, Jr. will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Higher Way Ministries, 515 Virginia Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Bishop Darren L. Gay, Sr., Pastor. The interment will be private.

Public viewing for Mr. Pegram will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, April 24, 2026, at the funeral establishment.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5892443?fl=so&fe=fs