Rev.James S. Becoat

Elder James S. Becoat, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was born in Florence County on April 14, 1944 to the late Rev. Leroy and Mrs. Marie “Sally” Becoat.

Elder Becoat was a 1963 graduate of Gibbs High School and loved keeping in touch with as many classmates as he could. As a young man, he joined and was a member of Trinity AME Church, Pamplico, SC, where the Holy Spirit led him into music ministry without any professional musical instruction. This led him into radio broadcasting with Dr. Rev. O. E. Jackson. He was always on program to speak and provide spiritual inspiration to all who were willing to listen. After graduating from high school, Elder Becoat moved to Manhattan, New York with his sister and brother-in-law Rev. Susan B. and the late Lonnie Davis.

From there he moved to Philadelphia, PA and founded his church Saint James Tabernacle Church of God in Christ where he mentored to his congregation and the community. Always encouraging youth you would see him traveling and taking children to services and many speaking engagements encouraging them in their public speaking, and working and taking care of their communities and neighborhoods.

He was a Master Chef at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA for over thirty years. And not only did he cook for the University but he provided spiritual food to all he came in contact with. A humble and faithful servant who visited the sick and shut in even if it meant riding public transportation. He also served as the Chairman of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Robinson Roots Family Reunion Committee until his health declined.

Elder Becoat always had a song to sing and loved the Senior Citizen’s at Mill Branch A.M.E. Church, Pamplico, SC. He was a father to the fatherless, a friend to friendless, a hope to the hopeless and once his health declined he had to close the doors of Saint James Tabernacle, but he still provided his spiritual guidance as an Assistant Pastor at Sanctuary Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA under the guidance of Rev. David Jason.

Elder James S. Becoat was loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed. He would say I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister Rev. Rosezella B. Stallings; three brothers Ellie Bobby Becoat, Herman Becoat, and Franklin Becoat; and, Anthony Stone whom he raised as his son.

He leaves to cherish his memories: A loving and caring daughter Veronica M. Stone of Hartsville, SC; two granddaughters Niyoka Stone and Dahlia McNeil both of Darlington, SC; two grandsons Tyrez Stone and Russel Sanders both of Florence, SC; three great granddaughters, Alyce’ana Wilson, C’Neya Hough and D’Voncia Hough all of Darlington, SC; an adopted daughter Melissa (Jon) Mose of Florence, SC; two sisters Rev. Susan B. Davis and Evangelist Annise Wingfield both of Pamplico, SC; one brother Rev. Dr. A. C. Robinson, of Pamplico, SC; one sister-in-law Linda Becoat of Manhattan New York; a special and dear friend MaeBell Stone of Florence, SC; a special brother Steward Sylvester (Georgia) Davis of Pamplico, South Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and friends.