The Rev. "Doctor" "T.C." Tom C. Sturdivant

Reverend Tom C. “TC” Sturdivant, 76, of 1416 N. Broadway, Peoria, Illinois, was born to Roy and Jessie Belle (Nixon) Sturdivant on March 25, 1936 in York, Alabama. As a young boy, his family and friends called him “Tennessee”. He received his early education at the York West End School in York, Alabama. On July 26, 2004, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Illinois Baptist College in Galesburg, IL. His favorite saying was, “Education is high, but ignorance is priceless.” He accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Mt. Herman Baptist Church in York, AL and was a faithful and dependable worker at the church. At the tender age of 12, Rev. Sturdivant left home to work on the Derby Farm Plantation. On July 30, 1955, he married Callie Mae Moore. She preceded him in death on August 10, 2002 and to this union four children were born. While at Mt Herman, he was a dedicated quartet singer and was crowned as a deacon in 1961. Before Rev. Sturdivant became a minister, he was a Civil Rights Freedom Fighter in Alabama. He walked hand in hand with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and other freedom fighters in Selma, Alabama. He personally knew James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner who were among those who died in the movement. He was also known to house civil rights activists at his home or other real estate properties he owned. In 1966, he relocated to Peoria, IL and united with Grace Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert Whitehead. During Pastor Whitehead’s administration, Rev. Sturdivant announced his calling to the ministry. In 1970, he assisted Rev. John L. Gordon in organizing the St. Luke M.B. Church and served as assistant pastor. In 1971, Pastor Sturdivant organized the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Galesburg, commuting from Peoria to Galesburg for over 21 years. After the death of Rev. John L. Gordon and when Pastor Sturdivant’s work was done in Galesburg, the Lord led him back to Peoria to become the Senior Pastor St. Luke M.B. Church in 1993. He faithfully served as the Pastor for over 19 years until his death. Over the years, he faithfully served on the Praise Team with the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, Inc. and as the Unity District Moderator and President of the Baptist Minister Alliance. He always maintained his membership at Grace Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jeffery Ivory, Sr. Pastor Sturdivant retired from the Railroad in 1993 after many years of service. He later married Katie Lee Elston on March 27, 2004. Pastor Sturdivant loved to Preach, Sing and Pray! His favorite songs were, “The Storm is Passing Over”, “I Need The Lord”, “Won’t It Be Grand”, and “Oh, I Want To See Him”. He was a mentor to the young Pastors. His friends thought no one could get a prayer in but Rev. Sturdivant; he was always called upon to pray. Pastor Cleveland Thomas fondly called him, “Theodore” and thusly, many called him by this name. He was an avid gardener who enjoyed fishing, hunting (in his early age), cooking, watching cowboy movies, church conventions, traveling to York, AL and most of all, being a child of the King. During the busy years of his life, Pastor Sturdivant was a wonderful husband, father, brother, friend, mentor and neighbor. He loved spending time with his family and friends, and always enjoyed great conversations and fellowshipping with other churches and his preacher friends. He anxiously anticipated meeting with Pastor Joseph Cherry, Rev. Ed Jones, Bro. Larry Fordham, who were his devoted prayer partners every Monday morning. Pastor Sturdivant made his transition to his new home of Glory on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends. Preceding him in death were his parents, two daughters, and three brothers. He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving and devoted wife of eight years, Katie Sturdivant of Peoria; four sons, Willie J. McCallum and Thomas R. (Sheila) Sturdivant both of Bloomington, Charles (Vera) McVay of Livingston, Al and Chad Dunlop of Peoria; six daughters, Jeannette (Quintin) Sturdivant-Marshall, Francis D. Sturdivant and Robin Otterstrom all of Peoria, Yvette Sturdivant of Compton, CA, Latisha Sturdivant of Atlanta, GA and Joyce McVay of Moore, OK; one god-daughter, Wadon Carr of Peoria; three brothers, Danny B. (Penny) Sturdivant, Floyd (Gladys) Sturdivant and William O. (Deborah) Sturdivant all of Peoria; two sisters, Rosie Ruffin and Melvie Thomas both of Peoria; 35 grandchildren; a host of great and great-great grandchildren; other relatives; a loving congregation, and friends all over the world. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be mailed to 1416 N. Broadway, Peoria, IL 61606 or online condolences may be made at the simonsmortuary.com website.

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The Rev. "Doctor" "T.C." Tom C. Sturdivant

March 25, 1936 - November 25, 2012