April 21, 2026, 82, Goldsboro – Jacob Wesley Jarman, a devoted servant of the Lord, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed peacefully into the presence of his Savior on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center in Goldsboro.
Born on October 22, 1943, in Lenoir County, Wesley was the son of the late Joseph Nixon Jarman and Lillian Estelle Jarman. He was the seventh of eleven children and was raised in Kinston, where he graduated from Wheat Swamp High School (now North Lenoir High School) in 1962. He furthered his education at William Carter College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education in 1971, he also attended Lee College before graduating from NC Wesleyan College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Wesley faithfully answered the call to ministry early in life, becoming a licensed minister in 1968 and later an Ordained Bishop in the Church of God. For over 50 years, he preached the Gospel with passion, conviction, and unwavering faith. He faithfully served the Goldsboro community as pastor of Park East Church of God (formerly Adamsville Church of God) from 1982 until his retirement in 2020. His life was a living testimony of his love for Jesus Christ, and he devoted each day to sharing that love with others.
Wesley was perhaps best known for his love of singing and worship. Southern Gospel music held a special place in his heart, and he cherished the years spent traveling and ministering through song with his group, The Songfellows. Whether on a church stage or in everyday life, he never missed an opportunity to sing or pray. If Wesley knew you, he prayed for you—by name.
In 1970, Wesley met his future wife, Lillian McCullen. Knowing she was the one, he married her after just three months of courtship on August 1, 1970. Together, they built a Christ-centered life rooted in love, faith, and family. He was a devoted husband and a proud father to his two children, Weslea Gray and Cullen Jarman. He took great joy in their lives, especially in their shared commitment to Christ and ministry.
His six grandchildren were his greatest delight and brought him endless joy. Known affectionately as “Poppy,” he gave each grandchild a special nickname: Caleb (My Boy), Michaela (Mackie Sue), Anna (Anna Liz), Ava (Blue-Eyed Blondie), Emma (Butterfly), and Eliana (Darling Baby).
Wesley loved his family deeply and lived out his faith in every aspect of his life. He lived each day to the fullest, always ready to pray, encourage, and point others toward Christ. He would want all who read this to know: God is good, Heaven is real, and Jesus is the only way to the Father. He lived what he preached and leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion. His message remains clear—love Jesus with all your heart, pray often, extend grace to others, and always keep your heart right with God.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Eleanor Barwick, Winfield Jarman, Sally Blackmon, Tom Jarman, John Jarman, and Nick Jarman.
Wesley is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lillian Jarman; his daughter, Weslea Gray and husband, Michael; his son, Cullen Jarman and wife, Stephanie; and his six grandchildren, Caleb Gray, Michaela Gray, Anna Gray, Ava Jarman, Emma Jarman, and Eliana Jarman. He is also survived by his brother, Harry Jarman; his sisters: Faye Crumpton, Evelyn Hannah and Iris Gray, and numerous cherished nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Park East Church of God followed by a service to celebrate Wesley’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. A private interment for the family will be on Friday, April 24, 2026 in the Jarman Family Cemetery.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, 3HC, for the exceptional care and kindness shown during Wesley’s final days. Your love and support will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Park East Church of God in honor of Wesley’s life and ministry.
“Keep singing, Poppy. Your family loves you and will carry your legacy forward. We will see you again.”
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