Eddie Cumbo,

Bishop Eddie James Cumbo, Jr. was born to his parents, Hazel Cumbo McGee and Eddie James Cumbo, Sr. on September 17, 1942 in Houston, Texas. He was reared and educated in the Fifth Ward Area. At the age of 17, he joined the United States Navy he served for three years while playing basketball for them and training in Head Nautical Engineering. He then spent two years in the naval reserve. After being honorably discharged he returned to Houston. At a young age, he became the father of three children. He returned to school and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Theology and started to work on his master’s degree. He was christened at the Sloan Memorial AME church as a baby and later joined and was baptized at the church of the Living God (PGT) Temple #18 under the pastoralship of Bishop Davis. He pastured the church of the Living God in Conroe, Texas for eight years, after which he assisted Bishop Ural Ware at the Temple #18 in the Third Ward. He moved to Clinton, Iowa due to a job transfer in 1998, where he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Holmes. He founded the Help Gospel Truth Ministry and Outreach Foundation, which provides food, clothing, shelter, and financial aid to those in need. He assisted with two churches: Second Baptist and Greater True Love M.B.C. in Clinton, Iowa and also founded the House of Refuge Church in Davenport, Iowa. Studying, discussing, teaching, and preaching God’s word was his driving force. He also did alright when it came to belting out a song. His parents preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his departure, a loving wife: Patricia Cumbo; a dad and mom: James and Lois McGee of Houston, Texas. A dear mother-in-law Lillie Bailey of Clinton, Iowa. He leaves a sister: Emma Eddie Blanch Cumbo Cloman (George) of Boyce, Louisiana; two brothers: James Cumbo of Los Angeles, California and Sam Cumbo of Houston, Texas; a play sister in his cousin Edna Jean Christwell (Elder Clinton) of Houston, Texas. He leaves daughters: Charlotte Lynell Cumbo, Elonese Cumbo, Kimberly Holmes of Clinton, Iowa, Tina Baylor (Milton) all of Houston, Texas, and Erica Taylor of Los Angeles, California. He leaves sons: Eddie James Cumbo III (Monique), Johnnie Marshall and Brian Levy of Houston, Texas. He leaves Grandchildren, Reka Cumbo, Rachal Cumbo, Ronald Thomas, Keavon Markel Homes, Kavarion McKenzie Brown, Daysia Cumbo, Destiny Brown, Malsara Baylor, Westley Baylor and Kevin Sampson. He leaves godchildren Jerell Hines, Raqueiel Hughes, Ruth N. Steuart, Sadriana Holmes, DeLeon Holmes, and Vernon Stewart. He leaves god grandchildren, Shamika Estrada, Solomon Mae-Lynn Stewart, Marquis Estrada, and Juan Estrada, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bubber had an excitement about life and he lived it with zest. When it was time to go home to be with the Lord, he had that same excitement and our lives will never be the same without him.

Eddie Cumbo,

September 17, 1942 - October 3, 2009