Elder Cornelius Witcher

Elder Cornelius Witcher was born on June 9, 1933, in Kansas City, Missouri, to the loving

union of Sandy and Hazel Green Witcher, also known as Hazel Green. He was the eldest of

six children.

After graduating from high school, Elder Witcher enlisted in the United States Army, where he

honorably served his country for four years. It was during this time that he accepted the Lord

Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, answering the call to salvation and beginning a

lifelong journey of faith and service.

In 1958, he united in holy matrimony with the love of his life, Annie Bell Williams, in Chicago,

Illinois. Together, they worshiped at Good Hope Church of God in Christ, where Elder Witcher

answered the call to ministry and was ordained as an Elder. Following his honorable

discharge from the Army, he worked faithfully as a baker, providing for his growing family

while remaining steadfast in his commitment to the work of the Lord.

In 1964, the Witcher family began worshiping at St. Paul Pentecostal Church under the

leadership of Bishop Daniel. He was known as a man of great faith—one who preached and

taught the Word of God with power and conviction, prayed earnestly for the sick, and trusted

God for healing and deliverance.

In 1973, Elder Witcher moved his family to Titusville, Florida. While living in Florida, Elder

Witcher continued his education and earned an Associate Degree in 1973. After completing

his Associate Degree, he relocated his family to Omaha, Nebraska. There, he and Sister

Annie Bell joined New Hope Deliverance Church under the pastoral leadership of the late

Pastor Jimmy Scott. Elder Witcher later served as pastor of New Hope Deliverance Church,

faithfully shepherding God’s people and laboring in the vineyard of the Lord.

Upon retirement, Elder Witcher and his wife returned to Titusville, Florida—a place he dearly

loved—where they worshiped at First Born Church under the leadership of Pastor Sullivan. In

2008, the couple relocated to Temecula, California, where they became members of Imani

Temple of Temecula under the leadership of Pastor James Mason.

Elder Witcher’s love for Florida drew him back for a season; however, after the passing of his

beloved wife, Sister Annie Bell Witcher, in 2015, he returned to reside permanently in

California.

Elder Cornelius Witcher answered the Master’s call and transitioned from labor to reward on

January 23, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sandy and Hazel Green Witcher; his brothers

Benjamin and Nathanial Witcher; his sister Lois Lewis; his devoted wife, Sister Annie Bell

Witcher; and his son, Gregory Witcher.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his sister, Eunice Sweat of Omaha, Nebraska; his

brother, James Witcher of Omaha, Nebraska; twelve children: Cynthia Davis (California),

Cornelius Witcher Jr. (Ghana, Africa), Gwinetta Robbs (California), James Witcher

(Arkansas), Anthony Witcher (California), Keith Witcher (Nebraska), Jacqueline Witcher

(Arkansas), Timothy Witcher (Kake, Alaska), Kevin Witcher (Nebraska), Benjamin Witcher

(California), Gale Witcher (Georgia), and Alvin Witcher (Texas); sons-in-law and

daughters-in-law; granddaughter Carletta Casey of Georgia; 33 additional grandchildren; over

50 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins,

saints, friends, and loved ones.

Elder Cornelius Witcher will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a preacher of

righteousness, a devoted husband and father, and a man who stood firm on the Word of God

until the end. He fought a good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant. — Matthew 25:21

The family of Elder Cornelius Witcher wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the prayers,

love, support, and acts of kindness shown during this time of bereavement. May God bless

each of you.