Week of March 5-12

Our Johns Creek Baptist Church Member in the Spotlight this week is Don Braswell. Don has been a member of JCBC for over 57 years and makes his home at Village Park in Peachtree Corners. Don and his family appreciate the prayers and well wishes of his JCBC family. Cards may be mailed to Don at Village Park/Peachtree Corners, 5701 Spalding Drive, Unit #101, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092.

Prayer Requests

Prayer Request, Rhonda Byrd, 3/11/2025
A Memorial Service for Michael (Mike) Raker will be this Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Johns Creek Baptist Church in the Chapel located at 6910 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005. A Reception will be held in the Heritage Room immediately following the service.

Michael Christopher Raker, 59, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, at his home in Alpharetta, surrounded by his family. This marked the end of his thirteen-month Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) journey.

Mike was born on September 29, 1965, to Joseph (Joe) and Eppie Raker in Jacksonville, Florida. He grew up on South Edgewood Avenue with his younger brother Mark. He spent many summers visiting his mother’s family in Germany. It was during one of these trips that his uncle inspired Mike’s lifelong love of street and nature photography.

After graduating as valedictorian of Robert E Lee High School, Mike moved to Atlanta, Georgia to study actuarial science at Georgia State University. Upon graduation, he began his career as an actuary for Mercer, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Swerdlin Company and Ascensus.

On September 14, 1991, Mike married his wife of 33 years, Susan Camp. They settled into their home in Alpharetta, Georgia in 1992. They were blessed with Thomas and Nora. When not spending time with his family, Mike could be found around Georgia enjoying his passion for photography. He was a member of photography groups in Atlanta. His photographs have been featured in the Atlanta Journal, on ABC Nightly News, and on book and CD covers.

Following the renovation of the Atlanta Library in Downtown Atlanta, he was among several local photographers invited to take photos of the library. His photo was selected as one of 14 photos shown at the grand reopening of the library.

Mike is survived by his wife, Susan and his children Thomas and Nora. He is also survived by his mother, Eppie; brother, Mark; sister-in-law, Zuleika; nephew, Sebastian; and niece, Olivia. His surviving, extended family includes his sister-in-law, Harriet Arthur; brother-in-law, David Camp; sister-in-law, Debra Camp and nephews Jeff Arthur, Chip Camp (Karina) and Drew Camp (Morgan).

A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on March 15, 2025, at 1:00pm at Johns Creek Baptist Church Chapel at 6910 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005. A reception for family and friends will be held in the Heritage Room of the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ALS United of Georgia. ALS United was instrumental in guiding Mike and his family through his ALS journey. Donations can be made to www.ALSGeorgia.org. Cards and letters may be sent to Susan Raker at 420 Summerfield Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022.

Prayer Request, Susan Holland, 3/10/2025
It is with sadness that I announce the death of David Bugg (wife Brenda). David died at 1:00 am this morning from Alzheimer’s. He was a Deacon at JCBC and taught Sunday School. When his disease progressed he and Brenda moved to Texas to be close to their children. Please keep Brenda and their family in your prayers. Funeral services will be held in Texas. Cards and letters may be mailed to Brenda Buggat 2608 Cobble Springs Lane, Peatland, TX 77584.

Prayer Request, Shaun King, 3/10/2025
It is with a mixture of deep sadness and profound gratitude that we announce the peaceful passing of JCBC member, Mary Jacobson. Mary went on to be with the Lord in the early morning hours with her loving husband, Scot, faithfully by her side. Our church family has been holding Scot and Mary in our prayers for a long time. Now her struggle has ended in her faith has been made sight. Please be in prayer for Scot and family as they make arrangements to celebrate Mary’s life. Cards and letters may be mailed to Scot at 6143 Menlow Ct, Cumming, Georgia 30041.

Prayer Request, Rhonda Byrd, 3/9/2025
A Memorial Service for JCBC member Sandra Watson will be this Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 3:00 pm at Johns Creek Baptist Church in the Chapel with a reception immediately following in the Heritage Room. Please be in prayer for her family. Cards and letters for Sandra’s family may be sent c/o Johns Creek Baptist Church, 6910 McGinnis Ferry Road, Alpharetta, GA 30005.

Prayer Request, Rhonda Byrd, 3/9/2025
Carol Scattaglia Henkel, mother of JCBC member & Children’s Ministry teacher, John Henkel, passed into the healing arms of Jesus on Wed, March 5th. Her mind, body, & soul are at peace from Dementia now. Carol was a fun, spirited woman who loved her family fiercely. There was a small private service in GA and a Celebration of Life is being planned in her hometown of NYC. Please remember the Henkel family – John, Maria, Gianna-Maria, John III, Madison, & Sadie. Cards and letters may be sent to John and Maria Henkel at 5435 Ashewoode Downs Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30005.

