Evangelist Naomi Sessley

Evangelist Naomi Sessley, age 94, transitioned March 22, 2022. Evangelist Sessley will lie in repose Friday, April 1, 2022 from 12:00 pm until 8:00 p.m. Family will receive friends Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith, 1200 Brentnell Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43219. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate, Monday, April 4, 2022 at 10:00 am. We will process from White's Funeral and Cremation Services at 9:00 am.

Evangelist Naomi Sessley passed peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at her home in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by her loving family. Born February 4, 1928, in Charleston, West Virginia to Daniel and Johny Scott Turns 

Evangelist Sessley graduated from Central High School in 1947 in Columbus, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Religious Education degree from Aenon Bible college in June 1978 and became an ordained minister of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc (PAW) in July 1978. On July 12, 2003, she received an Honorary Doctorate Divinity Degree from the International Apostolic University of Grace and Truth.

Evangelist Sessley was a devoted member of the Church of Christ of the Apostolic Faith (CCAF) in Columbus, Ohio for over 75 years. She was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Spirit on March 20, 1950. An anointed and gifted woman of God she has preached the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ with her life and conviction, power and simplicity without compromise. Evangelist Sessley had an innate ability to make the word applicable to the world in which we live while holding the attention of her captivated listeners.

Evangelist Sessley held the distinction of being the first and only woman in the 100-year history of the Church of Christ of Apostolic Faith to be appointed to pastoral staff. She fulfilled the multiple responsibilities of her position for 11 years. She has preached at a variety of different churches and was involved with college campus ministries teaching Bible study at The Ohio State University and at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee as well as an instructor at a Aenon Bible College and at the Aenon Mini-Academy she also traveled throughout the United States and abroad effectively speaking the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Evangelist Sessley served in many areas including Trustee Board, Camp Counselor, Director of the Altar Workers Training and Development, Chief Worship Service Officer, Co-Overseer of Development of Women's Ministries, Director of Vacation Bible School, Sunday School Teacher, Pastoral Counselor, New Convert Class Teacher, Co-Overseer of the Department of Women's Ministries, Member of the Mothers Board, and Member of the Department of Ministries Wives and Widows. 

Evangelist Sessley lived by the scripture Psalm 34:1-3:

I bless God every chance I get: my lungs expand with His praise. I live and breathe God: if things aren’t going well, hear this and be happy: join me in spreading the news; together let’s get the word out.

She had a never-ending thirst for souls. She was blessed with supernatural anointing in assisting the young and the old in receiving the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues. Among older people she’s highly regarded for her godly reputation and sweet spirit. Among the young she’s loved and respected for being an outstanding role model and confidant.

“SHE IS AN EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN OF GREAT DISTINCTION”

She is survived by her children; Sims Edward (Debbie), Larry, Robert (Bonnie), Phillip (Leondra) Sessley and Crystal (Christopher) Powell. 26 Grandchildren, 45 Great-Grandchildren, 6 Great-Great Grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by parents Daniel and Johny Scott Turns, husband of 42 years Sims Sessley, daughter Brenda Sessley Mason, grandson Phillip (Aarif) Mason and special daughter Kathryn Bolden.

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