The Rev. Dr. James L. Netters Sr. had an acute understanding of trials and challenges and about how the quality of life for an individual or a group can be profoundly enhanced when God is relied upon for guidance.
The iconic Memphis servant-leader died over the weekend at 93. He lived his life “leaning on the Lord,” serving the community he loved and readily acknowledging that he was inspired by the greatness of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We enjoy a quality of life that only existed back then in the imagination of Dr. King,” he shared with readers of The New Tri-State Defender in January 2019 during the celebration of what would have been King’s 90th birthday.
“But Dr. King’s dream is still alive, and I carry it, living in the dream, and it is still just as strong and as forceful as it was in 1963.”
Pastor emeritus of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, Mr. Netters served as pastor for 60 years, with some saying that he may have served the longest tenure of any pastor in Memphis history.
When the first three African Americans elected to the Memphis City Council were sworn in on Jan. 1, 1968, Mr. Netters was among them, taking the oath with the Fred L. Davis and J.O. Patterson Jr., both now deceased. Like his contemporaries, Mr. Netters was a prominent, outspoken civil rights activists, with a commitment to participating in marches, sit-ins and other organized resistance against segregation and inequality.
“I remember as a young preacher in 1963 going to Washington where Dr. King delivered his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech. I helped set up the stage as thousands and thousands of people gathered there at the Lincoln Memorial,” Netters recalled. “We were setting up, and I remember sitting down at the back of the stage when he began speaking. I was riveted to that seat as he encouraged and uplifted us all.
“After that, I would have the opportunity to meet with him several times at his room in the Lorraine Motel. He would stay in that same room all the time. Of course, we marched along side of him during the Sanitation Strike.”
A teacher, Mr. Netters’ passion for education and equality led him to activism.
In 1964, as Mr. Netters recalled, “seven of us were inspired by Dr. King to stage a sit-in on the city bus. We were arrested, and they put me in the car with Jesse Turner (former national NAACP treasurer, Tri-State Bank president and Shelby County Commissioner). While we were in that police car, Jesse told me to pray, and I said:
“‘Lord Jesus, forgive these police officers for taking us to jail, for they know not what they do. They are arresting us because they want to maintain the status quo. But forgive them, Lord.’
“Then, one of the officers put his hand on his billy club and said, ‘OK, preacher, that’s enough.’ Then I said very loudly, ‘And Lord, AMEN.’ Jesse and I would laugh about that for many years.”
An announcement of Mr. Netters’ death was posted about 10 a.m. Sunday on the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Facebook page.
Mt. Vernon’s pastor, the Rev. Melvin D. Watkins Jr., made brief remarks, praising Netters’ work. He said, in part:“…Pastor Netters went home to be with the Lord today, surrounded by his loving family…Let’s kept the Netters family, the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church family…and all who mourn the passing of this icon, trailblazer…and friend in prayer…Please stand by and stay connected to our Facebook page for more information in coming days.”
The Rev. Larry S. Lewis, pastor of Wisdom Knowledge and Understanding Ministries in Orange Mound, learned of Mr. Netter’s death when Mt. Vernon church called with the news.
“We have lost a great man,” said Lewis, succinctly.
Ora Jackson, 99, remembered growing up with Mr. Netters.
“I taught him in Sunday School back at Olivet Baptist Church when Rev. L. O. Taylor was pastor,” Jackson said. “At that time, Olivet was located at Calhoun and Third. That building has been torn down many years ago, now. I was just a few years older, but I taught the Intermediate Class.
Netters was a teenager at that time.
“His mother lived over there on Webster and Wellington, not far from where we were living. They were so poor in those days. We all were.”
She last saw Mr. Netters during his 90th birthday celebration at The Peabody.
“You talking about some people up in there, could hardly get in,” she said. “All the churches in Memphis had bought tables.”
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. posted a tribute on its Facebook page, concluding. “Rest in Peace our dear Brother.”
In his released statement, Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09) said Mr. Netters “was a giant in the pulpit as a stand-up pastor and in our community where his friendships and influence knew no limits. …
Services over three days – beginning Friday (Dec. 18) – will note the legacy and celebrate the life of Rev. Netters. All three services will be at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood.
“My beloved husband served this city, county, state and this nation well, a gospel preacher, and civil rights activist,” Mr. Netters’ wife, Nedia Netters, said in statement detailing services.
“Please pray for the family, the church family, the friends, and loved ones who feel the void and absence of a great man who served well.”
Mrs. Netters requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Dr. James L. Netters Sr. Scholarship Fund, or the Westwood Youth Development, Inc., 501(c)3. All gifts can be mailed to: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood, c/o Netters Memorial Fund, 620 Parkrose Ave., Memphis, TN 38109.
Or, gifts may be sent through: Givelify: Mt. Vernon Baptist Church-Westwood.
The services are:
- Friday, Dec. 18 – public viewing is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m., with a Family Service of Celebration to follow.
- Saturday, Dec. 19 – public viewing is set from 10 a.m. to noon, with a Civic and Community Service of Celebration following.
- Sunday, Dec. 20 – a final public viewing is slated for 10 a.m. to noon, with the official and final Celebration of Life at 1 p.m.
Requirements of masking and social distancing will be strictly enforced by funeral directors and church personnel.
R.S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home has charge.
(NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect the setting of services.)
