The gates of heaven opened wide to welcome The Rev. J. George Mamourian on January 3, 2014. George’s 84th birthday was just four days away and surely he will celebrate it joyfully with precious family and friends who have lovingly anticipated his arrival.
George was a faithful servant of God and felt called to ministry at age twelve. He served the United Methodist Church more than fifty years in Philadelphia, Delaware and Chester Counties. He also served as District Superintendent and found that to be so rewarding. George was always so pleased to be mentor to both young pastors and young people considering a career in the ministry. After his “retirement” George joined the ministry of First Reformed U.C.C. in Lancaster.
George was married for 35 years to the late Jane Carpenter Mamourian who was also a native of the Philadelphia area. George’s parents and his brother Alfred predeceased him. George is survived by his three children: Joseph Jr. of Hazleton PA (married to JoAnn Bellinghausen Mamourian), Elisabeth Catherine Corona of East Petersburg PA (married to Kenneth Corona), and Mary Sfiris of Chatham NJ (married to Nick Sfiris). Six grandchildren survive him.
After being widowed for ten years, George married Linda (Lawson) Alexander of Coatesville where he was pastor at Olivet UMC. They retired to Lancaster County and have shared fourteen happy years with each other, along with their pet dogs, cats and birds.
George had great affection and concern for all people. He was not critical for any reason and would often say, “Everybody’s doing the best they can.” He received many awards for his efforts in helping the poor and homeless and for promoting unity between races.
He was extremely generous and kind and was known for his marvelous sense of humor. We rejoice in having shared our lives with his.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral at First United Methodist Church, corner of Duke and Walnut Sts., Lancaster, PA on Thursday, January 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rev. Mamourian’s memory may be sent to: U.M.C.O.R., PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087 (United Methodist Committee of Relief)
Sharon Thompson
I was pleased to call George my brother-in-law for 14 wonderful years. Although we lived far away, I could tell that he and Linda really complimented each other in their love for animals, people, and God (not necessarily in that order). His sense of humor was contagious. He and Linda were generous in their contributions to those in need. And sometimes their house reminded me of Noah’s Ark. They took in kitties that other people could no longer care for. I’m sure God has a special place in Heaven for this special man.
Patricia Clark
We have lived in Florida for many years now, so we were were not near Linda and George during their married life, but with Linda being my wonderful sister, we were, and are, always in touch and when we could happen to get to PA, we always made a point of seeing each other as much as possible.
I could see the happiness they shared with each other and their many pets they loved and adored. I know George will be sorely missed by all who adored him and especially by Linda.
LOVE YOU SO MUCH, LINDA!
sue bryan
We are so sorry for your loss. George was our minister at First Church Media and was a great friend of our parents Marge and Horace Ether. He also married our oldest daughter. We often consider the years he was with us as “The Golden Years”. Our sympathy goes out to you Linda, Joe,Maryjane and Beth and all the grandchildren. Bud and Sue Bryan
Tom and Sue Haugh
George was my first D.S. his gentle fair spirit will always be appreciated. We give God thanks for his ministry and personality. We have also loved Jane her amazing humor and how she could make George role his eyes. Finally we have always loved Linda and her gentle heart and offer our prayers and memories to Linda and George’s Family. Our hearts are sad, for the world needs such good, faith filled and gentle hearts. May Christ’s Resurrection fill you with comfort and the hope of reunion in your grief.
Nancey Anderson Sheppard
Linda, Please accept my sincerest condolences. I know you and George found a wonderful life together, which you both so deserved.
God’s blessing on you at this difficult time.
Love,
Nancey
Kathy Johnson
Dear Linda and Pastor George’s children and grandchildren. I have many fond memories of Pastor George during his tenure at Olivet. He was the teacher of our adult sunday school class and often shared many interesting stories of his family. So sorry to hear of his passing, heaven has another angel to look out for us.
H. Joe and Lesley Tyson
“For all the saints who from their labor rest”. George was a wonderful man and a faithful steward. His service as pastor, DS and mentor were deeply appreciated. I regret that I am unable to attend the memorial service since I will be out of state on that day. My prayers continue for the family. I am sure that George has heard “well done! good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest.
