Glenn Myers, 85, of Philadelphia, Miss., died Aug. 3, 2023. He was born June 3, 1937, in Doylestown, Pa., to Charles and Mary (Godshall) Myers. He graduated from Eastern Mennonite College with a B.S.Ed. and Mississippi State University with a M.S.Ed.
In 1961, Glenn married Emma Bender from Greenwood, Del. In 1963, they moved to Mississippi to assist Emma’s parents, Nevin and Esther Bender, in ministry among the Choctaws in the Nanih Waiya community. He served as church pastor and taught high school.
During this time, the Nanih Waiya church was bombed three times. After advocating for Black students, his teaching contract for the next year was not renewed. He was hired at Philadelphia High School, though administration was reluctant to hire a teacher fired from the county school. Glenn was a gifted teacher. He taught chemistry, physics and physical science for 40 years at PHS. He was awarded Star Teacher numerous times.
Around 1972, Glenn started a church plant in Pearl River. He served as pastor at Pearl River Mennonite Church until his retirement. After retiring, he continued to provide ministerial guidance to the Nanih Waiya and Pearl River churches.
Glenn provided leadership to Pine Lake Fellowship Camp in Meridian. His involvement started in 1963, the date it was established. He served numerous years on camp board and summer camp staff. If there was a need, he volunteered.
His favorite pastime was gardening. His garden was beautiful and bountiful and produced enough for many.
He was loved and respected as a pastor and teacher. He had a heart for God, people and service. People would often stop him to share a story of how he had touched their life. A Choctaw minister reflected that “Glenn always listened to us.”
He is survived by his wife; three daughters, Milli (Marvin) Floyd, Sheila (Darrell) Zehr and Beth Myers; a brother, Marlin Myers; two sisters, Rhoda Yoder and Karen Moats; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by brothers Homer Myers and Luke Myers and sister Ruth Sewell.
Memorial gifts can be made to Pine Lake Fellowship Camp.
