Mother Thelma Bady

Mother Thelma Bady was native of Norfolk, Virginia born to Deacon Ernest & Missionary Aileen Brown. In the era of the 20’s, celebrating her birthday on March 22, her name Thelma is Greek and means “Will”. Her mother was a devout Christian; therefore, she was reared in a Christian home. Serving the Lord and following in her mother’s footsteps, she accepted Christ and was saved at the age of 12.

Throughout her lifetime, she was known as a very well-liked woman, to many a friend and others as a sister. A woman, always ready to serve, she had difficulty with saying, “no”. She was a woman of hospitality, one who loved nature and was especially fond of flowers and plants. In one word, she is described as a peace maker, giver of life and woman of wisdom.

She was married to the late Bishop Robert A. Bady Sr. The lord blessed them with four children, a son who was born and passed away at birth, Elder Robert A. Bady Jr., Evangelist Calpurnia Bady and her youngest daughter, Pastor Iris Bady Johnson, with whom she resided until she transitioned.

In Christendom Mother Bady has served seventy five years in her reformation, The “Grand Ole” Church of God in Christ. Upon moving from Norfolk, VA. to Philadelphia, PA. In 1954, with her husband and family she served under the leadership of Bishop Dabney and Mother Juanita Dabney at The Garden of Prayer Church. It became apparent that God had another call and work, whereas, her husband, the late Bishop R. A. Bady founded, The Ebenezer Church of God in Christ. Under her husband leadership Mother Bady was consecrated as a Missionary/Evangelist and appointed Church Mother. After the death of her husband, she continued to serve under the leadership of the late Bishop James W. Hunt Sr. and presently Pastor Donald Anderson.

Also, serving under the auspices of Presiding Prelates, from The Bishop Charles H. Mason, to our present Chief Apostle, The Bishop Charles E. Blake. Serving Supervisors of the Women’s Department from Mother Lizzie Robinson to our present Mother Barbara McCoo-Lewis. Serving Jurisdictional Bishops, Bishop O.T. Jones Sr., Bishop O.T. Jones Jr., Bishop DeWitt A. Burton, Bishop Benjamin Ravanel, and presently, Bishop Guy Glimp. Jurisdictional Supervisors, she served as Assistant Supervisor with Mother Bessie Moore in The Eastern Jurisdiction. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Mother Eleanor Hayes, Mother Lovey Range, Mother Leonora James and presently Mother Katie Allen. She served as District Missionary in the Metropolitan District under the leadership of Superintendent Vernon I. Prioleau; as well as the late Bishop James W Hunt Sr. Vice chair of the General Assembly COGIC.

In that all being said, Mother Bady has served her country from President F. D. Roosevelt to our current president. Mother Bady is the founder of the Interdenominational Day of Prayer. This has been established for twenty years. Her titles also include: President of the YWCC, Evangelist, Prayer Warrior, Women’s Department Chair, Church Mother, District Missionary, Jurisdictional Assistant Supervisor of the Women’s Department, Women’s Day Worship Leader. Bishop’s Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother.

A faithful and unselfish servant. Mother Bady was a God-fearing woman and an anointed vessel for this end-time ministry. She has given her life to the ministry for 77 years. She believes in being obedient, especially to her leaders, and she demands order and respect for the church. She says; “I’m just thankful to be in the Family of God”. Her motto; “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.”

Mother Thelma Bady was predeceased by her husband, late Bishop Robert A. Bady Sr., three children, a son who was born and passed away at birth, the late Elder Robert A. Bady Jr., the late Evangelist Calpurnia Bady.

She is survived by her youngest daughter, Pastor Iris Bady Johnson, six grandchildren, seven greatgrand children, one great great grandson and a host of nieces, nephews, two special Goddaughters, Evangelist Linda M. Brown (Brooklyn, NY) & Deacon Patricia A. Taylor,  a host of other relatives, Ebenezer Church COGIC church family and friends.

75 years of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

60 years as co-founder and Church Mother of Ebenezer COGIC!

“To God Be the Glory for Her Many Years of Life and Service in the Body of Christ”