Pastor Elder Willie C. Cupe

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Pastor Emeritus and Founder of Greater Liberty Temple Church of God in Christ (later changed to Greater Liberty Temple church) peacefully passed away at the age of 101 yrs. old on Thursday, July 23, 2020. He was born on February 5, 1919 in Abbeville, Alabama to the union of Lazarus and Sara Jane Cupe.

Elder Cupe pastored for over 40 years (he mentored lots of pastors, elders and ministers in and out of the city) until his retirement on December 31, 1999 and became pastor emeritus. He was a man endowed with great wisdom. He had a love for music and dearly loved the young people and became know affectionately as “Dad” Cupe. His entire life centered on living for God and bringing others into the fold with his teachings and awesome preaching.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Mother Earrie Cupe and his parents, Lazarus and Sara Jane Cupe and 12 siblings.

He leaves to cherish his memories his faithful daughter and caretaker, Rini Cupe, Columbus, Oh and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and friends.

Visitation 10:00 am and Home Going Service at 11:00 am Thursday, July 30, 2020 at the Mt. Hermon Missionary Baptist Church, 2283 Sunbury Rd., 43219, Columbus, Oh, Bishop J. Donald Washington, Pastor.

He will be eulogized by his dear friend and son in the gospel, Pastor Ozell Northern of The Mt. Olivet Church of God in Christ, Dayton, Oh. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate, 8029 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, Oh.

Condolence Messages

  1. My heart is heavy right now. Dad Cupe was a pillar, not only in the community but throughout the country; Dad was definitely one of a kind. As with many others, Dad Cupe meant so much to me and my family, personally as well as spiritually. He will always be remembered. I believe everyone Dad Pastored have their very own special and private memories, interactions, and stories; I know I have mine. Dad made me so proud to be a member of the Greater Liberty Temple family. He had such a loving and giving heart, a heart for the people, and He set a standard of holiness for us all to follow. To his daughter, Sister Rini Cupe, my deepest sympathy and thank you for sharing your father with so many for so many years. To the entire Cupe family, please cherish Dad’s legacy. It would make Dad and Mom Cupe so proud for you to love God and one another. Stay saved, honor their name, respect their legacy, and cherish your individual memories. We should all strive to do as they did which is to be with our Heavenly Father; “don’t let go of his hands”. With sincere condolences from the Hight Family.

  2. Mozell Elston

    My condolences to my family. Rest in peace Uncle B ,you fought a good fight.Love you your oldest niece.Mozell Elston Oxford,Alabama.

    • Pamela Robinson

      My Deepest sympathies to the Family. The Bible says to be absent from the Body is to be Present with the Lord.

  3. Rita Cupe Arthur

    Well said! Well appreciated!! We Love Y’all!!

  4. Rest in heaven Uncle Willie B. Your Great Niece Mae E Hicks

  5. Angela Jenkins

    My deepest condolences to my cousin Rita Cupe and the family.As my great great Uncle Willie is resting in peace now with my mother and our other love ones absent from the body now present with the Lord.his legacy lives on in us all.it was such a Joy to hear all the great stories my mother Mary the daughter of his late niece Laura Bell Cupe Williams and the stories other relatives told about him even at the family reunion last year.I was so looking forward to the family reunion this year,but God knows best. It is a great honor to be apart of the Cupe family.my prayers and love are with you all

  6. My condolences to Twaiqua and her family.

  7. Rest in Heaven Uncle B. My great great great Uncle. My condolences to my Ohio family.
    Love Frieda Elston

  8. Emilie Jackson, Marcus Jackson & Zaya Cupe

    Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Cupe family, and all that knew him.

  9. We will all miss our Dearest Uncle B. May God bless our family with the peace and comfort that comes from HIM…..Precious Memories. From your great niece Alvia Moore and family.

  10. Dianne Sinclair Black

    My condolence to my dear Sister Rine Cupe and the family. My heart is heavy right now because of Dad leaving us to soon on this side. However, I’m excited to know that this is not the end. To know that on that great getting up morning we shall see each other again. Your ministry taught me how to walk as a saved woman and thanks for holding me accountable for what I was taught. Thank you dad for the many counseling sessions and the shoulders you allowed me to cry on. You are and will always be missed and will always hold a special place in my heart. Love your daughter.

  11. Sandra Elston

    We extend our deepest condolences to the Cupe family. We loved Uncle B dearly and he loved us. There are no words to adequately express how very much Uncle B meant to us. We appreciate so very much the bond God allowed us to have throughout the years with our beloved Uncle. Rest well Uncle B and know that there is a definite void in our lives without you here. Love always and forever,
    Your great niece-in-law Sandra and nephews Ryan and Spencer Elston.

