Bishop Dwight E. Joppy, Sr.

With heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well-lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Bishop Dwight Eugene Joppy, who peacefully transitioned into eternal rest at the age of 60. A devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother, and faithful minister of the Gospel, Bishop Joppy’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, passionate service, and unconditional love.

Born to the late Florine Joppy and Alphonso Joppy, Dwight was raised in the fear and admonition of the Lord. A native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, he graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1983, where he left an indelible mark as a drum major, thespian, student leader, and music composer for the school band. His musical talents were evident from a young age, having played the drums and organ as a child and bringing joy and inspiration through music throughout his life. He was a co-founder of Harrisburg High School's Voices of Joy Choir.

He continued his education at Central State University, where he pledged Kappa Kappa Psi, a reflection of his enduring love for music and brotherhood. But beyond his academic and musical pursuits, Dwight’s heart belonged to the ministry. Licensed to preach at the tender age of 20 under the leadership of Elder Belgium Baxter at Faith Chapel Church of God in Christ, Dwight’s commitment to God was profound and lifelong.

In 1991, he married the love of his life, Sheila Mitchell, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service. Their union was blessed with five beautiful children and, later, grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

Consecrated as Bishop at First Spirit Filled Missionary Baptist Church in 2005 by Bishop Ethan Thorton, he shepherded God’s people with wisdom, compassion, and steadfast devotion. He also pastored at Next Dimension Church of God in Christ and served as the interim pastor at The Tower of Pentecost. In his later years, he worshiped alongside his family at Emmanuel Church of God in Christ, always lifting up the name of Jesus and encouraging others to trust God completely.

Bishop Joppy was a man of great conviction and greater compassion. He loved God with all his heart, soul, and mind, and extended that love to everyone he met. Bishop Joppy had a way of making everyone feel like they were his favorite and that they were the most important person in the world. He ministered tirelessly to the lost and broken, always with a message of hope, healing, and trust in the Lord.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Florine and Alphonso Joppy, and now joins them in glory. He leaves behind a legacy of faith and love, forever cherished by his devoted wife, Shelia Joppy; his children, Ronnell M. Pope Joppy, Omar S. Pope Joppy, D’Vaughn E. Jackson, Dwight E. Joppy Jr., and Jayelle N. Joppy; his loving brothers, Derrell A. Joppy (Dalphine) and Douglas E. Joppy (Maritza); his precious grandchildren, Enashay Gephart, Israel Pope, Trenton Pope, Idries Pope, Jay’onna Pope, and Richaun “RJ” Burden Jr.; his bonus children, Tiffaney Proctor (Kwabena) and Stephanie Pressley; his extended family, Gerald, Keith, and Troy Watts; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

Bishop Joppy will be missed dearly, but we rejoice in knowing he is at rest in the presence of the Lord he loved so deeply. Well done, Bishop Joppy. You have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.