Bishop Calvin Douglas Abbott

Bishop Calvin Douglas Abbott was born January 1, 1942 in Georgetown, DE to the late Eugene Abbott and Marian Lee Applewhite Abbott-Thomas. He departed this life on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at home in the presence of family. Bishop Abbott was educated, in his early years, at Richard Allen School in Georgetown, DE. He graduated from William C Jason Comprehensive High School also located in Georgetown, DE. As a skilled masonry and entrepreneur, Bishop Abbott started Abbott and Sons Masonry. For over 30 plus years, he ran his business with integrity; every job was important and every job received his best. Bishop Abbott employed and taught many of his nephews how to lay bricks, pour concrete and how to build fire places. He completed many jobs for local businesses within Sussex County, DE and in some parts of Maryland. Bishop Abbott also used his skills of masonry to complete additions and brick work to his residence, The Light House Church of God in East New Market, Maryland and to the Church of God Regional Office of Delmarva DC in Columbia, Maryland. Bishop Abbott, as a youth, attended Prospect A.M.E. Church in Georgetown, DE. On February 16, 1962 Bishop Calvin Douglas Abbott was united in Holy Matrimony to the love of his life, his forever girlfriend, Evangelist Rachel Palmer. From this incredible union of love six children were birthed and the love continued raising five other children as their own and opening their hearts and doors to over thirty plus foster children, loving them too, as their own. A few days after they wed, Bishop and Evangelist Abbott accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. At this time, they were attending Clarence St Church of God, Seaford DE. This would begin his lifelong commitment to the winning of souls for the sake of Jesus Christ. Bishop Calvin Abbott got involved and stayed involved. Over the years he was a Youth Advisor, President of the Mass Choir, leader of the Outreach and Prison Ministry, Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Teacher, Usher, Men’s Ministry, Spiritual Life Committee of the Harvest of Love, President of the Harvest of Love, Witnessing Lead for Northeast Regional Fellowship and anything you could think of, Bishop Abbott probably did that too! He made sure the job was done. Nothing was beneath him, and pleasing God was always before him! In October of 1976 Bishop Abbott was appointed the Pastor of The Light House Church of God in East New Market, Maryland. He was asked by Deacon Alfred Cannon, Sr to oversee the church until a pastor was placed, after the current Pastor, Evangelist Janie Denson-Wright passed. He served as pastor for almost 50 years. Bishop Abbott loved Jesus! He loved “His Rachel” and he loved “his COWBOYS”. If you were not sure what team he loved you could quickly find out based on the color of his car, his truck, and in observing the color of anything he owned. Bishop Calvin Abbott had such a great passion for souls and the church. It was evident in his drive to be a witness for Jesus. Any time your path crossed with Bishop Abbott he would start the conversation with, “How is the Lord treating you?” Now we all knew this answer, however what he really wanted to know would be the next question, “How are you treating the Lord?”. At this point he had you. You left really thinking, “I need to do better”, or avoid him the next time. His love and concern helped so many people get in the right relationship with God. Even on vacation he was known to pass out tracts. In Vegas, he passed out tracts. In Arizona, he passed out tracts. To the beggars on the street, he passed out tracts before he passed out his money. He was all about winning souls to Christ! A true servant of God and a true witness to others! In addition to his parents, Bishop Calvin Douglas Abbott was preceded in death by his stepfather, Willie Thomas, sister, Jean Shirley Phillips, and brother, Alexander Abbott. He leaves to cherish “His Rachel”, Evangelist Rachel Abbott, wife of 61 years, Seaford, DE, his children, Frederick Abbott (Mona) of Dover, DE, Calvinessa Abbott of Dover DE, Min. Cassandra Abbott of Albany, GA, Angela Abbott of Georgetown, DE, Nekisha Roberts (Sherman) of Seaford, DE, Tramaine Abbott of Delmar, DE, Taiwan Cannon (Nancy) of Seaford, DE raised and loved as their own Lorraine Smith (Wade) of Millsboro, DE, Francetta Abbott of Dover DE, Rosavella “Val” Anderson of Newark, DE, Antone “TJ” Phillips of Wilmington, DE, and Mariah Phillips of Seaford, DE. 41 Grandchildren, 35 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild. A special son, Bishop Alfred Cannon, Jr. (Lady Patience) and spiritual children, Willis and Ursula Dickerson, Guan Davis, and Cynthia Morales. Sister: Evangelist Marian Lorraine Morris (Bishop Marvin), brothers: Rev. Eugene Abbott (Gaynell), Bishop Jesse E.C. Abbott (Lady Gloria), Pastor Jesse Wayne Applewhite (Paula), Gregory Abbott “Tony,” Rev. Willie Thomas and Rev. Emmanuel Davis (Dainne), and a special sister Apostle Brendell Smack (Apostle William). A loving and supportive church family The Lighthouse Church of God, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Lovingly submitted, The Family

Bishop Calvin Douglas Abbott

January 1, 1942 - March 8, 2023