The CME Church recently announced the passing of Bishop Bobby Best, the presiding prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, which includes the Southern California Region.
Best, who passed on August 2, has served as chief shepherd of the Ninth District since 2014, when he was first elected to the episcopacy. His ministry was characterized by evangelism, Christian education, prayer, stewardship and community service. He conducted many worships throughout the CME Church on stewardship, evangelism, and officers training.
Prior to his election as bishop, Best served six churches in three episcopal districts in his 28 years of pastoral ministry. His pastoral assignments included Brooklyn CME Church, Chesnee, SC (1986-1988), Young Missionary Temple CME Church, Raleigh, NC (1988-1992), Broomfield CME Church, (1992-1996), St. John CME Church, Winston-Salem, NC (1996-2006), Greater Cleaves Memorial CME Church, Oklahoma City, OK (2006-2010) and Metropolitan CME Church, Houston, TX (2010-2014).
Bishop Best earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, (1979), a Masters of Divinity degree from Duke University, Durham, NC (1991), a Doctorate of Ministry degree from the Interdenominational Theology Center (Phillips School of Theology), Atlanta, GA (2006) where he was an honor graduate.
Bishop Best is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Howard Best; children, Brandon Girard Best and Bridgette Michelle Best, and grandchildren, Brandon Girad Best, Jr. and Cameron Jamie Best.
Condolences can be sent to Mrs. Best and the Family at 5577 W. 63rd Street, Los Angeles, California 90056.
