John Edmond Neff

Pastor John Edmond Neff (March 16, 1944 - May 7, 2026) lived a life of faith, service, and joyful expression through music and preaching God's word. He was known for his love of scripture and his unmistakable voice, which brought encouragement wherever he went.

John was married to his high school sweetheart, Birgitta, for 52 years. Sweet Birgitta preceded him in death in 2019. He is also preceded in death by his father Jennings Neff and his beloved mother Norma Jean Neff.

He is survived by his daughter, Norma Neff Collson and her husband Todd, and their children, Eric Collson and Sara Collson Holt (Dr. Jeremy Holt); his son, John Neff and his wife Jackie, and their sons Alexander and Nicholas. John also had three beloved great-grandchildren: Ella, Andrew, and Sophie. John is also survived by his sisters, older sister Ruth Neff Bradley and younger sister Rose Neff Sikora. Growing up as the middle child (between the girls) and son of a widowed mother who doted on him, John had a good upbringing in Fletcher, North Carolina.

John graduated from Fletcher Academy in 1963 and went on to attend Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University), where he earned his teaching degree in 1967. He began his career teaching in small church schools across North Carolina, Kentucky, and Georgia before answering a call to pastoral ministry. Ordained in 1981 by the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, he faithfully served churches in Georgia, Illinois, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Tennessee. He and Birgitta ministered in churches for over 30 years and eventually retired in Cleveland, Tennessee.

John found joy in simple and meaningful pursuits. He loved baking delicious pastries and cakes, and he also meticulously crafted candies such as cream mints, taffy, and toffee. Above all, he loved to sing. Whether gospel hymns or opera, John's voice was a constant presence-shared freely in churches, homes, and everyday moments. Those who knew him remember not just his music, but the spirit of joy and faith that filled every note.

John's legacy lives on in the family he loved and all of the people he had encountered throughout his life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

 You are invited to share a personal memory of John or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to assist the Neff family with these arrangements.