John Elton Maven

The Obituary

... A time to be born…

John Elton Maven was born March 23, 1936, in Vineland, New Jersey to the late John Leslie and Girlee Maven. Although his birth name was John, his family and friends affectionately called him “Sonny” or “Maven.”

…A time to build…

John obtained his primary educational training from the Mizpah, New Jersey school system. In 1953, at the age of 17, he joined the United States Air Force serving duty for four years, which included a tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1957.

In 1957, John enrolled in the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology where he received his technical training in civil engineering. During his training, John developed a passion for steel fabrication. In 1979, he took a leap of faith and become proprietor of Elton Iron Inc. As one of few minority contractors, his company won many contracts to construct schools, casinos and other buildings throughout New Jersey. After 20 years of faithful labor, John retired due to his failing health.

…A time to plant…

As a little boy, John accompanied his grandmother to church. When he became a teenager, he joined St. John A.M.E. Zion Church in Mizpah, NJ. John loved God and St. John and he was active member. At the age of 22, he was elected Chairperson of the Trustee Board and served on the board for 45 years. He was also a member of the youth choir, served on the Steward Board, a Sunday School teacher and Advisor for the Youth Council. John and his oldest brother William were instrumental in the planning, fund-raising, relocation and the construction of St. John’s present church edifice.

… A time to sow…

On April 24, 1957, John married the love of his life, Faith Bennett. John and Faith raised their four children, Vincent, Douglas, Kirk and Marcella in a home that encompassed God’s commandments, discipline and respect. John was a no nonsense father. His children never questioned his love for them but they knew obedience was paramount. John and Faith were exemplary to many as a couple who loved God, each other, family, friends, and the church community wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

In 2001, John and Faith, moved to Huntingtown, Maryland to provide support for their daughter’s family. Seeking out a new church, they began to fellowship at St. Edmonds United Methodist Church where they were greeted and welcomed with open arms and became official members in 2005.

It was ordained by God for John Maven to become a member of St. Edmonds United Methodist Church. He walked in and immediately was appointed as the Trustee Chairperson for the upcoming renovation of the sanctuary. Using his skill and expertise from his years of experience in building and construction, he led the congregation in the overall makeover of both the upper and lower portions of the church. His vision of leadership modeled that of Jesus. He led by example and then brought everyone else alongside. He was actively engaged in all aspects of the church’s daily routine. Any day of the week, you would find him at the church doing whatever was needed.

John had a passion for the Word of God and soon became the Wednesday Night Bible Study facilitator. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of God, his relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and his knowledge of the Word.

John revised the Men’s Ministry and took it to another level. His thrust was always on mission and outreach. From his vision, the Men’s Ministry was to assist wherever and whenever and however. Under his leadership, he reached out and engaged some men who would otherwise just be in attendance for corporate worship. This ministry would meet for breakfast fellowship, and sometimes prepared meals for the church family. Football tailgate-fellowship parties began under his leadership as a means of developing well-rounded persons.

He was also a very sought after mentor to many of the younger men in the congregation. His advice and wisdom was valued on many issues and concerns that only men could address with men. He built a relationship with a number of the men, young and old. His wisdom will truly be missed. Pastor Jones says that St. Edmonds believes John was “sent to them by God so they could experience the true love of the Jesus Christ that we preach.”

For relaxation, John enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together and playing solitaire on his desktop computer. His love for maintaining a beautiful lawn and planting flowers continued even when he moved to Maryland. He was the “King of the Yards”. He always found “some excuse” as to why his son-in-law or grandson couldn’t mow the lawn. In reality, he had a particular way in which he wanted the lawn to be mowed and didn’t trust their willingness to follow suit. Having a love for doing yard work, John worked part time for seven years for Calvert County at Hallowing Point Park maintaining the park’s baseball, soccer, and football fields. He became so committed to ensuring the baseball fields were lined to perfection, John visited the Washington Nationals Stadium in D.C. to learn how to properly line a baseball field.

…A time to reap…

Early on September 14, 2016, John’s earthly journey ended and he began his eternal rest. He was preceded in death by brothers William Burt, James Maven; sister, Delores Bryant and Godchild & niece, Rev. Dawn Mays-Hardy. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 59 years, Faith; three sons Vincent (Susan), Douglas (Janet), Kirk (Kathy); a daughter, Marcella (Stanley); 11 grandchildren, Wungavu (Monica), Troy (Danielle), Erica, Byron (April), Aliquise, Desmond, Craig, Derek, Jenae, Jordan, Jayla; five great-grandchildren, Tashmon, Machi, Kyah, Troy Jr., Camden; sisters, Alma Newman, Joyce White, Lucille Fuller, Sandra Dixon (Willie); brother-in-law William Bryant; sister-in-laws, Dorothy Burt, Cornelia (Connie) Mays; aunt, Margaret Burt; godchildren, Kendra Newman-Nelson, Stephanie Gray, Marcus Gould; and a host of other relatives and friends.