Shedrick Staten, Pentecostal minister

SHEDRICK STATEN Jr. got his formal education at an adult night school in his native Florida, but proved he could have done well in any academic program by getting straight A's and becoming head of the class.

When his grandkids came along, Shedrick used his experience to convince them that they, too, could excel if they put in the necessary work.

"If Grandad could accomplish this, so can you," he would tell them.

Shedrick Staten, an ordained Pentecostal minister and father of Samuel Staten Jr., business manager of Laborers Local 332, died Saturday at the age of 96. He lived in North Philadelphia.

He was born in Ebbs, Fla., to Amanda and Shedrick Staten Sr. He received his adult education at the Sermons Public School District.

Shedrick became an ordained minister in the Church of God by Faith in Florida.

He moved to Philadelphia in the late '30s and continued his ministry with the Fire-Baptized Church of the Americas, a Pentecostal denomination with a predominantly African-American membership. He was a member for more than 40 years.

He became assistant pastor of Mount Zion FBH Church of the Americas, at Baker and DuPont streets.

He was assigned to a church in the Wilmington area while maintaining the pastorship of Mount Hermon FBH Church, in Philadelphia.

He was a member of Local 405 of the Rodsetters Union.

Shedrick was an avid reader and, because he understood the importance of it, his loved ones could count on getting books for presents.

"Shedrick lived his life as a God-fearing individual and family man," his family said.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marguerite Brown-Staten; three other sons, the Rev. Earl E. Staten, Louis Staten and Bobby Staten; three daughters, Della Ferguson, Shirley Goins and Rosemary Staten; 41 grandchildren; 74 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by four sons, Shedrick Staten II, Shedrick Staten III, Jerry Leon Staten and Timothy Staten, and a daughter, Stella Staten.

Services: 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Christian Chapel Church, 1453 N. 52nd St.

Friends may call at 8 a.m. Burial will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester. *