Apostle Loretta J (Johnson) Pernice

Apostle Loretta J. Pernice, 62, of Warren, went home to the Kingdom she longed for on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 8:19 p.m. in the intensive care unit at Mercy Health St. Joseph Warren Hospital following complications from a recent battle with COVID-19.

Apostle Pernice was born Wednesday, May 7, 1958 in Warren the daughter of the late James D. and Janie May Reynolds Johnson and was a lifelong area resident.

She attended Warren Western Reserve High School.

Apostle Pernice was the Sr. Pastor and Founder of Elim Christian Center in Warren.  Apostle Pernice was born with an anointing on her life, through the marriage of Elder James and Mother Janie May Johnson.

Apostle Pernice rededicated her life to Christ in 1997 while incarcerated at Marysville Correctional Institution and has not stopped running for the KINGDOM since.  In 1999 Apostle Pernice, at that time, just a Minister, saw the need for the people that were struggling with addictions, and abuse.  She was given the assignment from God to create a ministry called “Total Deliverance” where everyone was welcome to participate, not just the substance abuser, yet the ones who suffer with depression, self-destruction, low self-esteem and other internal issues, were also able to receive help.  In January of 1999, through  the Ministry of Total Deliverance was born Pathway Sober House an outreach Ministry offering substance abuse and recovery and sobriety maintenance as well as transitional housing for those needing additional help. 

In March of 2000, Minister Pernice, was elevated to Pastor Pernice, who founded and Pastored Elim Christian Fellowship at that time, now named Elim Christian Center.  Within these past years as Minister, Pastor, Spiritual Mother, Prophet, Teacher, Preacher, and obedient vessel of honor, who was chosen by the Almighty Himself, was given the Mantle of Apostleship, which she accepted and was confirmed by Covering, Bishop, Dr. T. Anthony Bronner.  Apostle Pernice was an excellent example of perseverance and faith that walks on water.  She was faithful, loyal, obedient to God’s word, and was a believer that received the fruits of their labor.

Apostle Pernice poured into her Associate Pastors, Ministers, Leaders, Lay members and anyone that was hungry for a closer relationship with the Father, through her “School of Wisdom” (SOW) training.  This training ranged from Riding in the Second Chariot to Laboring in the Harvest.

Apostle Pernice received numerous awards and recognitions for her service to the community such as the Outstanding Community Service award from the A. Philip Randolph Institute, and she was a 2000 Hall of Fame Inductee from the African American Achievers Association.  In August of 2008, Apostle Pernice under the unction of the Holy Spirit stepped out in obedience and founded the Elim Christian Center in Ashtabula, Ohio.

In 2005 – a proclamation was given that May 8^th be appointed as “Loretta Pernice Day” in the City of Warren by then Mayor Michael J. O’Brien.  She was also honored as a 2009 Community Star by the Trumbull County Red Cross and Tribune Chronicle.

Left to mourn her untimely passing is her husband of 25 years David L. Pernice whom she married on April 7, 1995; her children Raymont (Angela) Hamilton of Warren, Tiffany (Adrian) Lowery of Warren and Delshawn Dansler of Warren; her brother Rev. Charles (Ruth Ann) Blackwell of Akron; her sister Lorraine Redwine of Detroit; and by fifteen grandchildren; two great grandchildren and by all of her church family. 

Besides her parents, Apostle Pernice was preceded in death by her son, Telly Hamilton; five brothers James D. Johnson Jr., Dwayne Johnson, Raymond Johnson, Ronald Johnson and James A. Johnson and by a sister Linda Mosley.

A Musical Celebration honoring her wonderful life and ministry will take place on Friday, February 19, 2021 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Elim Christian Center 3214 Ridge Road, Warren, Ohio 44484.

Calling hours will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:50 a.m. in the church.

A Going Home Celebration honoring Apostle Pernice will promptly begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Elim Christian Center, with Bishop Dr. T. Anthony Bronner as celebrant.  Burial will immediately follow in Pineview Memorial Park in Warren.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Apostle’s name to Pathway Sober House, 2970 Parkman Road NW, Warren, Ohio 44485.

Family will receive friends at the home of her daughter Tiffany Lowery, 414 Trumbull Ave SE, Warren, Ohio 44483.

The family, funeral home and church will all be practicing social distancing and proper health protocols. Due to the continued and increasing spread of Covid-19, the 6-foot social distancing rule will be honored, and all guests, must wear a mask. For the safety of everyone, we politely ask that all visitors exit the church after paying their respects (unless staying for the service).  Please do not linger.

The Pernice family understands if you feel uncomfortable or if you are unable to attend, please keep them and Apostle in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road, NE, Warren, Ohio 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated To Serving Your Loved Ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.