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Rev. James E. Carney


Rev. James E. Carney
Dec. 3, 1947 – Feb. 9, 2021
A celebration of life for Rev. James E. Carney was Feb. 19, 2021 at Woodlawn Church in Columbia.
Rev. Carney was born at home in Wesson Dec. 3, 1947. He died Feb. 9, 2021. He was born to Grace Alexander and Rev. A. E. Carney, the youngest of six. His siblings are Charles Ray Carney and wife Janet of Tylertown, Donald Earl Carney (deceased) and wife Marjorie Lambert, Annie Rose Graves and husband Billy Ray Graves (deceased), Maxine Magee (deceased) and Judy Hoyt and husband Rev. Larry Hoyt of Lucedale.
Before graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, he married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Hickman on May 31, 1968. He is survived by two sons, Rev. Jay Carney and wife Demetra of Tupelo, and Rev. Jerron Carney and wife Holly of Columbia. His grandchildren are Jayda Carney and fiancé Austin Marshall, Jayce Carney and fiancé Madelyn Ham, Juliana Carney, Jane-Claire Carney, Jack Carney and Everly June Carney.
His first job was in Bastrop, LA, at International Paper, working as a cost accountant. His professional career eventually led him to Columbia where he worked in accounting at TL Wallace Construction and served as the secretary and treasurer and on the Wallace board of directors.
He began serving at Woodlawn Church in various roles, as a song leader, youth leader and church secretary. In 1987, he became the pastor and led faithfully and with tireless commitment for 27 years. He transitioned to the role of bishop in 2013 and continued his steadfast service for eight more years.
His heart for building the Kingdom of God on earth is evidenced by his involvement in many endeavors of the United Pentecostal Church International. Throughout his lifetime of service to the Lord, he served in numerous positions such as Executive Board Member of the UPCI, Board of Directors for Tupelo Children’s Mansion & Lighthouse Ranch for Boys, UPCI Loan Fund for Stewardship Services, Superintendent of the Mississippi District, and Presbyter of the Mississippi District.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the James E. Carney Memorial Fund to construct a Bible School in his honor on foreign soil.

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