Prayer Request, Rhonda Byrd, 3/8/2025
It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of long time JCBC member, Fred Schwaemmle. Please be in prayer for his wife, Ellen, and their family. Details of a Memorial Service for Fred is being finalized in the coming days. Cardsand letters may be mailed to Ellen at 506 Robertson Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Prayer Request, Rhonda Byrd, 3/6/2025
Please be in prayer for Esther Kim and Dong Wook Kim. Esther’s mother passed away on March 4th in Los Angeles. They will have a funeral service next Wednesday, March 12th. Esther’s mother was a pastor’s wife and served her life for Jesus. Her name is Sun Rim. Please pray for their family. Cards and letters may be mailed to Esther Kim at 1914 Noblin Woods Trail, Duluth, Georgia 30097.

Week of February 19-26

Our Johns Creek Baptist Church Member in the Spotlight this week is Betty Sue Bennington. Betty Sue recently celebrated her 57th year of membership at JCBC. Betty Sue appreciates hearing from her Johns Creek Baptist family, and cards may be mailed to her at 4237 Commodore Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Prayer Requests

Prayer Request, Rhonda Byrd, 2/25/2025
A Memorial Service will be held for David Lee this Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Johns Creek Baptist Church in the Chapel. Please keep Anne Lee in your prayers and pray for safe travel for the family.
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Obituary for Thomas David Lee
Thomas David Lee went to be with the Lord on January 28, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on October 26, 1951, in Hattiesburg, MS to Walter Lee, Jr. and Joan Lee, both natives of Hattiesburg who have preceded him in death. David led a full life of love, faith, and family.

He is survived by his wife Anne Lee of Roswell, GA; his son Matt Lee and his wife Leanne and their daughters Carter and Morgan, and their son Thomas of Falls Church, VA; his daughter Laurel Johnson and her husband Will and their daughters Libby, Molly, and Maggy of Bluffton, SC; his sister Dianne Lee of Fort Worth, TX; and his brother, Max Lee of Mobile, AL. David was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose memory will be carried by all who knew him.

David graduated from Mississippi State University with a BS degree in electrical engineering and a MS degree in electrical engineering from University of Alabama at Birmingham. David worked with AT&T for the greater part of his career and enjoyed many outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. His commitment to his faith surpassed his passion for the outdoors. While he and Anne were living in Birmingham, AL, David served as a deacon and, together with Anne, taught the 11th grade class at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Upon moving to Roswell, he became an active member of Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta, GA.

A Celebration of Life for David will be held on this Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Johns Creek Baptist Church at 1:00 pm in the Chapel, followed by a reception at 140 Ridge Way, Roswell, GA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Alzheimer’s Foundation or your favorite charity.

Anne appreciates the prayers and comfort of her JCBC family, and cards and letters may be sent to Anne at 130 Ridge Way, Roswell, Georgia 30076\

Prayer Request, Shaun King, 2/20/2025
It is with a very heavy heart that we report the unexpected death of JCBC member, Paul Gray. Paul was found in his Ball Ground home this morning by one of his daughters who had become concerned with his unanswered calls. Paul loved his church deeply and was beloved by so many in our JCBC family. Please find below the details on a memorial service honoring the life of Paul.

Paul Weldon Gray, age 77, unexpectedly passed away at his home in Ball Ground, GA on February 19, 2025. He is survived by his daughter Tracie (Nick) Jernigan of Wilmington, NC and daughter Jennifer (Ryan) Fobart of Cumming, GA; grandsons Charlie and Samuel Paul Jernigan of Wilmington, NC; grandson Carter Fobart and granddaughter Kate Elaine Fobart of Cumming, GA; and sister Linda Ellen Gray of Austin, TX. He was preceded in death by his par-ents, Paul Gray and Rose Elaine Gray of Collinsville, TX.
Paul Weldon was born in Bowie, Texas on October 6, 1947. His family moved to Petersburg, and he graduated from high school in Pilot Point. He obtained a Bachelor of Math from the University of Texas at Arlington and studied postgraduate Computer Science at Texas A&M University.

Paul’s career included software management and consulting at Mobil Gas, Texas Instruments, and CSC. He raised his two daughters with his former wife, Linda Carol, in Plano, TX.

Paul lived in many places throughout his life including Cumming and Ball Ground, GA and Hendersonville, NC. Paul made meaningful relationships at First Christian Church of Plano, First Baptist Church of Plano, Providence Baptist of Hendersonville, NC, and Johns Creek Baptist Church, GA. Paul sought to live out Christ’s work in the world. He passionately cared for the less fortunate. He valued his family and friends by continually maintaining social connections. His love of life and fun was infectious to all who knew him, and his family knew him as the life of the party.

A North Texas Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, February 23 from 2 – 5 pm at The Stix Icehouse in McKinney, TX. An Atlanta Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 8 with a service at Johns Creek Baptist Church at 4 pm and a reception for everyone to follow. To help us celebrate Paul’s legacy of giving to others, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to MUST Ministries at www.mustministries.org.