About the Pastor

William Billingsley was born in Brooklyn, New York on May 13,1956 and was raised in Roanoke, Virginia. He was educated in Roanoke City schools. Elder Billingsley was raised by a family that taught morals and values at an early age. As the third child of eight siblings and a strong foundation, it is no surprise that he leads his congregation with love of family and traditions. Besides the family dynamics, Elder Billingsley can draw on his many years of experience in law enforcement, city government and civic volunteer efforts to help him guide his congregation. These experiences include jail ministry, book reading for Tap Daycare Center and participating in the Camelot Nursing Home Volunteer Program.

Elder Billingsley received early training from the late Elder James S. Perdue. Elder Billingsley was one of the first two scholars to receive a ministerial certificate from the H. Z. Plummer Ministerial Seminary. He was appointed the local pastor of the Roanoke Tabernacle by the late Rabbi Levi S. Plummer, G.F.A. and ordained by the church’s former leader, the late Rabbi Jehu A. Crowdy, Jr., G.F.A.

Elder Billingsley married St. Lavonia Williams on June 28, 1986, and after 34 years of marriage, he is still dedicated, devoted and committed to his marriage and his wife, who is very active and supportive in his ministry. He is a full time minister with a full time agenda devoted to the service and promotion of God’s work. He very often quotes, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills…” Psalm 121:1.