Jim Rea (Rev Belfast)
“And the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel”
I first met George in 1987 in Coatesville and also Jane, a wonderful lady. He was then becoming part of ROATA (Reaching out across the Atlantic) We brought young people from Catholic, Protestant, Afro American, White and Hispani backgrounds together to share their stories. George then came with some young people to the troubled streets of Belfast. He shared with us and preached warmly with great effect at the East Belfast Mission, (Methodist Church in Ireland). George was great man, gentle, genereous. He would often remark, “a fool and his money is easily parted.” When I would make a suggestion as to where we might go he would remark, “I am putty in your hands” George was a Godly man. The congregation of the East Belfast Mission loved him. It was priveldge to preach on a number of occasions at Olivet UMC Coatesville. His love for Jesus Christ and his people inspired me. His care of the homeless and the marginalised is already noted Linda gave him wonderful support. My wife Carol has wonderful memories of them both. George Mamourian is now in FATHER’S HOUSE. He will rest in peace and rise in glory. We send our love and prayers to Linda, Joseph. Elisabeth, Mary and all the family 2 Cor 5 v 1
Jim Rea
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson
On behalf of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church, we send our deepest condolences for the passing of this saint. May the comfort of dear memories and the promise of eternal life bring you the resurrection hope that will carry you through each and every day.
Norma Mansur
Dear Linda and family,
You and George shared many happy moments with Warren and I. Being Lay Leader at Olivet with George as Pastor was a wonderful uplifting experience. May I extend my deepest sympathy and love to you.
Sharon & Jon Helms
Linda, Joe, Mary Jane, Beth and family, we’re thinking of you at this time. George was our senior pastor at First Church Media in the 1970’s and was a genuine and true pastor and friend. He loved his family and his congregation. We will always remember his Christian example.
Fondly, Sharon and Jon Helms and Becky, David, Mitzi and Susan.
Bishop Violet L. Fisher
Dear Linda and family, my prayers are with you at this time. I was blessed to serve with Rev. Dr. Mamourian as he pastored the Mt.Olivet Church. I served as his District Superintendent.The gift that he gave to me was his willingness to mentor and guide me in this ministry. George had served in this role prior to my appointment.His wisdom, knowledge, and passion contributed to who I am in ministry.
Grace and Peace. Bishop Violet L. Fisher
Linda Innes Troil
Dear Linda, Beth, Joe and Mary, I have spent hours reflecting on your husband/father and the wonderful influence he has had on my life. I have known him for 60 years. I was 6 when he was assigned the task of starting Hancock Church. As a child I just liked him because he was nice to me, he knew my name and he chose me to dig the first shovel full of dirt for our first sanctuary after having met at the school for a couple years. As a teenager I came to admire his quick intelligence, his amazing knowledge of books, his biblical expertise, his historical perspective of the scriptures, his caring about those less fortunate, his dedication to youth and his wonderful sense of humor. He taught the teenage Sunday School class and led our MYF group. He never shied away from answering the tough questions we asked. He answered directly with knowledge and patience. When I was not at church I was at the parsonage. Mary and Joe know how often I babysat, joined in on their meals and even went along on family vacations as their babysitter. I know this family to be loving, caring and wholesome. George walked his talk with his congregants and with his family. George led me to work on the Conference Youth Council, took groups of us on retreats and to Drew University each summer for a week. He was a 150% pastor, giving of his time and showing us by example how to be of service to others. As I grew into adulthood I was honored that he and Jane chose me to be Beth’s godmother. What a wonderful addition to the family!
They were both so full of joy when she arrived, as was I. Life went on. George performed my marriage ceremony, baptized my daughter and stayed in contact through the years. Now we know Linda as a friend and rejoice that he found happiness once again after Jane’s long illness. I will miss him. This Earth will miss him. He was one of God’s special gifts to humanity. Know how proud he was of all of you! Your love was a gift he cherished.