  12. Brenda Sanders

    Until the Resurrection I will see you again.
    Your neice

  13. Gwendolyn Ridley Davis

    With fond memories of the times spent in the little store front church on Cleveland Ave in the late sixties til now, my heart is saddened by the news of his passing. A legend in his own time who changed the lives of so many. Elder and Sister Cupe gave me shelter when I was homeless and I will always remember that kindness.
    Thanks Rini for sharing your family with us, God’s richest blessings to you and your family always.

  14. Greater Liberty Temple Church

    “Example” is a good word to describe Pastor Emeritus Cupe. He set the standard based on the Word of God and endeavored to be an example to his church members, and he exemplified holiness. His love for young people was a foundation on which many young people could stand. The loyalty he inspired tells the story of the difference he made in people’s live which caused him to be well loved.

    To his beloved daughter, Rine Cupe, and the bereaved family, we pray that God gives you peace that surpasseth all understanding. Know that we love you and are here for you.
    Sincerely,
    Greater Liberty Temple Church

  15. Dr. Cheryl Hardy, Ph.D., D Min.

    My Dearest Uncle B,
    I will most certainly miss you, the stories, the love and the smile. Rest well, my sincerest condolences. Your Greatniece, Christine’s daughter. Cheryl, Addison, Al, and Jelahn

  16. Monyca Williams

    Uncle Willie I miss you and I will always love you I hated that you left use you are a good man and will always be miss love you

  17. Gwendolyn Bailey

    May GOD bless the family during this time of bereavement. Prayers will continue. Be blessed

  18. To the Cupe Family
    Condolences to the family, we lost a warrior and true man of God. I pray that God strengthen and uphold you at this difficult time. Long lived Pastor Wille C. Cupe, R.I.H

  19. Rest In Heavenly Peace, From Labor to Reward, My Great Uncle B.

  20. Henry and Catherine Elston

    Rest Well Uncle B .Powerful man of God ..You will be truly missed..Our condolences to Rini Cupe and the family Love Henry and Catherine Elston

  21. Rosalind L Denson

    My condolences to his daughter and the Cupe family. He will be greatly missed and I will treasure the fond memories and conversations. He was a man of wisdom and great faith. I have lost a grandfather. Though not biologically, he considered my dad as a son. I told him many years ago since he considered my dad a son, he was my granddaddy. When I called, as soon as he answered the phone, that’s what I would call him. He would laugh. The conversations were beautiful and always so uplifting. I am so blessed to have intimately known such a wonderful and awesome man. He has left a legacy of a life well lived that represented Christ. Thank you Lord for blessing us with such a beautiful man.

  22. Dr. Cheryl Hardy, Ph.D., D Min.

    My Dear Uncle B. , I will miss your wisdom talk, love and smile. My sincerest condolences. You Greatniece, Cheryl you always called me Christine’s daughter.

  23. Tamara Cornelius

    Dad Cupe is having his best life right now with his beautiful smile as he’s running on the streets of gold with mom cupe and spending time with Jesus. He will be missed on this side of heaven. See you when I get home to Heaven dad Cupe. Alan and I love you! Prayers going up for you sis Rini and the family! We love you all.

  24. We would like to offer our prayers of peace and comfort to Rini and the Cupe family. Elder Cupe was such a great example of a Godly man. Inspired so many along the way. I know he will be missed. He was so loved.

  25. Afrika Jackson

    My prayers are with the family at this time! Pastor lived a good life! Thank you for being strong pillar of foundation in my faith with God.

  26. Bishop Glinda Cromartie

    My condolence to all my family during this time! I pray God blessings be upon us. Rest my dear uncle you have indeed fought a good fight! Grace and Peace!
    “Zora Cupe Hicks daughter”

  27. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord rest in peace Uncle. Much love. and prayers.

  28. Betty Jones {New Mt Sinai COGIC}

    “Well Done My Good And Faithful Servant” RIP Elder Willie Cupe “My Prayers Are With The Family

  29. My Great Uncle…the gifts you bestowed upon the world will never be forgotten. The last question I asked you was,”What can I do during these times of strife?” You said,” Be a light unto the world and to this family!”
    I accept this charge. Thank you for all of it.

  30. Christine Cups Clarke

    My condolences, Uncle B, love, love, and more love you gave. Must certainly going to miss you, see you in heaven.
    You niece from New Jersey

  31. He gave me the movintion sermoens! Till this day I got by his sermons! Rest in peace!
    Tiffanie, Sister Qualls Grandauther

  32. Worletta (Scales) Mask I sending Prayers and condolence to the family and pray God’s strength be with the family. Much Love ❤❤❤

  33. Natalie Robbins-Foster

    Rini Sorry for the loss of your dad, may he Rest in peace. sending my prayers and condolences.

  34. Pastor Sharon Stewart Alexander

    We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord 2 Corinthians 5:8 RIH Emeritus Elder W. C. Cupe aka Dad Cupe Well done thou good and faithful servant ❤ ~The House of Pavilion

  35. Forever uncle you will be missed .

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