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Classmate Jesse Yarbrough passed away at 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after suffering a massive stroke on February 11th. Jesse was a retired Baptist pastor after many years serving in Columbus NC. He and his wife Belinda had been married 53 years in December.
Condolences may be sent online at https://www.pettyfuneralhome.com/obituary/DrJesse-Yarbrough or cards to Belinda Yarbrough, 70 Fox Mountain Rd., Columbus NC 28722-7750
Dr. Jesse Yarbrough Obituary
Dr. Jesse Thomas Yarbrough, 73, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished. Though his passing followed an acute stroke, his legacy of faith, love, and service endures—a testament to a life well-lived and a heart given to God’s calling.
Born in Roxboro, NC, to Hubert Long Yarbrough and Ruby Painter Yarbrough, Jesse’s journey was marked by a deep sense of purpose. A graduate of Gardner-Webb College, it was there that he met Belinda, the love of his life, and together they built a partnership of faith and devotion that lasted 54 years. Following his calling into ministry, Jesse pursued his theological education at Southeastern Seminary, setting the foundation for over five decades of pastoral service.
Across North Carolina, from New Bern to Mill Spring, Jesse’s ministry was defined not just by his sermons but by his presence. He believed in the power of relationships—of visiting homes, listening, and walking beside his congregation in their joys and trials. Even in retirement, his passion for sharing the Gospel never waned, and he found new purpose using social media to share messages and recently helped launch Warrior Mountain Bluegrass Church in Saluda, where faith and music merged into a powerful testimony of God’s love.
Jesse was a devoted husband to Belinda, a loving father to Shelley (Lee) and Amanda (Eddie), and a proud grandfather to Jessie, Blace, Cameron, and Brinlie. He was uncle to Jennifer, Leah, Bridgette, Ruby, Richard, and Tanya Jo; and leaves a host of extended family and dear friends who experienced his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith.
A man of many talents, Jesse found joy in music and woodworking. Whether crafting a melody on his guitar or dulcimer, or shaping wood with his hands, he saw God’s beauty in creation and shared that gift with those around him. His love for the outdoors was evident from an early age, earning the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout as a teenager—a fitting reflection of his lifelong commitment to integrity, perseverance, and service.
To those who knew him, Jesse was more than a pastor; he was a friend, a mentor, and a source of quiet strength. His voice, whether speaking the Word or singing a hymn, resonated with a deep and abiding love for Christ. He lived his life daily in disciplined dedication, an example of Philippians 4:9: “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of Peace shall be with you.”
A celebration of Jesse’s life will be held at Mill Springs First Baptist Church on Saturday, February 22, 2025. A viewing will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by a gospel singing service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will immediately follow in the church cemetery, and all are invited to gather in the fellowship hall afterward to share memories and light refreshments.
Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dr. Jesse Yarbrough, please visit our floral store.
From Jesse's page on Linked In (may have been done in 2012 after he retired):
Education: Southeastern Baptist Seminary, Masters & Doctorate
Retired: Interim pastor Lynn, FBC, Lynn, NC
Retired Baptist Minister, Fairmont First Baptist in Columbus NC Apr 1974 - Dec 2012 38 years 9 months
"After 38 years of serving the Lord as a vocational Pastor, I retired from the hectic demands of full time pastoral ministry. I now serve the Lord as called upon for pulpit supply, interim pastoral ministry, revival preaching and conducting Bible study programs."
Pastor, First Baptist Columbus in Columbus NC Mar 1994 - May 2005 11 years 3 months https://www.pettyfuneralhome.com/obituary/DrJesse-Yarbrough
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