Rev. Anita Maxine Poindexter

Anita Maxine DeBerry-Poindexter, age of 91, transitioned from her earthly tabernacle to join her Heavenly Father in glory on April 1, 2022. “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the LORD” (2 Cor. 5:8). She was born, the ninth of ten children, to Sumler DeBerry and Daisy Banks Ledbetter-DeBerry on November 28, 1930 in Lowe W. Va. Anita was a proud graduate of Stratton High School, where she graduated a year early because she skipped a grade in elementary school. Some of her school activities included cheerleading, and playing a musical instrument. Anita’s spiritual roots were nurtured at an early age while attending St. Matthews A.M.E. Church in Beckley/Lester W,VA., where she later met and married Edward Eugene Poindexter. From that union five children were born Terry Michael, Sheila Lolinda, Roland Claye, Edward Eugene Jr., and Arthur James Clifford. After moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1954, she worked many years as a ward clerk at The Ohio State University Hospital Medical Center. Her love and passion was serving in the First A.M.E.Zion Church formerly known as Caldwell Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. Afterwards lending her beautiful voice to multiple church choirs, her life long dream of serving in the pastorate became a reality in 1997. Anita became the first Black female pastor in the city of New Castle,PA. at St.Luke A.M.E. Church, and also served as Pastor at Ruth A.M.E. Church in Sharon PA. Anita leaves a pastoral legacy of her son Edward, daughter-in-law Jackie, grandson Cedic, nieces and many female pastors influenced by her journey. Preceding her in death are her husband, Edward E. Poindexter; son, Terry M. Poindexter, daughter, Sheila Seege; grandsons, Cedric Poindexter, Willis Huff Jr, and great granddaughter, London C. Scott; parents, Sumler and Daisy DeBerry, sisters, Dora (James) Moore, Virginia (Paul) Balious, Monty (James) Wicks, Emma Pauline (Jack) Washington, and Yvonne Jones; brothers, Henry (Elsie) Deberry, James (Beatrice) Deberry, Lincoln (Lillian) Deberry. Left to cherish her memory, sister, Edith Allen; sons, Roland (Sheryl), Edward (Dianna), Arthur (Jacqueline); daughter-in-law, Patricia Poindexter; son-in-law, James Seege; sister-in-law, Marian Given; brother-in-law, Charles (Sue) Poindexter, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and extended family members and friends.