Maurice Valentine, General Conference Vice President, Dies Unexpectedly
20 October 2023 |
The Adventist News Network released a Facebook post at noon (ET) announcing that Maurice Valentine, one of the general vice presidents for the General Conference, died this morning, October 20, 2023. The post promises that “an official release will be forthcoming.”
Valentine was elected to his current position in 2022 at the St. Louis, Missouri, General Conference Session. Learn more about him in this video by The Adventist Review, interviewing him as he assumed his new post in 2022.
23 October 2023 |
The following is a summary of the official obituary released by the Adventist News Network honoring Maurice Valentine and his legacy of ministry. The full obituary can be found here.
Maurice R. Valentine II, an influential figure and dedicated servant of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, passed away on October 20, 2023, at the age of 63. At the time of his death, he was serving as a general vice president of the General Conference (GC). Ted Wilson, president of the GC, expressed profound sorrow, stating that Valentine’s passing is a “tragedy for the World Church.”
Beginning his ministry in 1985, Valentine spent 28 years serving various churches across Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. His unwavering commitment saw him ascend to the roles of ministerial director of the Mid-America Union Conference, and later, various leadership positions in the Central States Conference. In his journey of service, Valentine also made significant strides in digital media and online evangelism. Richard Stephenson, associate treasurer of the GC, highlighted Valentine’s pioneering vision in this realm. He described Valentine as a spiritual colossus, emphasizing his relentless drive to harness technology and media to spread the Gospel.
G Alexander “Alex” Bryant, president of the North American Division, fondly remembered Valentine, with whom he shared a bond stretching back over four decades. They both studied together at Oakwood College and later collaborated in mission endeavors. Bryant lauded Valentine’s excellence in leadership and his innate ability to support others saying, “He would always find encouraging words to speak to those he met and took the time to listen to them, especially in their darkest moments.”
Valentine’s election as vice president of the GC in 2022 was a testament to his outstanding abilities. Fellow vice president, Audrey Andersson, described him as a “giant of faith” and reminisced about their shared moments of prayer and reflection. As tributes continue to pour in, many highlight Valentine’s warm Christian demeanor, integrity, and mission-focused consciousness. His legacy as a church leader is indelibly marked by his contributions to faith and community.
Ted Wilson calls upon the global church community to uplift Valentine’s family in prayers, especially his wife, Sharon, and their three children. Valentine’s life of dedication and service stands as an inspiration and his significant contributions to the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.