Pastor Joe Lewis McKibben was born Feb. 25, 1936, in Covington to Mr. J.P. and Mrs. Birthela McKibben. He was the oldest son of five boys born to this union. On Friday, June 22, 2018, Pastor McKibben made his transition to his Heavenly home.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Brenda Henderson; two brothers, baby Larris and Roger L. McKibben.

Pastor McKibben married the love of his life, Annie Lou McKibben, on Aug. 30, 1958. He attended Washing Street School in Covington. Pastor McKibben retired from C&D Battery after 30 years of dedicated service. He always greeted people with a warm smile and an encouraging word.

Pastor McKibben accepted Christ as an early age and joined the Richards Chapel United Methodist Church in Covington and served faithfully. In 1980 he joined Peeks Chapel Baptist Church and was called to preach. On May 4, 1980, he preached his first trail sermon, and on Jan. 4, 1981, he was ordained, both under the leadership of the Rev. James H. Battle. He was immediately called to pastor Mount Olive Baptist Church in Milstead. He later pastored at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Oxford.

Pastor McKibben faithfully served as a pastor for 38 years until his health began to fail. He served as a pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Monticello on the second and fourth Sundays. He pastored the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Shady Dale on the first and third Sundays. He ordained many deacons and ministers under his ministry. The Rev. McKibbben believed in going out into communities to serve the poor, the homeless, the hurting, the brokenhearted, the widows, the lonely, the unsaved and anyone in need. He served in the prison ministry, benevolent missions, and counseling the disheartened. He loved spending time with his family and teaching the word of God.

Pastor McKibben leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving wife of 59 1/2 years, Sister Annie Lou McKibben; one son, Mr. Willie Joe (Phyillis) McKibben; two brothers, Mr. Arthur-Hubbard (Clin) McKibben and Mr. Bobby McKibben; four sisters- in-law, Ms. Florine Baker, Ms. Nellie McKibben, Mrs. Mattie (James) Hamm and Ms. Kathryn Williams; two brothers-in-law, Deacon Onree Smith and Deacon Ralph Sidwell; one son-in-law, Deacon Willie Henderson Jr., five grandchildren, Ashley, Jovia, Brandon, Taleeta and Camille; eight great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; along with his church families from Bethlehem Baptist Church and Shady Grove Baptist Church. He will be dearly missed.