W. Aubrey Alsobrook

The Reverend Dr. W. Aubrey Alsobrook of Americus, GA, 97, passed away November 13, 2012, at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center after a brief illness. Funeral services are planned for Wednesday, November 21, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. at First UMC of Americus with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. The family will receive friends 12:30 to 2:15 p.m. in the Church Parlor prior to the service. Interment will be held privately at the Americus Oak Grove Cemetery. Born November 15, 1915, in Woodland, GA, he was the son of the late Robert Jordan Alsobrook and Claudia Miller Alsobrook. He earned his two undergraduate degrees in philosophy and divinity from Emory University and Candler School of Theology in Atlanta and his doctorate in philosophy from Drew University in New Jersey. He married Louise Jacqueline Hawks of Petersburg, VA on October 26, 1940. In November, 1940, he joined the South Georgia Annual Conference of The Methodist Church, and for the next 40 years, faithfully served numerous churches throughout South Georgia and New Jersey, as pastor and District Superintendent. Retiring in 1980 from active service, he continued to serve as a retired supply pastor for five years and subsequently, as Pastor Emeritus for seven years at the First United Methodist Church of Jesup, GA. Dr. Alsobrook was the oldest living member of the Conference, serving 72 years as a tireless and loving servant. Survivors include his daughter, Claire Replogle (Jim) of St. Charles, IL, daughter-in-law, Bette Alsobrook, of Galloway, NJ, two granddaughters, Julie Alsobrook Goodwin and Lynn Replogle, two great-grandsons, Luke and Jackson Goodwin, several nieces and nephews; stepson, Robert Chaphe (Tina) of Canton, GA, and stepdaughter, Carol Chaphe of Saratoga Springs, NY. Dr. Alsobrook was preceded in death in 1996 by Jacqueline Hawks Alsobrook, his first wife of 55 years and the mother of his children; his second wife of 13 years, Alice Chaphe Alsobrook in 2010, his son Frank in 2004, and his five brothers and one sister. Dr. Alsobrook moved to Magnolia Manor in Americus, GA in 1992, where he continued his ministry throughout the Magnolia Manor Retirement Center, the community, the county and South Georgia. He was a prolific and articulate writer of the Word. He wrote the Adult Sunday School lessons for 25 years for The Wesleyan Christian Advocate, the Georgia Methodist newspaper. He was a guest columnist for the Americus Times Recorder since 1993. Among his many publications, his most recent books include Praying With The Word, A Religious Columnist Speaks, and Life With God. Being a scholar of the Bible and having a love for teaching, after retirement he led twelve year-long Disciple Bible Study Groups. He served as Adjunct Professor for Brewton-Parker College (Vidalia) in Biblical studies, and in Christian ministry for the San Francisco Theological Seminary. He also served as Trustee Emeritus of Andrew College (Cuthbert). As part-time chaplain for persons addicted to drugs and alcohol in Sumter County, he led weekly spiritual groups. Among his other interests outside of his ministry were gardening, golfing, fishing, walking, reading and visiting those in need. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to every staff member at Magnolia Manor for their friendship, love and wonderful care during Dr. Alsobrook’s 20 plus years as a resident. For those wishing to do so, the family suggests memorial contributions to the League of the Good Samaritan, c/o Magnolia Manor, 2001 S. Lee St., Americus, GA 31709. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences and personal messages to the Alsobrook family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is in charge of arrangements.